Good Times in Richmond!

Our time in Richmond was grand, we wanted to stay longer but were able to leave with the promise to ourselves that we would be back (maybe when it's a little warmer).

we were shown a good time by Chelsea and Matt, maybe too good a time... getting up and on the road on our last morning was a little tough.

Our full day in Richmond was chock full of all the local flavor and hiking we could cram in to it.   We had a slow star to our morning sipping americanos at Lamplighter Roasting Co.  I am always excited to find a great americano, so I had two (remember, we were sipping slowly...)  We walked around two neighborhoods: The Fan and Cary Town, window shopping, and totally fell for Richmond - it's a great city!

We took Nash hiking on the North bank in the James River Park.  It was a muddy hike -a few falls and such as we slid down muddy banks but it was lots of fun nonetheless.   The huge slabs of stone are quite breathtaking - we found a wonderful little inlet and decided that it was the perfect spot for our Richmond Installation!  We were drawn to all the river rocks and decided to create an Andy Goldsworthy inspired rock pattern on the giant boulder in the water.  Follow this link to see more photos and read about the installation.

Everyone suggested we check out Maymont Park - a 100 acre park on the river  - botanic gardens and mansions and all sorts of fun stuff.  Dogs aren't allowed so a sad Nash had to wait in the car but we got to explore a little (only a little because we got there 30 minutes before closing).

For dinner we went with Matt, Chelsea and their friend Amber to the Avalon Restaurant and Bar.   If anyone reading this blog happens to find themselves in Richmond and needs a place for dinner we would highly recommend this place.  They have an amazing menu and all plates can be ordered tapas style.  Between the five of us we ordered a dozen or so dishes and got to sample a lot of the menu - it was delicious.  The post dinner Jagër bombs might not have been necessary but they twisted our arms....
We forgot our camera so, sadly, we don't have any photos of all of us (and Amber's friend Devin who met us all there post dinner.... he was also the jagër bomb arm twister...not that I'm naming names...)

The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast at 821 Café and we were on our way to Asheville.  Very grateful for the good time and the friends we made.

We also were served coffee in this mug! very fitting as I am about to turn 30 in two weeks!

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