Richmond Through the Eyes of a Local [Travel Blogger]

Every city has a combination of personality, culture, and natural attractions (or lack thereof) which makes it distinct from any other place in the world. Call it a fingerprint or call it a flavor - but each town is unique. When traveling to a new city or country, I seek out the best examples in each of these categories to get a holistic view of that place as a living, breathing entity of people and attractions.

And when I stop to seek out these same ideals in my own backyard, I come to one conclusion:

Richmond is one cool city.

Whether you live here, work here, or just pass through here, Richmond has something for everyone.

St. John's Church

...Come for the History, Stay for the Food
Richmond's history is colorful, and at times dark, but familiarity with its past brings deeper understanding of its present. You can find vestiges of revolution in St John's Church (located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood) for daily guided tours or every Sunday in the summer for free reenactments of Patrick Henry's famous Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death speech of 1775. Fast forward nearly a century to a nation at war with itself when Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The Museum & White House of the Confederacy and the historic Tredegar Ironworks, which will soon be breaking ground on a new museum, are both located in Richmond, and the area around the city is scarred with the battlefields of that conflict, most notably the famous crater at the Battle of Petersburg just to the south.

Twentieth century notables for Richmond include Agecroft Hall and the Virginia House, both originally built in England, bought, shipped, and reconstructed in Richmond along the James River during the the 1920s. These Tudor houses predate the oldest Virginia colonies, and touring Agecroft Hall in particular can take you back through several centuries' worth of history spanning two different countries.

Today Richmond stands out as a foodie destination, having most recently been named by National Geographic Travel as a must-taste destination for your taste buds in 2016. This is not Richmond's first appearance on various "best places to eat" lists, but perhaps the most buzzworthy shout-out in Richmonders' opinions was when Daniel Radcliffe (yes, Harry Potter himself) informed Thrillist that one of the best meals he's ever had - in the world, mind you - was a steak fromage at Buckhead's Chophouse, located in a rather nondescript strip mall in Richmond's Tuckahoe district. Who would've thought?

In recent years many Hollywood standouts have visited Richmond to film movies and shows. PBS's new hit drama, Mercy Street, uses Richmond as their film location. Daniel Radcliffe was filming his upcoming movie Imperium when he discovered Buckhead's, and Spielberg's in-depth drama, Lincoln, used various buildings and locations in Richmond as stand-in representations of a 19th century D.C. Many waiters and waitresses in the River City will never forget the day they served a meal to various cast members, and the whole city was caught up in "Daniel Day-Lewis sightings" while filming was in progress.

I've fallen hard for Richmond, VA. What a great town this is. #MercyStreetPBS #RVA

— Josh Radnor (@JoshRadnor) June 27, 2016

Other RVA Favorites
Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Did you know that Poe spent many years living in Richmond? His mother is actually buried at St John's Church.
The Virginia Holocaust Museum: The late Elie Wiesel said that "for the dead and the living, we must bear witness." A visit to this museum will remind you of the atrocities of which man is capable along with the hope that can be found with those who survived the holocaust.
The John Marshall House: Belonging to the Great Chief Justice John Marshall, a native of Virginia, this brick residence was completed in 1790 by John Marshall and is one of the best examples of Federal architecture in the Commonwealth.
Shirley Plantation: Visit the oldest family-run business in the United States! The plantation dates back to 1638 with the house having been completed in 1738. It is a wonderful example of early American plantation life, best viewed in the summer when the crops and livestock are in full swing.

At the Capitol Complex

...Black and White and Rad All Over
Richmond has an attitude problem in the best possible way. For a state that was at the forefront of the Confederacy, Virginia ranks the highest in the US for interracial marriages. In fact, the landmark civil rights case Loving v. Virginia, which resulted in the Supreme Court striking down anti-miscegenation laws as unconstitutional, originated right here in Richmond, Virginia. With racial tensions seemingly engulfing the nation, one can only hope that the interwoven relationships and friendships will continue to set Virginia - and Richmond - apart. Truly the state tourism slogan rings true in Richmond: Virginia Is For Lovers.

