Holidays Sparkle in the Brandywine Valley
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
October 12, 2025
Jordan Wright
 A Longwood Christmas in the East Conservatory. (Photo/Becca Mathias) In anticipation of an exciting holiday season and with plans to visit the new conservatory and fine dining restaurant at the spectacular Longwood Gardens, we motored north to Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley. Dubbed “America’s Garden Capitol”, the area’s riches boast lavish gardens on huge estates and opulent mansions filled with fine antiques, an impressive collection of Wyeth family paintings and drawings housed in a historic mill along a meandering stream, and destination dining featuring all manner of delicious mushroom dishes from the nation’s “Mushroom Capital”. Driving up from the DMV we took the scenic route past blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages, cornfields as far as the eye can see, and horses grazing idly on lush pastures. A bucolic drive through the area’s heartland became our introduction to the valley’s hidden treasures.
Our centrally located hotel was the recently renovated Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square. The hotel has an indoor pool, free parking, a fitness center, and a lively lobby bar. You can have a full breakfast before heading out. It’s a five-minute drive to the palatial Longwood Gardens. www.HiltonGardenInn.com
Plan Your Tours
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford showcases an extensive collection from the renowned Wyeth family of American artists and their contemporaries, The museum owns over 7,000 works by N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth and special exhibits run throughout the year. Notable local artist, Jerrell Gibbs’ “No Solace in the Shade”, exploring Black life in America, runs through March 1, 2026.
Housed in a beautifully restored mill with modern exhibit space, the galleries overlook a meandering stream – perfect for picnics and strolling. An onsite café serves casual fare in the courtyard. Opening soon is the round barn in Wilmington, DE on Jamie Wyeth’s property. It will display N. C. Wyeth’s colossal mural, “Apotheosis of the Family”. Nineteen by sixty feet long, it was created in 1932 and not seen for decades. Taking a separate tour of N. C. Wyeth’s studio and home are also worth the time invested. www.BrandywineMuseum.org
At the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair top riders go through their paces while you leisurely watch from the grandstands. Autumn marks the Devon Fall Classic and the end of the season for this tony equestrian destination while spring and summer are the height of the season. Be sure to check out the many small shops for fox hunting themed accoutrements, chic men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, and bespoke equine-related gifts. www.DevonHorseShow.net
 Going through their paces at the Devon Horse Show. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 The “Reimagined” shop at Devon. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
I’ve always wanted to visit Chanticleer. Situated in nearby Wayne this 1913 home and gardens are not as grandiose as the Dupont homes and on a far smaller scale, nevertheless the house and gardens are beautifully curated and feature an abundance of both native and tropical plants in a naturalized setting. Small garden vignettes add to the charm of this Impressionist fantasy where artists gather to paint the scenery throughout a series of 14 “garden rooms”. Paths lead to surprises at every turn – water gardens, unique tropical plants, and trellises flush with flowering vines. Creative container gardens and a stone “ruin folly” interplay with wildly colorful gardens presenting a huge wow factor. Chanticleer is greatly admired for its large variety of flora among both American and British gardeners. www.ChanticleerGarden.org
 Late afternoon shadows on palm trees at the entrance to Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 One of the 14 “Garden Rooms” at Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Longwood Gardens’ grandeur is breathtaking. A former Dupont estate in Kennett Square, its horticultural splendors rival the great manor house gardens of Ireland, France and Great Britain. Fashioned after formal French gardens, they conjure up the achievements of André Le Notre, designer of the gardens of Versailles and the Tuileries in Paris. The 1,000-acre estate features lakes, two glass conservatories with exotic plants, an orchid room with waterfall, hedge-lined paths (think “Bridgerton”) and more than 10,000 species of plants. View the formal dancing fountains set to classical music from benches or chairs set out in front of the conservatory. Also onsite is the beautiful 18th century Peirce-du Pont House. Featuring a small conservatory, a bowling alley and a glass-bottomed fish pond, it will also be decorated during the Christmas season.
