Richmond, Virginia

On September 19, 2017, we had an early morning appointment at the offices of the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program in Richmond, Virginia. The program allows faster entry into the US with no queuing (!) and includes systematic TSA pre-check when leaving (or traveling within) the United States (see this page for more information on the Global Entry Program). We had applied and been approved on-line, but we needed a personal appearance with fingerprint and passport check to officialize things. Rather than leave Chapel Hill in the middle of the night, we chose to set out a day early and spend the night in Richmond.

In the afternoon of September 18, we explored the Central Office District; this part of town is brand-new. We walked over one of several footbridges to Brown's Island and sat by the James River for a while. After a refreshing drink at one of the hotel bars, we retrieved our car and drove to Monument Avenue where we spent some time looking at the Robert E. Lee monument and a few of the gorgeous properties in that neighborhood.

Our interview the next morning went well, except that the FBI fingerprint computer refused to clear us. As it turned out, it was not just us: it refused to clear any the people who were there. We waited for a while and decided to explore Richmond some more. Our case officer told us he would call us once he had more information. We drove to the Carytown district; that part of Richmond reminded us of Georgetown in Washington: interesting stores, vibrant colors, great eateries. We found an Italian café that served a wonderful capuccino and cannoli that would not have been out of place in Bordighera (where our favorites are made at the Bar Centrale). While we were enjoying our treat, we were advised that the FBI had finally cleared us.

We spent the rest of our time in Richmond exploring Carytown, the place where most of the photos on this page were taken. We didn't have enough time to report on Richmond more extensively, but we wanted to share the sights and colors we did see.

Click on any image to see a larger (2100 x 1400 pixel) version!

The newly renovated Kanawha Plaza in the Central Office District

Looking to the American Civil War Museum from Brown's Island

The James River between the mainland and Brown's Island

The lobby of the brand new building in which our parking garage was located

Glass façade of the Williams Mullen Center	The Robert E. Lee monument at Lee Circle

A closer look at the 61-foot statue that has recently become the source of some controversy

Residences on Monument Avenue

West Cary Street in the Carytown district of Richmond

The 10 Italian Café by South Auburn Avenue has great coffee and fabulous cannoli

On Ellwood Avenue	An elderly and very affectionate resident

At the Can Can Brasserie there is outdoor and...

...indoor al fresco luncheoning.

The color purple

Mural on South Colonial Avenue

On South Colonial Avenue	Colorful façade on West Cary Street

Cartwheels & Coffee (alternate link)

The local Mellow Mushroom

Blue house on South Colonial Avenue

The Eatery features American and Chinese dishes

Sweet Frog serves frozen yoghurt	The Amici Restaurant serves Italian food

On South Sheppard Street

Bangles and Beads downstairs, the Xtra's Café upstairs

Mural on South Dooley Avenue

Greek eatery on West Cary Street

Colorful side of the Glow Med Spa (Check out their car!)	Coppola's Deli at the corner of W Cary and S Colonial

At the intersection of West Cary and South Sheppard Streets

Blue building on South Dooley Avenue

By the Can Can Brasserie

The 1929 New York Deli and the 1928 Byrd Theatre

The photos on this page were taken on September 18 and 19, 2017.

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