Saturday Drive in Richmond

Interesting days ride, though a short one on February 20, prior to work on a very nice Saturday. Sunny skies and warm was a real change of late, and with a lot of cabin fever took to the roads. Dodging the potholes, I drove out to Cary Street. In between, learned that Richmond Police ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Thankfully I did not learn that "the hard way" but at least two drivers did. Not just police motorcycles but a lot of motorcycles out riding on a fine day. I rode by this house on Cary, had seen it before, and its quite a remarkable place. Some fine houses in the area, but this one certainly stood out in a big way.
Did not have a great deal of time to explore, but did make it by Patrick's on Jefferson Davis Highway on the way back to the apartment. Got a kick out of this; this being the non-smoking area of the bar. Due to Virginia law, smokers have to be segregated from non-smokers; and this was their solution. They put another wall with a couple of doors in the restaurant and that is where non-smokers (at least two of them) can go. Not a smoker myself, but found this amusing and a very creative solution to the law. By the way, Patrick's has some pretty good food.
Had to get back to go to work, night was pretty good and on Sunday....well, will save that for the next post. Did enjoy the Saturday drive and the fine weather; bring on Spring!

Sliding to Carolina

Over the "Valentines Day" weekend, took to the road to be with my wife over the holiday. Patty had surgery this week on her ankle while I was working here (ah the joys of being away from home), but rolled out late Saturday morning. The roads were fine in the late morning, the latest snow fell more to the South. As typical for the most part, by late afternoon most of the 3 inches that fell in the Charlotte area was melted by mid afternoon. Night before though was crash fest in Charlotte and South Carolina (where snow fell as far as Charleston, SC...a friend sent me some remarkable photos) . I did get a kick out of this biker riding in my direction and had to snap a quick photo, ride on brother! For sure winter in Carolina; rain, snow and unusual cold have curtailed my riding this year. Usually riding year round in North Carolina is not a big deal, but that has not been the case for the winter of 2009-2010.
With Patty on crutches, we had a quiet Valentines Day. Nice to be together, and had a good time all weekend. My son Robby and the two border collies were in rare form; we all shared a lot of laughs, and extended play time indoors. Did enjoy some good basketball on tv, the Winter Olympics were good, and kind of followed the race and track repairs at Daytona. Sunday, Patty and I went to Mayflower Seafood in Concord, NC. Good place to go with Patty on crutches, and its good seafood. Something like Mayflower is hard to find in Richmond; a good mid-priced place with large portions; something between a Captain D's and The Boathouse. Got a big portion of flounder (NC's favorite fish, was Cod in Kentucky), shrimp, slaw, and a baked potato for $5.99. Also have to give a shout out to NC sweet tea; that really grows on you, not sure if its the sugar in it, or the caffine, but it really packs a wallop!
Good though to be back again in Richmond safe and sound. Loads of snow falling (with more to come) in my old stomping grounds back in the Ohio River Valley region, but Richmond getting a rare for this winter break. Hoping to get out this weekend for some exploring of the area, which has been a great deal of fun and a very welcome change from the days of snow, ice and slush of the last few weekends.

