Richmond Region Museums, Attractions & Communities Collaborate on Holiday Shopping Events
by Jonah Holland, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
One of the things I love about Richmond is that you don’t have to shop at the mall for holiday gifts. In fact, I think it is Very Richmond to treasure unconventional, one-of-a-kind gifts bought at local merchants, museum shops and attractions, where the money earned goes right back into making this a better community. Luckily for Richmonders we have lots of great museum shops and specialty shopping events — that make it even easier!
On November 5 & 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Virginia Historical Society hosts the annual Holiday Shopper’s Fair — featuring favorite items from many of the Richmond Region’s favorite attractions including:
One of the fun holiday items the Garden Shop will sell at Champagne ‘n’ Shopping & the Holiday Shoppers Fair
• Agecroft Hall
• Chesterfield Historical Society
• The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
• Library of Virginia
• Old Dominion Railway Museum
• Poe Museum
• Preservation Virginia
• Science Museum of Virginia
• St. John’s Church
• Valentine Richmond History Center
• Virginia Center for Architecture
• Virginia Historical Society
• Virginia Holocaust Museum
• VMFA Shop – Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Members of any of the participating museums can attend the special preview event on Thursday, November 4th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On this special night, all museums extend a 10% discount to shoppers — plus, attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Please be prepared to present your membership card at the door.
Holiday cards, $3.95 at the Lewis Ginter Holiday Shoppers Fair booth!
Rising Tide felt bags — a personal favorite!
Here at the Garden, the very next week on November 11th, from 5 to 8 p.m., we will feature Champagne ‘n’ Shopping. On this evening guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. As you shop, every 30 minutes, will give away door prizes including Garden memberships, GardenFest passes, gift certificates and more. Plus, Garden Members receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases –be sure to bring your membership card! For those who spend $50 we’ll give you a free Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden tote bag and Frabel book!
Speaking of non-traditional gifts, I can think of many individuals and families who would LOVE a membership to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens under the tree! Our membership office will be open until 6 p.m. on this night and will be happy to help you. After 6 p.m. you can buy a membership (with a cute gift box) in the Garden Shop.
Holly Jolly Christmas on Lakeside Avenue, is November 12-13th. Join 24 Lakeside-area merchants (including the Garden) as they offer special hours and promotions just in time for holiday shopping. Plus, free rides on the “Holly Jolly Trolley!” that will run between businesses on Friday night. On Friday, November 12, the Garden Shop and other participants extend hours til 9 p.m. Regular store hours resume on Saturday, November 13.
Many people may not realize how important shopping is to the Garden. The reality is that income from the Garden Shop makes up a significant part of the Garden’s annual operating budget — in 2009-2010 it accounted for about 8 percent. It’s “guilt-free” shopping — the purchases you make really do support the Garden and its educational mission.