In fact the Richmond of today is full of contrasts: black and white, genteel and edgy, traditional and progressive. On one block you can see the some of the best examples of Old South architecture lining Monument Avenue, the only street listed on the National Register of Historic Places and touting fine Georgian, Victorian, or Colonial houses, and on the next street over, you can view fascinating street art blanketing an otherwise plain apartment building. Plenty of y'alls permeate conversations among strangers as here in the South there's no such thing as a stranger - just a friend you haven't made yet. Even transplants to the area find themselves picking up the idiosyncrasies of a city where sweet tea and fried chicken could be the official fare.

Either as a testament to its alternative-friendly atmosphere or a result of it, hipsters have flocked to Richmond, deepening the cultural contrast between bearded, skinny-jeaned men and the Country Club Prep ladies and gents passing each other on Carytown's bustling streets. It's cool to buck the mainstream, and it's cool to be mainstream in Richmond. Whatever floats your boat, y'all, but no matter what side of the river you live on, everyone comes together for $2 movies at the Byrd Theater.

#streetart #richmond #urban #beautiful #tag #street #ttot #travel #rva #virginia

A photo posted by Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsytravels) on Nov 22, 2014 at 8:32am PST

Other RVA Favorites
Strawberry Street Cafe: A Richmond taste bud destination since 1976, offering Southern inspired food.
Richmond Mural Project: Richmond gets a face lift and attitude adjustment at the annual street mural exhibit scattered throughout the city.
The National: This music venue brings in big names and local favorites, and a visit here is a must for any local, especially the hipsters.

...Summahtime is Rivah Time

When it gets hot and humid in Richmond, the only logical destination is the River. Richmond is the only city in the U.S. where you can navigate Class III and IV rapids against a city skyline. The James River is one of the most treasured natural resources of the area, and scoring a seat at a brewery, restaurant, or prime shady spot for river viewing might just be the highlight of your day. For family friendly outings, grab the stroller and head for Maymont Park; kids will ooooh and ahhhh over their small, but quality zoo. And if the thought of a cemetery doesn't automatically run chills down your back, head for Hollywood Cemetery, located on a commanding bluff over the river and as beautiful as any New Orleans or European resting place. There you can pay your respects to John Tyler and James Monroe, two of the five presidents claiming Virginia as their home, and also indulge in some supernatural legends of Richmond.

The abundance of festivals, many of which are hosted rain or shine, entice many to enjoy the great outdoors and ensure there is never a dull moment in the city. The Carytown Watermelon Festival, hosted annually on the second Sunday of August and now on its 33rd year, is possibly the most venerated, rivaled only by other fan favorites such as the Folk Festival, the Greek Food Festival, the Oktoberfest Festival, or maybe the Central Virginia Celtic Festival & Highland Games. But there are so many festivals in Richmond, how could one possibly choose a favorite?

Northern Neck, VA

But there's even more nature to explore beyond Richmond, and there's no need to travel all that far. Within a 90 minute radius, you can park yourself on a secluded beach on Virginia's Northern Neck or hike the Humpback Rock trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region just west of Richmond in the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley is emerging as the "Napa Valley" of Virginia; currently, there are over 250 wineries in the commonwealth and over 100 breweries, of which 10 can be found within Richmond city limits. Want some decent Vietnamese food with your beer? For the third year in a row, Mekong took the #1 spot for best "Great American Beer Bar" in the nation by CraftBeer.com, and for 2016, they won the top spot for Best Beer Bar in America hosted by USAToday 10Best! Take your Virginia brews on a float trip down the James River in Goochland County or escape to the beautiful Shenandoah River in the Appalachians. Richmond is the perfect staging point to reach most of the state in two hours or less.

Other RVA Favorites
The Canal Walk: Inspired by the beautiful River Walk in San Antonio, Richmond's Canal Walk is not quite there, but still pleases with its quiet pathways along the James River canals. (The TripAdvisor photos are sure to interest.)
Blue Bee Cider: Delicious local cider with beautiful views of Richmond's southern skyline. (Like, seriously, this view is legit.)