Considered one of the world’s finest gardens, Longwood is a highlight of the holiday season, its eye-popping Christmas light display runs from November 21, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Experience a winter wonderland of hundreds of thousands of lights, glorious theme-decorated Christmas trees, the East Conservatory with its paths of snow, poinsettias galore, a mini-train railway and so much more. Book now for timed entries. www.LongwoodGardens.org
 A Retro Christmas at Longwood Gardens. (Photo/Harold A Davis)
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is another grand Dupont estate. The home is certain to thrill those appreciative of the American decorative arts as the home showcases the world’s most significant collection. With over a thousand acres of gardens and farmland, take the narrated tram tour to view the palatial property’s many highlights which you can return to at your leisure. A self-paced house tour affords a more intimate study of the myriads of treasures on view. Good to know: the property offers complimentary wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
We caught the groundbreaking exhibit “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” offering a wide range of paintings, books and sculptures inspired by a 19th century essay by free Black journalist William J. Wilson. It runs through January 4, 2026 and uses text, light and sound for a super unique experience.
 Sculpture from “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” exhibit. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Shopping kicks off with the “Holiday Market”. Chock-a-block with artisanal crafts, seasonal treats and warm beverages, this one-day event is on November 22nd dovetailing with “Yuletide at Winterthur” a cornucopia of Christmas decorations, glittering outdoor lights and a candlelit mansion with a gingerbread house and 18-room dollhouse. It runs from November 18th till January 4th 2026. Check the website for tour times and evening visits and enjoy the Visitor Café – open for dinner and offering specialty cocktails and firepits on the patio. www.Winterthur.org
 One of the decorated rooms for the holidays at Winterthur. (Photo/Anthony Sinagoga)
Nemours mansion and its French-inspired gardens in nearby Wilmington, DE can easily be added to your list of must-sees. Another notable Dupont estate, it affords an up-close-and-personal tour of life in a 77-room mansion from the antiques-filled main floor to below stairs where servants lived and lavish meals were made. The destination property has its own light-filled Christmas celebration “Noël at Nemours”. www.NemoursEstate.org
 Nemours Estate Holidays. (Photo courtesy of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley)
 A Nemours Christmas. (Photo/Will Swan) Dining
One of my favorite destinations is Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills. The bespoke shop and garden center features a café housed in an expansive greenhouse. Stained glass windows tint the sunlight on hanging baskets of staghorn ferns and seasonal flowers. They’re known for their creamy mushroom soup, but there are plenty of delicious seasonal dishes to satisfy all palates. www.Styers.ShopTerrain.com
 Terrain at Styer’s café. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 Autumnal display in the gift shop at Terrain at Styer’s. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Will’s + Bill’s Brewery and restaurant in Berwyn is a father + son collaboration serving excellent gastropub cuisine. An inspired menu reflected seasonal fare with dishes like butternut squash soup, irresistible truffle fries, burrata + beets salad topped with pistachios, fresh oysters, curried Prince Edward Island mussels, bowls and burgers and full-on entrees. Try their ‘Shakespeare’s Pie’ a short rib and lamb-based meat pie chock-a-block with vegetables and, of course, their brews. www.Wills-Bills.com
Portobello’s – the name says it all. An intimate, chef-driven spot in the heart of Kennett Square featuring an extensive wine list, Mid-Atlantic sourced seafood and creative mushroom-inspired dishes and where I discovered two unforgettable dishes – a complimentary mushroom hummus and their Mushroom en Cocotte made with portobello mushrooms, raclette cheese, leeks, garlic, herbs and caraway crostini. In pleasant weather a wall of windows opens onto the charming street scene. www.PortobellosofKennettSquare.com
 Mushroom en cocotte at Portobello’s in Kennett Square. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 Portobello’s open windows on a balmy night. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Housed in the historic Chadds Ford Inn, Brandywine Prime is an upscale restaurant with a popular bar scene. Think special occasion or date night at this DiRōna-awarded spot with a wide-ranging menu from seafood to burgers to Wagyu steak and offering local Murray Farm’s chicken. Locally sourced cheeses and a raw bar sampler complement a well-curated wine list. www.BrandywinePrime.com
