By Steve Cook :
When folks start talking history, do you immediately think of something stodgy, somewhat boring, and definitely not much fun? It’s true sometimes history can be like that. But when you pay a visit to one of Metro Richmond’s most historical sites, you’ll discover plenty to entertain old and young alike.
I’m talking about Hanover Tavern, located in the heart of Hanover Courthouse (13181 Hanover Courthouse Road). For a facility that’s been around for about 235 years, this is still a very entertaining place to visit. Hanover Tavern has always been that sort of place. Just picture Patrick Henry (“Give me liberty or give me death…”) playing the fiddle and tending bar in the original tavern, which predates the current building by about four decades. That tavern was owned by Henry’s in-laws.
Hanover Tavern’s reputation as a place in which to be entertained was further enhanced in August 1953, when six New York stage actors opened Barksdale Theatre, the nation’s first dinner theater. Live productions continue to be staged in the Bradley Theater here.
Okay, enough about the past. Let’s get back to the future. Hanover Tavern’s immediate future is quite impressive. Take a look at their late summer, early fall calendar of events and all the fun coming your way.
August 22 – Come along on a sentimental journey as The Liberty Dolls take to the Bradley Theater stage for an evening of World War II era, 50s, and 60s music. Who are the Liberty Dolls? Think Andrews Sisters, advises Brooke Adams, Associate Director of the Hanover Tavern Foundation.
September 5 – Get your Oom-Pah-Pah on at the Oktoberfest Beer Dinner. For one price, enjoy an authentic German meal, plus sample five very German beers, four of which are the only four Munich Oktoberfest-approved beers available in the United States. The fifth beer is from Weihenstephan Brewery, the world’s oldest brewery. Pick your favorite and enjoy a complimentary glass as you listen to an authentic German band playing traditional Oktoberfest music.
September 27 – The entire family is in for a day of fun at the 10th annual Hanover Autumnfest. This event, according to Adams, is the Tavern’s way of saying “thanks” to the community. For the kids, there’s going to be face painting, a petting zoo, a hay slide, and crafts. For the adults, how about craft beer and wine? All will enjoy the live music, the hot dogs and barbecue, and the silent auction. Adams says the Tavern hopes to unveil its new, enlarged patio in time for Autumnfest.
October 3 – Gabriel, a soaring new musical that tells the story of Gabriel’s Rebellion, one of the most important slave uprisings in Virginia and American history, will be presented in the intimate Bradley Theater.
Yes, history is fun and exciting at Hanover Tavern. For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit HanoverTavern.org.