No matter how many beautiful cities, countries, and natural wonders I see on my travels, the unique combination of culture, personality, and outdoor entertainment makes the Richmond area a wonderful place to call home. Come by and see it for yourself.

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Linking up with:
 Lauren, Van, Isabel, and Marcella.

A Rainy Day in RVA

Last week I had to drive from Charlottesville to downtown Richmond to deliver a proposal by 2pm.  Despite having to drive down the highway like a bat out of hell and sprinting across the Capitol lawn like a maniac in order to turn in the proposal a mere five minutes before the deadline, I enjoyed being in downtown RVA even if only for a short while.  It was rainy, but that couldn't detract from the beauty.  And there are plenty of things to do in Richmond despite weather!

For more Richmond or Virginia attractions, check out my ever-growing list!

For The Dead and the Living, We Must Bear Witness

A visit to the Virginia Holocaust Museum has been on my Virginia bucket list for years, and yet it ultimately took twenty-two years of living in Virginia before I finally found myself there.  It's not exactly a visit that induces excitement like a theme park or a festival.  But it was a visit I felt I needed to make and finally made time to do four weeks ago, accompanied by two of my sisters.

The Virginia Holocaust Museum
2000 E Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223

Monday through Friday: 10:00-5:00
Saturday and Sunday:  11:00-5:00

Free Admission.  Free parking in attached lot between the building and the railroad tracks/canal walk.

The potato-field bunker recreation. There was barely room
for a grown adult to sit upright.

From the moment I parked the car in the chain-fence, barbed-wire parking lot, I could feel the heaviness of the Holocaust weigh on me.  A lone train car sat in front of the museum, reminding visitors and passersby of the inhumane conditions inflicted on millions of people not so long ago.  Railroad ties and tracks flanked either side of the gangway to the museum entrance, and a sign indicated that they originated from tracks leading in to a concentration camp in Europe.  This museum truly brings the Holocaust home.

Throughout the entire museum, there are bits and pieces of original material from concentration camps or personal belongings from survivors - and victims.  What differentiates this museum from, say, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. is that it focuses on the stories of survivors who ultimately settled in Richmond, which brings a very personal touch to an event which can sometimes appear distant in history books.  You can't help but feel the anxiety of the Ipp family as you crawl through the recreated potato field bunker which housed thirteen people as they avoided being thrown into the Kovno Ghetto in Kaunas, Lithuania.  You can feel the panic well up inside you as you enter the gas chambers labeled as an innocuous "Bath House."  It's hard to hold back tears as you survey the Children's Remembrance Wall, which displays the artwork and poetry of children held in Terezin Concentration Camp outside of Prague.  I had seen many of the original drawings when visiting the Jewish Quarter in Prague, but seeing the copies in Richmond further brought this atrocity home.  I looked down at my thirteen year old sister and tried to imagine her enduring the Holocaust.  I couldn't stomach the thought.

Photos of civilians who risked their lives to save Jews and of the soldiers who liberated concentration camps.

It is easy to forget.  Make a point to remember.

As we left the museum after a two hour visit, we ventured into the shadows of the cattle train car we walked by when we first arrived.  Sunlight poked through a few round holes in the wood, remnants of tree knots or perhaps bullet holes from the Nazis who shot into the car for amusement.  Suddenly, a train whistle pierced the air, and the rattling of train cars persisted for the next few minutes.  The sounds transported us and brought claustrophobia and fear.  I closed my eyes and let the thought of that suffering weigh on me.  I prayed that our generation would stand up against the threat of current and future Holocausts.

Shaken, somber, and reflective, we stepped back into the sunlight of the sidewalk, vowing to never forget.

***

When you think upon the Holocaust of the 1930s and 1940s, please be mindful of the genocide of people groups happening today.  Christians are being slaughtered in Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, and countless other countries simply for their religion.  

Remember - evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

Linking up with Chasing the Donkey, Pack Me To, A Southern Gypsy, The Fairytale Traveler, and Ice Cream & Permafrost for the #SundayTraveler!

Linking up with Bonnie Rose, Amanda, Caity, Marcella, and Michelle for #TravelTuesday!

