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CONTENTS JULY / AUGUST 2017
12 First of All News from All Over the Area
20
20 Adventures in Aging
24
with Constance Whitney
46 Events Calendar
Health 14 Chemotherapy and Dental Care?
53
Virginia Family Dentistry
16 Back to Nature: Summer Skincare 18 Belly Up: Float Therapy
Travel Navigator Your Guide to All Things Travel
Flavor 31 In Search Of...
Burgers & Brews
34 TasteBudz
Restaurant and Brewery News
40 Kid-Friendly Dining 43 Happy Hour Guide
Home 48 Made in the Shade
Features 20
COUNTY CONNECTION Historic 1917 Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years
Bringing Shade to Your Backyard
Travel
62
Small Town Virginia LEXINGTON
55 Virginia's Three-Beach City 56 The Northern Neck 60 Summer Festivals 61 Taste of the OBX
44
What's So Special About THE HANOVER TOMATO
6 Chesterfield Living
RichmondNavigator.com
WHAT’S GOING ON? Are you ready for some hot fun in the summertime? We’ve got some great summer fun suggestions and they’re all waiting for you at RichmondNavigator.com. All you have to do is search. We even give you the keywords. VIRGINIA BEACHING Annie Tobey covers three beaches, all in the city of Virginia Beach. Enjoy her article, “Three Beaches,” and then go enjoy the beaches. And once you’re done soaking in the rays and riding the waves, there’s still plenty to do. Discover another one of Annie’s excellent pieces from May of last year, “What’s New in Virginia Beach?” To read both articles, search: VIRGINIA BEACH
AL FRESCA DINING There are so many fantastic restaurants with wonderful patios around town. We have directories for such places in virtually every neighborhood. Just search: PATIO.
KAYAKING In his article, “Stay Cool Kayaking,” Don Kappel gave our readers some excellent info on the perfect spots to enjoy kayaking all around town. Search KAYAKING
PICNICKING That’s fun and it involves food. So, it’s doubly fun. Check out Tom Gresham’s “West End Fun” article and discover some great parks for picnicking. And you don’t have to be a West Ender to visit or picnic there. Search: PICNIC
WINING YOUR WAY THROUGH VIRGINIA We have some beautiful wineries around the state and last September, our favorite little (not so) old wine drinker, Lisa Puster, showcased several in her piece, “The Grape Escape.” Search: GRAPE ESCAPE ISLAND HOPPING An island getaway would be wonderful this time of year, especially if you didn’t even have to leave town. Jody Rathgeb highlights more than a dozen local islands that you and your family can enjoy this summer in her article, “Islands of River City.” Search: ISLANDS
Magazine Archives Find old issues from 2012 to today Calendar of Events Full listing of what’s going on in the Greater Richmond area Business Directory Restaurant, shopping & entertainment locations
From dining and travel to health and beauty, you’ll discover lots of helpful, informative and entertaining reading at RichmondNavigator.com. July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 7
From the Editor
Contributors
A
Angela Weight
s much as we love Richmond, Chesterfield and the entire metro area…we really want you to get out of town this summer. An hour from the mountains, an hour to the coast — with half a tank in the car you could get to your destination and back without a sweat (I’m going to assume you’re cranking the AC on the highway). With our Summer Travel Navigator section, we can get you where you want to go. Check out our coverage of the Northern Neck — from great restaurants and kids’ activities to sailing and fishing, you could go for a day or stay for the whole summer. And westward ho, Steve Cook continues his series on Small Town, VA with his personal picks for what to see, do and eat in Lexington, a city rich in history and modern day Southern charm. From Virginia summer festivals and dining options in the Outer Banks to, yes, even a look a the new Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth ride at Six Flags, we’ve got your summer travels covered. For the days when you are here and don’t want to cook at home, we invite you to check out (and live by) the entirety of our latest Flavor section: We go In Search Of…Burgers and Beer and come up with our top choices for one of summer’s greatest food and drink combos, featuring lots of juicy burgers paired with local brews. If you’re done reheating leftovers for the kids on a Tuesday night, tear out our Kid-Friendly Dining guide and tape it to your fridge. It’ll stare you in the face the next time you reach for week-old lasagna. Rounding out this issue, Davy Jones takes a look at the plans for the Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts being planned at Chester Village Green, Susie Galvez heals your summer skin the natural way, and Jordan Langley’s “Made in the Shade” helps protect your backyard from the sun with some elegant design options.
Elena Marinaccio,
Elena@RichmondNavigator.com
In Our Next Issue: What do you get when you combine our very popular annual Beer, Wine and Spirits issue with an exhaustive search for the area’s best barbecue? You get our most exciting magazine to date. In the September/October Chesterfield Living, we will take you to some of the most beautiful wineries in the mountains of Virginia. Plus, we will be introducing our own Richmond Navigator Beer and Wine trails. Of course, our magazine is not all beer, booze and barbecue. We’ll also have our regular features on health, home and travel. This will definitely be one issue that you do not want to miss.
Angela is a native of Georgia’s Middle-of-Nowhere Region who followed her husband (and his job) to Richmond in 2014. An insatiably curious freelance writer, she has covered everything from monster truck racing to the latest embalming techniques (though not in the same article). When Angela isn’t clicking away on her laptop, she can usually be found at a baseball field cheering for one of her sons.
Davy Jones
Davy Jones is a freelance music writer, musician, and father of two. He grew up in Norfolk and has been living in the Richmond area since starting at the University of Richmond in 2001. His full-time job is in marketing, but in his capacity as a writer, he has interviewed many of the artists who have contributed to the remarkable rise of Richmond’s music scene, as well as touring acts coming through town. Davy confesses that he is unable to pass by thrift stores and merch tables without flipping through their records.
Jordan Langley
Jordan Langley’s insightful essays about parenting and grief have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Brain, Child and Hello Grief, a website affiliated with Comfort Zone Camp. She is polishing up her debut novel. Jordan is a writer, literacy advocate and sports mom living in Moseley with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Twitter @jordan_langley.
Whitney Kiatsuranon
RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM
8 Chesterfield Living
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A native Richmonder, Whitney enjoys freelance writing, hiking along the James and exploring the city like a tourist. When she’s not trying new restaurants or enjoying a wine tasting, you’ll find her at home in the Fan being, as she says, “an ordinary goofball” with her two children and husband. Whitney also enjoys traveling. Her favorite destinations include NYC, Charleston (SC), and her all-time favorite (“so far”) St. Maarten.
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Cheryl T. Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve Cook MANAGING EDITOR Elena Marinaccio ASSISTANT EDITOR Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Lay
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CONTRIBUTORS Susie Galvez, Tom Gresham, Davy Jones, Whitney Kiatsuranon, Jordan Langley, Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos ADVERTISING Chesterfield Living magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc., 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com ONLINE / SOCIAL RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator Twitter.com/RichmondNav All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.
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ABOUT OUR COVER
If photographer Kim Frost’s cover image of the Ring of Fire Burger from Capital Ale House makes you hungry, then we’d advise you not to peruse our ISO Great Burgers & Brews feature on an empty stomach. This beautifully photographed spread will provide you with some mouth-watering ideas the next time you get a hankering for a burger and a beer. Speaking of chowing down, check out our Kid Friendly Dining Guide in this issue.
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 9
10 Chesterfield Living
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ArgentCU.org Chesterfield Living 11
FIRST OF ALL
COUNTY CONNECTION
Historic 1917 Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years preserve it below. Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Historic 1917 Courthouse Oct. 26. The county will unveil and ring the new replacement courthouse bell and will commemorate the original 1749 bell, which will be on display at the Chesterfield County Museum. The celebration will also include several speakers, the unveiling of new interpretive signs and a reenactment of the first court case on the lawn outside the courthouse. Tours will also be available. Today, the historic courthouse is a point of pride in the community and one we are preserving for future generations.
History of 1749 Courthouse Bell and Preservation Efforts
C
hesterfield County is deeply rooted in history, and, this October, the county will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Historic 1917 Courthouse, which is still used today by the Chesterfield County court system to hear cases. A special event is planned for Oct. 26 to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the day the cornerstone for the courthouse was laid in 1917. The Historic 1917 Courthouse today sits where the first 1749 colonial courthouse was once located on the government complex. In 1916, plans were made to demolish the 1749 courthouse and replace it with a larger and more modern building. This decision was met with opposition from some county residents and resulted in the first preservation struggle in the county. Eventually, the Board of Supervisors voted to construct the new building. Eight short months later, the courthouse opened as we know it today and the first case was heard there. The courthouse is an excellent example of Colonial Revival architecture with four prominent Roman Doric columns and portico, and crowned with an octagonal belfry. The interior woodwork in the courtroom is original. The two-story courtroom contains the original paneled judge’s bench and jury seats. It is a Chesterfield County Historic Landmark, a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Interior renovations were made in 2013 and the building was rededicated in 2014. As part of the centennial celebration, the original iron bell from the 1749 courthouse, which was housed in the cupola of the 1917 courthouse, was removed and stabilized to preserve it for many years to come. [Read more about the history of the 1749 bell and the efforts to
12 Chesterfield Living
Chesterfield County’s oldest artifact, the 1749 Courthouse bell, first hung in the 1749 Courthouse before being placed in the cupola of the Historic 1917 Courthouse. In October, the 268-year-old bell, which is three years older than the famous Liberty Bell, will be permanently housed in the Chesterfield County Museum located on the government complex for visitors to enjoy. After the 1917 courthouse was completed, the historic bell was reused by the county and placed in the cupola where it hung for 100 years. The bell was used to announce that court was in session or signify the start of an event. It also probably rang when the British army was fast approaching the small village of Chesterfield during the American Revolution and again when the Union Army was advancing from Chester during the Civil War. The bell was used to warn the citizens of Chesterfield of many emergencies. The last time the bell rang was to honor the victims of the Virginia Tech mass shooting. Over the years, the historic courthouse bell took a beating from the elements and began to corrode. With the help of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia and the 1917 Historic Courthouse Centennial Committee, the county received funds to stabilize the iron bell to its original condition as part of the year-long centennial celebration. Over the course of three days in April, Sharon Norquest from Norquest Conservation Studio cleaned the bell, stabilized it, removed the iron corrosion and then put a coat of sealant on the bell to preserve it. The newly preserved bell will be unveiled during the centennial celebration and will be placed on permanent display in the Chesterfield County Museum, which is a replica of the 1749 Courthouse. A replacement bell will be placed back in the cupola of the Historic 1917 Courthouse, and it will ring for the first time during the centennial celebration on Oct. 26.
