We stopped at Richmond, VA on our way to Norfolk, so Steve could do a short recognizance trip to prep for a future visit. It's been many years since either of us had been to this cozy waterside city.
The brick buildings against bright blue skies tempted us to Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip neighborhood. Cobbled streets, antique shops, restaurants and green walkway along the St James river, that offers kayaking and rafting, makes this the area to visit. 
Take the 45 minute canal boat trip. At only $5, it's worth it at twice the price. The Kanawah Canal and it's locks were established in 1785, with the fervent support of George Washington. By 1840, tobacco, wheat & passengers filled the hundreds of boats that went between Richmond to Lynchburg. A turning basin, bascular bridge and locks - we love this stuff! By the1880's, the railroad made the canal virtually obsolete, but the many waterside factories remained in place. (Note the Lucky Strike on the smokestack.) Today, the rows of tobacco factories are lofts. Iron railroad trestles soar overheard, creating the only "Triple Crossing" in the US.
The flood wall was built to protect the city from the St James during hurricane rains. In 2004 the city found the wall's doors worked perfectly, but when the storm shifted north, the water trapped 14 feet of water INSIDE the city. Talk about unintended consequences!
The city is in a period of reemergence, so if you're in the area, it's worth a stop. Always a southern artistic center, it hopes to become known as the city of murals. Certainly both 2 and 3-D of all variety can be seen in the most unexpected locations.
Stop at Max's for dinner or the Jefferson Hotel for its incredible lobby and amazing brunch.
No comments:
Post a Comment