Everything thing! Food, the place and most of all the service. So professional and friendly!read more

I recently visited Dover Hall for the first time for a company party and I was blown away both by…read morethe opulence of the interior and the professionalism of the staff. For a 32,000+ square foot mansion (that was originally built as a single family private home) the space is immaculately and meticulously clean and maintained to the highest standard. I did not see a single speck of dust, no cobwebs on the soaring ceilings, or stain on any upholstery. The mansion also did not feel austere or cavernous despite its size; on the contrary, it is absolutely bursting with some of the most beautiful, unique, and at times strange but wonderful decor. For example, the game room has both billiards as well as an extensive and exotic big game taxidermy collection, whereas the adjacent two-story library boasts a hand carved fireplace and a spiral wrought iron staircase. I spent most of my evening exploring every room and trying to take in as much as possible. The multitude of staff who serviced our event were both warm in their interactions as well as discreet when necessary. The in-house catering was also very good. We had a tortellini station, a raw bar, breads and spreads, as well as passed hors d'oeuvres and a dessert station, and I enjoyed everything I tried. My only regret is that Dover Hall doesn't seem to do open house hours or guided tours, because I would love to be able to return and see more of this remarkable building.

Goodness where do I begin? The Barn at Gully Tavern was of course the first vendor we booked, and…read moreover the span of our 2 year engagement Robert and Dawn (the owners) were absolutely incredible. I researched 16 venues, narrowed it down to about 8 or so, we toured a total of TWO because The Barn at Gully Tavern was the 2nd venue we toured. We waited a week before firmly deciding, but we knew by the time we had gotten home from the tour. Robert and Dawn are some of the kindest, most honest, genuine people you'll meet. They built the barn for their daughter to get married during covid, and then their next daughter got married, and they loved making weddings a reality so much they started doing it for other brides, and you can tell they love what they do. The venue is always clean, taken care of, and they're always trying to improve it in some way. The venue is GORGEOUS, while it may be called a barn it did not feel like one from a farm, it is spacious, beautiful, the interior needs little to no decor because of the pretty high ceiling and drapes and lights (you'll see in photos). I personally loved the option for hand picked antique chairs they include with your rental, and they even have some decor you can use, especially arches. They handled the setup and did a great job bringing the floor plan to life for ceremony and reception. The pond is so pretty, we got married in April and the trees were lush and green and nature was our friend in photos. They handle all the landscaping and every time I visited it looked amazing. While super random, I really appreciated the bathrooms by the barn, they built them from some type of wood that gave the whole thing a natural pleasant smell, they're always clean, and the stalls are spacious and provide privacy (good for ballgowns like mine XD). The guys loved the groom's cottage and it was so nice getting ready at the venue in their bridal suite. I love the light blues and there was a big bathroom in there and a closet for our dresses while we got ready. In every way you can tell they care for their couples. And guests! They have a polaris they can use to drive down guests before the ceremony that might need assistance getting down the hill. I'm trying not to ramble but I could go on and on about how wonderful they were, I mean Robert literally saved the day when our photographer wasn't going to be there in time for the ceremony, he called around photographers he knew in the area until he got one, and our ceremony only ended up 30 minutes behind thanks to him, and we ended up back on track by dinner! I could not recommend them any more, they are the right choice for a venue.

If you live in Richmond, Gather is a real hike. This combination art gallery, boutique and…read moreboxed-lunch spot is waaaay out in Midlothian. It's housed in an old general store that the owners fixed up for business. The atmosphere here is elegant meets shabby chic. It's one of the stores where the inventory is so cool and well displayed, it makes me want to buy something and take a little piece of the store's feeling home with me. You'll find cool plates and glasses, antiques, designer purses and other fun stuff. The owner also sells her landscape paintings here. It's worth planning the drive for some cool shopping. On one occasion I got my mom some really beautiful hand-blown juice glasses. Each one was different, but they made a lovely set. And I got about 6 glasses for something like $35. Not bad. Along with the store, there's a pretty patio and the owner sells boxed lunches. The menu is online. There's usually some sandwiches for sale, but you can also call and place a specific order by 4 p.m. the day before you want to go for lunch. I've never eaten here, I've only shopped, so I can't comment on the food either way. I can say I do love shopping in the store and will go back for gifts...be they for others or me!