Carolina(s)...on a Snowy Day in Richmond

Enjoying a snowy day in Richmond; as expected getting a good amount here, though less than originally forecast, but enough to keep it indoors. Watching qualifying in sunny Daytona, a nice track; went there a few years ago though not to the race, but rather as a stop on the way to the Kennedy Space Center.
However, as mentioned in my previous post, giving equal time to North Carolina today. Last post talked about Richmond, today a bit on the Carolinas. There, I ride my motorcycle usually with friends, and we have done a lot of exploring over the years. Like with Richmond and my transplanted co-workers here, there many of those I came with from Louisville (where this current journey started) were amazed at some of the things I mentioned seeing. To be honest, so were some of the natives.
At any case, what is cool about North Carolina ,and for that matter South Carolina for Charlotte is on the border of the two states. In fact the Charlotte Knights AAA baseball team plays actually in South Carolina. Sports I guess would be the first item. Been to quite a few Carolina Panthers games, went to see the Hornets (not the Bobcats yet, though my son is a big fan), and also enjoy hockey games with the Charlotte Checkers. Fair basketball team at UNCC, though college football is a few years away with them (but coming).
NASCAR is also huge, as is the track the (formerly) Lowe's Motor Speedway. It is in nearby Concord, NC which is also the home to Concord Mills (which is North Carolina's largest tourist attraction...go figure!). There are a lot of raceshops in Concord. Hendricks Motorsports, Roush Racing, and Earnhardt Ganassi are all within a stones throw of each other. Nearby Mooresville also has a lot of teams (pretty much the rest of them) based there. There is drag racing at Z-Max Dragway; Bruton Smith sure had a time building it, but its a first class facility. There is also a little used dirt track as part of the racing complex on Bruton Smith Blvd. Richard Petty runs often at the big racetrack; where for a price you can do Ride Along's and drive the cars. I have done both, its a rush!
North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, and are quite passionate about it. Different than what you get in Richmond and Louisville for that matter, though pretty good. Usually comes topped with slaw (and usually "red" slaw), and slaw is also a popular topping on hot dogs. Not bad, just different.
Motorcycling is great in North and South Carolina. Been on some big rides, but fun just riding around the small towns. Not a lot of Civil War history; was a Confederate Prison at nearby Salisbury, NC but not many battles there (at least in the Charlotte/Concord area). Was a hot bed during the Revolutionary War, though one battlefield is under Lake Norman, but a nice one at Kings Mountain. Lots of Civil War sites in South Carolina (especially Charleston, SC) and around the state.
Speaking of Charleston, SC...one of my favorite cities. Patty and I have been often; great seafood, nice beaches, lots to see and do. Any city with US Navy ships to explore is pretty neat in my book. Myrtle Beach is pretty good, though tends to get crowded at times. Made a motorcycle ride (a day trip) to Carolina Beach in NC...came back impressed.
Though a former sailor, the mountains are really remarkable. Asheville is a cool town. The Biltmore is something to see, especially at Christmas time. Beautiful area and a nice drive. I also like both Chimney Rock and Blowing Rock...make quite a few yearly motorcycle rides to the mountains. Lake Lure is really something to see (and even has a small beach). I mentioned a few places to eat in Richmond, if you are ever in Blowing Rock check out "The Canyons"....great prices and views to die for. Daniel Boone Inn at Blowing Rock is also remarkable, with great food. Course, the big attraction there is the mountains; both Grandfather Mountain, and Blowing Rock give remarkable views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a biker, nothing beats The Blue Ridge Parkway, a remarkable ride (and also runs into Virginia). I have seen it from a drive last year through Virginia back to Louisville, beautiful here too.
The Carolinas are a real melting pot, was a popular area for transplants. When I first got there, seemed like everyone I knew was from someplace else. Much of New York especially seems to be moving there. So you get a lot of regional attitudes; not always as friendly as I have found in Richmond, though it can be. When the locals get to know you, they tend to really open up, but seem sort of wary at first. Unlike Richmond, history takes a back seat to progress. There are few "old" things in Charlotte. They tend to ram things through (like the downtown arena which replaced a not very old Charlotte Coliseum at the airport). The airport is growing like a weed and gets a lot of use. Lots of direct flights just about everywhere you would want to go. Not a great many old things to see though and buildings don't tend to be re-used. Rather they tend to be torn down. Housing is cheap in comparison to Richmond, and (at least until the real estate meltdown) was springing up all over.
It is an interesting and fun place. Nothing like the James, but Lake Norman is pretty nice a few rivers in the area; though not as many fun things happen as they do along the James. It is a good place to live with great weather, and many interesting things to do and see.

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!

Once More...with Feeling

Interesting perspective on the weekend snow storm; experienced this one in Concord, NC. There we got 1-3 inches basically (and according to my wife Patty, it is melting quite quick today), and was nothing more than a minor problem. Well, except for driving. This is I-85 just outside of Salisbury, NC where traffic came to a halt for about an hour on Sunday January 31, 2010 as I came back from the Friday-Sunday visit there. Got out and wandered around with some others; met some interesting people (including a truck driver hauling a load to New Jersey) while we waited for the mess ahead to clear. In fact, it was a pretty epic drive back to Richmond, Va. Saw quite a few crashes (and aftermath of earlier crashes) along the 280 mile way from my house to the apartment in Richmond, VA. The roads were in better shape than I expected, actually left a bit early; figuring that doing the drive back Monday morning with rush hour and 15 degree AM temperatures was NOT a good idea, Like adventure, and certainly got my share with that drive today.
Back to Richmond, and took this photo near the apartment. Looks to me like we got a lot more snow than the December experience; and the roads were just as rough if not rougher (though the highways at least in the late afternoon were fine for the most part). Saw a lot of VDOT crews out salting and scraping. Bad thing is that there is more possible on Tuesday and also over the upcoming weekend apparently. While I enjoyed the X-games on tv this weekend (TV was a big part of the weekend, most of NC shuts down when the first flakes of snow hit the streets) not a big fan of winter. My motorcycling experience was a visit to Davis Harley-Davidson and Burlington Yamaha on Friday on the way down to Carolina, and starting my bike for a while before heading back to Richmond today. Strangely I did not see any motorcycles on the road today. I can say that because one winter in Louisville, Kentucky right after a massive snowfall (and with snow on the roads) saw a wreck on I-65 caused by a guy on a Triumph motorcycle who had crashed in the snow and piled up some cars behind him. No one ever said motorcyclists were a totally sane bunch (but we do have a good time!). However, today was a day for driving in the car, and I have but three words for you all....All Season Radials. Believe me, I am a huge fan after the last storm, and especially after today.

