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Amanda’s Starter Guide to a so-called City: Richmond

September 12, 2008 by Amanda

I have relocated to Richmond, Virginia, the city of one-way streets to attend their artsy-fartsy university – VCU. For a suburban brat that has spoiled herself with the happenings of DC for the past four years, Richmond has very little. I love DC and I’m trying to like Richmond, but it’s not working. To try and convince myself that this city is the bees knees I will be presenting to you weekly installments of what the hell one does in this city.

Wait, I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be uncovering the diamond in the rough.

Richmond is a beautiful city with plenty to offer.

Better?

In all seriousness though, in the few weeks that I’ve been here I have found plenty that is worthwhile, at least for a day-trip. Nothing that I’ve seen has convinced me that Richmond is worthy of my permanent residence, but we’ll see what four years can do.

So here it goes. What does Richmond have that DC doesn’t?

• The Byrd.This once-upon-a-time opera house was saved from being condemned and turned into a dollar theater. It’s located in Cary town (Cary town is what would happen if you combined U st. with King St.) in the west end (rich end) of the city. Sure they only show movies that have been out of regular theaters for a couple months, but it’s also only $2. And if you are poor, like me, you won’t mind the wait; or if you’d rather, those of you that want to see a movie again, but don’t want to spend the ten bucks, The Byrd is a great alternative to your local cinema.

• Breakfast Places.DC doesn’t have any. And there are two not so far away from where I live – about a ten minute bike ride.

First up, Perly’s – Downtown.

Perly’s is open every day from about 8 am to 3 pm. It’s decorated in 1920’s art-deco and has a very simple charm. The people that work there are friendly and helpful, the food is wonderful and they pay attention to detail. I’ve eaten there three times, now, and each time was pleasant. They serve breakfast until eleven on weekdays and all day on weekends. It is exceptionally affordable – nothing is over ten dollars. You can’t beat great food at that price.

Second, Millie’s Diner< – Shockoe Bottom

Okay, so they’re not really a breakfast place, but they serve brunch on the weekends, and that’s kind of like breakfast. If you get there even an hour after they open, you can anticipate a line. This place is the weekend-morning hot spot. They have different specials every day, and sometimes they include my personal favorite, apple-sausage (no, not veggie, it’s sausage with cinnamon-y apples in it, I think).

In addition to having great food they play up a modern diner theme with juke-boxes at each table (think Silver Diner). These play everything from the Beatles to the White Stripes.

Oh, did I mention they have a bar. They do. You can screw-drivers with your omelet, before noon.

• Outdoors Activities – for those of you that want more than just a bike ride to your next destination.

Hollywood Cemetery

I’m not usually one to enjoy cemeteries, but Hollywood leaves ghosts and goblins to the movies. It is the resting place of presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, and the Confederacy’s president Jefferson Davis, and a bunch of other famous people from the Confederacy. But mostly, I just think it’s pretty. It’s perfect for a picnic, writing, reading, and the people you will encounter are few – though tourists will drive through, so find a place that’s not close to the road. The hillsides are covered in cobblestone and dotted with large tombs. If you have a good eye find a tomb with seating (strange, I know), cool off and enjoy the view.

*Do not listen to ‘Graveyard Girl’ by M83 while you are here.

• Indoors Activities – kind of, I’ll have more later

Penny Lane’s Pub

This import from England is owned by the O’Neils straight from Liverpool. They play all Beatles all the time and have a good portion devoted to them. They have three spaces- an indoor patio, a bar, and a pool hall – all three are accessible and cozy. I like to bring my laptop and plug in. They’re open until two every night and the transient crowd doesn’t make too much noise.

They host karaoke on Mondays and poker on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a trivia night each Wednesday. If you’re a European Football (Futbol?) fan come watch the game, or a VHS of highlights.

Go alone or with a group, either way you’re ensured good food and friendly conversation.

More to come.
I promise

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