 Charbroiled halibut with smoked olive oil poached shrimp at Brandywine Prime. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
The pièce de résistance is the newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood Gardens. A beautiful, flower-filled restaurant bathed in sunlight and serving haute cuisine with dramatic views of the fountains, its picture- perfect dishes shimmered in the afternoon light as we feasted on lobster omelettes and caviar-topped liver mousse. Reservations far in advance are necessary to secure a table for this unique culinary experience. www.LongwoodGardens.org
 The newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood. (Photo/Albert Vecerka/Esto)
 A seasonal dessert at 1906. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
For more information, and to plan your stay, visit www.BrandywineValley.com
Nation’s Only Artist-Designed 18-Hole Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course Opens at Workhouse Arts Center
Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
Special to The Zebra
 Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony of Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The 55-acre Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA was once a vast former prison where inmates made the bricks that built the prison and raised their own food from farm animals and vegetable gardens. Built in the early 1900’s, in 2008 the classically designed brick complex was miraculously transformed into an arts destination to include the Lucy Burns Museum named for one of the suffragists imprisoned there in 1917. The expansive campus now houses a community theater, resident artist studios, gallery exhibitions, arts education programming, live performances, and an events venue.
 Tribute to Banksy (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to the art of Anime (Photo/Jordan Wright)
This month the Arts Center revealed the nation’s first artist-designed mini-golf course merging art history and creativity to a playful interactive experience. Each unique hole is cleverly designed to pay tribute to an iconic artist along with signage to teach players about the artist’s life and legacy while playing a whimsical outdoor course geared to all ages.
 Tribute to Michael Angelo (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to Piet Mondrian (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Built by a dedicated team of local artists, designers, writers, and craftsmen who worked over several months to bring each hole to life using wood, paint, sculpture and storytelling, it’s believed to be the only art history-themed golf course in the country. Players can swing their putters through eighteen challenging holes constructed and painted on site. Cubism, Impressionism, Classicism, Guerilla Art, Anime and Pop Art are represented through recognizable artists’ paintings including Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Keith Haring, Michelangelo, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Banksy, Piet Mondrian to name a few. There’s even a castle to play through and you can putt through Van Gogh’s ear too!
 Tribute to Roy Lichtenstein (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to Salvador Dali (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The art-inspired experience is designed entirely by Workhouse Resident Artist Tim Grant who is known for his public mural work across Fairfax County RECenters. His background in studio arts and art history helped shape the educational and creative foundation of this one-of-a-kind attraction. “I’ve always believed art should be both immersive and accessible,” said Grant. “This project gave us the chance to honor some of the greatest artists in history, while creating something that invites families, students, and the community to learn and play together. It’s education by way of joyful experience.” Assisting Grant in this fun-filled project were artists and carpenters from the local community – Phil Charlwood – Technical Design and Carpentry; Mia Klavon – Artist and Carpenter; Gary Spellman – Artist and Carpenter; and Tom Deevy – Carpenter.
 Tim Grant – Designer of the new Workhouse Arts Center Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
“This is hands-down one of the most innovative projects we’ve ever launched at the Workhouse,” said Keith Gordon, President & CEO of the Workhouse Arts Center. “Masterpiece Mini-Golf is a perfect reflection of what the Workhouse is all about – creative exploration, community engagement, and accessible arts education for all ages. It’s smart, it’s fun, and it’s totally unique.”
While visiting be sure to visit Bunnyman Brewing. The onsite micro-brewery features an 18-tap self-pour system, breakfast items, baked goods, lunch and dinner in this popular spot which features both indoor and outdoor seating in a park-like setting.
The Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 6pm, and Sunday, 11am – 5pm and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information visit www.workhousearts.org/masterpiece-mini-golf
Discovering the Hip and Historic Side of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Jordan Wright
June 14, 2025
Special to The Zebra
Founded in 1730, the city of Lancaster lies between the lush green fields of Amish farm country. Boys and bearded men sport suspenders, black trousers and straw hats in summer and black hats against cold winter days. Girls and women stroll by in long dresses with aprons – black bonnets for the single women and white for married women. It’s a striking and readily recognizable appearance. Look around and you’ll hear the sharp clip-clop of the one-horse buggys traveling country lanes.
This travelogue is about the other Lancaster, a burgeoning, hip and historic city easily accessed from Philadelphia – an hour’s train ride – or from the Washington Metro area – a 2-hour drive or 3-hour Amtrak ride into the heart of the city. The perfect weekend getaway.
My fascination with the city began with its remarkable architecture – Greek Revival, Tudor, Beaux Arts, Art Deco, Federal, Gothic, Germanic, Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Victorian, Colonial, Georgian, and Italian Renaissance. Tall multi-story structures decorated with elegant trim line the city streets. Many of these are beautifully preserved with plaques that reveal the history of the building or a notable occupant. Tucked into narrow alleyways you’ll discover log houses, carriage houses and early outhouses. A self-guided architectural walking tour can be accessed online at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9503b44fe06847b7b48a8865684ccec7.
Start your day at Lancaster Central Market in the heart of the city where you can stop for a bite and a coffee while checking out the many stalls featuring Amish cheeses, meats, farm fresh produce, Grasshopper’s Wicked Pickles (20 varieties!) and Mr. Bill’s Fresh Seafood for in-house smoked salmon. The market is a bonanza of locally canned fruit preserves. Pick up a scratch-made savory or sweet pie from Lancaster Pie & Coffee where you’ll find classic apple, peanut butter chocolate, bourbon pecan or a sour cherry latticed pie. Savory quiches are always on the menu.
 Local farm-made baked goods, apple butter and more from Kauffman Orchards at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Sample spirits from Lancaster Distilleries who make a variety of bourbons, whiskies, vodka and brandies. I know. It’s morning. But their booth was already busy with customers sipping and buying small batch bourbon. For nighttime fun the company runs a repertory cinema stillhouse called Zoetropolis with live music, local art and indie films.
 Customers enjoy the fresh produce at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Lancaster Central Market is the oldest indoor farmer’s market in the United States. In June the Strawberry Festival showcases piled-high strawberry pies topped with fluffy clouds of whipped cream, glistening strawberry shortcakes and cupcakes topped with strawberry and lemonade icing.
Once fueled up take a short stroll to the city’s art galleries. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Store has local artists and artisans work – ceramics, carved wood objects, fine art and jewelry. Many of the galleries are close together on Prince Street. Be sure to visit the newly established Lancaster Art Vault on the corner of Orange and Queen Streets where owner Victoria Abadir presents revolving juried exhibits, workshops and live model figure drawing as well as local artists, some of whom work on site in a variety of mediums. Nearby, Redeux Vintage has stylish vintage clothing and unique accessories. Another fun stop is Space chock-a-block with mid-century furniture, clothing, vinyl records and video games.
A recent springtime visit coincided with the annual Rhubarb Festival held at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse. Be sure to visit Jam & Relish Kitchen where you can watch the canning process and sample some of the jams, jellies, salsas and relishes they have stocked to the rafters. Over forty shops are dotted around this charming village. Seek out locally made heirloom quilts, homemade whoopie pies, hand-thrown pottery and artisan treasures.
 Rhubarb at the Rhubarb Festival in Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Within the Village have lunch at the Burnley family’s Kling House Restaurant. The restaurant has just reopened after shuttering for five years. You’ll dine in an historic house choosing from salads, housemade soups and entrées. We sat on the front porch overlooking the Amish Carriages for hire. Try the Shrimp & Crab “Cake”, Pork Barbecue, or Seared Pork Loin with Carolina Gold rice and black-eyed peas. Refreshing “Mocktails” are made with herbs, spices, rose blooms and/or lavender and fresh fruits. Executive Chef, Craig Longnecker helms the kitchen and designs the drinks.
