Best Richmond-y quirks?
Every town has “things.” My favorite “thing” about Richmond is how people give directions… “Go through three stop lights. At the fourth stop light turn where Thalhimers used to be. If you pass a blue building on your right, you’ve gone too far.” Granted, for all I know, people could give directions like that everywhere. […]
Every town has “things.” My favorite “thing” about Richmond is how people give directions…
“Go through three stop lights. At the fourth stop light turn where Thalhimers used to be. If you pass a blue building on your right, you’ve gone too far.”
Granted, for all I know, people could give directions like that everywhere. But when I hear people around here say things like that, I have a nice little chuckle, and some warm feelings happen in my heart.
What are your favorite Richmond quirks? Or, if you’re feeling feisty, what are some things people do in this town that drive you bananas?
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Valerie Catrow
Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Favorite Richmond quirk would be folks still call it the “Nickle” Bridge … when it isn’t =)
To go along with Chuck’s post, I refuse to call The Landmark anything other than The Mosque. I’m stubborn like that.
I still call it the Valentine Museum. WE HATE CHANGE IN THESE HERE PARTS.
When I first moved here a couple of years ago, I was a little confused in that every 2 x 2 block square seems to have its own name. (“THAT’S the Slip?! That’s it?!”)
The other terrifying quirk that I’ve not seen elsewhere is that lane that just mysteriously vanishes when I-64 E merges onto I-95 S by the Boulevard exit. I think I actually screamed the first time I went through there (it was at night) and my lane just fwooshed away. A sign nonchalantly indicates that the left lane ends, but Richmonders universally ignore it. (I also love the sign on the interstate as you approach that looks like a reflected light ray: “Traffic from Exit 78 bounces off and crashes”)
I’ll call it the Landmark, but in a snooty voice. I might even roll my eyes a little.
Val – In my touring days, I discovered that particular technique of giving directions gets more vague and magical as get to the more Southwestern areas of the state. Suddenly, your destination will magically rise from the ground once you stand under the 2nd maple tree from the left, turn three circles, and spit.
I actually mentioned a show at The Mosque to someone the other day and they didn’t what I was talking about. I was a little sad when I had to say Landmark. I think my least favorite thing is people parking 9 feet away from the curb though. I have almost died numerous times trying to cross over Hanover.
Also, a “ways” a “short ways” and a “long ways” seem to be actual measurements.
But back to RVA: 4-way Stop + Southern Hospitality = Oh. My. God.
I’ve always wanted to start a company that simultaneously gave directions and old guys things to do. Check it: You call up a number and tell the operator where you are, then a really old guy who knows the area well gets on the phone and gives you directions. How sweet would that be? I’m sure the best ones would talk about all kinds of awesome stuff while you got to your destination. I, for one, would ditch a GPS if that service existed.
People at 4 way stop signs who will always smilingly wait for you to go first. Southern Hospitality? Or pure fear.
(Oh sorry Robinitaface, you already noted the 4 way)