3/28
EAT Your Heart Out Tibeca Head to the center of the city for Venture Richmond's second annual Downtown Loft Tour. Step inside buildings in some of the downtown's most dynamic neighborhoods: Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom, Jackson Ward and Manchester, and along the riverfront and Canal Walk. The tour includes lofts and condos featured in Southern Living, Dream Lofts and Condos, R•Home and other publications. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A $20 "All Access Pass" includes parking and transportation. Chartered buses will connect the sites and run every 10 minutes. Tickets are available online at venturerichmond.com.
3/14, 4/11
Homeowner Helpers Not sure whether to buy, sell, stay, renovate or just rearrange the furniture? Aware of the challenging residential real estate market that's creating caution in the hearts of homeowners and seekers, real estate agents Jeanne Bridgforth and Jolanda Knezevich are offering free info-socials at Chasen Galleries in Carytown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the second Saturday of each month. Learn about financing; renovations and additions; jazzing up the interior to make it more comfortable for living or more appealing to buyers; making a home greener and more energy-efficient; and preserving historic elements. Free. 370-3121.
4/12
Virginia Architecture Week Open House As you're parading along Monument Avenue on Easter Sunday, stop into the Virginia Center for Architecture and explore the current exhibit highlighting photographs by Hedrich Blessing, one of the world's most respected architectural photography firms. Plus, family events. 2501 Monument Ave. 1 to 5 p.m. Free. For more Virginia Architecture Week events during April 12-19, visit aiava.org.
4/16
"Art & Architecture: A Collaboration" At this Architecture Week lecture and luncheon, discover how art can be used to enhance any architectural setting — domestic, corporate or public. Margaret Heiner, founder of Aesthetica Art Consulting in Washington, D.C., will discuss the ways the disciplines borrow from one another while challenging, inspiring and pushing one another forward. 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Virginia Center for Architecture, 2501 Monument Ave. Registration required. Tickets $10-$12. 644-3041, ext. 100 or aliguori@aiava.org.
4/18-25
Gardens Galore For the 76th year, the Garden Club of Virginia presents Garden Week in Virginia, and you're invited. Fabulous homes around the state will be open for you to tour (i.e., snag great ideas for decorating, landscaping and renewing your own home). Each day of the week a different geographic area is featured. In Richmond see homes in the Westhampton/Three Chopt Road area on Tuesday, April 21; historic Bon Air on Wednesday, April 22; and Goochland County on Thursday, April 23. Tickets $35 per day in advance; $40 per day on tour; or $15 for single-site admission. For detailed tour info, visit vagarden week.org.
Stock Up for Spring Planting
April 25 at Maymont More than 50 plant and craft vendors from the mid-Atlantic region, plus, demonstrations and classes. Registration and fees required for classes. Admission $3. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 358-7166 or maymont.org.
April 30-May 2 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden More than 40 vendors selling plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics. Get there early to buy from members who divide their own plants and sell them at reasonable prices under the LGBG tent. Times vary. Free. 262-9887 or lewisginter.org.