The Legend of the Richmond Vampire

Source.

Vampires are all the rage these days, thanks to the poorly-played but well-marketed Twilight series (#sorrynotsorry to all you Cullen fans). But did you Richmonders know that we have a vampire in our own backyard?

Church Hill Tunnel. Source.

The Legend of the Richmond Vampire, or the Hollywood Cemetery Vampire as he is alternatively known, originates from a tragic accident in 1925.  In that year, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O) attempted to revive the 4,000 feet long Church Hill Tunnel in order to have a direct route for transporting cargo between the port of Richmond and a rail yard.  While a work train, several flat-bed cars, and nearly 200 laborers were working, the tunnel collapsed on several of them.  Of those directly beneath the collapse, two reportedly wriggled and pried their way out of the debris.  But additional collapses and unstable situations prevented 2-4 other bodies from ever being recovered.

Shortly after the collapse, witnesses saw a creature emerge from the rubble.  Flesh dangled from its limbs, jagged teeth protruded from its mouth, and it was dressed in blood.  Pursued, the creature ran along the nearby James River and up to the Oregon Hill neighborhood where it disappeared into the tomb of William Wortham Pool at Hollywood Cemetery.

Creepy, huh?

Photo by my friend, C.D.

Sadly, the 1925 tunnel collapse is fact, and it remains the burial place for the men who died there.  The Richmond Vampire, while a titillating story, is actually a distorted report of a man who did crawl out of the collapse and later died.  Benjamin F. Mosby worked as a coal-man on trains, shoveling coal into the engine's furnace for power.  When the tunnel collapse, the boiler erupted, spewing its contents onto Mosby.  He managed to crawl out of the tunnel -- in the dark, smoke, and dust of the rubble - but died shortly after being taken to the hospital.  The description of his injuries largely matches that of the alleged Richmond Vampire.

But despite all facts, many Richmonders still largely believe in the Richmond/Hollywood Cemetery Vampire, and on occasion the Richmond Police still have to chase away Satanic cults attempting to utilize poor W.W. Pool's tomb for their rites.  Oddly enough, the tomb - like the Church Hill Tunnel - is carved into the hillside, and while W.W. Pool's year of death is marked, his year of birth is not, further perpetuating the vampiric legend.

Does your hometown have a local legend?

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Linking up with Bonnie Rose, Amanda, Caity, Marcella, and Michelle for #TravelTuesday!

10 Winter Travel Ideas in Richmond, VA

Winter gets a bad rap in the travel world, particularly during the awkward time between the December holidays and the first hint of spring in late March.  However, it doesn't have to be that way!  Cold weather favors the brave travelers among us, as otherwise crowded sites in the summer will have little to no visitors this time of year.

Whether you're a Virginian or someone looking to take advantage of our mild winters, here are some great places to visit in our capital city of Richmond during these colder months -- all but one are on the National Register for Historic Landmarks!

From Wikipedia

1.  The Virginia Capitol Building
Designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, the Virginia Capitol Building is a neoclassical masterpiece, housing the longest-running general assembly of the western hemisphere.  Take a tour if you can (it's free), but if not, admire the Palladian architecture from the outside.

2.  The Museum of the Confederacy/White House of the Confederacy
Virginia's history runs the gamut - wars, victories, defeats, historical "firsts" of American history, etc.  One reminder of Virginia's war past can be found at the Museum of the Confederacy and the White House of the Confederacy, which commemorate Virginia's role as capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.  ($15 to enter both the Museum and White House, or $10 for just one.)

3.  The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
While not as prestigious as any of the Smithsonians, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has a small, but quality collection of art and artifacts from around the world.  Admission to traveling exhibits may entail a small fee, but otherwise general admission is free!

From Wikipedia

4.  Agecroft Hall
Pining for a bit of England, but unable to visit anytime soon?  Check out Agecroft Hall - a 15th-century Tudor mansion from Lancashire that was bought at auction, disassembled, shipped, and reconstructed in Richmond ninety years ago.  The rooms and furnishings depict every day life for a 16th century English family, and with admission at $8 a person, it's a far more affordable trip to "England" than a plane ticket.

