Issue #3: Richmond, Virginia

Like a local issue three spring 2015

richmond

from the very top of the city to the pleasant waters of the james river to everything in between, richmond is sure to please everyone with its mix of urban hipness and relentless southern charm.

INDEX

1 Artistic Director Gennady Sobolev

N.3 SPRING 2015

LIKE A LOCAL Collaborators: Abagail Waller (writer / photographer) || Bethany Frazier (writer / photographer) || Matt Cherneski (writer) || Misty Thomas (writer) || Olivia Ruffin (photographer) || Vanessa Lorenzo (writer / photographer) Cover Photo: Polly Barks Contacts: Berryville, Virginia likealocalmag@gmail.com About Us: Like a Local is a quarterly, online travel magazine dedicated to bringing its readers stories from beyond the guidebook. Each quarter we plan to turn our readers on to one amazing city and all of its hidden adventures.

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Be sure to visit the Like a Local blog to read even more stories and background on your favorite locations.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR STREET STOP: RICHMOND JAMES RIVER RICHMOND FROM ABOVE LIVING OUT-PROUD SPOTLIGHT EAT INTERNATIONALLY

LOCAL MARKETS BREWTASTIC RICHMOND HOSTELING HEADS SOUTH URBAN LEGENDS

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Contents

Editor-in-Chief Polly Barks

Hello from Richmond From the top of city hall to the james river to everything in between, every experience we had was a good one

“never go to Richmond!” The allure of the forbidden city always increased as one’s parents spoke at length about this alleged den of iniquity, full of muggers, scammers, and general never-do-gooders. All of these scare tactics meant that – inevitably – as Virginian children grew older, they were drawn to Richmond (AKA the River City AKA RVA) like moths to a flame.

Letter from editor

Every Virginian child grows up with the same echoed refrain:

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I happen to have been born in northern Virginia in a small town that couldn’t have been more different from a big city if it tried, so I was among those who grew up hearing about Richmond in a less-than-complimentary way. Nevertheless, as we began to plan our first foray in the USA, Richmond immediately sprung to mind as an underrated, potentially amazing location for issue #3.

Like so many adventurers before us, the Like a Local Mag team was both disappointed and delighted by what we found. Disappointed that the city offered up none of the sinister undertones so readily promised. Delighted that Richmond is actually a perfectly safe, vibrant community full of good food, good views, and best of all, good people.

We should have known better.

From the top of City Hall to the James River and everything in between, every experience Like a Local Mag had in Richmond was a good one.

We’re not sure if that’s thanks to our contributor’s excellent knowledge of the city or just the perks of a city with southern charm, but we weren’t complaining.

Every city we’ve visited so far has far surpassed any expectations we had going in and Richmond was no different. It just goes to show you: don’t believe the hype. Get your own feet on the ground and see for yourself what a city is all about.

(But let us help you first!)

Welcome to Richmond, Polly Barks Editor-in-Chief

Richmond virginia

Street stop: Richmond

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street stop: RIchmond I have lived in Richmond, Virginia for nine years now and if I had to pinpoint one thing that has really made me fall in love with my city, it’s the people. Richmond is full of diverse, exciting people of all different backgrounds, and each of them has a story. With this in mind, I hit the streets to find out what others love about RVA. I met people who have lived here their entire

lives, and those who are transplants from all around the world. Everyone has something that they love that keeps them grounded in Virginia soil. Whether it be the diversity, or the brunch spots, the nightlife or the museum scene… everyone loves Richmond in their own way. I asked ten people what makes Richmond special to them and here’s what they had to say.

“The city is beautiful in the summer. There is so much variety, you can hike, swim in the river, or shop in the city.”

“Richmond feels like a college town, there are so many events geared to young people, whether you’re a student or not.”

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by Olivia Ruffin

Richmond is full of diverse, exciting people of all different backgrounds, and each of them has a story...

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

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“The museum district is great, there are so many galleries and different museums. The art scene is raging in Richmond!”

“The city is full of diversity and exciting talent, which is cool.”

“The art brought us to Richmond, everywhere you turn there is something new, colorful and beautiful.”

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

“I love the local community, there are tons of outdoor concerts and festivals in the summertime.”

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“There is so much to do outdoors, with the James River, and all the parks... the city is always active.”

“We love the rich history of the city!”

“Richmond is a progressive town, yet also steeped in history.”

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

“Richmond is so colorful and exciting with all of its amazing street art and murals everywhere.”

