***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS REACHED ITS 10,000 ENTRY CAP AND IS NOW CLOSED – SEE WHO WON BELOW!***
And our VERY lucky winner this week is… Hallie (who knows that Belle Isle was once a fishing village for the Powhatan Indians – something even we hadn’t heard). Congrats – and see you in a few weeks!
We’re spending today with the family for the holiday, but we had to drop in with our big giveaway for you guys. See, when we found out we’d be speaking at this year’s R.Home for the Holidays event on November 8th (which we’ve gone to for the past four years for fun, so it’s really crazy to think that we’ll be speakers) a hair-brained idea popped into my head: what if we gave away a trip to Richmond? And when I mentioned it to the kind folks at Richmond Magazine (the hosts of the event), they not only didn’t call me crazy – they said “let’s do it!” So with their help and the generous support of Visit Richmond VA, my hair-brained idea is coming to life (insert evil cackle here). And it’s bigger and better than I ever guessed it could be. That’s right, someone is about to get hooked up.
The prize includes round-trip airfare from anywhere in the continental United States (arriving Thursday, Nov 8 and departing Sunday, Nov 11) and car rental for the length of your stay – all courtesy of Visit Richmond VA. While you’re here, you’ll be put up for three nights in Richmond’s most iconic and stately hotel – The Jefferson.
And of course, Richmond Magazine is giving you tickets to (sold out!) R.Home for the Holidays on Thursday night where we’ll be speaking and doing a book signing (psst- it has now sold out so we’re working on a free Richmond signing that we’ll share as soon as it’s finalized for any interested locals).
As for what else you can do while you’re here… what about a $100 gift card to one of our favorite restaurants? The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing overlooks the city and is actually the spot where Sherry and I celebrated finding out she was pregnant with Clara.
And since you can’t come to our town and not hit up some of our favorite stores, we’ve wrangled $100 gift cards from four of our favorite spots: La Difference, Mongrel, Quirk Gallery and the consignment store trio of Clover (kids), Clementine (adults) and Ashby (teens).
Plus, Richmond Magazine and Visit Richmond VA are tossing in a bunch of passes to various Richmond must-dos, like the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (one of our favorites!) and a Real Richmond Food Tour that’ll give you a taste of several local restaurants in one night.
- PRIZE: As described above: a round-trip flight to Richmond for two people plus a car rental from Visit Richmond VA, a three night stay at The Jefferson Hotel, tickets to R.Home for the Holidays, $100 each to The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, La Difference, Mongrel, Quirk Gallery, and Clover / Clementine / Ashby.
- TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “RICHMOND ME” and tell us…
- BONUS QUESTION: … one fact you know about Richmond. Did you know that it’s known as The River City? Or that it was recently named The Best River Town In America by Outdoor magazine? Or that it’s where Spielberg’s new Lincoln movie was filmed? Or just that it’s the capital of Virginia and where we live?
- GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, October 10th at 8pm EST or at 10,000 entries (whichever comes first)
- NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
- ELIGIBILITY: Flights from the lower 48 United States only, must be 18 or older, tickets must be booked by October 15th. See more guidelines here. (*we really tried to get this to work as an international prize, so sorry that it couldn’t happen – maybe next year!)
- USUAL STUFF: One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Thursday as an update to this post. That’s right, come right back here on Thursday for the announcement of our winner. Good luck…
Note: We aren’t paid or perked for hosting these giveaways, we just do ‘em to thank you awesome folks for stopping in. See our Giveaway FAQ page for more info. Pics courtesy of the Richmond Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond Magazine, R.Home Magazine, , La Difference, Mongrel.
rosa villanueva says
Richmond me! (or my parents is more like it!)
all I know about richmond is that it’s where you guys live! And since I foot live in the US, this prize will go to my parents who I’m sure Will enjoy the trip, and meeting you guys!
Carrie says
Richmond Me! I used to live in Richmond. I remember when there were cows in Shortpump! I’d love to come back for a weekend!
Kristiina says
Richmond me!! I know it’s where I visit my brother and sister who have lived there for 20 years!
Lindsay says
Richmond Me!
Thanks John and Sherry for the contest!
One thing I know about Richmond is that it’s WAY closer to an IKEA than we are here in Boise, Idaho AND that it has some of the most beautiful highways that I’ve ever seen. I’d love to come back and explore it more thoroughly!
Keri says
Richmond Me!
The only thing I know about Richmond is that I would love to visit!
Leesha Cermak says
RICHMOND ME!
Elisabeth says
Richmond Me! It’s the home to my mom’s alma later, VCU! I’d bring her on this trip :)
Laura says
Richmond me! I’ve never been there, so all I know is that it is the state capital.
Brooke K. says
Richmond me, the capital thing is all I’ve got as well! I’d also like to know more though ;)
Jessica Woodard says
Richmond me! I don’t know much but I’ve heard about the district the fan and it sounds like an awesome neighborhood!
Erin B. says
RICHMOND ME!
The flower of the city of Richmond is an iris.
sharon says
RICHMOND ME!
my fun richmond fact:
while it has been rumored that the jefferson hotel’s staircase is the one showcased in one of the scenes from the 1939 movie “gone with the wind”, the truer rumor is that margaret mitchell stayed at the hotel while writing the novel & was inspired by the jefferson hotel’s grand staircase.