5.  Monument Avenue
This "Grand American Avenue" is the only street on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and a source of pride to the Richmond community.  The style of architecture varies along this five mile road -- Italianate, English Tudor, Colonial, Spanish, and Georgian houses, churches, and apartment buildings create a pleasing backdrop to the six statues along this tree-lined avenue.

6.  St. John's Church
"As for me, give me Liberty or give me Death!"  Patrick Henry uttered these famous words during the Second Virginia Convention at St. John's Church.  Among his audience numbered George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, and other great American Patriots.  Follow in their footsteps with a tour of the church and grounds!

St. John's Church

7.  Shirley Plantation
If you want to experience the Virginian plantation life, take a drive down the scenic Route 5 just east of Richmond to visit Shirley Plantation, which has been in the same family for eleven generations.  Shirley Plantation is arguably the "most intact 18th century estate in Virginia" and well-worth spending a few hours touring the house and grounds.

8.  Richmond National Battlefield Park/Petersburg National Battlefield
As the once-capital of the Confederate States of America, many battles occurred in and around Richmond.  To better understand the scope of the battles and the cost of human life, visit the Richmond National Battlefield Park or Petersburg National Battlefield, site of the infamous "Crater" attack by the Union against the Confederacy; both sites are run by the National Park Service.

9.  Hollywood Cemetery
Come pay your respects to U.S. Presidents John Tyler and James Monroe at this beautiful resting place in the Oregon Hill neighborhood of Richmond.  Beyond the two presidents, other notable interments at Hollywood Cemetery are Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart, George Pickett, John Randolph, and 18,000 Confederate war dead.  It is both a somber yet serenely charming location to visit.

Hollywood Cemetery (Photo by Calah D.)

10.  Byrd Theatre/Carytown
The Byrd Theatre, or Richmond's "Movie Palace," is a Renaissance Revival-styled cinema located in Carytown, a hip urban retail neighborhood.  The Byrd offers movie showings at $2 a person, but the real show is the whole experience of this old-fashioned theater, which will be featured in an upcoming European documentary about historic theaters of the U.S.!

Bonus:  Richmond breweries
Thanks to state law changes in 2012, the craft beer industry in Richmond has boomed.  Dozens of breweries and cideries have opened in the general area in recent years, joining an already stellar cast.  Hardywood, Strangeways, Midnight, Center of the Universe, Eisley, Blue Bee Cidery, and Legends are just a few of our favorites.  Join a brewery tour or get a DD to check some of these guys out!

Have you visited any of these places in Richmond?  What are your winter travel plans?

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Linking up with Bonnie Rose and other travel bloggers for #TravelTuesday!

Snapshot of Monument Avenue ~ A National Historic Landmark

Richmond's Monument Avenue holds the distinction of being the only street on the U.S. National Register for Historic Landmarks and is named by the American Planning Association as among the 10 Great Streets in the country.  It also happens to be one of my favorite streets in the whole world, even compared to some beautiful streets I've seen in Europe.

The architecture of houses, churches, and organizations on Monument Avenue vary dramatically, ranging from Neoclassical, Georgian, Palatinate, Gothic, Colonial, and almost everything in between.  In addition to the architecture, Monument Ave features several prominent statues, commemorating famous Virginians such as Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and tennis legend Arthur Ashe.  If you're ever in Richmond, take a drive down this beautiful road, or better yet, park your car and walk down the median to soak up the architecture and atmosphere.

Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA

A photo posted by The Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsy87) on Jan 25, 2015 at 3:34pm PST

Have you visited Monument Avenue?

Och Aye, A Wee Bit o' Scotland & Ireland in Virginia

Men in kilts.

Let's be honest, the only thing more attractive than men in kilts are men in lederhosen (give me a Ja! my German-loving ladies!), but the Central Virginia Celtic Festival & Highland Games came very close to changing my mind on that particular subject!