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

Putting the Rive Text and photos by Vanessa lorenzo

I came to Richmond, VA from southern California on a whim back in 2011, and haven’t left since. The city felt strange to me at first. It had a worn but dignified aspect to it, just like a well-made but aged leather bag where its scuffs and scratches show the years of use it has seen, but those same scuffs and scratches give it character that makes it more appealing and attractive.

There are many things to discover and explore in and around Virginia’s capital but my favorite feature of the city would be the James River, the very heart of Richmond. The trails around the river are mostly untouched and when I walk in one of the parks that border the river, I feel LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

er in River City 9

transported to another place, away from the hustle and bustle of a city. The remarkable thing about it all is that I’m in a city - the natural beauty surrounding the James River happens in downtown Richmond.

My first experience with the James was through a walk at Forest Hill Park. I remember it being hot, humid, and wishing I had stayed indoors with the air-conditioning. I also felt slightly claustrophobic at the dense forest while walking down the paved hill from the 42nd street entrance of the park. My ‘too hot to be outside’ attitude stopped when we reached the foot of the hill.

A picturesque clearing of a small lake and a cobblestone

bridge made me forget that a steep walk down a hill on a hot day also means having to walk back up.

I crossed the bridge, veered left through a trail and walked across Riverside Drive to Reedy Creek, a tributary that flows into a section of the James where several smaller channels split off and create a series of small islands along the south bank. The water was low that day as it usually is during summer and I easily found a place to cross to the islands formed by the branching river. There were several boulders perfect for sitting and looking over the wide expanse of the river’s main channel. In spring, when the snow melts in the

mountains, the river rises dramatically, five, ten or sometimes twenty feet above the normal level.

The floodwaters shape the boulders, molding them and then leaving the rounded curving stones dry for the rest of the year. The gently rounded stone is as comfortable a seat as one could ask for, from a rock.

It’s been three years since that first encounter with the James and I have seen and experienced the river in every season. I’ve grabbed kayaks and explored the calmer part of the river in Huguenot Flatwater Park, a serene and scenic upstream paddle west of the James River Falls/ Rapids. I remember being

intimidated by the rocks submerged underwater and thinking that I’ve paddled a mile only to look back to see that where we launched was just a few feet away. It was a moderately easy paddle against the current created by Bosher’s Dam and the water flowing downstream. There are a number of scenic spots in the Huguenot Flatwater area to stop and watch the myriad of river life happening. I was left in awe while watching an osprey casually flying close by then suddenly dive down towards the river to catch a fish. The dragonflies that hitch a ride on our kayaks are also a welcome treat.

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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One time, I decided to kayak Huguenot Flatwater after heavy rains. I launched my kayak and as soon as I paddled away from the ramp, I could tell that this would be an entirely different river from the calm and serene summer paddle I enjoyed a few months ago.

The water level was high and the current was strong, the numerous boulders and rocks were submerged by the water rushing down from upstream; my kayak was not moving forward but mostly stayed in place as I paddled furiously while the current pushed the kayak and me across the river.

experience new things so I didn’t turn back. Instead, I alternated between panic and determination to cross the river while shrieking ‘we’re going to die! and ‘I have to face my fear!’ every few minutes. I finally reached a small island across the river that buffered the strong current and I laughed at my frazzled self when I looked up and saw a young woman with her kayak, peacefully sitting on the island’s bank, reading her book. Obviously, that paddling excursion was not as daunting for some as it was for me.

There are times in life when I feel I have to push myself past my comfort zone to

The James River is a natural treasure that’s made the city of Richmond what it is today.

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

The rapids that meant the end of travel by sea-going ships centuries ago can now be enjoyed by white water rafting down Class I to IV rapids that lead right through the city’s downtown area. It is a city for urban adventurers ranging from mild explorers of pathways surrounding the river to mountain bikers that shoot through hilly forest trails.

It is a place on the map that I have come to love and anyone who has wilderness in their hearts and a city in their step will find no better place than Richmond and the James.

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ThE floodwaters shape the boulders, molding them and then leaving the rounded curving stones dry for the rest of the year

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See the Story Forest Hill Park, once a quarry then an estate then an amusement park, has a wide variety of activities for everyone. Visit the historic Stone House, play on the playground or tennis courts, meander through the trails, or catch a Sunday concert in warmer months.

4021 Forest Hill Avenue Huguenot Flatwater Park is the most western area of the James River Park System and is the perfect launching area for paddling trips. The park includes a boat ramp and rec center.

8600 Riverside Drive

Extra Credit If you’re feeling exceptionally brave, head to Riverside Outfitters to rent mountain bikes or kayaks for the day.