I want to live here. The owner is an artist and her paintings are a focal point, but she has that…read morecreative eye that can combine traditional pieces, kitschy finds, shabby chic, and modern crafts and it all flows colorfully and seamlessly. When I try this at home, it looks like I'm having a yard sale in my living room. It's not really that far if you hop on the Powhite...I don't know why Richmonders think going to Midlothian is like traveling to another country. Of course, I spend a lot of time in that part of the city since I have family there. It's a great place for gifts, especially for somebody who already has everthing, because there are a lot of one-of-a-kind things to wear or home accessories. I love the colorful cowboy hats and always see dishes or glasses I would like to have, but I've put a moratorium on buying stuff like that until I can afford a big hutch or china cabinet. I haven't ever had lunch there, but there's a really cute patio area so it looks like it would be a fun place to take a break from a hard day of shopping (or hunter-gathering as I like to think of it). I wouldn't call this an inexpensive place...more mid-range or pricing like you would expect in a Carytown boutique.

The Corned beef and Pastrami sandwiches are the best I have…read morehad since I went to Katz Delicatessen in NYC. I go out of my way to visit the Cafe at Maidens whenever I am in the area. I take advantage of the Southern Hospitality you receive in a place that calls you by your name, not by a number that you are given when you walk into Katz.

We dined in and had a good experience overall. The food was fresh and well prepared, though I felt…read moreit was a little bland and could have used a bit more seasoning for my personal taste. Even so, everything was enjoyable, and I'd still recommend giving this place a try. I'd definitely come back again.

One of my best friend's got married here this weekend and it was a gorgeous venue! We arrived…read morearound 11am and were in awe of the picturesque venue. We loved seeing the longhorn cows and goats on the property. The bridal suite was right next to everything and in a gorgeous room filled with great natural lighting. The grooms "cottage" was a little bit of a walk away, but also a good space. I loved getting ready in the bridal suite, it was so spacious and at a spot where you could see all the prep for the ceremony and reception. Their team was extremely kind and seemed to be on top of everything. The outdoor setting was stunning! The barn where the reception was held was also awesome. We loved that the doors remained opened the entire evening. And the dance floor was lovely too. It was a great wedding and I'd recommend this venue!

This place is amazing! The property is beautiful and the rooms are very comfortable, spacious and…read morenice!! The staff was extremely friendly and super helpful! Loved everything about the hotel!!

Dirty, poorly maintained and managed. Doors that don't open properly. The room hadn't been dusted…read morein months. They have a breakfast with the room. For some reason they ran out of milk and are unable to send someone to a store with $5 to get a gallon or two (but the cereal was still out)?!?! My room was in the historic building but the new wing was no better when I came to being clean. I won't be going back.

Beautiful house for a wedding. I did not book the wedding so I am not sure about the experience…read morethere, but I understand from others the pricing is good. And the scenery is gorgeous. Truly spectacular place for a country wedding!

We attended a Beautiful Wedding here last week. The house was lovely with a fun historic civil war…read morestory. It was a bit drizzly but they had a nice tent set up to keep us all dry and everyone of the guests I spoke to had a great time. Plus whoever they had cater that wedding was GREAT! It was probably the best wedding food I have eaten in years. So plus one foraccess to a great local caterer. The grounds were beautiful and we got to enjoy them as the weather was nice in the afternoon.

Hired Wendy for a fine-dining, multi-celebration dinner for a small group of friends at Lake Anna…read moreover the summer. Started corresponding with her about 2 months prior to reserve the date and create the meal. We challenged her with very strict dietary needs. She curated and delivered a menu worthy of the finest restaurants in any major city. Wendy arrived on time, prepared and laid out appetizers/crudites, and when ready, without rushing us, served our first course. While we enjoyed the amazing fresh salad, she grilled our entrees and served a surf & turf dinner with grilled vegetables and a sweet potato roasted mash. We enjoyed the meal family style, and there was plenty of food including leftovers for the next day. There's always room for dessert and Wendy made a light key lime pie that capped the meal beautifully. Wendy plated, served and cleared the meal. We were surprised and happy that by the time our meal was over, she had washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen completely. Highly recommend Chef Wendy--easy to work with and so personal. You won't regret it!

Hired Wendy to personal chef for me, my husband and his parents for almost a week. The food was…read moreexcellent! We are vegetarian (Ovo-lacto) and she knocked it out of the park and then some! She overdelivered on every meal. She even set up our table beautifully and cleaned up thoroughly afterwards. Wendy is also extremely personable and easy going. She wasn't at all intrusive but since we got along with her, we chatted with her quite a bit and enjoyed her company. She was also very patient with our dog, who is a guard dark and has a startling bark. She rolled with it all with good humor. We would absolutely hire Wendy again and we miss her food already!