Although the Celtic Festival has occurred in the metro-Richmond area for several years now, last weekend was my first experience - but it certainly won't be the last.  Taking advantage of a LivingSocial deal for half-priced tickets, we spent an unusually warm September day sipping Guinness, watching large men throw things, and attempting to connect with the Scotch-Irish parts of our heritage.  With Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and even Union Jack flags sprouting out of nearly every tent and a few legit brogues from various attendees and participants, it wasn't too difficult for my imagination to transport me to the highlands of Scotland or the rolling hills of Ireland.  Well, minus the fact that we were enjoying a decidedly warm Virginia autumn day!

We arrived in time to watch the Parade of Clans enter Guinness Field to the sound of bagpipes and the hurrahs of enthusiastic watchers.  It was a rather informal parade, but you could sense the pride in every clan as they entered the field, hoisting high their clan's banners and flags.  From kilts to suits to plaid-bedecked terriers, each clan paraded their unique heritage.  The crowd roared appreciatively at the kilt-wearing Storm Trooper from Clan Hamilton!

After the parade, we wandered over to the Ancient Order of Hibernians' tent to trace the roots of our surnames to various localities in Ireland.  Danny's family possibly hails from County Clare, located in the mid-southwestern portion of Ireland, and according to the septuagenarian we spoke with, "the prettiest county in all of Ireland."  Coming from a gentleman who's traveled the better part of the world, we considered it high praise (and mentally added that particular locale to our bucket list!).  We chipped in a tenner towards a raffle prize trip to Ireland and now have all our fingers and toes crossed until the drawing on St Paddy's Day.  Maybe the luck of the Irish will finally shine on me?!

The sound of applause drew us to a nearby tent and stage for the Highland Dancing competition.  Girls of various ages and abilities were dancing on the balls of their feet to the accompaniment of a bag-piper.  The strength, skill, and stamina required for such dancing is remarkable; while many wouldn't consider dancing a sport, Highland Dancing is recognized as a sport by the Sport Council of Scotland.


The highlight of the day, however, was observing the various Highland Games.  We arrived in time to watch the ladies competing in the sheaf toss (or "sheep" toss as I first thought they said!).  The rules are simple: use your pitchfork to toss a 7kg (16lb) burlap bag of straw above your head and over a horizontal bar.  Competitors have three chances to clear the height cleanly as the bar is raised ever higher, ultimately eliminating all but one.  It's amazing how fascinating it can be to watch men and women throw a burlap sack through the air! 

The hammer throws and weight toss were equally as amusing, but the big draw for the Highland Games is the caber toss.  You know, the "large men throwing things" part of any Celtic festival!  The word caber derives from the Gaelic word "cabar," which means a wooden beam.  Traditionally, a caber is 19.5 feet long piece of Larch wood.  While I can't vouch that the competitors were using Larch wood, I would say that it was approximately the correct length.  Like the other games, the caber toss is straightforward.  Fellow competitors or helpers hoist the caber to an upright position in front of the competitor and then step away, leaving him to manage it solo.  The competitor must then pick up the caber and attempt to flip it end-over-end, preferably landing it at the twelve o'clock position.  If none of the competitors are able to flip it over, then whoever's caber achieves the highest angle in air and lands closest to the twelve o'clock position will be deemed the winner.  It looks simple, but you try throwing a log like that!

All those games are sure to work up an appetite (being a spectator is serious business!), so belly up to the food carts for some haggis, fish and chips, shepherds pie, and other Celtic-inspired eats.  And as mentioned before, be sure to wash it down with a pint of Guinness to complete the experience.

Sated, entertained, and sunburned, we spent a few minutes browsing the wares (wish I'd come across the t-shirt emblazoned with "I Can't Keep Calm I'm Scottish" that a friend's husband sported at the festival!) before heading home.  As one friend put it, the Central Virginia Celtic Festival is no Renaissance Fair -- but the warmth and enthusiasm of the vendors, participants, and spectators will bring you back year-after-year like a family reunion that's open not only to those with a common heritage, but anyone who nods their head and taps those toes when the bagpipes start playing.

Sláinte!  Here's tae ye!

***

Have you visited Ireland or Scotland? Have you attended a Celtic Festival?