Store is open daily from 9 AM - 7 PM. 6836 Old Westham Road (804) 560-0068

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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Observatory

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For a little-known bird’s eye view of Richmond, head through the doors of the old City Hall just behind the capitol building. Find your way to the elevators in the center of the bustling brick building and head to the top floor. Whether rain or shine, the observation deck is open to give visitors a 360-degree view of Richmond and the surrounding countryside.

900 E. Broad St 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

Living out-proud

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Living Out-Proud Gritty River City in the

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ABAGAIL WALLER

I’ve lived in the gritty city of Richmond, VA for most of my life and all of my out-of-thecloset life. At the confusing age of fifteen, with hormones clamoring to the forefront of every move I made, I recall dipping my big toe into the waters of queerdom. It happened to be on a molten hot day in July as I also dipped my big toe... and the rest of myself into the murky waters of the James River to seek relief from the stifling hot, thick-as-tomatosoup air. With me that day was my pack of friends along with my best gal pal that had moved away but was back in Richmond visiting for the summer. My eyes moved over her small frame with a new intensity, and as the sun started to fall, I remember gazing out over the James and feeling a gnawing panic about all that I was feeling in the pit of my stomach.

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

“Out” sticker on the door of an LGBT-friendly business.

Virginia does not spring into people’s minds as a progressive or liberal state. Many think of the capital of the confederacy and undoubtedly conjure up images of good ol’ boys in trucks with rebel flag stickers on the bumper and bigbellied bigots. They wouldn’t be totally wrong. Virginia does have a lot of those things but we have so much more. I like to think of Richmond as this little sanctuary nestled in the deep-fried South. As queer individuals living within the city, we still get to sip sweet tea without feeling uncomfortable.

Richmond has come a long way in the fifteen years since I made my way across the unsure waters of admitting to 15 myself that I was gay. While I’ve encountered a number of close-minded people, all of those occurrences were more than ten years ago. Of course the city I call home still has plenty of people that aren’t very accepting but I think more and more they’re outnumbered by an accepting and openminded majority.

I met my wife at a party in the Fan, and we had our first kiss in the city’s only lesbian bar. There is not what I’d call a bustling gay scene in RVA, at least not as far as the lesbians are concerned, but we do have a sense of camaraderie when things really matter. We band together and show up in droves to party together each year at RVA’s everexpanding Virginia PrideFest, and we chant together in front of city hall to demand the right to love who we choose without discrimination.

The remains of dessert and wine from Garnett’s Cafe.

After years (decades for some) of fighting, Writer Abagail Waller and her wife on their wedding day. rallying, and demanding equality - just four short months ago the Supreme Court of the U.S. denied review of important samesex marriage cases therein finally bringing marriage equality to Virginia. After almost three years of my marriage not being recognized by the very place I call home, the wait was over.

Richmond living is now better than ever for married same-sex couples. I believe our city has always been a great one, but now when I walk its familiar streets and past the muralled buildings that I love, I finally feel that - really and truly - my city loves me back.

Richmond is worth a visit for any LGBTQ individual that loves big cities like Portland and New York, but craves small town charm and a lovable southern drawl. In the rich-in-history and dredged in butter town of RVA, you can hold your same-sex sweetie’s hand practically anywhere you go and most won’t bat an eyelash. This cannot be said about many other Virginia destinations. In Richmond, you’ll find not only tolerance in our bars and restaurants, but as you’re seated at a table for two, you’ll likely receive the warmest of smiles and a “What can I get y’all?”

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

17 Spotlight

spotlight

up-and-coming rva richmond’s gone a long way in shedding its bad-boy image in recent years. rather than mayhem, expect great food, good drinks, and even better experiences

Eat internationally

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Comida Casera

Brazilian and Hispanic Cuisine

8046 W Broad St. Richmond, VA 23294 (804) 335-1570

Comida Casera is a small Brazilian and Hispanic restaurant that’s located inside El Jardin Latino Market. A few booths and tables are meticulously arranged, tiny flags of Latin American countries decorate one wall in a festive but tastefully decorated atmosphere.

cheese along with the traditional Latin tamales (steamed corn dough with meat potatoes) and Pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas).

Comida has become an instant favorite and their take on Torta Cubana is rave and crave worthy.

A scrumptious sandwich Starters/appetizers are made of grilled French brea delectable mix of the two ad stuffed with steak, ham, cuisines with Brazilian Risole beef franks, bacon, chorizo, and Pastel de Quiejo; crun- eggs, mozzarella cheese, chy croquettes and pastries tomato, and avocado. The stuffed with meat and/or works!