Heather says
RICHMOND ME!! It’s the capital of Virginia (the state in which I was born) and it has a river!
Jennifer says
RICHMOND ME! I did know that Richmond was the capital of Virginia, and I’ve never been there.
Sunne says
Richmond Me! Richmond is the name of a town I’ve never visited but will do so after winning this!
Ashley Carpenter says
RICHMOND ME!
1 fact: I went there with my grandmother as a child… I have no idea what we visited though. So that fact doesn’t really count. 2nd fact: It was the Confederalte Capital during thw Civil War.
Cari says
RICHMOND ME!
I really only know that you guys live there. Pathetic, I know. That’s why I need to win this, so I can learn all about Richmond. :)
Kathleen says
Richmond me!! I know that Richmond is home to quite a bit of history including a Confederate White House, the Museum of the Confederacy, Monument Avenue, and Hollywood Cemetary. I visited many years ago with a history buff boyfriend and would love to come back.
Amy says
RICHMOND ME!
I think I’ve been there at least once.
Brian says
Richmond Me: Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy at the end of the Civil War.
Carrie says
Richmond me!
I knew that Richmond is in Virginia! Yay!
Lesley says
Richmond Me! I used to only know that Richmond is the capital of VA. BUT now when someone says Richmond I say “I follow a DIY blog and the creators of the blog live there”
Heidi says
RICHMOND ME I know that Richmond is easy to love and that I have never officially gone there for a visit.
Gwen says
Richmond me!!!!
I know that HEAV (the VA homeschoolers association has their annual convention in Richmond.)
Kelsey McGee says
Richmond me!!!!
Give me Liberty or Give me Death!!!! This speech was said in Richmond!! :)
amy says
RICHMOND ME!!
I would LOVE this trip! Thank you!!
Mae says
Richmond ME!! Richmond is where my little brother and his band live and perform often!! It is a great city and a YHL trip would be a dream!
Kiki says
RICHMOND ME!
Richmond is the capital of Virginia and the home of my favorite bloggers! Can’t wait to visit sometime.
Merideth Moore says
Hey, I’m already coming to Richmond (Midlothian) for Thanksgiving with family for the first time in FOUR years (We have an entire additional kid now that they’ve never met!), but I’d welcome another visit, maybe all romantic getaway-like. One thing I know about Richmond is that it was the location of the Tredegar Iron Works during the Civil War and made the majority of the Confederate Artillery. Holla.
Also, I was SO excited that your inaugural book signing is in my town, but that’s the weekend my parents are coming to start our seriously-world’s-worst-fireplace tear out and remodel. Priorities! Maybe I can still slip away…
Nickie says
Richmond Me! Richmond has a Sister City in Thames, England (Europe)! Both Richmond and it’s Sister City would be fun to visit!
MichelleG says
Richmond me!!
Kathy says
RICHMOND ME!! That Richmond was the confederate capital durning the civil war.
Charlotte says
RICHMOND ME!!!
CARMAX began in Richmond, WOO HOO!
Megan says
Richmond me!
The only thing I know is there is a river and it’s the home of Young House Love.
Liz says
Richmond me! All is really know about Richmond is what you have told us on the blog :)
Kelly VanDerlaske says
RICHMOND ME!! I only knew it was the capitol of Virginia, and of course that you lived there, but I wiki’d it and found out a bunch of cool stuff.
Becky says
Richmond Me! Richmond, capital of Virgina and home of my favorite bloggers!
Theresa says
Richmond Me!
That I’ve never been there before. You guys make it seem amazing and this trip would totally be worth me purchasing tickets from Alaska to Seattle to make it work!! Fingers crossed :)
Jennifer Konop says
Richmond me!! Would love to learn more about Richmond with this trip and . . . the dates are over my husband’s birthday and he could really use a break!!
KellyA says
Richmond me!
I visited UR for 4 years as a debate student but it was always into the university and back home – no site seeing!
Plus there was that year the sniper had us running around scared so I’d love to replace that with happy memories of Richmond!
heather says
RICHMOND ME! I would be so excited to visit the beautiful state of VA – and not for work for once! :)
Amy S. says
RICHMOND ME! I don’t know much about Richmond, but I know you live there.
Jennifer says
Richmond Me!!! I love Richmond and would Love to win this!
JennW says
RICHMOND ME!!
Emily says
RICHMOND ME!!! Please :) I know it is a super cute and quirky place and that everyone I know who has lived (lives) there loves it! Can’t wait to visit!!!
Mellany Boyd says
RICHMOND ME :) I had a baby two months ago, and I’m getting married Nov. 3rd. Life is pretty hectic right now. This could be the honeymoon/vacation we’ve been dying for!
Dalia says
RICHMOND ME!
I don’t know much about Richmond, other than you guys live there! :) but I’d love to visit!!
Jen says
Richmond Me!
I lived in Fredericksburg 15 years ago and would love to be back in the area!!!
Jen says
Richmond Me? I LOVE Richmond, but haven’t been back in years…would love to walk down Carey street again–and to stay at the Jefferson…ooh, bliss!
Alyssa says
RICHMOND ME!
I know that Richmond has hot and humid summers with fairly mild winters. (Thank you Wikipedia!) But I do know that this sounds like an amazing trip to your hometown.