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July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 13
Chemotherapy and Dental Care SPONSORED CONTENT
By Diane Iachini, DDS Unfortunately, approximately 4 out of 10 of people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, there are some things you should know about how cancer treatment can affect dental health and certain types of dental treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are one of the most common treatments for many different types of cancer. And while those drugs kill cancer cells, they also can harm normal cells. Mouth tissue is especially susceptible, and many cancer patients develop problems with their teeth, gums, and the salivary glands. Everyone is different, and there are many different chemotherapy drugs, so not everyone will have the same side effects. One of the most common changes resulting from chemotherapy is a decrease in the amount of saliva produced, leading to dry mouth (this is also known as xerostomia). Dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and in very severe cases can contribute to mouth sores and very rapidly progressing tooth decay. Other possible side effects include pain in the mouth and gums, burning or swelling of the tongue, infections, prolonged bleeding, and a loss of or a change in taste. It is very important to tell your dentist if you have ever received any
sort of chemotherapy, as it can affect how well you heal or contribute to excessive bleeding following dental surgeries like extractions or implants. It might also be necessary to put off some of these types of procedures to decrease your chance of having complications. Before a person can start chemotherapy, their doctor will usually require that they visit their dentist. This can help prevent serious problems later in treatment, as pre-existing dental problems are usually to blame. Not all side effects can be avoided, but starting treatment with a healthy mouth will help keep the treatment schedule on track. After treatment starts, it’s important to carefully monitor your mouth for sores and come in for regular cleanings so that your dentist can continue to monitor your teeth and gums. To keep your mouth moist (the most common problem), be sure to stay well hydrated. Sucking on ice chips, chewing gum, or using a prescription saliva substitute may be helpful. Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of more than 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Implants, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 12 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VAdentist.com.
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Huguenot, (804) 794-9789; Midlothian, (804) 379-1011; Brandermill, (804) 739-6500; Chester, (804) 751-0300; Ironbridge–Courthouse, (804) 743-8166 — VAdentist.com
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July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 15
HEALTH HEALTH
Back to Nature
Summer Skincare by Susie Galvez
T
ime to talk about summer’s shadier side: itchy bug bites, sunburned skin and dry hair from chlorinated pools. Don’t let such discomforts dampen your summer days. Easy remedies are as close as your kitchen and local health food store. Consider
these natural soothers for your summer-weary skin.
16 Chesterfield Living
RichmondNavigator.com
“Essential oils play a significant role in summer care,” says Nina Jacobs, owner of Nature’s Path Holistic Healing, an energy healing center in Richmond. “[As] we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to keep ourselves supplied with the right ones.” If the mosquitos and ticks are more than you can bear, Jacobs suggests using equal parts cedarwood, clove, lemongrass, eucalyptus, frankincense, thyme, rosemary, geranium and peppermint combined with a carrier oil to help deter bugs and keep your skin feeling healthy. Note: for each drop of essential oil, use 3-4 drops of carrier oil. Most bottles designed for mixing oils, will have a measure guide right on the bottle. Then lightly spray, or rub mixture on exposed areas as needed. For bee stings, add a few drops of
Roman chamomile to a coldwater compress and gently place on skin. For wasp stings, add cider or wine vinegar, plus lavender to the compress. To cool yourself down and feel refreshed in the summer heat, use a small glass spray bottle of water with a few drops of peppermint oil. It is important to use glass containers, as essential oils may penetrate through plastic and leak. For these natural remedies to be effective and skin soothing, the oils should be therapeutic grade and nonsynthetic. If a sunburn has sapped your energy and your skin feels parched, it’s time to create a rejuvenating spa with a sensuous milk bath. — Nina Jacobs Mix one cup of powdered whole milk or two cups of fresh whole milk with a few drops of an essential oil (try lavender for relaxation or rosemary to rejuvenate) and add to running bath water. Lactic acid in the milk will help remove dead cells as well as soften and soothe the skin. For a soothing and natural summer facial, reach for a container of plain, full-fat yogurt. Apply a thin layer right out of the container to clean skin. Relax for 10 minutes, then rinse or wipe off with a damp towel. Your skin will look radiant, smooth and plumped to perfection. And let’s not forget the damage the sun can do to your hair. Banish dry, frizzy summer strands by massaging a tablespoon of olive oil into your scalp, then spread the oil out to hair’s ends. Leave it on for 15 minutes, lightly shampoo and rinse well. Olive oil has been used for centuries in beauty treatments, as it’s rich in vitamins A, E and antioxidants, protecting the keratin in hair and sealing in moisture. Scalp flakiness disappears, hydration returns and shininess abounds.
“Essential oils play a significant role in summer care. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to keep ourselves supplied with the right ones.”
Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert. For more, visit SusieGalvez.com July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 17
HEALTH
Belly Up By Whitney Kiatsuranon hile there are currently only a handful of float therapy salons in the Richmond area, you can be sure this new therapeutic treatment will soon go on your list of things to try. I had the opportunity to book a float session at Vitality on South Robinson Street in the Fan, and the experience was surprisingly pleasant. What is float therapy, exactly? You can spend up to 75 minutes in a bath filled with 1,000 pounds of Epson salt and body-temperature water, lay back and float. The room, kept dark and quiet, is free of distractions as the heavily salted water allows you to float effortlessly at the surface. At Vitality, you can choose from a float room or a float pod. I opted for the room because the pod seemed a little claustrophobic to me. But, I have heard the pod is meant to recreate the soothing feeling of being in the womb. The benefits of these sensory deprivation tanks include stress reduction, anxiety relief, sports recovery and pain relief, as the tanks leave you completely weightless and take all the day-to-day pressure off your lumbar system. Float therapy claims to promote relaxation, reduce headaches, increase circulation and aid in restful sleep. Some float therapy spas cite the use of sensory deprivation tanks in the aid of drug and alcohol recovery as well. The salon is a very peaceful place, with a menu that also offers massages and facials, as well as thoughtful amenities. After your float session, you can shower and get dressed in a private room in and be ready for your next event or night out on the town, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. As for my own experience, I did not hallucinate during my float session, but others who’ve tried it have. I did fall asleep, however, and for a person who has trouble sleeping, I was impressed with the overall experience. 18 Chesterfield Living
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Chesterfield Living 19
SENIORS ADVENTURES IN AGING
THE BATHROOM CHALLENGE
M
by Constance Whitney
y fellow seniors, is it just me or has using public restrooms become more of a challenge lately? I’m not talking about the kinds of challenges for which pharmaceutical companies hawk pills to treat, nor am I talking about the political issues that surround who uses what room. Far from that, I’m talking about something much more challenging and invariably embarrassing. I’m talking about not knowing how the heck to turn on the faucet! I was at a very nice, very modern restaurant in Short Pump a few weeks ago. It was filled mostly with the millennial set, so I was already feeling slightly out of place. After doing what it is that I needed to do in the ladies’ room, I went to wash my hands. There were no faucets visible for the entire length of the ‘trough’ so I quickly deduced it was one of those ‘wave your hands’ type of fixtures. I may be aging, but my powers of deduction remain intact. I confidently swiped my palm under the spigot. No water. I swiped lower, then higher. Faster, then slower. I held my hand steady under where I assumed the water would eventually emerge — nothing. My hands were still as dry as a tortoise shell. The longer I stood there attempting to decipher the magical faucet code, the redder and redder my cheeks were getting thanks to the giggling girls around me. The crowd continued to grow behind me as I valiantly continued my quest while keeping an eye out for anyone who may have tried to immortalize the moment on YouTube. Eventually, I stumbled on the right position/swiping speed combination and water began to flow. I was impressed with my Herculean feat for a nanosecond — until I tried to decode the soap dispenser. This was not my first foray into the world of futuristic ladies’ rooms.
20 Chesterfield Living
On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I mistakenly thought a hand dryer was a child seat. At a concert venue in downtown Richmond, I stood with my contemporary trying to coax paper towels out of the reluctant contraption on the wall. And I have spun in so many circles so many times just trying to locate the trash bin, I have permanent vertigo! I understand the benefits of technological advancements and am truly thankful that so many inventions have created a better world for us all. I gladly embrace the medical advances that have saved my life many times. I enthusiastically absorb new software programs that make my work life more creative and more productive. I revel in new apps on my phone, and daily bless the people who created the system that allows me to video chat with my far-away family members. But in the words of my daddy, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Was there anything wrong with the good ole fashioned faucet that you turned and the soap dispenser that you pumped? The universal simplicity was comfortingly familiar. Yes, there was the significant chance of spreading yucky germs on the unsanitary fixtures, but at least we weren’t laughed at by the youngsters while we were sharing E. coli. I’m a firm believer in “if you’re going to complain, you need to provide a solution too.” Since there does not appear to be an app for this, my suggested solution is to institute mandatory signage, with pictures and in multiple languages, be placed above every sink, soap dispenser and paper towel holder in the nation with specific operating instruction. A simple pictorial of swipe here, wave there, or hold steady here for the count of three. Simple and old school. My kind of solution!
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Chesterfield Living 21
Changing Lives in
Chesterfield THE FUTURE BAXTER PERKINSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
by Davy Jones
remains to be seen what piece of music will christen known back in 2004, when a bond referendum to help fund the center was the inside of the future Baxter Perkinson Center for the approved. “The demand and the interest that we’ve had from all of ChesterArts, but if art imitates life, the prelude field has been extremely supportive,” Cline affirms. “We’ve currently raised — That sense of commitment is evident in the way the will be long, and the finale will be glorious. The Center has been a long-standing dream for in cash — the original ob- project has weathered setbacks. Like many fundraising Hugh Cline, chairman of the Chesterfield Cultural endeavors, the Center’s momentum slowed during the Arts Foundation, which will assume responsibil- ligation of $1.1 million. And recession of the late 2000s and early 2010s, but funding ity for operations once the project is complete and then we have another gears are beginning to turn again to meet additional performances begin at the facility’s planned Chesfinancial needs due to higher than expected construc$1.3 million that is coming tion estimates and inflationary cost adjustments. ter Village Green location. “I grew up in Chester,” says Cline. “I’m doing this in over time. Those are “We need to raise another half a million dollars,” Cline [because] it’s the right thing to do. I was in a unique says. “We’ve currently raised the original obligation of position where the opportunity presented itself for the pledges that are com- $1.1 million. We have that in the bank. And then we have me to do something that would actually change the ing in over the next four or another $1.3 million that is coming in over time. Those lives of quite a few people for a long time.” are the pledges that are coming in over the next four or Cline’s not alone in his enthusiasm. Chesterfield five years.” five years.” That’s in addition to the county’s initial $6.9 – Hugh Cline residents made their desire for such a gathering place million bond allotment. 22 Chesterfield Living
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The most notable contribution came from local dentist and philanmunity could enjoy once the center is up and running. “It will open up a thropist W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., who pledged $1 million toward the whole new world of opportunities,” says Cline. “It will help tourism. It’s center — a move that changed the project’s trajecjust a win-win for everybody.” tory, as well as its name. “It was the Chesterfield “This facility literally will While the exact dimensions and groundbreaking Center for the Arts and the Chesterfield Center date are part of ongoing negotiations, current plans change lives. I tell the dofor the Arts Foundation.” says Cline. “We changed describe a stunning setting for cultural appreciation: the name when Baxter donated the million-dollar nors that if you never set a theater with orchestra pit, an art gallery and classpledge.” foot in this facility, it will still rooms. The Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts stands to In Cline’s eyes, these resources are part of a largprovide a tremendous economic boost to the area, as benefit you and your fam- er infrastructure matrix that makes life sweeter for well as to the quality of life of its residents. “This faily. It will open up a whole Chesterfield’s 340,000 residents, complementing the cility literally will change lives,” Cline says. “I tell the area’s schools, libraries and emergency response serdonors that if you never set foot in this facility, it will new world of opportuni- vices. “It’s all a big puzzle, and this is a major piece of still benefit you and your family. ties. It will help tourism. It’s this puzzle” Cline says. “The need is there and I think From increased property values to crime deterthat once people see it, use it, experience it, they’re rence, Cline cited a litany of gains — in addition to a win-win for everybody.” going to [say] ‘I don’t know why it took so long to get – Hugh Cline cultural enrichment — that the Chesterfield comthis in the first place.’” July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 23
The following article appears in the July/August 2017 issue of our sister publication, River City Magazine. We encourage you to take advantage of the city’s James River Park System, the most visited place in the entire Richmond region, with nearly one million visitors annually. Of course, there’s ample access to the James River right within Chesterfield. See the box, Chesterfield on the James, following this article.
a river runs through it by Tom Gresham
It was the James River that brought English settlers to Richmond. Traveling by boat on the James, explorers led by Christopher Newport stopped when they reached the river’s fall line and could navigate no farther. A city eventually grew on the spot.