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

There is also a traditional Brazilian black bean stew called Feijoada made up of pork hock, smoked pork sausage, dried beef, and fried pork belly that’s only available on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a heavy satisfying meal for two served with rice, collard greens and orange slices on the side.

The beverages do not fall short either and its authentic list of non-alcoholic

drinks include Horchata (rice milk) and Jamaica (hibiscus tea pronounced as Ha-my-ka).

It’s a place to have a good quiet meal but also small enough to chat up fellow diners. Fun fact, the first time we went there, we met a friendly bartender magician who was waiting for his food and showed us a few magic tricks.

by Vanessa lorenzo

3417 Old Parham Road Richmond, VA 23294 (804) 967-9868

Darul Kabab has an easy to miss shop front nestled between a busy Indian grocery and Indian bakeshop.

This simple eatery consistently serves good Indian food that comes out of their Halal kitchen. It is an affordable restaurant with hefty servings when you order ala carte. The buffet also serves up a massive range of Indian food favorites such as butter chicken, palak paneer (spinach and cheese curry), chicken tandoori, biryani, and goat korma/curry all for less than

Darul Kabab

$10.00 and is served with fresh naan (Indian flat bread) and steamed rice. The restaurant needs to update their appearance but don’t let its interior fool you. The staff is friendly and will make sure you are satisfied with the food’s quality. If you’re looking for hole in the wall gems and like to dine casual, this is the place to be. Darul Kebab serves up good Indian food at an affordable price.

Pho Tay Do A small house converted into a small restaurant, Pho Tay Do is a fun place to dine in. Once you enter through its doors, you’ll be welcomed by a hodge-podge of fantastic paintings that depict Vietnam’s countryside and beautiful women. It’s a quirky mix of pictures but these plywood canvas and cut outs are what make this restaurant homey and unique. It doesn’t hurt that it also serves up amazing Pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup), beef stew with French bread, and rice soup/Congee. The Cha Gio/ spring rolls are a good and light start to a meal and the Vietnamese Coffee is a delight, served in a glass with condensed milk topped with a tin Vietnamese filter.

6328 Rigsby Rd, Richmond, VA 23226 (804) 288-3861

This restaurant is family owned and every diner is catered and talked to like part of the family. If you ever become a regular at this place, they’ll ask were you’ve been if they haven’t seen you in a while.

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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Local markets

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local markets Text by Bethany frazier

Like most folks who grew up in suburbia or big cities, trips to the grocery store meant bracing yourself to navigate a parking spot, getting lost in massive choices of salad dressings and practicing patience as you wait in long checkout lines; or worse, the technical glitches in selfcheckout.

I loathe self-checkout.

But there’s something happening in Richmond, where the explosion of small locallyowned markets and grocers are proudly emerging from the traditional Americana big box chains.

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

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here are two markets in my neighborhood that I visit on a weekly basis. When I walk in, I’m not just another face. The folks who work there know me.

They know I order Margherita pizzas, drink stouts and adore handmade soaps. It’s almost like the grocery version of “Cheers”. I couldn’t ask for a better personal experience.

Erin Wright and Jessica Goldberg, who was once active in Richmond’s farmer’s market scene, dreamed of a place where they could get fresh local produce as well as staples like rice and milk. With that dream in mind, the duo opened Little House GreenGrocery in 2012 on the North Side of the city.

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When i walk in, i’m not just another face... they know i order margherita pizzas, drink stouts and adore handmade soaps.

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ince then, the stock has expanded, lessons have been learned, business has been bountiful and customers have fallen in love with the quaint neighborhood market. Little House Green’s space is adorable, think “modern old fashioned” with painted tin ceiling, wooden crates holding soaps and chocolates, and an iconic storefront feel. More than the impressive assortment of fresh produce and hot local items, the bright energy of this neighborhood store makes going to big box chains feel like a cold and faceless activity.

As Erin kindly shared her story with me and showed me around the store, I was instantly impressed with a white board tucked away behind closet doors. On it was a list of items, all requested by

customers from bread to hand soap. Whether it’s a nonchalant request or a repeated inquiry, each requested item is written and considered as an addition to their shelves.

Customer happiness is priority and with Erin’s energy, the array of high quality and local products and general feel of this place proves it.

“What others are eating is personal,” Erin tells me as we move towards the coolers, where a generous (but not overwhelming) selection of local meats, eggs and milk sit in perfect alignment. She’s right. Food is personal, from what we eat, how we eat it and how it’s prepared. Little House Green have become pros at helping customers build a meal and making it memorable, even if it’s a quick dinner.

