Name: The Stuff of Nightmares - A Gothic Literature Experience
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-10-03

Scotchtown is best known as the home of Patrick Henry during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution. It was at Scotchtown that he formulated the ideas of his famous “Liberty or Death” speech and it was from the house that he rode to St. John’s Church in Richmond on March 23, 1775 to deliver it. Built around 1720 by Charles Chiswell, Scotchtown is architecturally unique. It features eight large rooms and a central passage below a large, undivided attic. The house is surrounded by reproduction outbuildings and gardens. Scotchtown was acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1958. The house has been restored to its appearance during Patrick Henry’s life and is open for tours seasonally. Visitors can explore the grounds, listen to a cell phone tour, shop in the museum store or participate in one of the site’s many special events.

Patrick Henry's Scotchtown

Ashland Berry farm is a family-owned working farm. Special October events include pick-your-own pumpkins and haunted hayrides.

Ashland Berry Farm

American grill featuring breakfast and lunch sandwiches and a Sunday brunch

Dave & Phriends Grill

Cuisine inspired by the small marine town of Portofino, Italy – featuring salads, subs, pizzas, seafood and pasta specials

Portofino Ristorante Italiano

A family owned restaurant serving Mexican faire.

Los Rancheros Mexican Grill

Bamboo Chinese Restaurant

North Anna Battlefield Park encompasses 172 acres and over 6 miles of well-marked trails through oak-hickory forest. The park offers two hiking trails, the Blue Trail (3.8 miles down-and-back) and the Gray Trail (2.04 miles down-and-back). The Blue Trail includes steep hills and uneven terrain making for a more strenuous hike. Both trails offer an overlook of the North Anna River near their turnaround points. In addition to wildlife viewing, history buffs may also enjoy the historic markers and interpretive signs along the trails, which describe the 1864 Battle of North Anna that took place at this site.

North Anna Battlefield Park

Local winery serving a variety of reds, whites, sangrias and seasonal wines.

Castle Glen Estates Winery

This 205-acre park includes nature trails, picnic areas, mountain-biking trails, and football and baseball fields.

Poor Farm Park

Built circa 1732 as the fourth stagecoach stop on the road from Charlottesville to Richmond, Sycamore Tavern now houses the Florence L. Page Library of Local History and Genealogy.

Sycamore Tavern

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

Crumbling castles, dark foreboding landscapes, supernatural and mysterious characters, disturbing and horrifying stories! Spend an evening at Scotchtown and experience the true terror of the early Gothic literary movement as you meet the authors of some of the most chilling and haunting stories and novels of the 18th and 19th centuries. Guest interpreters will be portraying authors like Washington Irving, Mary Shelley, and more!

This event takes place on Saturday, October 3rd. Tickets are available for the following times: 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm The event is recommended for guests 8 years and older. Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged. This event is hosted almost entirely outdoors. General admission is $15, Preservation Virginia Members and Students are $10.

Ticketing Link: https://preservationvirginia.org/event/the-stuff-of-nightmares

The Stuff of Nightmares - A Gothic Literature Experience

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