 

Linking up with A Brit and A Southerner for #WeekendWanderlust!

A Midday Brew at Midnight Brewery

Source: Midnight Brewery's Facebook

Birthday + Beer = Bliss

This past Saturday I confirmed the veracity of this formula with a visit to Midnight Brewery, a locally-owned and operated microbrewery in eastern Goochland County.  Although relatively young to the craft brewing scene, Midnight has already established a local reputation for flavorful, great-tasting beers, with two beers in particular - Not My Job, a Southern English Brown Ale, and Christmas at Midnight, a spiced ale - capturing my birthday taste buds. 

As we cozied up to the bar for a tasting, my attention was first drawn to the F.D.T., a Hefeweizen with a 5% alcohol content.  It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of wheat beers, and having recently returned from a two-week stint in Germany, I was eager to compare the F.D.T. with German Hefeweizens.

The F.D.T. did not disappoint, but it didn't blow me away either.  It had a golden, honey-colored tone and a good-sized head, which faded quickly.  Compared to a Paulaner Hefeweizen or Erdinger Weissbier, though, it wasn't cloudy enough and lacked a more vibrant wheat-punch.  The wheat was more of an accessory rather than principal flavor, making the F.D.T. light-tasting for a hefeweizen.  However, for a comfortably warm day, it was a refreshing summer brew, and I must admit I prefered Midnight's F.D.T. to Hardywood's HYPE wheat beer.

Two F.D.T.s, Christmas at Midnight, Not My
Job & Rockville Red!

Luckily, Midnight had more than just the F.D.T. on tap.  As my friend couldn't stop praising her Christmas at Midnight spiced ale, I opted for a taste... and was sold.  Featuring a warm, reddish-brown color with a fragrant scent of cinnamon, the Christmas at Midnight beer is a semi-sweet beer that's absolutely magical on a summer day, and probably equally so if paired with Christmas cookies on a snowy night! 

Finally, I stole a taste of Midnight's Southern English Brown Ale with the tongue-in-cheek moniker of "Not My Job."  The name is not the only intriguing thing about this beer, which is medium-bodied and drops hints of chocolate and coffee in every sip.  I've never gravitated towards dark beers, thinking they were all as thick and bitter as Guinness, so both Not My Job and the Christmas at Midnight beers surprised me - in a great way!

Enjoying the picnic table seating.

Midnight Brewery has all the trappings of a good micro-brewery: a solid and varying line-up of beers, a convenient location (just west of the ever-expanding Short Pump), and an owner and brewer passionate about producing quality beer.  Prices are average for the craft beer scene (hovering around $5 per cup), and food trucks make regular appearances on the weekends.  Midnight Brewery has already created quite a buzz within the community and was awarded the honor of concocting the official beer for this year's State Fair of Virginia: the Virginia Midway, touted as a wheat and pale malt beer and featuring local honey as an ingredient (you can read the Times-Dispatch article about it here).  With a move into a larger facility slotted to happen soon, the sky's the limit for Midnight Brewery, and I look forward to seeing what other tasty brews they create in the future.

F.D.T. (Hefeweizen): 3.5/5
Christmas at Midnight (spiced ale): 4/5
Not My Job (Southern English Brown Ale): 4/5
Price: $5-6 
Location:  Five minutes west of Short Pump off Ashland Road (Rockville exit on I-64).
Website:  www.Midnight-Brewery.com

Linking up with #SundayTraveler!

Burger Bach: New Zealand Burgers with Virginia Beers

Picture of the West Broad location from Burger Bach's Pinterest.

I must confess that I was a bit dubious about trying out Burger Bach a few weeks ago.  Not that I dislike burgers (or Bach, for that matter), but I wasn't really in a burger mood.  It was a hot June day, and a greasy, condiment-y burger just didn't sound appealing.  But willing to try anything once, I bowed to the popular vote of my group and decided to give Burger Bach a try.  Boy, am I glad I did!