Centuries later, the river still plays a central role in the lives of those living in Richmond and its surrounding areas, but it is less about necessity or practicality today. While many cities around the world reside on the banks of a river, their residents tend to turn to the river for industry. In Richmond, it is primarily about recreation — and lots of it. 24 Chesterfield Living
Ph
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: o to
Ri v
er s
id
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s
Photo: Rich Young
“There’s a love affair with the river here that Photo: Rich Young
is different than in other cities. The idea of actually getting in the water is foreign to people in most urban environments. It’s not what you do, but we do that here. That’s the connection that we have — through recreation, general appreciation and actively engaging with the river and its waterways
”
— and that’s what sets us apart.
Photo: Riverside Outfitters
— Nathan Burrell, Superintendent James River Park System
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 25
Photo: Rich Young
“There’s a love affair with the river here that is different than in other cities,” says Nathan Burrell, superintendent of the James River Park System. Richmonders and visitors to the area plunge headfirst into the James — swimming, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, paddleboarding and more. In comparable cities, Burrell says, that is not a river’s purpose. “The idea of actually getting in the water is foreign to most people in urban environments,” Burrell says. “It’s not what you do, but we do that here. That’s the connection that we have — through recreation, general appreciation and actively engaging with the river and its waterways — and that’s what sets us apart.” Outside Magazine ranked Richmond as the best river city in the United States in 2012 on the basis of that unique relationship. Part of what makes the James so appealing for is that it has urban whitewater class IV and V rapids that run right through the city, Burrell says. The James River Park System, which draws more than 1.4 million visitors annually to its 600 acres, provides the ideal staging ground for engaging with the river. The park system not only offers access to the river but also provides opportunities for hiking and mountain
26 Chesterfield Living
biking along the water. Burrell notes that the park is seeing an increasingly diverse group of visitors in recent years. More than 60-percent of park system visitors come from outside Richmond. “The love affair with the James River extends far beyond the city,” Burrell says. “It truly is a destination for people.” In fact, as much attention as Richmond has received in recent years for the James River, David Fary, manager of the rafting program at Riverside Outfitters, said word is continuing to spread. He says most of the rafters Riverside serves in the summer months are visitors from out of town. Many express their surprise at the river’s accessibility. Fary said one of his favorite aspects of the river is how naturally it accentuates Richmond’s famous past. “There’s so much history that you can access from the river,” Fary says. “Kayaking or rafting or paddleboarding on the river really is one of the best tours of the city that you can take. It gives you a great view of the city and allows you to see so many historical sites. You’re on the river but you’re really right in the middle of things.” That hasn’t changed for hundreds of years.
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C
hesterfield County’s Park and Recreation department currently operates two riverfront sites offering county residents and visitors access to all that the James has to offer:
Robious Landing Park 3800 James River Road, Midlothian Robious Landing Park provides easy access to the James River for kayaking, canoeing, rowing and fishing. The 102-acre site also houses 3.4 miles of trails, as well as playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sand volleyball. (Chesterfield.gov/Parks)
Dutch Gap Conservation Area 411 Coxendale Road, Chester The Dutch Gap Conservation Area offers 810 acres of diverse woods, wetlands and wildlife. Hike, bike or even horseback ride along the four-and-a-half-mile trail. Experience the tidal waters of the James
Chesterfield on the James and explore the “graveyard” of the barges by kayak or canoe along the two-and-a-half-mile Lagoon Water Trail. Organized groups can take advantage of a primitive campground on the peninsula. (Chesterfield.gov/DutchGap)
Coming Soon to a River Near You
In June of 2016, Chesterfield County purchased 109 acres of land along the James, says Jim Perdue, assistant director of the county’s Parks and Recreation department. Perdue, who oversees the grounds maintenance operation, says that the property line lies from the spot where Falling Creek enters the James at the Falling Creek Ironworks Archeological Site to just east of Drewry’s Bluff. Currently, the county is in the process of developing a master plan for the site. However, once completed, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a beautiful stretch of land along the river with opportunities for boating, paddling, hiking and fishing.
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 27
Join us every Sunday for Brunch starting at 11AM with a great brunch menu. Jazz Brunch 1st Sunday of every month.
For nearly 25 years, Poe’s Pub has been a friendly neighborhood hangout for the folks in Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, and Beyond.
Restaurant & Bar Hours: Mon.– Thu. 11:30 AM – 11 PM Fri.– Sat. 11:30 AM – Midnight Sun. 11 AM – 10 PM
The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurant with great beer, great food and captivating views of Richmond! Bluegrass/Americana Music Every Sunday Night! 321 W. 7th Street | (804) 232-3446 | www.legendbrewing.com
28 Chesterfield Living
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CAPITAL ALE HOUSE RING OF FIRE BURGER A chili & habañero rubbed Virginia-raised beef patty, grilled pineapple, bacon, pepper jack cheese, ancho-chipotle sauce and fresh jalapeños.
Photo: Kim Frost Photography
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Charlottesville
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Photo: Ryan Hooley
Burgers & Brews Sedona Taphouse
15732 WC Main St. (Westchester Commons); 804) 379-0037; SedonaTaphouse.com
Australian ‘Kobe Beef’ Sliders
Photo: Kim Frost Photography
You’ll find a variety of sliders, from salmon to pulled pork, on Sedona’s extensive Small Plates menu. Pictured here are their Australian ‘Kobe Beef’ Sliders: three wagyu beef patties, each topped with Vermont cheddar, house-made sauce and caramelized onions. Served with a side of greens (arugula) or blues (as in chips.), these beefy little burgers match well with a frosty, hoppy and fruity pint of Bell’s Two Hearted IPA.
Capital Ale House
13831 Village Place Dr.; (804) 897-5815 CapitalAleHouse.com
Ring of Fire Burger Love is a burning thing, and so is the Ring of Fire Burger from Capital Ale House: a chili & habañero rubbed Virginia-raised beef patty, grilled pineapple, bacon, pepper jack cheese, ancho chipotle sauce and fresh jalapeños. With over 100 beers on at their Innsbrook location, how do you know which to pick? Nothing pairs better with hot-and-spicy than the refreshing citrus of Iron Leaf Belgian Blonde, a Belgian Single brewed with lemongrass and lemon peel, from Pale Fire out of Harrisonburg, VA. Capital Ale’s Burger Night special runs until 1 a.m. on Monday nights, and features $3 burgers with any beverage purchase.
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 31
Burgers & Brews Max’s Positive Vibe Cafe
2825 Hathaway Rd, (Stratford Hills Shopping Center); (804) 560-9622; PositiveVibeRVA.com
Ole’ Smokey Burger Photo: Josh Young
Positive Vibe balances sweet and smokey flavors perfectly with their Ole’ Smokey Burger: cola BBQ Sauce, smoked Gouda, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion. You can opt for classic hand-cut fries or go wild with a side of succotash or fresh fruit instead. Either way, you should wash it all down with New Beglium’s Juicy Watermelon Lime Ale, a refreshing mix of sweet watermelon, with minimal bitterness and a clean finish.
The Grill at Waterford
Photo: Josh Young
13548 Waterford Pl; (804) 763-0555 TheGrillAtWaterford.com
32 Chesterfield Living
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EZ Egg & Cheesy Burger Lunch and breakfast had a baby and they called it the EZ Egg & Cheesy Burger: 8 ounces of certified Angus beef topped with a fried egg, strips of smokey bacon, American cheese and crispy hash browns. Although we could pair this with a brunchy mimosa, instead we’ve opted for a Richmond all-around favorite, Legend Brewing’s Brown Ale. This full bodied version of a British Brown Ale pushes malt flavors first, balanced by a finish of fruity undertones.
Burgers & Brews Photo: Kim Frost Photography
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
5810 Grove Avenue, Richmond; (804) 285-1758; JackBrownsJoint.com
The Greg Brady And now for something completely different. We present to you: The Greg Brady. 100-percent Wagyu beef topped with house-made mac n’ cheese and Martin’s BBQ potato chips. Because sometimes the sides are so good they get piled right onto of the burger, and we know you’re hep in far out ways. Paired with house-made jack Brown’s sauce and Yukon gold crinkle cut fries. Malt undertones and a slight hop character round out the dish when paired with Blue Mountain’s light and crisp German-style Kolsch 151.
Photo: Kim Frost Photography
MOSAIC
July / August 2017
6229-A River Rd. (River Road Shopping Center); (804) 288-7482; MosaicEdibles.com
Burger + Fries MOSAIC’s Burger + Fries is simple done right. A blend of 100% ground Angus beef brisket and chuck, topped with cheddar cheese, house-made bacon and Dijon-caper aioli on a brioche bun. Paired with the ever-popular Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager. MOSAIC, known for years for their lunch, is a hidden gem for dinner. Check out Burger Mondays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and sink your teeth into a premium artisan burger for $7, and wash it all down with a $4 Virginia craft beer.
Chesterfield Living 33
tastebudz with Steve Cook
For this issue, I couldn't limit myself to Chesterfield County alone. I ate my way right across the river. But I did start with...
BEER FOR BREAKFAST: An early morning beer might be just the thing for many in the medical profession, factory workers and others who work the midnight shift. Their day is just ending as it’s beginning for most of us. But whether you’re looking for a sunrise brew after a hard night on the job or you just seek a delicious homemade breakfast at a local, non-chain restaurant, you’ll be happy to learn that Sergio’s Pizza, located in Market Square Shopping Center at 4824 Market Square Lane in Midlothian is now open from 7 ‘til 10 each morning, Monday through Saturday. Owner Joe Conigliaro tells me that Sergio’s is serving homemade biscuits, sweet and savory croissants, breakfast pizzas and burritos, even homemade donuts. “We have a little bit of everything,” he says. It all sounds like a tasty way to greet the day. And while most of us may prefer a cup of locally roasted coffee from Iron Clad Coffee Roasters, Joe says that there are quite a few patrons dropping in on their way home from work in the early morning and enjoying a refreshing mimosa or some other concoction from the full service bar, which is famous for its fantastic selection of craft brews. For all of you who’ve long enjoyed Sergio’s great pizza and classic Italian dishes, don’t worry, the place is still serving up all your favorites for lunch and dinner every day. 34 Chesterfield Living
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LET’S GET FESTIVE: Get ready for something new from the folks who own the metro area’s three Capital Ale Houses. Fest, which is slated to open in late summer at 7044 Woodlake Commons Loop (Woodlake Commons Shopping Center), will be a small footprint restaurant offering a large outdoor biergarten as well as additional dining and a bar inside. “Sausage will be the specialty at Fest, but we will also be serving an assortment of salads and other light fare for all to enjoy,” says Matt Simmons, president of Capital Ale House. The restaurant will even offer its own Festbrand sausage, specially created by a butcher partner. In addition, locally made classic and artisanal sausages will be served on platters or sandwich style. Unique cheeses, charcuterie platters and Capital Ale’s famous Bavarian pretzels will also be available. Obviously, there will be beer. “You can’t have sausage without beer,” Matt adds. “Fest will pour local Virginia beers, craft beers, plus German, Polish and other European brews.” He tells me that you can even get your beer in the one liter steins. Wine, draught root beer and other soft drinks will also be available.
