A Big Wet One in the RVA (January 21-22)

 Busy rainy Saturday in Richmond-stopped at Sedona Tap House, a new place which opened a couple of weeks ago on the Midlothian Turnpike. Nice setting, and a wide beer selection (they also have live music some nights I was told) but a bit pricy. Still, I enjoyed it. Also enjoyed the movie "Red Tails", though I am an aviation and history buff. Still an important story, and a good look at a period in American history that is well worth remembering. Movie was by George Lucas of Star Wars fame, and told he wanted to make it for some 20+ years. Good day along Midlothian Turnpike.  

 Sunday before the football playoff games went to Church Hill. Friend of mine lives there, and went with another friend. We took a walk in the Shockoe Bottom area, here at the Lucky Strike condo. At one time this was a tobacco factory, one of many in the Richmond area (now only the Philip Morris factories remain). Indian at top here used to be on the Richmond baseball stadium (aka "The Diamond"). Formerly the Richmond Braves were the team that played there, now the current team is making noise about moving as the new stadium they were promised is years away from being built. 

Bridge here is part of the old Canal system, from what I read nearby it dated to the 1920's and could be raised to allow boats to pass underneath to bring supplies to the tobacco factories in the area (see the photo above). All those of course are gone, though Philip Morris still has some facilities in the Richmond area. Also near this site back in the day was the Confederate Naval Yard in the Richmond area, nothing remains of that from what I was able to read. Not far from this location also was the Confederate "Libby Prison". That building is also long gone though a plaque remains to mark the former site.    

Finally, here is Poe's Pub-love the "Sorry, we're Open" sign near the door. Great place and found today they have a Sunday Brunch (from 10-2). Always meet some interesting people in there, and there are many good beverages in there as well for beverage fans such as myself. It is real close to Libby Hill Park which has the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors monument at the top of the hill. Went to a real fun bbq festival with some great bands at Libby Hill Park last summer-it was a great time.
It was a cold and wet weekend in Richmond, but can't complain-its been a very good winter so far.