#richmond

#richmond

A pair of bills would have required local zoning codes to allow multifamily and mixed-use residential development by right across broad swaths of commercially zoned land. Supporters said the approach could convert underused strip malls, parking lots and office corridors into thousands of apartments without case-by-case rezonings.

The text of the bill, HB333, adds new language to the Virginia statutes that requires any local school board that imposes new restrictions on any program of instruction on or relating to the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol and any accompanying curriculum or instructional materials, or any instruction provided by a teacher as a part of any program of instruction.

Depending on personal experience, travelers may associate Williamsburg, Virginia, with a few different things. For many, school field trips and family vacations brought them to the Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg. Some know Williamsburg for its theme parks, Busch Gardens and the Great Wolf Lodge water park. Others recognize the city as the home of William & Mary, the second-oldest college in the United States.

The Richmond Theatre opened in 1899 as the Richmond Theatre and Opera House. Designed by the prolific theatre builder, Frank Matcham, barring some modest changes, it's pretty much still the same theatre that opened over 125 years ago.

Abingdon is easy to access just off Interstate 81. This little town has many charms-from its 20-block historic district to the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. Add to that a thriving creative community, exceptional dining at The Tavern (the state's oldest bar), and homey accommodations, and you have a pretty darn close to perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway destination.

"The object of the Museum is to acquire power," announces a crusty old archaeologist in Penelope Fitzgerald's 1977 satire, The Golden Child. It isn't a goal he respects. He wants the museum where he's settled into semiretirement to genuinely devote itself to educating its visitors. Instead, he correctly charges, its curators act like a pack of Gollums, hoarding "the art and treasures of the earth" for their own self-aggrandizement and pleasure.

I do believe that we are living in a time we have not seen before, that what is happening in our country is extreme, said Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, who co-wrote the proposal with Councilmember Claudia Jimenez. I'm not prepared to say that people will be kind, rational or sane, or abide by the law, because they have not thus far and it just gets worse every day.

Some are major metropolitan areas, whereas others feel more random - supposedly chosen for historical significance, strategic location, or reasons I may never understand. If you've already visited the obvious tourist destinations (Phoenix, Denver, and Austin, looking at you), consider this your cue to plan a trip to one of these lesser-known capital cities that deliver culture, history, and seriously good food.

Playwright Rachel Bonds's new production narrates a woman's journey through school, romance, and the complexities of modern adulthood (Wed through April 19, $55+, Logan Circle).

This Sunday brings three capital-B Bowls: Super, Puppy and Benito. See below for our recommendations for where to spend your favorite one. Bad Bunny fans who want to get the halftime show started early have several dance party options Saturday night, and area bars (including Atlas Brew Works) are hosting events for the Winter Olympics from Opening Ceremonies onward. In addition to early Valentine's Day celebrations, this week has cozy crafting nights, another "Heated Rivalry" party and the kickoff of the D.C. Independent Film Festival.