Finding the time to get together with your best girlfriends is hard enough when you're a single, 23-year old living in the city, so I can only imagine what it must be like for your committed, married women.
Planning the perfect Girl's Night Out takes just that: plenty of planning. Coordinating a date that works for all of you, discussing how much money to throw in and most importantly, deciding exactly what to do.
And so, within the modern day woman's over-planned, over-crammed and over-worked calendar, where does a night out with the girls fit in?
Richmond.com is here help. Remember, a girl's night out can mean anything: a trip to the theatre, drinks and appetizers at your favorite restaurant, even a lecture or just good conversation over a bottle of wine.
So go ahead and break out those planners ladies. Use that conference call button for something other than business, get your gal pals on the line and make a date.
July Girls Night Out Events
Fashion First in Carytown
Grab the girls, the credit card and leave the inhibitions at home. Carytown retailers have rallied together to use the first Thursday evening of each month to keep their doors open until 8 p.m. and host a fashion event. Fashionistas and the general public alike are invited to come for an evening of inspiration and style as they visit the distinctive boutiques of Carytown.
Clothing stores will remain open until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. For more information, visit carytown.org.
Flowers After Five begins at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Thursday evenings in the summer are some of the best times to enjoy Lewis Ginter's magical Botanical Garden. And that's not just because they offer wine-tasting. Flowers After Five starts on July 3 and that means there's also live jazz, plenty of dining and shopping options and on the second Thursday of each month (July 10 this time around) -- pooches can join in on the fun too.
5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from July 3 through Sept. 25. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children ages 3-12 and free for members and children under3. Wine tasting tickets are $10 for three 4-ounce glasses. For more information, call (804) 262-9887.
Guys and Dolls at the Empire Theatre
What woman doesn't love a good Broadway production? Grab your best gal pals and enjoy the toe-tapping story of some small time gamblers and the ladies in their lives. The stage is set for an evening of high spirited entertainment full of laughter, love and song. Although the show runs through Aug. 17, you'll want to go now to beat the last minute crowds.
Performed on Wednesdays through Sundays; show times are at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m.; check the schedule for specific dates. Ticket prices range from $35 to $40. For tickets, schedule of show times and more information, call (804) 282-2620.
Fourth of July Events throughout Richmond
Chances are you've already got plans, but if you don't and your scouting around for something to do, check our Richmond.com's guide to the best places to watch the fireworks and enjoy some quality girl time.
"With This Ring: A Portrait of Marriage" at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Whether you're single, dating engaged or married the concept and act of marriage is a topic that always gets people talking and invites an afternoon of story-telling between girlfriends. In this exhibit, Charlottesville photographer Mary Motley Kalergis uses her camera with both subtlety and honesty to capture images of southern couples from all ages, races and social levels. She also conducted interviews with the subjects and shares some of their insights within the context of the exhibition. It's a great time to visit, since the exhibit closes at the end of the month on Friday, July 25.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free. Call (804) 340-1400 for more information.
Ladies' Night at The Melting Pot
What's better than martinis and manicures? Absolutely nothing. And that's exactly what you'll get during Ladies' Night at The Melting Pot. Grab your gals and get pampered with manicures by ATIR Natural Nail Care Clinic, vendors, door prizes and a feature menu put together especially for you. Be sure to make reservations early and say it's for Ladies Night.
5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9. $25 per person. To make reservations and for more information, call (804) 741-3120.
Ani Difranco at The National
Talk about spicing up your evening with a little feminist girl power. Enjoy her inspirational, influential, guitar-picking, expressive lyrics while you and the girls take turns grabbing drinks at the bar. Kimya Dawson, who was featured on the JUNO soundtrack, will open.
7 p.m. Friday, July 11. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 day of show. For tickets and more information, call (804) 612-1900.
River City Roller Girls vs. D.C. Roller Girls at Skateland of Richmond
If you've never been to a Roller Derby match, you don't know what you're missing. Had a stressful week? Instead of taking it out on the refrigerator or your man, grab the girls and head Skateland to watch your local ladies take out the D.C.divas. Bring a lawn chair (and your own choice beverage) and cheer on your favorite girl.
6:30 pm. Sunday, July 13. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For tickets and more information, call (804) 873-8623.
Unhappy Hours in the Enchanted Garden at the Poe Museum
Don't let the name fool you, these hours are surely to be happy ones; especially if your group of girlfriends happen to be literature lovers. Venture over to the Poe Museum for live music and entertainment, light refreshments and (as if you haven't already noticed the theme running through this column) wine tasting.
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Admission is free. For more information, call (804) 648-5523.
3rd Thursdays at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA brings a little bit of salsa back to Third Thursdays with a Latin Dance Party. And that sounds like an evening for the girls. There'll be salsa dancing, Latin themed food and drinks and plenty of art and people to mix and mingle with.
6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. Tickets are $10 for non-members, $8 for members. For more information, call (804) 340-1400.
Fridays on the Patio at James River Cellars
One of the best times to get together with your girlfriends is after a week of work, stress and boss troubles. On Fridays, James River Cellars opens up their patio for wine-tasting, entertainment from local musicians, light food and a tour of the cellar. Fridays on the Patio occurs on the fourth Friday of each month from January through October.
6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25. Tickets are $12 per person. For more information, call (804) 550-7516.
Street Seen hosted by the Smart Woman's Club
Looking for an early evening of fun with the girls but the chance to network too? The this event is for you. The second annual Street Seen event allows all Richmond women to be seen and heard. Bring your card and network while you sip on summer beverages and relish in the girl talk. Attire is summer casual and the woman with the voted best pair wins a prize. Proceeds go to benefit Comfort Zone Camp.
5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 31. $15 for members, $20 for non-members. To register and for more information, call (804) 359-1139. (Location is announced to attendees only).
Events Each Night of Every Week:
Ladies Night Out at the Fondue Fanatic
Every night of the week is Ladies Night at the Fondue Fanatic. All you have to do is make reservations with the girls and dig into the drink and dinner specials. Also, register you or a girlfriend to win the July "Spa Basket" from J. C. Gourmet & More. Fondue and drink specials, what more could you want?
And for you girls trying to have a little fun but eat healthy too, the Fondue Fanatic has also started its Light Fanatic's Tour offering three courses including salad, two-choice meat or seafood entree, and chocolate fondue dessert with strawberries and pineapple for those who wish to cut carbs and portions.
5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Sundays. $19 per person. To make reservations and for more information, call (804) 423-6783.
Wine Tasting at various locations
Ladies, tell me you didn't miss the release of our newest column, "Richmond Wine Stock?" If so, click here to find delicious wine-tasting events and specials hosted throughout the week.
Cheap Date Night at various locations
The event may be called "Cheap Date Night" but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out the deals going on at some of Richmond's best restaurants in town. Check out a listing of restaurants and their specials here.
Did we miss your Girl's Night Out event? If so, simply add it to the comment section below and we'll be sure it makes the list.