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Looking Back
Wow! 2022 has ended. It is that time of year to reflect and make resolutions (if that is your thing). For me, I am closing a chapter and starting a new one (chapter). The blank pages waiting to be filled.
I look back at 2022 and it has been quite a Wow year. My husband, Matt, and I moved to Virginia in April. I started being the Innkeeper at the Virginia Cliffe Inn on May 1st. We came from New Mexico, looking for a place to call home. We have lived out west for approximately 15 years. It was so nice to come back to the east. This is by far our favorite place to live. We finally found a place we can call home.
I have met so many wonderful people since then. Some travelers pass through and some just to get away from it all. I have the pleasure of hosting friends that have been getting together every year for the last 30 years. Some of our visitors were not here on happy terms but I was able to make their stay a little less stressful and that makes getting up a few minutes earlier worth it. I got to know a young man that was in college traveling to see old historic battlefields.
I look out the window from the kitchen, overlooking the grounds and feel truly blessed to be in a place of beauty and where I am loved. It’s not always perfect but there is always joy. I have seen people get married and bury loved ones. I have had my own son who got married and broke some family ties. I have seen friends come and go.
I did not make resolutions for the new year but decided to make a lifestyle change. This year my daughter created a vision board and I feel inspired to do the same. Life is too short to worry about the has been(s), what if(s) and what could have been and start living life by making slight changes. It is a new chapter to write and then at the end of this year we can reflect yet again. Happy New Year to everyone!
10 Things to do within 20 minutes of the Inn
10091 Jeb Stuart Pkwy, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (844) 462-7342
Just 8 minutes away enjoy comfortable seating and an array of concessions at Regal Cinemas Virginia Center. The theater shows the latest movies. And with several theaters including those showing IMAX and 3D films, there are many movies to choose from.
2. Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Just a 2 minute walk from the Virginia Cliffe Inn. A multipurpose community arts facility, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year. The center also offers classes in various kinds of visual art. Discover creativity or join in one of their upcoming events.
11008 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Just a 10 minute drive. The family owned and operated James River Cellars Winery offers numerous tastings throughout the day. Even in the winter the winery is open seven days a week to allow guests a convenient time to sample some of their wines. With wine tastings an even music on Friday evenings.
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Only 18 minutes away. Enjoy Thrilling Rides, Shows, Free Parking & More! Buy Online To Save On A Silver Pass. Experience Unlimited Rides, Shows, Food & Fun For Everyone! Buy A Silver Pass Today. Safe Outdoor Fun. Season Pass = Endless Fun.
5. Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
1.1 miles away is a historic farm and estate in Henrico County, Virginia. It is best known for its role in Gabriel’s Revolution. The main farmhouse was built in the early nineteenth century and is a well preserved example of small Virginia farms of the time. The museum and surrounding area contain play equipment, fishing, a nature trail, and picnic areas.
6. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50 acres, botanical garden in Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, Virginia. It features over a dozen themed gardens, a conservatory, library, and café. Regular daily admission is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $8 for children, under age 3 are free. Visitors can learn about new plants, relax in the setting, go for a walk, or take gardening classes.
7. Glen Allen Greenhouse (formerly Lavender Fields Herb Farm)
11300 Winfrey Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Glen Allen Greenhouse (formerly Lavender Fields Herb Farm) is an herb and plant farm that is home to USDA certified vegetables plants, herbs, and organic gardening supplies. The farm also provides organic plant potting mixes as well as mushroom composts. You can always find something special at their store.
8. Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
400 Sausiluta Dr, Richmond, VA 23227
13 minutes away, Three Lakes Park & Nature Center brings together the three worlds of air, water, and land for visitors to explore. The Nature Center is a 6,500 square foot facility featuring a variety of exhibits designed to provide hands-on experiences. The 50,000 gallon aquarium also gives visitors a “fish-eye” view of the underwater world.
The exhibits in the Nature Center will introduce visitors to the plant and animal life native to the area and wildlife living in the wetlands and woodlands of the park. By providing an assortment of live exhibits, dioramas, and interactive displays, the Nature Center offers something for every field of natural interest and is appropriate for all ages.
Programs and tours are held throughout the year at Three Lakes Park & Nature Center.
9. Maymont
1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
A little further, just 21 minutes away, Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy. Stroll through the gardens and arboretum, see native wildlife habitats, feed friendly goats, explore The Robins Nature Center and visit the Mansion.
10. Carytown RVA
Approximately 20 minutes away, close to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts & the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Colorful Carytown is a bohemian district centered around a stretch of West Cary Street, with indie boutiques, record stores, and vintage emporiums. Quirky murals brighten alleyways and buildings housing cool cafes, bakeries, and health-conscious lunch spots, while evening crowds fill farm-to-table restaurants and craft cocktail bars. Operating since 1928, the Byrd Theater screens movies in opulent surroundings.
A Day In the Life of an Innkeeper
It takes a special person to run an inn. I give kudos to Janice, the owner of the Virginia Cliffe Inn. She has moxie. She has the determination, nerve and force of character. She is a small business owner and I get the privilege of working for her. I can learn so much from her. She is genuinely a wonderful woman. She is appreciative and knowledgeable.
I wake up early and figure out what I need to do for the day. I am at the inn and excited to prepare the day for our guests. I have my menu laid out and fix what is on the menu for that day. It is either some type of egg dish or pancake type dish. Savory or sweet. Some type of scone and fruit.
I love getting to know the guests. I will grab my coffee and chat away the breakfast time with our guests. Get to know them and they get to know me. I love the interaction and stories. You meet many people from all over. A family from Norway, a couple from England and a college student from Texas touring historic battlefields. I have been all over the states and even to Germany. We discuss food to adventures to life happenings. I enjoy every moment.
After breakfast, it’s time to clean up and get ready for guests to check out. I clean and sanitize rooms ready for the next guests. I look over the guest list that will be checking in that day and preparing their rooms. I look for anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions. I do sometimes miss important dates, if I am not made aware of them ahead of time. That makes me sad. I want our guests to feel relaxed, appreciated and welcomed.
After all is cleaned and ready for the incoming guests, it is time for a small break. I live next door to the inn, so it’s a “hop & a skip” commute. When the weather is nice, it is a short walk. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the beautiful grounds. It’s fall, so all the leaves are changing colors and baring their branches in preparation for winter. The air is crisps in the mornings and warm in the afternoons.
I return to the inn to prepare the table for the next morning and any prep work for the next breakfast. This time of year, I am working on preparing homemade apple butter for our annual craft fair – Christmas at the Inn. This is my first year in participating and the excitement is brewing. I love winter and Christmas time. I get to bake and make things for others to enjoy. We have a slew of local crafters come to the inn to sell their crafts. Food, homemade goods and activities. What isn’t there to love?
During my slower days, I am busy playing with flower arrangements from leftover flowers from weddings or buying a variety of flowers and arranging them to put on display. I will write correspondence with previous guests (which I am 2 months behind) or plan the following weeks menu and order the groceries. Every week I get a delivery from local farmers and try something new for what’s in season. Sometimes I flop and have to rethink how to do something better or I hit on the first try. It’s a great creative outlet.
Time to move to dusting and cleaning the downstairs, mopping, vacuuming or laundry. It’s a never ending process and I love every minute of it. I find doing laundry and vacuuming very therapeutic. I love having some type of spa or meditation music playing softly in the background. I try new things, some times they work and some times they do not. I will never stop trying or give up in making the best I can do for a guest.
I love hosting people and making great food. I hope to see you at the Inn in the future.
Safe Travels!