Richmond...The First Year

Most "best/worst" of the year posts happen just before the new year or in January, but my year here has run from February of last year to the current date. Came to Richmond with an open mind, and a whole lot of curiosity. Had no real idea what the city was like, or what I would really find beyond some internet research and information from co-workers already here.
Looking back at my posts over the last year, have to say that by and large its been a wonderful year. The "bad" has been few and far between which is good. The snow of late would be a negative, though its also to be considered that the city has nothing to do with it, and from what I am reading, this much is sort of a fluke. Traffic at times can be wild (but its a city, and that is to be expected). Some problems dealing with some of the businesses here; but again that is not uncommon to Richmond. Pretty lame bad list which is a good thing.
Positives are a lot easier. Over the last year, and many times, have been impressed with the friendly Richmond people. Lots of good suggestions on places to see, places to eat, tips for getting around town, and just good general information (Thanks especially to Gypsy for a lot of good tips). Big things I enjoyed most would be Belle Isle (a remarkable place to explore), Hollywood Cemetery, Monument Avenue, many and various Civil War sites, the Virginia Aviation Museum (a real jewel), Virginia History Museum, the James River, Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, the Fan, and downtown. I think Canal Walk is very neat (though underdeveloped) but a nice area to explore.
What gets really special notice is the "Tacky Light Tour". For someone away from home over much of the holidays, it was a real treat and saw some amazing sites. No one does Christmas in my opinion like Richmond, Va.
As for food; not a food critic (that will be seen) but sure enjoyed Bottom's Up, The Boathouse, Buz and Ned's, and The Village Cafe is really neat as well. I try to really check out the local places to eat, and plan to expand that over next year.
I also plan to get out more to the outlying areas. However, great times exploring the history of Richmond at places such as Mechanicsville and Petersburg. Both really offered some interesting sights. I also liked checking out Hopewell/City Point a great deal.
This is a short list, sure there are some places I have forgotten (though have a good list in my blog over the past year). Still enjoy driving around (when the roads are not covered with snow as of lately) and often discover something new and interesting.
Speaking of snow, more is expected this weekend. Next snowed in post will be on the Carolinas....my home for the last 11 years and also an interesting place. Via mostly motorcycle there, have seen a lot of interesting sights both North and South. Many of my co-workers from there have little more knowledge of this area than how to get to work and back. They don't know what they are missing; though I do try to get them to get out and check it out. Looking forward to an interesting year ahead!