Top Five Reasons to Love Richmond

I realize that people have certain reasons for loving the city where they live. I am no different. I love the city that I call my home for many different reasons. I could state reasons for loving Richmond like "Great Historic City!" or "Friendly People!" but lets be honest, these things wouldn't amount to anything if it weren't for the Top Five staples listed. Keep in mind... these are subjective and if you don't love Richmond for these reasons, but you can at least appreciate their glory.


1. The Photo Booth at the New York Deli

It simply wouldn't be a night out on the town without a beer at the New York Deli in Carytown and most importantly, a trip to the Photo Booth with your closest friends (or friends you just made for that matter). Since discovering the booth shortly after moving to Richmond, my apartments have been scattered with the thin strips of four pictures. Some nights are better than others, most of the time the flash always goes off before you are ready, but sometimes... just sometimes... you get it just right and the pictures are classic memories of what The Deli represents. http://www.returnofthedeli.com/.

2. Movies at the Byrd Theatre.

Ah the Byrd. Sadly enough I lived in Richmond for almost a year before I discovered the Byrd Theatre. Don't get me wrong, I had heard of The Byrd, but I had not yet experienced it. Walking into the Byrd Theatre is like stepping back in time, and there is no other way to explain it. The Theatre opened in December of 1928 and still has the style and grace of the roaring 20s! Plus it has the added bonus of the films only costing $2 so you don't have to break the bank to have a night out at the movies! They have two showings every night of the year and the shows are opened on Saturday nights with a prelude by the Wurlitzer organ. It is an Richmond experience that must be had! http://members.tripod.com/~g_cowardin/byrd/

3. Mongrel cards and gifts.

Ever wanted to send your friend a report card for a wild night out? Or needed that ever so politically incorrect gift? Personally I am a card junkie. I will come up with all kinds of reasons to send and buy cards. Holidays, Birthdays, Thank Yous, it doesn't really matter I just love to buy and send cards. Mongrel has the best selection of cards, paper goods and gifts, for those occasions where Hallmark just wont cut it. http://www.mongrelonline.com/

4. Thursdays at the 17th Street Farmer's Market

Definitely one of the perks of my job is the close proximity to one of Richmond's greatest gems... the 17th Street Farmer's Market. Thursdays during open season are the best. You can grab anything from a cup of coffee to jewelry and tie dye tee shirts. http://www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com/

5. Style Weekly

Absolutely without a doubt one of the best things about Richmond is Style Weekly. Published weekly on Wednesday, Style is the guide to all the happenings in Richmond; events, political issues and hot spots. I cannot in good faith go into my weekend without picking up a Style to weigh all of my social options. http://www.styleweekly.com/

There you have it. My first published Top Five. What is your Top Five?