One could argue that the American Dream is to be the average American Worker. Picture it: a strong, intelligent, doesn't-mind-getting-his-or-her-hands-dirty worker, toiling away day after day for their piece of the economic pie.
Ideally, the work they do is laced with passion. Passion for doing what they love; passion for being a part of a bigger team of people working toward a greater good; passion for getting up every morning and feeling confident that they will ultimately make some sort of a difference, no matter the task at hand.
At least that's my ideal vision of the American Worker Dream.
But as we all know, life throws you curveballs, hands you lemons and is the biggest, fastest roller coaster you will ever ride. Meaning that many American workers nowadays are stressed to the max and have forgotten what that idea of "passion" is all about.
Which brings us to the much-anticipated, much-needed holiday weekend that is fast approaching -- Labor Day.
Whether you absolutely love your job or dream of the day you'll never have to hear the screech of a 6 a.m. wake up call ever again, everyone needs a break. And this weekend you get it.
Friday night all the way through Tuesday morning is your time -- do with it what you will; whether that means barbequing, taking a day trip or enjoying any number of Richmond's own stay-cation destinations.
Richmond.com is also here to help with a few Labor Day ideas for how to spend the weekend ... with yourself, your friends or the entire family.
James River Park System
Put on your tennis shoes and some comfortable clothing, grab your bike, canoe and/or Frisbee and head on down to Belle Isle, Brown's Island, the Pony Pasture Rapids or any number of the Park's trails for the day. There's plenty to do and see from a wetlands area and climbing on the famous rocks located in the river to bike trails and places to drop in your boat for fishing.
For additional information, call (804) 646-8911.
Chesterfield County Fair
Labor Day weekend is your last chance to catch all the fun and excitement of the Chesterfield County Fair. Enjoy the giant railroad display inside the exhibit building, animals, rides, food, live entertainment and much more. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 6 through 12, free for children 5 and under. $20 for unlimited rides.
10300 Courthouse Road, (804) 768-0148, chesterfieldcountyfair.org.
Capital Ale House 2nd annual Beer Geek Week
Head to the Midlothian location on Friday Aug. 29, the Downtown location on Saturday, Aug. 30 and the Innsbrook location on Sunday, Aug. 31 to celebrate the 2nd annual Beer Geek Week with Capital Ale House. Enjoy a variety of rare beers that they'll tap especially for you beer lovers.
Midlothian location: 13831 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 780-2537.
Downtown location: 623 E. Main St., (804) 780-2537.
Innsbrook location: 4024 Cox Road, (804) 780-2537.
Labor Day with LL Cool J
Celebrate the end of summer with LL Cool J in concert at Browns Island on Saturday, Aug. 30. No coolers are allowed. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 day of show and may be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling (804) 262-8100.
500 Tredegar St., (804) 788-6466.
Jesters Ink at Bottoms Up
Jesters Ink, Richmond's only National Touring and Award Winning Improv team brings its hilarity to Bottoms Up pizza on Saturday, Aug. 30 of Labor Day Weekend. Come in early and enjoy a slice of pizza, the show starts 9 p.m. No cover.
1700 Dock St., (804) 644-4400.
West Nursery's Maize Quest
Come out for hours of fun, just getting lost! West Nursery's opens its five-acre corn maze this weekend, and takes the shape of a tractor, one of the farmers' greatest tools. While exploring the maze you'll discover clues and facts about the farmers’ life, do crayon rubbings and decode secrets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for youth.
4032 Mechanicsville Tpke., (804) 247-1600.
Jackson Ward Walking Tour
Get up and out on Sunday, Aug. 31 of your Labor Day weekend and travel to the place in Richmond known as the "birthplace of Black Capitalism." Jackson Ward is rich in African American history and culture and boasts a large number of pre-Civil War homes. Your tour includes the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, the A.D. Price Funeral Home, the Dill House and, rehabilitated businesses and town homes. Meet your guide outside of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for members, $9 in advance and $10 on the day of the tour.
00 Clay St. between 1st and Adams, (804) 649-0711.
Richmond Braves vs. Norfolk Tides
Come see the Richmond Braves play at the Diamond one final time on Labor Day as they take on the Norfolk Tides. Former Braves players David Justice, Dale Murphy, Javy Lopez and Ralph Garr will return to pay tribute to the team and their 43-year run in Richmond. Gates open at 12:45 p.m., game starts at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $12. Purchase tickets at rbraves.com.
3001 N. Blvd., (804) 359-4444.
Carlos Mencia at the Funny Bone
Stopping into Richmond especially for Labor Day, Carlos Mencia is undoubtedly one of today's most celebrated entertainers and feared comics. Whether it's man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies or nationwide sold-out tours, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a diverse audience. For ages 21 and older. Two shows, one at 7:30 p.m. and another at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
11800 W. Broad St. Ste. 1090, (804) 521-8900.
Enjoy cheese, meat and delicious dessert fondue with the family at the Melting Pot on Monday, Sept. 1 during Labor Day weekend for their first Family Night. Make your reservations soon as spots are filling up quickly. Open from 5 to 10 p.m.
9704 Gayton Road, (804) 741-3120.