 Kling House Restaurant at the Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
After lunch, head off to The National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia where you’ll gaze in wonder at a fascinating collection of hundreds of antique clocks, watches and elegant timepieces from around the world. The museum houses the Engel Clock, an extraordinary timepiece with moving characters synched up to the inner pipe organ. The massive clock sits 11 feet high and 8 feet wide. It was discovered in pieces in an old barn in Connecticut, then brought to the museum and restored by clockmakers and repair experts that came from all over the country. Be sure to take the tour when the guide brings the fantastical clock to life. Fun Fact: Founded in 1895, Lancaster was the headquarters of the Hamilton Watch Company for over seven decades.
Check in at the centrally located Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square before heading up to The Exchange, a modern rooftop lounge featuring drinks, small bites and a killer view of the city. You’ll find a lively scene packed nightly. Be sure to make reservations.
A few steps from the hotel is Josephine’s Downtown, an elegant, bespoke, white linen restaurant drenched in Hollywood glamour and located in an historic building. Chandeliers and candlelight bathe the well-spaced tables. The service is superb as are the wine list and the perfectly prepared cuisine. Deep blue walls are covered with gold-framed photos of famous stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Broadway stage. We had fun putting names to the iconic images as we listened to a pianist play old standards. A destination restaurant, Josephine’s is an unforgettable lavish dining experience not to be missed.
 Elegant indoor dining at Josephine’s Downtown. (Photo courtesy of Josephine’s Downtown)
We slept in, savoring memories of our fabulous dining experience at Josephine’s, before heading out to the Hershey Farm Restaurant’s “Grand Smorgasbord” at the Hershey Farm Resort in Ronks where a twenty-foot Amish figure named Amos and holding a pitchfork, towers over the parking lot. Kitsch and cool at the same time.
 Amos the Amish farmer statue outside the Hersey Farm Restaurant. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Suffice it to say, their buffet is epic and endless. In this newly decorated farmhouse style spot there’s something for everyone, kids and grownups alike. We checked out the lobby’s shops and found a boutique with a chic collection of affordable daywear, collectibles and accessories.
After brunch we headed over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. I don’t claim to know a single thing about trains, so I was a bit skeptical if it would hold my interest. What we discovered was breathtaking – a vast collection of one hundred antique locomotives, cabooses and train cars, polished and restored as if brand new and housed in a massive two-level building the length of two football fields. You’ll stroll along the platforms, as if you’re about to leave the station or greet a loved one.
 The long lines of antique trains at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
On Main Street you’ll discover a re-created passenger depot from the early days of train travel, a train ticket booth and telegraph office, a roomful of model trains and railroad artifacts. We tried our prowess at a hands-on experience – shoveling coal into a train’s engine went well. Then climb aboard a train to be transported back in time. Our tour guide provided a wealth of information about the mechanics of each train and the early days of train travel.
 Recreated passenger depot at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo credit Jordan Wright)
Driving past dairy farms and rolling fields of early corn crops, we headed off to the Haines’ family’s Grandview Vineyard. The tasting room overlooks acres of vines in a scene evocative of a European winery. Their wines are legit as are the charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses.
 View from the tasting room at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
We enjoyed an excellent cabernet sauvignon and a merlot that was on point and brought home a chunk of the amazing local Smoked Galen’s farmstead gouda from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar. Enjoy the free concert series on Friday and Saturday nights.
 Local cheese at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
A quick ten-minute drive from the winery, in the tiny town of Mount Joy we found one of the most unique experiences at Bube’s Brewery – the first brewery in America to have a liquor license. Visitors come from all over the world to investigate the Old World brewing process and discover the original equipment still in use. It’s the nation’s only intact brewery from the 1800’s.