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SIMPLY WONDERFUL: As you may already know, I’m a very simple guy. That’s perhaps why I like my simple syrups, especially when they’re mixed with a little something something. I’ve told you before about Susan Martinson’s Keep it Simple Syrup. If you’re looking for ideas for some warm weather cocktails, you might want to check out her website, KeepItSimpleSyrup. com. You’ll find helpful recipes for some refreshing summertime beverages including a very tasty Lemon Shandy. You can pick up her simple syrups at Virginia ABC stores as well as at Wegmans and Good Foods Grocery.
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I’VE SEEN WOOD AND I’VE SEEN IRON: I had a chance to check out the new Wood & Iron Gameday Restaurant and Bar in the Shoppes at Bellgrade the other night. Boy, was the place packed. Not only are there more big-screen TVs than you can shake a remote at, but the food is very good, too. This sports bar themed restaurant is brought to you by the same folks who run Flyin’ Pig in Midlothian and Asado in the VCU area. I’m told that the menu is somewhat of a marriage between the Pig’s burgers and brisket and Asado’s tacos and wings. That’s a union I can certainly support.
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July / August 2017
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Chesterfield Living 35
TO YOUR HEALTH: I discovered a couple of new (to the Richmond area, anyway) healthy dining options recently. First, I happened by B. Good, located in the Wegman’s shopping center (West Broad Marketplace) at 12246 W. Broad Street. From just looking at their numerous locations around the country, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, it would appear that the restaurant chain, which originated in Boston in 2003, seems to have grown pretty rapidly. I enjoyed the cool little history about their humble beginnings, which I found on their website, Bgood.com. You can also download their app and order ahead of time for a quick pick up (not to mention a quick pick-me-up). This is their first Richmondarea restaurant, but district manager, Brian Cooper, a Mechanicsville resident, tells me that there are two more local units planned for the near future, one being in Reynolds Crossing. I’m already hooked on the Kale Krush Smoothie, which features fresh kale, apple, pineapple and banana. Brian tells me that the kale and grain bowls are very popular, as well. He says the chain takes advantage of fresh produce from some of the area’s best farms. B.Good also offers their healthy take on burgers, sandwiches, sweet potato fries and more, including an all-natural, local beef hot dog on the Kids’ Meals menu. I also had an opportunity to enjoy some delicious soup at Freshii, located at 1700 Willow Lawn Drive. One of my favorite Taste Budz, Katie Sweeney, turned me on to the place. Freshii’s website, Freshii. com, also has an interesting story about the inspiration behind founder Matthew Corrin’s decision to create the concept. The rather extensive menu offers a variety of soups, salads, wraps, bowls and burritos. Plus, you’ll find low-fat yogurts and fresh, house-made juices and smoothies. I chose the lemongrass soup on my visit. It was delicious. In addition to the spicy lemongrass, which gives this soup a little kick, there are also rice noodles, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms and cilantro.
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IS THAT A MONET OR A MERLOT?: Everyone’s an artist, especially after a glass of wine. And with that thought in mind, I want to tell you about a cool new business that truly is a stroke of genius. I’m talking about Wine & Design, which opened at 9925 Hull Street Road a few weeks ago. According to Darnese Oliver, local franchisee, Wine & Design provides a chic, upbeat space for painting classes for folks of all ages and experience levels. “We provide the canvas, paint, brushes, aprons and a complimentary glass of wine,” she says. If you’re planning a wedding shower, a bachelorette party, a team building exercise or any gathering, this w o u l d certainly be something delightfully different. They even do kids’ parties as well, although I’m guessing there’s more design than wine for such occasions. For more info, contact Darnese at 804-447-2976.
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July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 37
Shooting Point Oyster Company Seaside Salts with a grilled peach mignonette granita served at Mosaic Restaurant during the Virginia Oyster Recycling Program dinner.
A PEARL OF A PROGRAM: Mosaic (6229 River Road) hosted a six-course beer and oyster dinner this spring to highlight the variety of preparations and pairings for locally-harvested oysters, while raising awareness for a relatively new recycling program that could have you asking, paper, plastic or calcium carbonate? “I really wanted to do something different,” says Randy Roscoe, director of operations for Mosaic, who organized the event. “I didn’t want anyone to think this would be just, you know, one raw oyster plate after another.” The point man for coordinating between the restaurant, two breweries and five oyster farmers, Roscoe calls the event a successful team effort. And what a team it was: two of Richmond’s most popular brewers, Ardent Craft Ales and Hardywood Park Brewery, and a handful of bay area oyster farmers, from superstars like Ruby Salts to quirky open-water grown Tangiers. And at the heart of this collaboration is the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling program, itself a synergy of efforts between VCU Rice Rivers Center, area restaurants, oyster farmers, bay and river residents, and basically anyone who shucks an oyster within a 100-mile radius. The program, headed by Todd Janeski, who was on hand to help kick off the festivities, collects used oyster shells from 50 of the region’s restaurants — from Charlottesville to the Northern Neck — and transports, stores and cultivates oysters back into the bay. “They’re basically the filtration system for all that water,” says Randy. Oyster reefs are integral to the sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay, filtering more than 50 gallons of water every day, creating habitats for fish and crustaceans, and balancing the pH of the bay water itself. The highlight of the night featured the Ardent/Hardywood Oyster Kolsch Collaborative Brew, which was paired with two raw Ruby Salts oysters, strips of air-dried pancetta and a sweet and tangy Agriberry Farms strawberry granita, topped with micro basil — all plated on a rustic bed of smoked hay. After taking down the first helping, Greg Self, brand ambassador for Ardent, yelled out to the rest of the table excitedly, “It tastes just like the ocean!” Mosaic donated 20 percent of the proceeds from the dinner to the Virginia Oyster Recycling Program. To learn more, visit RiceRivers.VCU.edu.
38 Chesterfield Living
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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: Did you know about the new Greek restaurant where the Crazy Greek used to be at 1903 Staples Mill Road? It’s The Greek Taverna. The folks that own this truly fantastic new restaurant were the original owners of The Crazy Greek from 1975 to 1997. Although Greg and Kitsa Panos leased the building and sold the Crazy Greek name to someone else, they maintained ownership of the property. When the lease was up recently, they decided to get back into the business, which they now run with daughter Toula and her husband, Gagik Suleymanian. I can tell you from first-hand experience, the food is fantastic. I’m a big pastichio fan when it’s done right, and they do it perfectly. In addition to some of the oldtime favorites from the Crazy Greek of yesteryear, Kitsa tells me that they’re also doing some Greek dishes you probably won’t find anywhere else in town. The restaurant also offers combo dinners, which give you a chance to sample a variety of Greek specialties. And the menu features lots of fresh seafood, prepared Greek style. Don’t even get me started on the desserts, most of which are homemade. I asked Kitsa why, after twenty years away from the business, she wanted back into the restaurant game. She says she that although she had forgotten how much work it is, she has always loved the business. Before she and her husband opened Crazy Greek some 42 years ago, she had helped her father when he ran the legendary Byram’s Restaurant in the late 60s and early 70s. Daughter Toula says her mother has always loved cooking. “When she would go on vacation, she would get a hotel room with a kitchen so she could cook.” I guess it’s in my blood,” Kitsa added.
Well, I guess this is a wrap for this issue. But keep with the latest restaurant news from Chesterfield and the entire metro area with TasteBudz Online at RichmondNavigator.com.
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FLAVOR
KID FRIENDLY DINING
Few things are more enjoyable than getting the whole family together at your favorite dining spot to enjoy a delicious meal in one of Chesterfield’s many fine restaurants. Many of our favorite places also offer kids’ menus, special children’s discounts and other attractions to make the meal even more fun for the younger ones. tic Mexican fare. There’s a special Kids’ Menu (ages 10 and under) featuring a variety of your children’s favorite dishes for $5.99, including soft drink, milk or juice. But Monday night is Family Night, which means that kids eat free. One free kid’s meal (from the Kids’ Menu) with each adult dinner purchase. Family night is extra special at the Forest Hill location because your kids can enjoy magic and balloons along with the tacos and quesadillas.
Joe’s Inn at Bon Air Mexico Restaurant 7001 Forest Hill Ave.; 804-320-1069
12031 Southshore Pointe Road, Midlothian; 804-763-5640 Mexico-Restaurant.com Any night is a good night for your family to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at this longtime favorite family-run chain serving authen40 Chesterfield Living
2616 Buford Road; 804-320-9700; JoesInnBonAir.com
This family-run Greek and Italian restaurant is family friendly, too, and not just because the food is delicious. On Mondays and Tuesdays kids 12 and under eat free from the Kids Menu, one free meal per paying adult. And on Wednesday nights, the Amazing Jonathan Austin entertains the old and young alike with his card tricks, jokes and illusions. RichmondNavigator.com
Steam Bell Beer Works
1717 Oak Lane Blvd., Midlothian; 804-728-1876; SteamBell.beer Don’t gasp. Breweries have become some of the kid-friendliest venues around, and Steam Bell is no exception. Kids have such a great time here that they often go back to school and relate their experiences at the brewery. With a variety of games such as cornhole and giant Jenga as well as plenty of sidewalk chalk for the young Rembrandts in the family, who can blame them? The menu is always changing, depending on the food truck on site. Steam Bell Beer Works has food trucks on hand every Friday and Saturday evenings and occasionally on Thursdays and Sundays. Check their event schedule for info on upcoming live entertainment.
week make this an ideal choice for families. On Mondays, kids 10 and under eat for half price with the purchase of an adult meal. On Tuesdays, when you buy two donuts, you get one classic glazed donut free. And on Saturdays, the café features their Family Pack Special. You get a pound of BBQ, four Buns, a half-pound of coleslaw, a pound of mac N' cheese or baked beans, and six donuts for $29.99.
Sedona Taphouse
15732 WC Main St. (Westchester Commons); 804-379-0037; SedonaTaphouse.com Healthy dining is so important to the folks at Sedona Taphouse that they have their own dietician. Even the kids menu offers gluten free and heart healthy options. Each item on the kids menu is priced at $5.90 and includes a beverage. Several entrees, such as the grilled cheese sandwich, the kids’ steak and the chicken offer the choice of a side. And with all the TVs in the place, you don’t’ have to worry about keeping your kids occupied, either.
River City Diner
11430 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian; 804897-9518; RiverCityDiner.com/Southside River City Diner is a fun place to eat whether you’re young or old. Their desserts and milkshakes are always a special treat. Kids get crayons and soda-jerk caps to color while waiting to be served. Mom and Dad will be smiling, too, on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. when their young ones, 10 and under, eat free. Two kids eat free from the Kids Menu with each adult purchase.