Left: Little House Green Grocery. This photo: Erin Wright.

Both photos by Jonathan Goldberg.

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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n another side of town, Union Market stands proud on a corner in the historic Church Hill neighborhood. Union Market is my own go-to place for a sandwich and cold beer, but also makes a convenient alternative to chain grocery stores, where I can pick up hand soap and a bottle of wine.

I adore the story behind Union’s start. Gillian, Hunter and Shawn met in serendipitous ways. All lived in Church Hill and loved (and needed) the idea of a local market in their neighborhood. After going back and forth on the concept, some hardcore collaborating and falling in love with the building, (all at different times) they made it happen and opened their doors in January 2014.

a steady stream of hungry patrons flocking to get their food fix with fresh options like their Harvest Salad which includes apples, arugula, dried cherries, candied pecans, goat cheese with apple cider vinaigrette, or savory favorites such as their Chicken Tarragon salad sandwich with plum ginger jam, crispy chicken skins and avocado served on local Billy Bread. At night, local residents converse at the bar with an impressive beer selection. During the summer, their large (and dog friendly) patio provides a perfect sanctuary for food and cold beer.

And it’s worked. Actually, it’s working quite well.

Union has recently partnered with Quickness RVA to provide delivery for food and groceries. Perfect for a sick day when you’re needing that hot cup of soup or an ‘oh crap I forgot to get XXX for my dinner party’ last minute unavoidable errand.

Fast forward to a year later, with over 100+ vendors, a positive community presence and a great selection of local hot products, this trio keeps looking ahead, especially when it comes to their dining area. During lunch there is

Markets are doing more than providing dry goods, produce and beverages. They’re connecting with the community in a way that big box chains can’t replicate. Union Market offers knife sharpening, Little House Green conducts

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

wellness workshops, Shield’s Market and Harvest Grocery in the Fan area offer wine tastings and Franklin Street Market’s weekly menu item specials keep customers happy (and coming back).

With the influx of these local establishments and buzz with each, I wonder if there’s a feeling of collaboration or separation with Richmond market owners. Erin tells me that her and several others make it a point to meet once a month over beers to connect about their recent experiences, give advice, and talk local findings.

What better way to make this niche industry stronger than to create a collaborative environment?

As RVA continues to pound out amazing restaurants, craft beers, fresh produce and innovative food trends, the bursts of these small markets falls in line with it all.

Shopping becomes personal, you connect with your neighborhood on a different level and you’re inclined to support local vendors that make Richmond the warm, local supporting, food-loving city it is.

Little House Green Grocery Open 7 days a week: 9 AM - 7 PM 1227 Bellevue Avenue 804) 262-7474 Union Market Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 10 PM Friday & Saturday: 10 AM - 11 PM Sunday: 10 AM - 8 PM 2306 Jefferson Avenue (804) 716-7233

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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Brewtastic Richmond

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The River City’s Brewtastic Transformation

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

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How the expanding local brewery scene in Richmond, VA changed a local’s view of the city where he grew up.

Story by matt cherneski It was January 4th,

establishments (AKA brewe2015 and I found myself in a ries). We started at Blue Bee traffic jam on Interstate-95 cidery and made our way northbound; a depressingly back across the river to Ardent Craft Ales and Center normal occurrence when of the Universe. After a day traveling around the Washington D.C. area. I was on of taxi-ing around town to several different places and my way back to Baltimore, Maryland, where I currently drinking ALL the delicious, live and work. Strangely, this fresh, local Richmond beer and cider, it started to dawn trip back from Richmond, where I had spent the win- on me that Richmond is ter holidays, was a bit diffe- not the same place where I had grown up. Naturally, at rent than normal. Instead of swearing in frustration at this point in the day, I was the endless sea of cars and pretty, shall we say, sauced, the incompetence of other so I wasn’t able to compledrivers, I found myself deep tely realize it. However, that Sunday when I was driving in thought and was becoming oddly nostalgic about north, it really hit me that Richmond had become the city where I grew up. cool…and I missed it. I’ve While I was home over the always liked to go home, but I’ve also always liked leaving holidays my friends and I took advantage of the time to go back wherever I was living (Blacksburg, Moscow, off of work to actually go out and explore Richmond. London, Baltimore) more.

But not this time. I couldn’t I remember growing up in wait to go back.