 Stepping back in time with the Victorian décor and furnishings. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
The extensive tour takes you through a series of underground rooms housing massive brewing vats, then up and down many narrow stairways to a ballroom overlooking the town and another room with the original pre-prohibition bar, still in use for special events. The lowest underground level features the Catacombs. A large, curved ceiling room for fine dining, it’s one of four restaurants onsite. The maximalist Victorian décor, furnishings and original art can be found throughout the 19th Century brick building. I’ve toured many breweries here and abroad and never seen any place as fascinating as this.
 Underground dining room at Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Bube’s is also an inn which, we were told, by law they must maintain to continue to operate as a brewery. Eight themed bedrooms accommodate guests – Moroccan, Southwestern, Asian and two Princess bedrooms to name a few. It would be fun to book a room on one of their murder mystery nights. Another area for dining is the expansive outdoor biergarten serving a selection of guest beers plus beers brewed on the property along with upscale pub food.
 Outdoor dining in the garden ay Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Richmond in Two Days and Two Nights
July 3, 2022
Jordan Wright
Special to The Zebra
 The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.(Photo/Jordan Wright) Nothing about Richmond is static. This ever-evolving Virginia capital offers top universities, art exhibitions, notable restaurants, breweries, world-class gardens, and leading museums that keep evolving with vibrant and exciting experiences.
 Carrara marble statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Palm Court lobby of The Jefferson Hotel.(Photo/Jordan Wright) One place stands out as the destination for guests looking to experience Richmond’s glorious Golden Age and to wonder at the magnificent architecture and rich history of The Jefferson Hotel. It is one of America’s grandest hotels. Built by tobacco heir Lewis Ginter in 1895, the Jefferson has welcomed such notables as Sarah Bernhardt, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Charles Lindbergh, Elvis, John D. Rockefeller, and Ray Charles. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was discovered waiting tables in the dining room. (www.JeffersonHotel.com)
 Halibut Almondine with Almond Crust and Sauce Meunière at Lemaire.(Photo/Jordan Wright) A recent stay had a packed schedule of a whirlwind of activities but allowed time to take in the hotel’s amenities between adventures. Pro Tip: Book the famous champagne Sunday brunch, sumptuous tea, or seasonal haute cuisine at the hotel’s Lemaire, where Executive Chef Patrick Willis riffs on New American Southern-influenced dishes. Pro tip: When making reservations, and you must, ask to sit on the terrace if it’s a nice evening or in the Grand Dining Room resplendent with crystal chandeliers, heavy silk draperies, and exquisitely carved period architecture. Consult knowledgeable Sommelier Nick Montes and request server Sean. Be sure to visit the hotel’s gift shop, where I found a chic garden ornament and magnolia sachets. (www.LemaireRestaurant.com)
After coffee and freshly baked breakfast pastries at Roastology (www.roastologycoffee.com), we headed to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. This extraordinary museum hosts world-class exhibits you will never see in Washington or New York. “Whistler to Cassatt – American Painters in France” is on through July 31, featuring over 100 paintings by James Abbott McNeill, Whistler, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam and others.
A very different but no less thrilling experience is “Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits,” which features the Tibetan artist’s visionary Asian-influenced sculpture and paintings mixing traditional images with contemporary themes. While there, take in the museum’s fabulous Fabergé collection and if by now you’re hungry, grab a quick bite at the cafeteria or dine at Amuse Restaurant, where reservations are recommended.
 Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of Dutch industrialist Willem van Heythuysen re-imagined as a Black man from Harlem sporting Sean John streetwear and Timberland boots at the VMFA. (Photo/Jordan Wright) At the entrance to the museum, view the massive Kehinde Wiley statue “Rumors of War.” Wiley was President Obama’s official portrait artist. The VMFA sculpture re-imagines the statue of Confederate General Jeb Stuart that stood on Monument Avenue before it and other statues of Confederate military men were removed. The figure strikes a heroic pose on horseback, but in Wiley’s work, the rider is a young Black man with dreadlocks in a hoodie.
