The Green Leafe presents the annual Christmas Beer Tasting!

Call 757-220-1582 and make your reservations today!!

LIVING IN RICHMOND has been great! When I arrived, summer was about half over already, but I managed to find lots to do. Before I knew it, fall had claimed its quarter of 2010. There were lots of fall festivals and plenty of fall foliage to enjoy. Last week, we got our first indication that winter was on its way as there was some serious snow flurries spotted on Saturday night.This inspired yet another conversation about winter cocktails. I thought that I'd spend this post listing some of my favorites along with their preparations. I'll break them into two categories: hot drinks and cold drinks. Hopefully, I'll introduce you to some things that you haven't heard of before.

Brian's Rain

2 ounces Patron Resposado tequila
1/2 ounce mulled apple cider
1/2 pineapple juice
6 - 8 fresh blueberries

Antebellum Holidays at Lee Hall Mansion

Guests step back in time to enjoy the wonder and elegance of a mid-Ninteenth Century Christmas. The Mansion is replete with all of the finery and decor which a gentleman farmer and his family could provide. Experience the holidays as Richard D. Lee and his family did prior to the American Civil War. Tour the mansion and the unique 1862 Peninsula Campaign Gallery which houses artifacts from the campaign.

Built between 1851 and 1859, Lee Hall Mansion was home to affluent planter Richard Decauter Lee, his wife Martha and their children. One of the last remaining antebellum homes on the Virginia Peninsula, Lee Hall offers visitors a step back to the mid-Victorian period with its authentically furnished rooms, including an elegant ladies parlor. During April and May of 1862, the home was used as a headquarters by Confederate generals Joseph E. Johnston and John B. Magruder. Hundreds of artifacts, including a tablecloth from the USS Monitor, are on display in the museum's 1862 Peninsula Campaign Gallery.

Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free and there is a gift shop. Lee Hall is partially wheelchair accessible. Regular hours and admissions apply.

HOLIDAY GLITTER: MONUMENT AVENUE AFTER DARK WALKING TOUR

12/26/2010 6:00:00 PM - 12/26/2010 7:30:00 PM

Don't miss this popular walking tour! Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue while it’s decked out for the holidays. This early evening stroll combines history with a touch of glitz! Remember to dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight.

Reservations are required: (804) 649-0711 x 301. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen Street and Monument Avenue. Tickets are $10 ($5 for History Center members).

Virginia Symphony Presents Holiday Pops! in Norfolk and Virginia Beach

Nothing says the holidays like the classical and popular song sounds of the season. Experience a new tradition with the VSO’s Holiday Pops, filled with beloved carols and songs that are sure to warm your holiday heart. Featuring the 79 musicians of the VSO with the Virginia Symphony Chorus and special guests, we’ll bring you holiday delights for your entire family.

Reindeers Demystified

Contributed by R.A.Henriquez

Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen! And of course the most famous flying reindeer of all, Rudolph the red-nose reindeer. But we’ll get to him in a second.