Richmond suburbia and hearing everyone rant and So, I tell you this story not rave about how dangebecause I like writing about rous and dirty the city my sappy nostalgia for the was downtown. Being a typical suburban family, we River City, but because the generally stayed away from thing that really made me downtown unless there was realize how awesome Richa specific reason to go. As I mond was, the thing that finally connected the dots got older, my friends and I in my head, was that day had ventured downtown a bit more often to check out out at Richmond brewerisome cool bars popping up es. Over the past 15 years and to see a concert or two. Richmond (and Virginia as a whole) has become a beer But this time around we made an effort to check out mecca. What started back around year 2000 with a some truly local Richmond

couple hip tap houses like Capital Ale House in downtown Richmond has turned into a full-fledged beer city that can claim over 13 breweries in the downtown and surrounding area. Now, I don’t have any scientific data to back up this next claim, but in my extensive, beer drinking experience, I can say that with great beer and with a great atmosphere to drink that beer any city can change. Places for people to go, young and old.

Places for them to simply sit, chat, laugh, drown one’s sorrows, and everything in between are what create a great atmosphere in a city.

And, Richmond has that.

I’m going to share with you all, my fellow beer drinkers, two breweries and a cidery (yes, that’s a thing) that I went to on my most recent weekend home - and which helped me rekindle my love of RVA. I should give you all the pluses and minuses of each location, but to be honest, there are no minuses.

These places are truly great, so read on and try them for yourselves!

expecting to get sugary apple cider with a splash of booze. No, at this cidery you will get to try REAL cider. Blue Bee is located in downtown Richmond, across the river in the Old Manchester area of town.

Oddly enough, next door to Blue Bee is another brewery called Legend (but I won’t be reviewing it in this piece).

There is plenty of parking at the cidery if you have a friend who has volunteered

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that sunday when i was driving north, it really hit me that richmond had become cool... and i missed it.

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to DD your drunken experience, and if not, it’s very easy to find with a taxi driver.

When I went with my friends to the cidery we all decided to try the flight of ciders that Blue Bee has to BLUE BEE CIDERY offer. As far as I remember First of all, I must warn all of they make around eight you that if you think good ciders; however, in the flight cider tastes like Strongbow, you get to taste five which Angry Orchard, or Wood range from more tart and Chuck, you’re just wrong. dry to sweeter ciders. Don’tDon’t go to Blue Bee be fooled, these ciders are

not like the bottles you buy from the grocery store with less than 5% alcohol. They will give you good amounts of each cider and they are generally upwards of 8%...

Be forewarned!

The facility itself is pretty cool, but there are certainly no frills. You walk into the entrance and sit down at one of the several tables near the back, out on the cidery floor. They are basically glorified porch tables and chairs, which makes it even more awesome in my book.

I had a great experience at Blue Bee. I definitely don’t claim to be a cider connoisseur, but having lived in the United Kingdom where there are endless types of cider, it was refreshing to taste some high-quality, non-commercial ciders.

My favorite taster from the flight – Aragon 1904. Check it out!

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE Technically

not located in downtown Richmond, Center of the Universe Brewing Co is a quality brewery that has made a statement in the Richmond beer and restaurant scene in a relatively short amount of time. The facility is located in Ashland, Virginia which is a bit north of the city; however, I absolutely recommend everyone Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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Places for people to go, young and old. places for them to simply sit, chat, laugh...

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checking out their tasting room if you get a chance.

They have about seven beers on tap for patrons to try, ranging from IPAs to lagers to stouts. On top of the fact that they have delicious beer, they also have tons of events going on at the tap house, including live music on Saturday nights.

There are two beers from Center of the Universe that I recommend to all of our loyal readers out there. First, you’ve got to try “Chin Music,” which is an amber lager that goes good with basically everything, especially if you are watching sports. It’s my personal choice. The other beer which I only tried for the first time on my last trip home is called “Ray Ray’s Pale Ale.” It goes down smooth and it’ll have you beggin’ for another.

Now, you guys may say, “Uggh, but Matt, we don’t

want to have to drive outside of the center city for a brewery when we can just stay here and go to another!” Well my friends, you’re in luck. The best part about beers from Center of the Universe is that you can find them on tap at any bar or restaurant that has even a mediocre beer selection.

Even places like Buffalo Wild Wings around the Richmond area have this brewery on tap. So, there is no excuse for any of you readers to not try at least one brew from COTU!

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the expanding local brewery scene changed my view of the city where i grew up

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Blue Bee Cidery 212 W 6th Street (804) 231-0280 Center of the Universe 11293 Air Park Road (804) 368-0299 Arden Craft Ales 3200 W Leigh Street (804) 359-1605

ARDENT CRAFT ALES in the event someone sne- of a flight if you choose to The last brewery I visited is located right in the downtown area of Richmond.