Inside the museum, check out Wiley’s hyper-realistic portrait of Dutch industrialist Willem van Heythuysen re-imagined as a street-smart Black man from Harlem sporting Sean John streetwear and Timberland boots. (https://vmfa.museum/)
Across the sculpture garden is the recently renovated $30M expansion of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. It houses an array of Virginia-sourced artifacts and dioramas showcasing the Commonwealth and features lots of kid-friendly interactive exhibits and an immersive film centered on Virginia’s history. In the small gift shop, I snagged a few bags of a favorite coffee from Red Rooster Coffee, a terrific roastery in the Virginia highlands of Floyd, VA. (virginiahistory.org)
If Shakespeare is your jam, the Quill Theatre and Agecroft, an iconic Tudor mansion, are presenting the Richmond Shakespeare Festival in the mansion gardens from July 7 through July 31. (www.AgecroftHall.org)
On day two, we took a short hop over to Shockoe Slip, where the Poe Museum houses truly fascinating, super quirky exhibits of Poe arcana. Check the website for their special Poe-themed events in the home’s charming garden. It’s the museum’s 100th Anniversary and lots of activities are planned throughout the year. Author of classic Gothic horror tales, Edgar Allan Poe was a Richmond native. Many of these fascinating artifacts were donated by city residents, including the gold pocket watch that ticked away while he wrote “A Tell-Tale Heart.” Black cats stroll the property, adding magical realism to the overall aura. (www.PoeMuseum.org)
 One of the black cats roams the Poe Museum gardens. (Photo/Jordan Wright) Lunch beckoned, and we headed to the historic and very hip district of Scott’s Addition, where you’ll find breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Housed in an old warehouse is the upscale casual Pinky’s with Mediterranean-influenced menu items and craft cocktails. (www.pinkysrva.com)
If you want to shop, you’ll find plenty of cool shops in Carytown. One of my favorites is La Petite Boutique, with edgy designer collections of unique hats, accessories, and Krista Larson and Rundholz clothing. (www.LaPetiteBoutiquerva.com)
Insiders know The Stables, and our dinner there didn’t disappoint. The intimate restaurant and bar in the Museum District is in a building purportedly once used as stables and a carriage house for the Richmond Police. The asparagus vichyssoise soup was a standout, as was the Brown Butter Scallops served with Carolina Gold rice. (www.TheStablesRVA.com)
 Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. (Photo/Jordan Wright) On our last morning we had to choose between the extraordinary Lewis Ginter Gardens, a 50-acre dreamscape with a colossal Victorian glass conservatory, live butterfly exhibit, musical events at night, or the lavish 100-year-old mansion and 100-acre estate gardens plus Arboretum surrounding the magnificent Maymont. Both are eye-poppingly amazing. Whichever you choose, plan to visit the other on a return trip. (www.lewisginter.org), (www.Maymont.org)
Jordan Wright
November 10, 2018
 LightUPFest ~ Tunnel of Lights Beginning November 8th LightUP Fest will be open every day from 5:30pm till 10:30pm through January 2, 2019 in Loudoun County. Named a “Top 5 Holiday Light Show” in North America by USA TODAY, this spectacular light show hosts an exhibit combining traditional Chinese lanterns with modern lighting technology. Spanning 20 acres, the eight-week long exhibition will be the largest light display on the East Coast, featuring a wondrous delight for the whole family. Attendees will able to enjoy the displays, as well as partake in entertainment, food, interactive craft activities and much more.
 LightUPFest ~ Panda With 77 eye-popping themed installations made up of more than 1 million lights, LightUP Fest will be a magical experience. The exhibit’s four major themes are “Tour of Fantasy”, “Freedom America”, “Mysterious East” and “Magical World”. These dynamic displays will combine the latest in lighting technology with artisan-crafted lanterns showcasing the rich heritage, tradition and culture worldwide.
 LightUPFest ~ Interactive Kids In addition to the incredible artisan-crafted light show, LightUP Fest will also feature daily performances from acrobats, dancers and musicians. An eclectic food court offering a variety of unique cuisines will also be on site. Look to enjoy the interactive craft and art section to showcase the intricate culture and tradition of craftsmanship with hands-on activities such as sugar puppet making, calligraphy, portrait sketching and rice carving for all ages to participate in.