Longhorn Steakhouse
AMC Dine In Midlothian 10
Bring your appetite and your kids to Longhorn and everyone will be happy. Adults choose from a variety of entrees featuring filet, ribeye, chicken, shrimp and salmon. As for the kids, they get crayons and a game sheet. The menu offers such tempting tastes as a kids’ sirloin for $7.99. It’s served with a side and seasonal fruit. What kid doesn’t love chicken tenders? They come with a side and a serving of fruit for just $5.99. Cheeseburgers and mac and cheese round out the menu, plus, the restaurant offers fresh and frozen dessert smoothies such as the Peanut Butter Cup Chill, the Raspberry Dream Smoothie and the Banana Berry Freeze.
A movie theater and a restaurant rolled into one! What kid wouldn’t love that? And with 10 screens at the AMC Dine In, there’ll almost always be a movie that the whole family can enjoy. Kids are not only welcome at AMC, they have their own special menu. Each entrée is priced at $7.99, for kids 12 and under, and comes with fries, a fruit cup and their choice of 2% milk or a 12-oz. soft drink.
14500 Hancock Village St., Midlothian; 804-639-1571; LonghornSteakhouse.com
Sweet Shop Donuts Café
1800 A South Creek One, Powhatan; 804-379-6800; SweetShopDonuts.com Any restaurant with the name “Donuts” in it has got to be a kid favorite. Besides, the food is very good, too. Several specials throughout the July / August 2017
1100 Alverser Dr., Midlothian; 804-897-1899; AMCTheatres.com
Uptown Alley
6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy., Midlothian; 804-744-1077; UptownAlleyRichmond.com With 38 high-tech bowling lanes, a 60+ video game arcade and a great restaurant under one roof, Uptown Alley offers the perfect family night out. The food is first class, too, with a menu featuring mouth-watering burgers, BBQ, gourmet pizzas and much more. On Tuesdays, kids 12 and under get a free meal plus a $5 game card with each adult entrée purchase of $9 or more. While it’s one free meal and game card per paying adult, you can purchase additional “Kids Eat and Play Packages” for $4. Check the website for other daily specials. Chesterfield Living 41
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Experience Italian Food as it was meant to be. R E S TAU R A N T & TAV E R N 804.360.9240 | keagansrichmond.com
West Broad Village, 2251 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen 42 Chesterfield Living
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Happy Hour Guide Glory Days Grill
6151 Harbour Centre Loop Dr., Midlothian; 804-608-8350; GloryDaysGrill.com Hearty American fare, great burgers and lots of TVs Monday through Friday 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays – Signature cocktail - $5
House Margaritas - $2.99
Tuesday – Sam Adams, pints - $4
Rail Drinks - $2.99
Wednesday – Wine, bottles – ½ price
Daily Specials 3 to 9 p.m.
Thursday – Orange Crush - $5
3734 Winterfield Road, Midlothian; 804-378-4988; WildGingerVA.com Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi, along with an excellent selection of fine wines in a contemporary setting. Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m.
Drafts, Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light 12 oz. - $2.29; 22 oz. - $3.99 House wine - $2.99
Wild Ginger
Beer, all drafts - $2 off Craft cocktails - $2 off Draft wines - $5
One More Thing: Finger-Licking Wednesdays features a half portion of baby back ribs for $10.99 all day long.
Bone Fish Grill
6081 Harbour Park Dr., Midlothian; 804-639-2747; BonefishGrill.com The seafood-centric menu features daily “fresh catch” specials such as Kate’s Wild North Atlantic Haddock and Crab-Topped Cobia
Happy Hour Snacks - $5 (includes fried teriyaki wings, pork gyoza, pepper-tuna hand roll, vegetable spring rolls, lemongrass chicken dumplings and Fire Mountain cheese bites) One More Thing: Each month Wild Ginger teams up with a local charity to present a special charity roll of the month. For every charity roll sold, Wild Ginger donates $2 to that charity.
Wood & Iron Gameday Restaurant and Bar
11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian; 804-594-5626; WoodAndIronGameday.com Lively restaurant and bar with a menu featuring burgers, tacos and hickory-smoked wings.
Monday through Sunday 4 to 6:30 p.m. Draft beers - $1 off House wines - $4 Select spirits - $5 (Tito’s, Bombay, Bacardi, Dewar’s, Makers Mark, Jack Daniels) Hand-crafted Martini cocktails - $5
Monday through Friday 2 to 6 p.m. Highballs - $3.50
One More Thing: Grab Bone Fish Grill’s signature appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp, for just $6 every Wednesday.
Beer, non-craft bottles - $1 off Spirits, call and premium - $5 Spirits, super premium - $7
Mediterraneo Grill
Wine, all bottles - $8 off
3730 Winterfield Road, Midlothian; 804-794-5350; MediterraneoGrill.com The Lo Presti brothers, a popular Richmond-area restaurant family, bring their interpretation of the Mediterranean’s wide variety of flavors and influences in a relaxed, yet sophisticated, atmosphere.
One More Thing: House Bloody Marys and Transfusions are $4.95, and mimosa pitchers are $10.95 every day until 9 p.m.
Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m. Wine, by the glass - $1 off • Rail Drinks - $1 off • Beer, draft bottles - $1 off
Sunday and Monday – Wine, by the bottle – ½ price
If you are a restaurant or beverage manager, please send your Happy Hour specials to Steve@RichmondNavigator.com. Our Happy Hour Guide is provided as a service to our readers. This is not an advertisement, nor is any compensation involved.
Tuesday – Pizza – ½ price
All happy hour listings are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.
Nightly specials start at 5 p.m.
Wednesday – Pasta Night - $10 per person Thursday – Date Night (3-Course Meal and Bottle of Wine) - $60 per couple One More Thing: Try one of their signature pizzas. Order online to pick up at the restaurant and enjoy at home. July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 43
What's So Special About The
Hanover Tomato by Steve Cook
S
ummer’s here. Time for a young man’s thoughts to turn to…tomatoes? But, hey, this is Hanover, and we’re talking about Hanover Tomatoes — the savory little fruit that has had an impressive impact on our county. Even as a child growing up on Cary Street in Richmond, I remember my grandmother going into the Black and White Grocery Store and asking if the Hanover tomatoes were in yet. I never gave much thought to just what makes a Hanover tomato a Hanover tomato. What I’ve come to learn since those days of my youthful innocence is that virtually any tomato can be called a Hanover if it’s grown in the county. Bruce Haynes, who has been cultivating tomatoes and other vegetables in Hanover since 1971, agrees, “We grow many different variet44 Chesterfield Living
ies. And, historically, the eastern part of the county, east of Route 360, was the home to the Hanover tomato simply because of the flat land and sandy soil.” Haynes sells his tomatoes every Saturday morning from 9 ‘til noon at the Ashland Farmers Market, located just behind City Hall at 101 Thompson St. So, what’s so special about Hanover tomatoes? For my answer, I decided to go to an expert on the subject — Jane Dodd. She and her husband, Robert, started growing tomatoes in Hanover more than 30 years RichmondNavigator.com
ago and have operated their business under the name Dodd’s Acres Farm. For more than 25 years, they’ve been supplying the tomatoes for the annual Hanover Tomato Festival. “They say it’s the sandy soil,” Dodd says. “But I say it’s because they’re grown with a lot of TLC.” Tender loving care may also be the secret ingredient that allowed the Dodd’s to enjoy 63 years together as husband and wife. Sadly, Robert passed away suddenly this past spring while working at the couple’s packinghouse in Hanover. “He was where he wanted to be, doing what he wanted to do and he didn’t suffer,” Dodd says. “People would ask him when he was going to retire and he’d ask them, ‘Why should I retire? I’m only 86 years old.’” While Dodd says that she’ll be supplying the tomatoes for the festival once again this year, she’s uncertain about the future. “I’m taking it day by day,” she tells me. The couple’s three adult children have no interest in the tomatoes, except, she says, “They love to eat them.” For many years, she and her husband have employed seasonal workers through the federal government’s H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers program. She says that during the peak season, more than 40 such workers will assist in planting and harvesting tomatoes and other vegetables grown on several parcels of land throughout the county. Dodd’s Acres Farm contracts with the owners of other farmlands to cultivate the produce sold through wholesalers along the East Coast. She also has a retail location at the packing house at 4077 Market Road in Mechanicsville.
O
f course, for many of us, whether we live in Hanover County or not, the Annual Hanover Tomato Festival provides the perfect opportunity to purchase and consume large quantities of this fantastic fruit. The festival had its humble beginnings nearly 40 years ago when, in 1978, the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department introduced the event as a fundraiser. At that time, the festival was little more than a parade on McClellan Road, a celebration of local emergency responders, and Hanover tomatoes. Over time, the event’s popularity grew to
include children’s activities and local vendors as its location moved from the fire department to Battlefield Park Elementary School. In 1998, the event moved to its current location at Pole Green Park. This year’s festival starts at 9 a.m. on July 8, with a performance by the Hanover Concert Band, followed by opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Live bands will be entertaining the crowds throughout the day. The Hanover Tomato Festival boasts live music and a variety of food and craft vendors, as wells as the MaterFUN Zone, with activities, games and prizes for kids. Mark your calendar for July 8 and find out for yourself what makes the Hanover tomato and the Hanover Tomato Festival so special. HanoverTomatoFestival.com. July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 45
Events Calendar by Chesterfield Living staff
JULY 26-27
AUGUST 7 – 12
Volunteer firemen round up the ponies on Assateague Island and on July 26, swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island where they rest before being paraded down Main Street to the carnival grounds. On Thursday, the 27th, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, there is an auction held at the Carnival grounds to sell the foals. Once purchased, the ponies can be transported anywhere in the United States.
During the 2nd week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers' Convention takes place in Felts Park. Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform and hear the music that defines the sound of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim and Auction
JULY 15 – 16
National Civil War & Antiques Arms Show The National Civil War & Antique Arms Show - 1776 to 1945 presents an opportunity to buy, sell, trade, or just browse some of the finest Civil War and Antique Military Arms in the world ... all under one roof. There will be 500 tables of high quality guns, swords, accoutrements, reference books, art, and more. Free parking and on-site concessions for your convenience. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. July 15; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 16 / $10 / Richmond International Raceway, 540-672-4845 / NSTCivilWar.com
JULY 15
Strikeout Childhood Cancer This fundraising event is being held to raise much needed funds to benefit two Richmond-area children, Lelia Moran and Sawyer Perkins, who are battling brain cancer. There will be vendors, food trucks, a silent auction, live music, and children's activities. In addition, the Richmond Flying Squirrels will be selling tickets to that night's game. $3 of each General Admission ticket sold at the event will go directly to these children and their families. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. / The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
JULY 22
Colonial Crimes and Punishment This event focusses on the systems of criminal punishments enacted by the English colonists and Powhatan Indians. Visitors have the opportunity to be participants in both trials and punishments. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $8 adults; $6 children 3-12; Free to Henricus Patrons / Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, 804-748-1611, Henricus.org
46 Chesterfield Living
Contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce for further details: 757-336-6161 / Chincoteague Chamber.com
JULY 27
Henricus Discovery Days Program Series: Food of the 17th Century Learn what breakfast, lunch, and dinner might look like for a Powhatan Indian or Virginia colonist. Activities will include a story, interactive tour of our living history site, and a make-and-take craft. Stay as little or as long as you like. This event is great for children ages 3-10.
