The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia

I have heard people say that many of us don't realize what we have in our own backyard until it's no longer accessible. I believe this statement to be so very true. When I had the privilege of living in Richmond, Virginia in the 90's, I didn't often think of the city as anything special or unique, after all I grow up in the Bronx, New York and considered Richmond, Virginia to be a very slow town in comparison.

When I was in Richmond, Virginia, I was not only a student at VCU, but I worked there as well, so there were always things to do around the campus, which meant there was rarely any need to leave the vicinity. However, I recall a few times that I attended functions at The Jefferson Hotel and was always impressed by the beauty of the grand staircase and the traditional décor. I was a 19 year old, but I always had a very old soul and really appreciated things like that. I recall when I furnished my first house at the old age of 23. All the decor was either Louis the 18^th or Queen Anne style. I distinctly remember my best friend coming to visit from New Jersey and saying, "mmm, why does your house look like my grandmothers"?

I had the honor of recently visiting The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia over the New Year Holiday as I was invited to brunch by a friend of mine from Virginia Beach. We dined at the bistro at The Jefferson Hotel called TJ's, where the Executive Chef is James Schroeder. TJ's is a beautiful, quaint environment where the décor is very traditional and you dine in such luxury because the chairs are overstuffed, comfortable swivel club chairs. The décor reminds me of that of an exclusive gentlemen's club or Old Boys club.

The menu boast wonderful choices such as the Jumbo Lump Crab cake with remoulade on an English muffin and the Roasted Vegetables and black bean hummus. The menu had lots of other delicious choices for veggie lovers as well as your meat and potatoes lover. The Jefferson Hotel offers wonderfully decorated guest rooms and suites. The beds are cherry wood and some rooms offer the most beautiful fireplaces and surrounds that I've ever seen in a hotel. The grand staircase of this hotel is so magnificent that many have exchanged vows in this Grand Hotel.

The Jefferson Hotel has a little bit of something for everyone, from fine dining to their salon to the indoor pool. If you are heading to Richmond, Virginia or are currently living there, why not take out some special time and weekend get-a-way for that Anniversary coming up or perhaps just "me time" for yourself and just relax at the Salon? The Jefferson Hotel is at 101 W. Franklin St. in Richmond.