Ardent Ales is a simple brewery that gets to the point: good beer equals good fun. The tap room itself, like most basic tap rooms, isn’t anything super impressive. However, it is the perfect environment to sit down with friends, shoot the shit, and drink beer.

Here is what I recommend: Go to Ardent with 4-6 friends and get a table. As soon as you and your friends order a brew, take out your phones. Now, listen to me carefully and don’t go into shock! I want you and your friends to stack your phones in the middle of the table, kind of like Jenga pieces. There are two simple rules to this exercise. . First, no one can touch their phone until they sign their check at the end. Second,

aks a peek at their phone for ANY reason, that person has to pick up the whole tab. Some of you are probably thinking, “I don’t know if I can go for more than 10 seconds with texting or Facebooking someone! How will I survive this terrible brewery experience?!” Don’t worry! You’ll be fine! You are surrounded by friends and locals, with a good beer in front of you. God forbid you and your friends look each other in the eye and actually talk!

I challenged you all to that because Ardent is the perfect place to do it. It has plenty of tables both inside and outside and a really lively atmosphere. Of the several beers I tried, I was a big fan of two of them: the Sweet Potato & Sage Autumn Ale and the Virginia Common. They will be part

do that.

I suppose it is a bit of a crazy story to say that beer and cool breweries are what made me fall in love with Richmond. But to be honest, it was just the last step in a process that has been happening for a while.

When you visit Richmond, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of things to do. On the street outside of these breweries you’ll often find food trucks or there will be great restaurants close by (Ardent Craft Ales is next to a GREAT Tex-Mex place called En Su Boca).

So, when you drunkenly stumble or taxi to the best beer spots around the city, remember that there is always another one not too far away!

Hosteling

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Hosteling Heads South the hostel’s construction crew is among the friendliest we’ve ever met

“Do you know that if you ask the average Richmonder what a hostel is, they’ll have no idea?” Although the rhetorical question was rather disheartening, our guide, Director of Development Katie Zacherle, was unapologetically perky and remained so throughout our tour.

Her undeniable enthusiasm about the ongoing construction of Richmond’s first hostel was a welcome relief to the typical U.S. attitude towards hosteling, which skews more toward homeless horror than backpacker chic.

“Do you know that if you ask the average richmonder what a hostel is, they’ll have no idea?”

The HI-Richmond Hostel, one of the recent hyperlocal projects of Hosteling International USA, is currently under constructions and has plans to open in the summer of 2015 just in time for the World Road Cycling Championships being held in Richmond. Beyond that, it seems clear that the hostel has even bigger plans to open the South’s mind to what a hostel experience really means.

As the Like a Local team meandered through the halls of the hostel, meeting what is perhaps the most relentlessly upbeat construction crew on earth, it’s clear that everyone involved is truly passionate about the project.

Travelers, whether seasoned hostel-goers or travelers new to the game, should be very excited about the first step in hostelling’s southern takeover.

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

clockwise from left: remnants of the buildings former history as a factory; penitentiary leftovers being repurposed; a shot of the hostel’s meticulous plans The future hostel is located in a historical factory building which, among other things, once served as a women’s penitentiary and the builders’ dedication to keeping as much of the building’s historical charm as possible is incredibly welcome. The first floor is dedicated entirely to the hostel’s common area which includes a 24/7 help desk, places to relax, a dining room and ‘cultural kitchen’ which will offer international cooking lessons.

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

The second floor is dedicated to living areas with a total of 50 beds holding up to 58 people. The sleeping options range from private rooms with a queen-sized bed and a loft all the way up to more traditional six-bed rooms. All of the rooms feature soaring ceilings and massive windows thanks to the building’s former status as a warehouse. Even better news for hostellers? Each bed has a dedicated electrical outlet, personal safe, and every room has a private bathroom.

For more information head to the hostel’s site at http://www.hiusa.org/virginia/richmond/richmond or contact Jennifer Burnett for more information at jennifer. burnett@hiusa.org.

HI-Richmond 7 North Second Street Richmond Virginia 23219

Urban legends

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LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

Richmond’s Urban Legends The Explorer’s Guide

A

text by Misty Thomas

s someone who has only been in the city of Richmond for about two years, I was very surprised to find out about the urban legends that surround this city.

The history of this city is so rich with stories of the Civil War and tales of Edgar Allan Poe, but some of the real history comes from these urban legends.

There are plenty of tales of a vampire that haunts the streets of Richmond, a werewolf that haunts Henrico, and a black dog that is always protecting those in Hollywood Cemetery.