82nd Annual Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention
See website for full details: OldFiddlersConvention.com
AUGUST 10 – 13
Richmond Jazz Festival The nation's premier jazz festival is back. Altria presents the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont. Come experience the world's best jazz, great food, outstanding wine and the beautiful rolling hills of Maymont. Visit website for details: JazzAtMaymont.com
AUGUST 12
Charlie Daniels Band in Concert From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. 7 – 9 p.m. / $20-$99 / Marks and Harrison Amphitheater, 5030 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd., Fredericksburg / VirginiaAfterHours.com
JULY 29
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival Richmond's biggest spectacle on water – dragon boating. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race 500 meters up the river in 40-foot canoes rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. / Free for spectators; $1595 Team fee / SportsBackers.org
AUGUST 5
Richmond Paddle Cup The 2017 Richmond Paddle Cup, a benefit race for the Surfrider Foundation - Virginia Beach Chapter, will be held on the James River just outside of the city at the American Legion Landing in Midlothian. If you are interested in the paddle but do not have your own SUP, rentals will be available courtesy of Crosswind Paddle Company & East Coast Board Sports. For further details contact Crosswind Paddle Company at 804-878-7585 / CrosswindPaddle.com
RichmondNavigator.com
AUGUST 13
Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival Presented by Publix Supermarkets An old favorite with a new sponsor – and with 115,000 people, over 3,000 watermelons, 60 musicians and over 100 exhibitors. The Carytown Watermelon Festival presented by Publix Super Markets, has become the largest one day festival in the state of Virginia. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Cary Street throughout Carytown / CarytownRVA.com/Watermelon-festival
AUGUST 15
James River Splash and Dash The James River Splash & Dash Presented by Swedish Match is a one-of-a-kind 6K trail run or 1 mile walk that includes a flat water tube across the James River. 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. / $50 / JRSplashAndDash.org
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HOME HOME
Made in the shade
by Jordan Langley by Jordan Langley
W
ith outdoor entertaining at its peak in the summer months, don’t leave your houseguests to sweat it out in your bare backyard. From stand-alone umbrellas to retractable awnings that attach right to your home, create cooling shade with these chic design elements for a summer of fun in — and out — of the sun. Pergolas are freestanding pressure-treated wood or PVC structures built over backyard sitting areas, patios or hot tubs. Greg Koehler, owner and lead designer of Richmond-based Outdoor Dreams, says that the majority of his clients opt for pergolas in their backyards. “For more shade, consider adding two-by-four wooden slats to the top instead of standard two-by-two trim pieces,” says Koehler. While white PVC materials can be used in lieu of wood, keep in mind it will stain more quickly. Both materials are difficult to pressure wash. “Letting the wood age gracefully is your best bet,” advises Koehler. Create more shade by training roses and jasmine to climb up the lattice or by hanging privacy curtains. 48 Chesterfield Living
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Pergolas (top of page and bottom left, following page) have become increasingly popular in providing shade for outdoor dining space as well as outdoor kitchens. Awnings (bottom left and top right, following page) offer maximum shade for decks and patios and can be extended or retracted manually or with motor deployment using remote control. Umbrellas (above and top left, following page) are ideal for spot shading. Larger cantilevered umbrellas utilize a 360-degree aluminum framework to rotate over multiple areas.
July / August 2017
Awnings provide the most shade over a deck or patio. Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio carries models that bolt into the framework or roof of a house. The width extends over home windows, angles raise or lower and lengths can reach 13 feet, with motor deployment by remote control. Sunbrella fabric offers hundreds of color choices and debris washes right off. “They don’t look like they used to,” says, Macon Richardson, general manager. “These awnings are an investment with a 10- to 15year warranty.” Quality backyard umbrellas, perfect for spot shading, come in two varieties. A fiberglass, center-pole umbrella with a weighted base is the most traditional. Cantilevered umbrellas
Chesterfield Living 49
are larger, with a 360-degree aluminum framework that rotates over multiple areas — from seating arrangements to an outdoor kitchen — for maximum flexibility. These umbrellas are available in varying sizes, can match deck furniture and come with features such as autotilt and clip-on lights. For umbrella canopy color, Richardson says Richmond-area clients choose grays and blues, but keep in mind that paired with neutrals, “red is a pop of color that’s popular and always has been.” Koehler recommends planting container-grown (rather than field-grown) maples, birches, willows and large crepe myrtles to promote shade. Birches have invasive roots, so plant away from patios and foundations. “Always know the direction of the sun pattern in your yard,” he says, “You could have the perfect tree, but if it’s not in the right spot, it won’t work.” Trees supply beauty and respite — the natural way. Whether a dinner party gathers under a chic umbrella or settles under the dappled light of a shade tree, tip a glass to a lush backyard enveloped in comfort.
50 Chesterfield Living
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Travel Navigator Your Guide to All Things Travel It’s Summertime! Time to hit the road or the air or the water. We’re excited to introduce a new regular feature - Travel Navigator. We’re confident that Travel Navigator will help you discover new vacation destinations as well as provide you with travel tips and more ideas to inspire you. If you’re looking for a new vacation spot, a weekend getaway or simply a day trip, Travel Navigator has something for you.
TRAVEL NAVIGATOR COVER PAGE Virginia Beach Destinations Experience the Northern Neck A Taste of OBX Small Town Lexington
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 53
If Your Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys… Saddle up and head on down to Victoria in Lunenburg County for the National Day of the Cowboy on July 22. Enjoy the Tom Mix Rangers, dressed in authentic western clothing and demonstrating roping, bull-whipping and horseback riding. Actual “Cowboy Shoot-outs” all day in town. Cool off your spurs at a number of local cantinas for breakfast and lunch, but stay on the lookout for possible sightings of Cowboys and Indians. There’s even a BBQ cook-off. VictoriaVA.net.
Photo: Jefferson Hotel
A Virginia Icon
The Lasso of Truth – Are you Ready to be Roped In? Six Flags America, located in Bowie, Maryland, unveiled its new 240-foot tall WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth extreme swing ride in mid-June. Named after the world’s most iconic female DC Super Hero, the towering 24-story-tall attraction whisks riders around a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 miles per hour. The new thrill ride is adjacent to the park’s signature SUPERMAN Ride of Steel roller coaster. This year, the park is open daily through Labor Day and then on most weekends and select weekdays through Jan. 1. SixFlags.com/America.
54 Chesterfield Living
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Thrillist.com recently released its list of the most iconic hotels in every state. Who did they pick for Virginia? The famous Homestead Resort? No. The beautiful Hotel Roanoke? No. It was Richmond’s own historic Jefferson Hotel. The hotel has just completed a four-year renovation, transforming 262 guest rooms into 181 spacious new rooms, including 15 suites. A Grand Re-Opening Celebration provides a limitedtime value for guests to experience the all new Jefferson Hotel for themselves. Virginia residents are also invited to enhance their experience with an exclusive 20-percent discount off all food and non-alcoholic beverages in TJ’s and Lemaire, as well as the hotel’s room service, purchases in Gator’s Gifts and Blooms at The Jefferson, and services in Salon Vivace. TheJefferson-Richmond.HotelsOne.com
Virginia Beach
Virginia’s Three-Beach City
by Steve Cook
D
uring a recent vacation in Florida, I was surprised at how frequently other vacationers, upon learning that I was from Richmond, would ask me why I hadn’t gone to Virginia Beach. It seems that Virginia Beach is even more popular than I had imagined. What makes Virginia Beach even more attractive is that the it is actually a city of three very different beaches, each offering its own advantages depending on what sort of beach vacation you’re seeking this year.
The Resort Strip Beach That’s the one that most everyone has in mind when they speak of Virginia Beach. The resort area is, as they say, where the action is. The threemile strip combines beautiful sand beaches with restaurants, music venues, thousands of hotel rooms and people…lots of people.
Music and Entertainment Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the strip becomes Beach Street, USA. Street corners and sidewalks set the stage for an almost endless variety of music and novelty acts. For a daily schedule, visit BeachStreetUSA.com. The 24th Street Park also has a stage with live entertainment virtually every night during the summer.
Back-to-Nature Most of the nature to be found at the strip is off the shore, where’s there’s plenty to do and see. One of the more popular fishing spots is the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier at 1413 Atlantic Ave. (VABeachFishingPier.com). Rudee Tours at Rudee Inlet, located at the southern tip of the strip, offers whale- and dolphin-watching tours, cruises and fishing trips (RudeeTours.com). Nearby, Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle provides all you need to take advantage of this increasingly popular water adventure (PaddleBoardVB.com).
Dining Where do you begin. There’s something for every taste and every budget. Here are a few of our favorites: Mahi Mah’s - Located right on the beach in the Ramada (615 Atlantic Ave.), Mahi Mah’s offers a lively bar scene and excellent seafood and sushi. Take advantage of lunch and happy hour specials. (MahiMahs.com) Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar - This long popular spot in the Inlet is always hopping. Enjoy fresh off-the-boat seafood. (Rudees.com) Catch 31 - Enjoy upscale seafood and an excellent raw bar in this beautiful restaurant and patio, located in the Hilton Oceanfront (3001 Atlantic Ave.) Catch 31 offers great cocktails and beautiful ocean views. (Catch31.com)
Sandbridge Beach Sandbridge, located within the Virginia Beach city limits, offers a totally
different atmosphere than the strip. Located at the northern tip of the Outer Banks, Sandbridge provides a family-friendly beachfront environment. If you want lots of nightlife and lots of people, don’t go to Sandbridge.
Back-to-Nature False Cape State Park is located just south of the rental homes and condos that make up much of Sandbridge. This 4,000 acre state park is one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast. (DCR. Virginia.gov/State-Parks)
Dining Dining options are not so plentiful in Sandbridge as many vacationers take advantage of the large, gourmet kitchens in their vacation rentals. However, a long-time favorite spot for great seafood is Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse. Blue crabs are the specialty of the house. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and offers a variety of soups (you must try the she-crab), salads, sandwiches and lots of seafood entrée options. (MargieAndRays.com)
Chesapeake Bay Beaches Looking for a kinder, gentler beach? Head north of the strip, just off Shore Drive, to the sandy shores of the Chesapeake.
Back-to-Nature First Landing State Park, where 100 English settlers landed on April 26, 1607, offers opportunities to explore lagoons, large cypress trees and rare plants. Guided ecological kayak tours allow exploration of the marshes and bays, and the visitor center exhibits explain much about this coastal environment. Cabins, campsites, picnic areas, a swimming beach, boat ramps, kayak rentals and tours, and a bicycle trail are offered in the park.
