Name: The Grand Kick Off Celebration!
Start: 2026-11-27
End: 2026-11-27

The cupola and columns are the last remaining architectural elements from this former resort hotel, Forest Lodge, built by Capt. John Cussons, a native Englishman, Confederate scout, author and entrepreneur. Forest Lodge was a luxurious hotel which had 150 rooms and stood six stories high on 1,000 acres of land. It took six years to build and was completed in the early 1880s. The Victorian structure featured elaborate woodworking and hand-painted murals of landscapes and portraiture throughout the interior. There was a grand dining room, a music room, and an amateur theatre for entertainment. The park surrounding the lodge included trails, three lakes for canoeing and fishing, and wild game roaming freely. John Cussons, who constructed the lodge, hoped to entice travelers who were en route from Florida to New York to stop at this halfway point.

Forest Lodge

Walkerton Tavern was built by John Walker between 1824 and 1825 in Henrico County along the historic Mountain Road corridor. The structure has not only served as a tavern, but possibly a field hospital for wounded Union Cavalrymen in 1864. The building, gazebo, and garden area are available for private rental. Walkerton Tavern is a unique facility perfect for everything from a business meeting or retreat, to an afternoon reception with your friends or serving as the backdrop for a beautiful wedding. Walkerton Tavern now operates under The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Walkerton provides much-needed program space for the growing complement of cultural activities offered by the center. To contact the center, call (804) 261-2787.

Walkerton Tavern

Don’t miss rotating exhibits in the Gumenick Family Gallery and Slant Wall Gallery.

Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

This facility features 4 turf fields with lights, 8 sand volleyball courts, restrooms, and a parking lot. Future construction will add a running trail, playground, additional fields, and other features. Glover Park is used for schools, recreation leagues, and tournament play. Practices and games will take place Monday through Friday and on weekends when tournaments are not scheduled. For updates on additional construction, visit the Glover Park Project page at https://henrico.gov/projects/glover-park/

Glover Park

Opened to the public in 1981. The Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park presents programs, events, and exhibits on the cultures that have influenced the history of Henrico County. Historical interpreters provide insight into the lives of the Native Americans, African Americans, and several generations of the Shepperd family who have called the lands of Meadow Farm home. The Meadow Farm Museum also features farm animals who enhance the experience at this living historical site. Gardens and plantings onsite reflect some of the varieties that may have been grown throughout the farm's history. The Meadow Farm Museum is within Crump Park, which also features playgrounds, picnic shelters, large open fields, and a fishing pond. On selected weekends, focused history programs are offered for various ages. The Parsons Community Center is open Sat. - Sun. from 12-4pm. Tours of the historic 1810 farmhouse are offered by appointment at (804) 652-1455 or meadowfarm@henrico.gov. Please make tour requests at least 3 days in advance.

Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park

Courtney Road Service Station, a “house-with-canopy”-style service station, was built around 1925 when there was growth in U.S. car manufacturing and road improvements. This charming Henrico County site is open by appointment. 804-652-1455.

Courtney Road Service Station

This brick structure built in 1937 was the home economics cottage for the Virginia Randolph Education Center. Virginia Randolph, an innovative African-American educator in vocational training, kept an office in this building during the latter part of her life. Miss Randolph died in 1958 and is buried on the grounds. In 1970, this structure was dedicated as a museum in honor of Miss Randolph and is a National Register Landmark. Hours of operation: by appointment, please call (804) 652-1475 or email VirginiaRandolph@henrico.gov.

Virginia Randolph Museum

Relaxed eatery with traditional decor offering sushi and other familiar Japanese dishes.

Tokyo Sushi

Unassuming Chinese eatery offers typical dishes, including vegetarian options.

Little Szechuan Chinese Restaurant

JJ's Grille

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

Join us as we light up the season with a day full of holiday magic, featuring a vibrant market in the Carriage House, Pavilion, and heated tent filled with local artisans and crafters. You can enjoy our most famous Granny’s Spice Tea and a warm bowl of Keith Butler’s signature Brunswick stew while you shop for unique treasures.  
  
The festivities culminate in a beautiful tree lighting ceremony on Friday evening, accompanied by festive caroling from the Greater Richmond Chorus, an award-winning, non-profit a cappella show chorus based in RVA. The market continues all weekend through November 29, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  
  
804-382-0500  
https://vacliffeinn.com/christmas-at-the-inn  
@christmasattheinn

The Grand Kick-Off Celebration begins Friday, November 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is completely Free!

The Grand Kick Off Celebration!

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