Belle Isle – The Peaceful Center of Richmond

It isn’t often that once can find the peace and quiet of the outdoors in the middle of a bustling city.  Like so many other wonders that can be found within the boundaries of the City of Richmond, Belle Isle provides a welcome change of pace from what one might expect to be nestled in the center of an ever-growing metropolis.  This island, located in the middle of the James River in the heart of the city, offers its own surprises and opportunities for enjoyment and discovery.

Like the surrounding city, Belle Isle finds its roots steeped in Civil War history.  The island served as the site of a prison camp for Union soldiers during the war, many of which were capture soldiers from the 2^nd Tennessee Infantry, taken during the Battle of Rogersville in November of 1863. The Battle of Walkerton (which took place March 2, 1864) proved to be a failed attempt to rescue the starving men. Even today, remains of the buildings used in the prison camp can be found scattered across the island.  Ruins of an armory and an iron factory still stand against the elements as a testament to the harsh history of the place.

The tragic history seems a distant memory, however, when one traverses the paths and trails of the island.  Modern amenities such as picnic shelters, rest areas, learning centers and even a tricky rope bridge provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding nature comfortably and safely. So when one sits at the top of the quiet island, overlooking the James River or Hollywood Cemetery, it is easy to forget that over the other shoulder sits an entire city full of people.  Until they trip over you with their dogs and their beer coolers, that is…

photos borrowed from Watermarked Photography’s Flickr Page

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Richmond Baseball – Making a Name for Itself?

The Richmond Times-Dispatch posted an article yesterday regarding the names proposed for the new Richmond baseball team.  If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest news regarding Richmond’s baseball saga, on September 30th it was announced that the good ol’ Diamond will be the place for Richmond baseball, at least for two years.  Richmond’s Class AA franchise doesn’t feel totally sure that renovations will be possible to get the Diamond up to snuff, but they’re willing to think about trying.

So, Richmond’s Class AA franchise reached out to the Richmond community, asking for possible names for the new team.  They are, to say the least, interesting.  The five contenders were announced yesterday, with a little explanation as to why each one was considered.  Below you’ll find the Times Dispatch’s explanation, with my comments in italics.  Because I know you care very much how I feel about things.

Flatheads: a kind of catfish commonly found in the James River.  Also a type of screwdriver, a type of engine, and a medical condition wherein one part of your skull is flat.  Mayhap all the players will have this condition, and the souvenir hats will feature a flat part of the crown.

Flying Squirrels: soar in Virginia.  Flying squirrels in the wild will live half as long as the ones who live in captivity, because they are such yummy fodder for predators.  Like snakes, raccoons, coyotes, cats, martens and owls.  So, we’re pretty much sunk if we play the Northern Division’s Portland Sea Dogs or the New Britain Rock Cats.

Hambones: paying homage to Virginia ham.  And then, in between innings or in the outfield, the players can dance the hambone to unnerve their opponents.

Rock Hoppers: people or animals on river rocks.  Players will be required to carry coolers of PBR wherever they go.  Player’s dogs are also allowed to roam free on the field.

Rhinos: alliteration featuring a powerful image.  No comment.  While rhinoceroses are not indigenous to Richmond (obviously), rhinoceroses are mighty and powerful.  In fact, if it weren’t for humans they would have no natural predators.  That’s pretty cool.  Additionally, their horns are said to be aphrodisiacs, so that means the Richmond baseball team will be extra sexy.  And subject to poaching and endangerment.  On second thought, no thanks.

Do you have a better suggestion?  Further snarky comments?  Bring ‘em on.  You know we love to hear it!

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River City (Richmond Va) YouTube Review

River City (Richmond Va) YouTube Review

Yo Yo Yo, Richmond Virginia enters the YouTube world of city rap songs. Sam Abouhasira and Blaine Lay featured in the video are financial services advisers at First Market Bank branches here in little old Richmond Va. Their future is bright according to the comments and number of views the River city (Richmond Va) video has amassed on the popular YouTube account.

The River City (Richmond Va) Rap video is a take off of the popular “Arlington: The Rap” video that made a big splash on computer screens around the county.

The lyrics are great, the beat memorable and the dance moves of two non rappers turned rappers are inspiring.

The visual scenes of the city of Richmond are focused on many of the well know sites: Monument Ave, Grace Street, Byrd Theater, Shockoe Bottom and of course the James River Rocks (where they wade in their crocks!) The visual tour of the “Statues, Statues, Statues coming at you” and “Museums, Museums, How could you not see ‘em” emphasizes the long standing history of our fair city Richmond, Va.

RVA River City
We mean business
But we stay pretty
From the North to the South
East End to West End
We got history in the making
So welcome to Richmond!

So RVA, what do you think about the River City (Richmond Va) Youtube Video? Are you down with 804?
All comments welcome, loved to hear your take!

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