Dining The popular dining spots along the Bay tend to be more of the laid-back variety. Fresh seafood is the order of the day: Chick’s Oyster Bar - For 25 years this has been a Virginia Beach staple. This clam-shack-like hangout is famous for its fresh, local oysters — steamed, raw, roasted or fried. Chick’s, located right on the water at 2143 Vista Circle, is also pretty well known for its great libations, too. (ChicksOysterBar.com) Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse - Crab cakes and shecrab soup are the headliners at this cool little waterfront hangout. (BubbasSeafoodRestaurant.com) Hot Tuna Bar & Grill - Located off the water on Shore Drive, Hot Tuna provides a lively bar scene along with a seafood-focused menu. Their Baja California Tacos and Two-Handed Sandwiches are also popular. (HotTunaVB.com)
July / August 2017
Chesterfield Living 55
Welcome to TRAVEL
Historyland The Birthplace of a Nation by Steve Cook
elcome to “Historyland.” While it’s been years since that term has been used in marketing Virginia’s Northern Neck, it certainly is an appropriate name. For untold centuries, Native Americans had been creating their own unique history on this peninsula that lay between the Rappahannock and the Potomac Rivers. However, from the perspective of the history of the United States, the Northern Neck could well be considered the birthplace of our nation. Not only were three of our first five presidents (George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe) born in the region, but the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence (Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry Lee) hailed from the Northern Neck. As we begin our journey into Historyland, we cross over the Rappahannock River on U.S. Route 301. That brings us into the Northern Neck. We’re headed for the George Washington Birthplace National Monument (NPS.gov), part of the National Park Service. What you will not see here at the monument is the actual house in which Washington was born. That house burned to the ground on Christmas Day 1779. Scott Hill, the National Park Service’s chief of interpretation explains that what you will see is a memorial house built in the 1930s that reflects the style and furnishings of the early 1700s. “It is not a replica, nor a restoration,” Hill says. “It was built to put something there that visitors can identify with.” He explains that many come to the monument expecting to see a home much grander in style. “Most Americans don’t want to assume that George Washington was born in anything other than a Mount Vernon-style home.” If you’re ready for a little rest and relaxation after your tour, take some
time to enjoy one of the few free beaches in the area. This delightfully secluded Potomac River beach is on the grounds of the park and is open to the public. A picnic area with restroom facilities is located about a halfmile from the beach. Less than 10 miles east of Washington’s birthplace is Stratford Hall (StratfordHall.org), the birthplace of another famous Virginian, Robert E. Lee. Stratford Hall is dubbed “the Home of the Lees,” who are among the “first families” of Virginia. As mentioned previously, two members of the family were signers of the Declaration of Independence. Stratford Hall is, indeed, the actual home in which Robert E. Lee was born in 1807. The “Great House” had been built by Lee’s grandfather, Thomas Lee, in 1730 and is truly one of the finest examples of Colonial architecture in existence. Period furnishings and family pieces, including Lee’s crib, can be found on your tour of the home. Different rooms are furnished to represent the four generations of the family that lived in the home from its construction to the early 1800s when the Lees were forced to vacate the property due to ongoing financial problems. The grounds surrounding the house may be even more fascinating than the home itself. The plantation covers 1,600 acres and has gardens, a kitchen, a smokehouse, laundry, springhouses, a coach house, stables, slave quarters and a gristmill. The plantation was home not only to the Lee’s, but to indentured servants and slaves who worked at smithing, candle making, coopering, tanning, liquor distilling and shoemaking. Dining and Accommodations: Two centuries ago, if you were to visit Stratford Hall you would have received a warm welcome, a comfortable bed and a fine meal. Today, visitors can enjoy the same. The Inn at Strat-
Photo: Stratford Hall. Virginia Tourism Corporation
Photo: National Park Service
ford Hall offers a variety of accommodations in the Cheek Guest House and the Astor Guest House. Breakfast in the dining room is included with your stay. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. For information on lodging or for reservations, call (804) 493-1967.
Other Historical Northern Neck Attractions About an hour’s drive southeast of Stratford Hall lies Irvington in Lancaster County. This quaint town is home to the Steamboat Era Museum (SteamboatEraMuseum.org), which opened in 2004. Because of the steamboat, the Northern Neck connected much more with Baltimore than Richmond, explains Jean Ward, a volunteer at museum. “We used the bay and the water as our highway. There were no real roads that didn’t turn to mush,” says Ward. “You could travel by horseback or by water, and most people chose the water.” This is not a museum about steamboats, cautions Randy Graham, the treasurer of the board at the museum. “It’s a museum about the steamboat era” — an era, Graham says, that holds a very romantic appeal. “We try to tell the story about this period of time,” he adds. “It’s still part of the culture and the makeup of the Northern Neck.”
Photo: Michael A Geissinger
The history of the region’s watermen is another fascinating part of the Northern Neck and its culture. That history is well told at the Reedsville Fishermen’s Museum (RFMuseum.org), located at 504 Main Street in Reedsville. The museum interprets and displays materials that are historically important to the lower Chesapeake Bay, with special emphasis on activities relating to Reedville fisheries and the lives of the region’s watermen. This year, the museum is introducing its KidsKorners, offering hands-on activities for children of all ages. The interaction is designed to stimulate the senses and to keep younger ones engaged as the adults spend more time discovering the galleries. When I spoke with Stratford Hall President John Bacon on my visit there, he acknowledged that the Lee family home — as well as the entire Northern Neck — is rich in history, but lamented, “In some sense, time has passed us by. We’re not on the beaten path. We’re not on the way to somewhere else.” With all that the Northern Neck offers, be it history, outdoor adventures, fine dining or romantic getaways, it doesn’t need to be on the way to somewhere else. Make Historyland your destination this summer.
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TRAVEL
Sarah Hauser / Virginia Tourism Corporation
here's an entire summer's worth of fun in the Northern Neck. Here are some fun suggestions for the entire family. Keeping the kids busy can include summer art classes at the Rappahannock Art League in downtown Kilmarnock, theater workshops with the Lancaster Players in White Stone or taking part in the many summer camps, from Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Camp Kekoka or The Northern Neck Family YMCA. If you have always wanted to learn to sail, Premier Sailing School has classes located at the Tides Inn in Irvington, with the beach on one side for small boat sailing and the wide waters of the Rappahannock River for big boat sailing. The Town of Kilmarnock opens a brand new park complete with an outdoor amphitheater, playground and splash pad. An all-day grand opening celebration is planned for July 8. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with live entertainment, food and cold drinks. The Lancaster by the Bay Chamber will follow with one of their signature events on July 22. Rhythm and Brews by the Bay features three bands: Richmond-based Trongone Band and local favorites, Pretty Heavy and Beer Money. There will be food vendors and cold beer. Tickets are $20 and children under 12 are free. For information email info@lancasterva.com or call 804-435-6092. Northern Lancaster County offers one of Virginia’s most beautiful parks, Belle Isle State Park. Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the 58 Chesterfield Living
Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep Creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. Belle Isle also offers hiking, biking and bridle trails as well as motorboat and car top boat launches. Rent a kayak or motorboat or enjoy the park’s playground, boardwalk, fishing pier and educational programs. The Town of Irvington and the Irvington Village improvement Association host one of the finest farmers markets in the state. It is held the first Saturday of every month in season. Pick up gourmet treats, local produce and goods from a variety of artisan vendors. Don’t miss Irvington’s iconic Fourth of July parade and Air Force Band concert this Independence Day. The Kilmarnock Fireman’s Carnival held the first week in August offers rides, games and the best funnel cake around. Play a round of golf at the King Carter Golf Course or Golden Eagle Golf Club, and then relax with light fare and a beverage at their clubhouse. Take a guided tour with experienced watermen who make their living harvesting the bounty of the bay and river. Watch a ball game at Dreamfields and remember days past when baseball and hot dogs made for a fine afternoon. See our Dining Options sidebar on the next page.
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The Perfect Getaway… is Not so Far Away.
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Merroir The Croxton oyster restaurant that preceded Richmond’s Rappahannock Restaurant (just across the Rappahannock River). RROysters.com
Nate’s Trick Dog Café Merging river relaxation with upscale dining. NatesTrickDogCafe.com
Car Wash Café A popular Kilmarnock sandwich shop voted Best Place for Lunch in the Eastern Region. Facebook.com/CarWashCafe
The Chesapeake Restaurant (at the Tides Inn) Executive Chef TV Flynn’s menus change frequently, as he sources the freshest, seasonal ingredients for his dishes. TidesInn.com
Hope and Glory Inn Elegant farm-to-table and boatto-table dining in a charming boutique hotel. HopeAndGlory.com
Northern Neck Burger For hand-crafted, wood-grilled artisan burgers with creative toppings. NNBurger.com
History and romance meet where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay … come stay in one of our historic inns and enjoy days filled with secluded beaches, wine and heritage trails, quaint towns, and pristine nature.
Plan YOUR perfect getaway at
www.NorthernNeck.org
July / August 2017
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Summer Festivals Around Virginia F
rom the beach and the bay in the east to the mountains and valleys in the west, it’s going to be a festive summer throughout Virginia.
pionships presented by Vans, held annually for years in Virginia Beach, is North America’s oldest — and the second oldest on earth — continuously-run surfing contest. Over the years it’s evolved into a beach sports festival for hundreds of competitors in events like skimboarding, beach volleyball, skateboarding and an oceanfront 5K run. Other highlights include live music and a swimsuit pageant. Location: Virginia Beach oceanfront (SurfECSC.com)
American Music Festival SEPTEMBER 1 – 3
Eastern Shore
Annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim and Auction JULY 26 – 27 Volunteer firemen round up the ponies on Assateague Island and on July 26, swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island where they rest before being paraded down Main Street to the carnival grounds. The next morning, from 8 a.m. to noon, there is an auction held at the Carnival grounds to sell the foals. Once purchased, the ponies can be transported anywhere in the United States. Location: Chincoteague (ChincoteagueChamber.com)
Beach and Bay
Rhythm & Brews By the Bay JULY 22; 5 – 10 P.M. Music and food dominate this annual event, which has been moved to Town Centre Park and its new amphitheater in Kilmarnock this year. Bands include Trogone, Pretty Heavy and Beer Money. Enjoy crab cakes, fried oyster tacos, BBQ and more.