 LightUPFest ~ Ocean Scenes One Loudoun www.OneLoudoun.com is an urban-inspired, mixed-use community located in the heart of Loudoun County at Rt. 7 and the Loudoun County Parkway, Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147. Admission to the event is $29.99 for an adult and $19.99 for kids ages 3 – 12. Children under 3 are FREE. Discounted family packages and special rates for students and seniors. Military, police and firefighters with proper identification are welcome to attend for free every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds will go to the non-profit Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus.
 LightUPFest ~ Eiffel Tour LightUP Fest is designed by Zigong Lantern Festival and Trade Group, which has over 30 years of experience producing displays in more than 300 cities in China and over 30 countries worldwide. The Festival was first brought to the U.S. in 2014 in Atlanta and has since been held multiple times in Houston and Phoenix. For more information, please visit www.thelightupfest.com
 LightUPFest ~ Lights of the North
Jordan Wright
September 30, 2018
Bathe in the beauty of hundreds of orchids at the historic 18-acre estate of Twin Oaks in Northwest DC. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) presents the exciting exhibition, “Discover the Beauty of Taiwanese Orchids”. This exciting exhibit is open to the public from September 27th to October 3rd. At the opening reception Ambassador Stanley Kao and his wife hosted guests with the President of Taiwan Sugar Corporation, Mr. Yu-Chung Huang in the 24-room mansion built in 1888.
 Ambassador Stanley Kao and his wife ~ President of Taiwan Sugar Corporation, Mr. Yu-Chung Huang ~ John J. Norris, Jr Managing Director American Institute in Taiwan ~Tania, Uen-han, Wei Executive Officer TECRO ~ Chuang, Suo-Hang Vice Chairman TAITRA ~ Franklin F.Y. Chen Director TECRO ~ Craig Min-Hsien Lee Press Officer TECRO “Twin Oaks is a symbol of friendship and strength of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship,” said Stanley Kao, Taiwan’s representative to the United States. “This estate has a storied history, both for sharing the culture of Taiwan and the United States, and also for bearing witness to key historical events in this long the mutually beneficial partnership.”
Owned by the government of Taiwan, this magnificent estate showcased one of Taiwan’s national treasures – Phalaenopsis amabilis – in a myriad of ways. Trees are now hung with enormous sprays of these many-colored orchids and the portico and mansion’s interiors are chock-a-block with their elegance.
 The opening reception were leaders from the Washington business and policy community, think tanks and diplomatic corps and journalists At the opening reception were leaders from the Washington business and policy community, think tanks and diplomatic corps and journalists. We were thrilled to enjoy both indoor and outdoor displays of these stunning blooms and hear the stories of the Orchid Symphony.
One particular outdoor display features a winding watercourse with floating teacups to symbolize a poetry game of legend, popular with the country’s ancient literati. Among the trees hangs the calligraphy of Lantingji Xu. It records one of the games and is the preface to the poems collected during that particular game. Other displays triumph the culture of Taiwan as well as the 130-year history of Twin Oaks. In one, a decorated canoe created from nine different kinds of wood illustrates the exquisite workmanship of Lanyu the island celebrated for this native Taiwanese orchid species. Guests were gifted with a basket of phalaenopsis orchids donated by the award-winning company Taisuco who brought the team who created the eye-popping displays.
 Lanyu the island celebrated for this native Taiwanese orchid species Factoid: A whopping 32% of Taiwan’s orchids are exported to the U. S. where orchid fanciers have enjoyed their long-lasting beauty and charm.
The Taiwanese Council of Agriculture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) co-sponsored this event. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has entrusted the Taiwan Association of Orchid Production and Development with landscaping and arrangement of this auspicious celebration.
The exhibit is open to the public through October 3rd. Twin Oaks is located at 3225 Woodley Road, Washington, DC. www.roc-taiwan.org.
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