In Search of Moe's

So shoot me....found this week from a co-worker that Moe's Southwest Grill was in Richmond, Va. That is a favorite of mine in North Carolina and so was eager to find it. Got the address, wandered out on Three Chopt Road, and had a fine lunch! I also liked the area I was exploring. On the way back sort of wandered a bit (as I am prone to do that) and came across Carytown. Again, had heard about it, but really enjoyed exploring some of the shops there. Traffic was somewhat brutal, but it was very interesting to see what all it had to offer. Some really nice shops there and will be back in the near future, my wife will eat that place up!

Found myself near the Boulevard, and figured I would go by Maymont Park. I had found that location during last month's self guided tour of Tacky Lights (which was remarkable as well!). Maymont was remarkable; even in the winter. Gardens were not much to see this time of year, but the big house was neat, has a nice area with animals (to be checked out on a future visit) and liked the collection of carrages in the area of this building (silo...whatever, but its cool!). Nice park and like with Carytown...I shall return. Picked a good day to check it out, being cool and winter-like there was not a great many people there.
I ended up at Shockoe Bottom, and then headed on out Main Street. Way out on Main Street, something like 14-20 miles out past Rocketts Landing (to be checked out later). Saw a sign for the Richmond National Battlefield, Ft. Harrison. Went by there and again was amazed. Seen quite a few of the "earthwork forts" of the Civil War, but this one was huge! Started by the Confederates but changed ownership in 1864 and the Union Army more than doubled it. Took a cool walk there (about 1/3 of a mile) around it. Visitor center is closed (probably due to the economy) but lots of signs and information. There were also a few smaller forts along the road to it. Just up the road from the fort was Malvern Hill, which was a huge early Civil War battle, but darkness was falling, and I headed back the way I came to Richmond, and then back to the apartment.
I have been here for a year, and it still amazes me how on a drive to find a favorite place to eat that I can still find so much of interest in a day. Richmond is a most remarkable place indeed!

Three Days in Concord (Jan 16-18)

Got out a bit on the motorcycle today; after all the cold for the last month both in Carolina and in Virginia felt like t-shirt weather when it got up to 60 today. Under blue Carolina skies, went for a ride on the motorcycle. Actually ended up at Lowe's Motor Speedway which is seen here at the left. A very impressive track, and interesting to see when its all quiet and nothing much is going on. It is a huge powerful thing, but will be very busy very soon; NASCAR will be cranking back up in in a very few weeks. In fact the Daytona 500 is February 14, 2010 this year. Looking forward to that, and should be a great race. NASCAR will be at Lowe's three times this year.

Also while out on the bike (though earlier) went to Kannapolis, NC, Landis, NC and China Grove (China Grove is the city in this photo at left). Landis and China Grove are very small towns outside of Kannapolis, NC. Like Kannapolis, they were mill towns and have fallen on some hard times, but are still hanging in there. Was nice to get out today. Before coming back, a few former co-workers (and in two cases motorcycle riding buddies ) gathered to see Steve who learned this week that he is facing a very serious battle with Cancer. Where there is life, there is hope, but will be a tough struggle for him.
Had relatively good weather for this trip though like Virginia got some rain on Saturday and a bit Sunday morning before it cleared Saturday afternoon. Had a great time with my wife Patty, son Robby, and the dogs Cassie and Mollie. As with all my time home, too short; but will be back soon. In the morning its back on the road for the long drive to Richmond and the adventures that await there!