The sounds of rock, jazz, country, blues, R&B and more flood the oceanfront over Labor Day weekend. This outdoor musical event boasts three days of music, dozens of vendors, and over 20 national, regional, and local bands. Location: Virginia Beach oceanfront (BeachStreetUSA.com/Festivals)
Mountains and Valleys
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival JULY 21 – 22 & JULY 28; 7 – 10:30 P.M. The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has been bringing great music to the Valley for more than 50 years. Each summer the festival presents eight to 10 concerts, featuring nationally recognized, award-winning artists in country, bluegrass, pop/rock, folk, Americana and classical music. Past performers include Bruce Hornsby, LeAnn Rimes, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rhonda Vincent, The Temptations, Kris Kristofferson, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys and more.
over 50 performers on 10 stages. The 80-acre mountain plateau offers camping, over 100 artisans and crafters, food offerings ranging from pulled-pork BBQ to fresh sushi to handchurned ice cream. Location: Floyd, Virginia (FloydFest.com)
LOCKN’ Festival AUGUST 27 The four-day LOCKN’ Music Festival at Oak Ridge Farm and Infinity Downs Farm in Nelson County places the emphasis on stellar music, camping, outdoor activities, regional food, beverages and artisans. Location: Infinity Downs Farm, Arrington (LocknFestival.com)
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion SEPTEMBER 15 – 17 State Street in historic Downtown Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music, will be filled with the sounds of Appalachia’s past, present and future. The free Reunion offers 22 stages of live music, a dance tent, 16 indoor venues plus a children’s stage. Location: Downtown Bristol (BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org/Festival)
Location: Shrine Mont – 221 Shrine Mont Circle, Orkney Springs (MusicFest.org)
Location: 150 N. Main, Kilmarnock (Facebook.com/ RhythmBrewsBBQ)
Northern Virginia Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival AUGUST 19 – 20
East Coast Surfing Championships
FloydFest
AUGUST 20 – 27
This five-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge features
The Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Cham60 Chesterfield Living
JULY 26 – 30
RichmondNavigator.com
This one-of-a-kind festival offers visitors the opportunity to soar above the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in one of many colorful balloons. There will be two launches each day: an early morning (7:00 - 9:00 a.m.) and a late afternoon (6 - 8:00 p.m.), offering flyers the best chance of mild weather. Location: 5114 Ritchie Road, Bealton (FlyingCircusAirShows.com)
A TASTE OF THE OBX
Not only was March’s Outer Banks Taste of the Beach event the yummiest way to eat and drink myself silly in the presence of one of the most stunning seashores on the east coast, it was the quintessential way to explore and curate dining and drinking havens that neatly fit into my Favorite Eats file. Following are some of the highlights that will easily make it into yours:
TRiO in Kitty Hawk is an eclectic gathering place/tasting depot. With so much of their globally inspired wine and beer list on tap, they make it easy for
OBX PICK SIX Jockey’s Ridge State Park
those who want to sample a variety. TRiO’s artisan cheese board is equally captivating with a scrumptious selection. Bonus: their retail section makes it easy to take home your must-haves. TrioWineBeerCheese.com
The Wright family’s Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg, complete with tasting room and award-winning wines, checked off all of the qualities a noteworthy wine should embody: excellence in notes, flavor and aroma, with discerning names you’re not likely to forget. Worthy of packing for my trip home were Wild Pony White (a portion of the proceeds benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund), OBX Ice (a tropical dessert wine), and The Plank (a red muscadine that Blackbeard would take a dive for). Cheers! SanctuaryVineyards.com
MP 12.5 Nags Head NC 27959 252-441-7132 NCparks.gov
Wright National Memorial MP 8 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252-441-7430 Nps.gov
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 46368 Lighthouse Rd. Buxton, NC 27920 252-995-4474 Nps.gov
The Lost Colony Of Roanoke 1409 National Park Dr. Manteo, NC 27954 252-473-6000 Thelostcolony.org
Jennette’s Pier Ortega’z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar in Manteo is Mexican with an OBX detour, where coastal North Carolina puts a fresh spin on a traditional favorite. It’s no wonder Guy Fieri flipped over a number of dishes when he visited, especially their fish tacos (I did too!), so much so that they’re listed on the menu as Guy Fieri approved Fish Tacos. If you’re looking for thumbs-up fare, Ortega’z wins hands down. Ortegaz.com Join me at RichmondNavigator.com for a more complete list of best eats and libations in OBX. July / August 2017
7223 Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 525-255-1501 ncaquariums.com
Elizabethan Gardens 1411 National Park Dr. Manteo, NC 27954 252-473 3234 elizabethangardens.org
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TRAVEL
Small Town Virginia
LEXINGTON
by Steve Cook
T
hey’re not making small towns like they used to. I know. I grew up in one. The town I grew up in offered few amenities. There was a drug store, a feed store, a bank, a post office and a gas station. But times have changed. So many of Virginia’s small towns offer a variety of dining and cultural opportunities while maintaining the charm of a hustle- and bustle-free atmosphere. Lexington, VA is a prime example of this. Located about two hours west of Richmond, Lexington is exactly what one would hope to find in a small town. “As soon as you exit Interstate 64 and enter Lexington, your blood pressure drops several notches,” says Jean Clark, director of tourism for Lexington and Rockbridge County. She’s right. I felt it myself. Although there is definitely enough to see and do to keep your heart pumping. In fact, with the outdoor recreational opportunities, your visit could prove positively aerobic. USA Today placed Lexington at number five in its 2017 Readers’ Choice for Best Southern Small Towns. As a college town, with both Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University, Lexington offers a degree of sophistication as well as numerous cultural amenities that you may not expect even in more populous communities. Whether you seek culture, history, great dining venues, the beauties of nature or the aforementioned recreational opportunities, Lexington is not going to let you down. I’m providing below my personal list of favorite places to visit and to dine. If you want to personalize your small-town getaway, check with the very hospitable folks at the Visitors Center at 106 E. Washington St., or visit online at LexingtonVirginia.com. Wherever your interests may lie, Lexington Virginia is waiting for you to explore and to enjoy. And, oh yeah, to lower your blood pressure just a tad.
Culture and History As you enter town, the imposing structures that make up VMI bring you to attention much like the cadets on the parade grounds you’re passing. You’ll definitely sit up and take notice. The school offers plenty of history with the two on-campus museums. Throughout the town and neighboring Rockbridge County, you’ll discover other examples of Virginia history that may surprise you.
The VMI Museum
415 Letcher Ave.; VMI.edu/Museums-and-Archives The museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits the heritage of VMI as recorded in its 15,000-artifact collection.
The George C. Marshall Museum and Library
The VMI Museum. Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism
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VMI Parade; MarshallFoundation.org/Museum Marshall was Virginia’s first five-star general and the U.S. Army Chief of Staff during World War II. I found this museum fascinating. Find out why Marshall is called “the father of the Jeep.” RichmondNavigator.com
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington St.; WLU.edu Founded in 1749, the failing school was saved in 1796 when George Washington gave the institution a major endowment, which ultimately led to its being renamed Washington College. In 1865, following the Civil War, Robert E. Lee reluctantly accepted the position as president of the school. He held that position until his death in 1870. At that time, the school was renamed Washington and Lee University.
The Stonewall Jackson House
8 E. Washington St. The restored home is furnished with period pieces and many of Jackson’s personal posssessions.
Lexington Carriage Company Historical Tours
LexCarriage.com I learned some of the area’s most fascinating history during my 45-minute horse and carriage ride through the streets of historic Lexington. Very reasonably priced.
Outside of Town Cyrus McCormick Farm
128 Cyrus McCormick Circle, Raphine I remember learning back in fifth grade that Cyrus McCormick had revolutionized the world of agriculture when he invented the mechanical reaper. What I don’t remember learning is that he did it in Virginia.
Wade's Mill
55 Kennedy Wades Mill Loop, Raphine Step back in history as you tour a working water-powered grist mill. The mill was built around 1750 and currently produces a variety of stoneground flours.
Brownsburg Museum
2716 Brownsburg Turnpike, Brownsburg Brownsburg is just five minutes from the mill. This historic village is somewhat of a museum in itself. Photos, newspaper clippings and other artifacts chronicle the story of a bygone era. Admission is free.
Nature and the Great Outdoors Nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains, Rockbridge County offers so much beauty. During my tour, I asked a very dumb question: “Why do they call it ‘Rockbridge County?” Obvious answer: The rock bridge is Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge
15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge Standing along Cedar Creek and looking up at this 215-foot high natural arch with a span of 90 feet is simply amazing. I imagine it’s the closest I’ll ever get to the feel of looking up at the Grand Canyon from below. The park is operated as a Virginia State Park and is more than just the bridge. There are six miles of hiking trails, which incorporate a short stroll from under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village, which is a joint collaboration between the park and the Monacan Indian Nation. Step back in time over 300 years to visualize what life was like in a typical Monacan Indian settlement. Interpreters, many of whom are members of the Monacan Nation, demonstrate and explain the Monacan’s ways of cooking, tool production, pottery, basket weaving, gardening and more.
Natural Bridge Caverns
6313 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge Get the feel of exploring an undeveloped cavern. It’s all very natural. In fact, there are no elevators. So, while the climb wasn’t too severe, I will warn you to take shoes with good traction and be prepared for a little
exertion. Ask the folks at the cavern or at the gift shop at Natural Bridge about a money-saving combo ticket to both.
Virginia Safari Park
229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge Not far from Natural Bridge, you’ll find the state’s only drive-through safari, with wild animals in their natural environment, including alpacas, deer, elk, long-horn cattle, ostriches and more. There’s also a 10-acre walk-thru Safari Village where you can see (and for some animals, interact with) giraffes, lions, kangaroos and the recently added penguins.
Food and Drink If you love good food, you will not be disappointed in Lexington. There are a number of great restaurants — all within walking distance.
Rocca Bar Ristorante
Southern Inn Restaurant
37 S. Main St. Contemporary American fare (think pan-seared scallops, roasted duck breast, sautéed rainbow trout, etc.). Plus, some of the best fried chicken in the state.
The Palms
101 W. Nelson St. Classic American fare in a casual setting. Check out their cool bar.
Bistro on Main
8 N. Main St. Elegant dining with a menu that focuses on fresh and healthy. Top menu items include the duck breast, shrimp and grits, crab cakes and my favorite, butternut squash ravioli.
Sheridan Livery Inn & Restaurant
35 N. Main St. The building originally opened in 1887 as John Sheridan’s stable and carriage service. Since 1997, it’s served as an inn and restaurant. The eclectic American menu features duck quarters, braised in Cabernet and tomato, as well as chili-braised pork shoulder. 2 N. Main St. Located in the Georges, a beautiful boutique inn in the heart of town, the Haywood is first class in every respect, from the service to the food. Save 64 Chesterfield Living
Other Food and Beverage Recommendations Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe
106 W. Washington St. This is certainly one of the best ice cream joints I’ve ever been in. They make all their ice creams as well as their wonderful waffle cones.
JJ’s Meat Shak
1607 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista Located about 20 miles from Lexington in Buena Vista, barbecue lovers will want to visit JJ’s for fantastic BBQ, plus wings, ribs, smoked turkey and much more. Coming soon, right next door — JJ’s Shuckin Shak, featuring fresh seafood.
Halcyon Days Cider Company
30 S. Main St. Upscale Italian fare, creative cocktails.
Haywood’s Piano Bar
room for delicious homemade desserts.
4135 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge The cider won’t be coming ‘til next spring. But check online (HalcyoneDaysCider.com) and see if the place is open. The owners have created a labyrinth orchard, which is worth a visit even if there is no cider. They say the labyrinth may be accessible to the public by this fall.
Great Valley Farm Brewery
60 Great Valley Lane, Natural Bridge This new brewery is already winning awards. Their motto: “Great Brews and Great Views” is right on both counts. One more thing before I wrap this up. I have to tell you about my accommodations during my visit. Although the town offers several quaint and beautiful hotels, as well as bed-and-breakfast accommodations, I was especially impressed with my stay at the Hampton Inn. When my GPS told me I had arrived, I thought the technology was acting up. I was sitting in front of a beautiful old brick mansion. I later learned, after discovering the Hampton Inn name subtly placed upon a brick entry wall and subsequently checking in, that the mansion that houses the front portion of the Inn is the Col Alto Manor Home, built in 1827. Several guest rooms, including mine (The Robert E. Lee room), are located within the mansion. The entire home has been renovated to include modern furnishings and amenities. The 10-foot ceilings certainly made the room feel even more spacious. There’s an outdoor pool and a free breakfast buffet. For more information, visit HamptonInn3.Hilton.com or call 540463-9707.
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“Hey honey, gone fishing. Love ya.�
kilmarnock | burkesjewelers.com | 804.435.1302 July / August 2017
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