The Richmond Vampire 34

For those unfamiliar with this tale, it begins within the Church Hill tunnel. The year is 1925. The city of Richmond built a tunnel to help transports goods through the city and to the end of the James River.

These goods would end up on boats that would travel from the James all over the country. It was a great idea until the tunnel collapsed, killing and trapping quite a few people.

There were many people that tried to help dig out those who was trapped in the tunnel. This is where the mysterious Richmond Vampire apparently showed up. Onlookers said that they saw a man come out of the tunnel, his skin was covered in blood and almost looked like it was melting off of him. His face was so burned that it looked as if he had fangs. Many people assumed that he was a vampire because of these fangs. They saw him run all the way across town to the Hollywood Cemetery. Although, the distance from the Church Hill Tunnel to Hollywood Cemetery is pretty far for a burning man, people say that he was chased all the way there because people actually thought he was a dangerous vampire. When he finally got to Hollywood, he took shelter in the mausoleum of W.W.Pool.

Historians say that the man that escaped the collapse of the tunnel was Benjamin Mosby. He was working for the railroad and shoveling coal when the tunnel collapsed.

He was very badly burned all over his body from the explosion. He actually died at Grace Hospital.

Many people have made this story into their own and to this day it still serves as one of many Richmond urban legends.

Werewolf of Henrico

This story has been one that has spread very quickly due to word of mouth. In the suburbs of Richmond, in Henrico County, there have been numerous reports of a furry creature that roams the city at night. Could this be a werewolf? Many people say that they have seen this

LIKE A LOCAL Richmond, Spring 2015

creature on Lee Avenue at the Confederate Hills Recreation Center. Many of the locals feel that these sightings are just pranks, while others believe that there is some sort of hairy creature lingering about.

The creature has been

described as being covered in black fur with hints of silver in it. Some say that it walks around on two legs like a human, but then will scurry off on all fours once it has been seen. It likes to eat out of the garbage bins and dumpsters. Those who have seen it said that they have

not felt scared and it seems like it could be a very docile creature. There have been no photographs seen of this creature yet, but if it is a real werewolf, we hope that it remains harmless and doesn’t run into the Richmond Vampire.

The Infamous Black Dog

In songs, television shows, and folklore black dogs represent Hell Hounds. In Richmond however, one represents protection and an urban legend. Located in the Hollywood Cemetery in the Oregon Hill neighborhood of Richmond, this famous black dog was placed beside a grave of a young girl. The story is quite sweet and a little creepy.

Located in Hollywood Cemetery, you will find the cast iron, black dog.

In the 1860’s, there was a local drug store that a small little girl would walk by with her parents. The drug store had a cast iron dog out in the front. The little girl was taken to this dog and she would make sure to pet it every time her and her family would walk by. She treated this dog like it was a real dog and many have said that she loved it like it really was her own. The little girl died when she was still very young of scarlet fever.

Most of the rumors about this cast iron dog and the little girl say

that the store owner put the dog by her grave because he knew she loved it so much. The store owner wanted to show the family that they knew how much the little girl loved this dog. They also placed it there because they wanted it to show the family that it would protect her even in death. This was such a kind gesture during the time because cast iron was not cheap and in some places there was a shortage.

The urban legend of the black dog is that it protects this little girl. Many visitors to the grave says that the eyes of the dog follow you as you walk around the cemetery. Others have said that they have seen its eyes glow yellow and have felt very frightened when they got close to the grave. There have been a few people say that they can even hear it bark and whine at night. If this is nothing but an urban legend, it is still very thoughtful. Every time I go to Hollywood Cemetery, I visit this grave. I have definitely felt a presence when I have been near it, but I’m not sure that it was the

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dog’s presence or the little girl’s; regardless, the spirit was very playful.

Perhaps you can visit this grave and really get an idea of the truth of this legend.

Urban legends are in every

major city and always seem to relate to historic events that have happened in that city’s past. With the amount of history that has happened in Richmond, there is no doubt that these legends have some historic accuracy. Whether or not there are immortal creatures roaming the streets is to be determined. If you are intrigued by these urban legends, there are plenty of locals with their own take on them and also plenty of books that have been written about them. Who knows what you will find out and perhaps you’ll discover a different urban legend.

Richmond, Spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL

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CITY STATS

city: RICHMOND population: 214,000

country: USA known for: JAMES RIVER

Founded in 1737 Aliases RVA, the River City Motto Sic itur Ad Astra (‘Thus do we reach the stars’)

Richmond, spring 2015 LIKE A LOCAL