As their website explains, Burger Bach (pronounced "batch" - sorry, Johann Sebastian!) is a "New Zealand inspired gastronomical house, or 'gastro pub'... [specializing] in gourmet burgers."  The Short Pump location offers outdoor or indoor seating, and if seated indoors, you have an open view of the kitchen.  Our server was eager to explain Burger Bach's concept of "best tasting and humanely raised beef" and was quite knowledgeable on all the Virginia craft beers offered.  I quickly selected a Bold Rock Virginia Apple Ale, crafted near Wintergreen, Virginia.  It was everything I could wish for - crisp, fruity, but not terribly sweet.

It was hard to decide on a main course, however.  My friend finally put an end to my mental eenie-meenie-miney-mo method of choosing and told me to order the South Lamb burger.  "It's really good," she said, "you won't be disappointed."  She was right.  Served hot with a slightly pink center, it melted in my mouth.  The goat cheese, Manuka Honey Dijon vinaigrette, and cilantro sauce were perfect.  (My mouth is watering just thinking about it!)

Source.

Unfortunately, I didn't even think to take a picture of this gastronomical masterpiece.  I was too excited about eating it to think about sharing what it looked like!  Thankfully, I found a picture on Burger Bach's pinterest page.

The menu prices reflect Burger Bach's emphasis on antibiotic-free, grass-fed, sustainable raising of animals, with beef burgers ranging from $8-12 and their other signature burgers pricing between $9-11.  Certainly not within my usual "thrifty" range, but my dollars were well-rewarded by the flavor of the meat.  The craft beers ranged from $3.50-$7.00, if I remember correctly, which is pretty typical for the market.  Burger Bach also offers a variety of seafood, from oysters to mussels to shrimp, from local and national seafood providers.  My friend ordered a dozen oysters from Hog Island, VA, paired with the same Virginia Apple Ale I was enjoying.

In addition to the good food and selection of local craft beers, I was also very touched and impressed by the managerial staff at the Short Pump location, who I observed displaying generosity and patriotism by comping the drinks and sides of a military family enjoying a meal there.  As the wife of a (former) Marine, I love to spend my dollars at military-friendly establishments.

I certainly will be returning to Burger Bach (sorry, but I just can't seem to pronounce it "batch"!) with my husband in tow, so that I can satisfy my lamb burger cravings.  Speaking of which, thank goodness they're open on Sundays...

Richmonders, have you been to Burger Bach yet?

Linking up with the #SundayTraveler!

You Can't Spell Beer Without "Mekong"

Ok, so obviously that title isn't literally true, but if you've ever visited Mekong here in Richmond, you'll know what I mean.  For the second year in a row, Vietnamese restaurant Mekong (located near Broad and Staples Mill Road) has won the number one spot for "Great American Beer Bars" in the region and the nation.  This past weekend, I decided it was high time to find out what all the buzz was about Mekong.

Source.

Situated in a strip mall-like building near Willow Lawn, the exterior is anything but impressive.  However, the interior is open and welcoming, with a rich-wood bar and plenty of high-top tables nearby.  And the beer selection is phenomenal!  Mekong boasts over 50 craft beers on tap and over 200 bottle offerings.  Beer director An Bui explains that at Mekong, "beer is the answer" -- and I would assert that they've provided a variety of answers from which to choose!  Even the pickiest of beer aficionados should be able to find something to their taste.  I sampled my friends' choices of a Singel, a sour beer, and a few others (including a spunkily-named PocaHOPtas beer!), but settled on the Allagash White, a traditional Belgian wheat ale, for myself.  Coupled with the most delicious spring rolls I have ever eaten, I was one happy chick!

Although craft beer has a reputation for being expensive, Mekong's prices were fairly reasonable, varying from $4 to $7 depending on serving size and bottle versus draft.  The food prices were also affordable; two spring rolls were only $1.50 and were served with an interesting sweet and sour sauce.

As I was designated driver, I was unable to sample or evaluate more beers than that, but I plan to return as soon as possible.  If you're ever in Richmond, I strongly encourage you to stop by for a beer and a meal!

Have you been to or heard about Mekong before?

Linking up with Friday Favorites hosted by Virginia Bloggers!