Healthy eating in Richmond – Go Green, Eat Green

Living in a downtown Richmond apartment (or anywhere else in the area) with a gourmet kitchen gives rise to good eating habits. The cleaner and more updated the kitchen, the more apt you’ll use it to prepare healthful meals. In Richmond, there is no shortage of resources for organic and local produce, meats, and dairy to supplement your diet.

The “local food” movement encourages residents to shop farmers’ markets and stores specializing in locally or regionally grown products – not just for the health benefits they provide, but also to better sustain our natural resources. The more people buy from their immediate area, the less transportation is involved in shipping food. This cuts down on gas and exhaust pollution.

If you are interested in feeling healthier and helping the environment improve as well, be sure to check out these great resources for your next meal, and many more to come.

17th Street Farmers Market (100 N. 17th St.) – You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and coffee here four days a week during the season. Various food-centric festivals are hosted here year-round, including July’s Shockoe Tomato Festival and November’s Brunswick Stew fest.

Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market (4 N. Thomspon St.) – Considered by Richmond residents as the place to shop for organic produce and cheese, Ellwood Thompson’s specializes in quality organic food from family-owned farms, including wine and beer. Pick up strawberries grown in Nelson County, crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, or a hot meal to go.

Good Foods Grocery (3062 Stony Point Road) – All-natural products are found here, everything from organic milk to biodegradable toilet paper. Good Foods specializes in gluten-free and wheat-free products for people with allergies, and hosts a number of monthly events and lectures on nutrition and wellness.

Buy local, eat local, and savor the taste of Richmond.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on travel and tourism.

Celebrate the 4th of July with Richmond Events

Have you made your Fourth of July plans yet? Anybody living in downtown Richmond apartments don't have to go too far for the action, but if you're coming to the city to celebrate the nation's independence you'll find a wealth of fun and educational events!

History Repeats Itself: St. John's Church will host a special reenactment featuring performances of our colonial founders debating the fate of our young nation. You'll hear Patrick Henry utter his immortal proclamation to "Give me liberty or give me death!" Admission is free, and the line for tickets queues at 1PM.

Ride Back in Time: Where are the landmarks that shaped our nation's history? You'll be surprised to know the role Richmond has played in our nation's formative years. Take the Let Freedom Ring Bus Tour to learn more about the city's ongoing theme of independence and civil rights. Contact the Richmond History Center for more information.

Pay Your Respects: Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of two US Presidents, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and other important figures in early American history. This fascinating walking tour is a trip through time as learn more about the people who defined our nation. Contact the Richmond History Center for more information.

Watch the Fireworks: It just wouldn't be the Fourth without an amazing light display, and the Dogwood Dell is the place to be. Enjoy live music and great food as the night sky is set ablaze with an incredible fireworks celebration.

Check out Richmond events for more ideas on how to celebrate the Fourth in town.

Celebrate Father's Day in Richmond

Richmond dads, your day is filled with options for relaxation and fun, whatever you desire. Look around town and you'll find many activities designed to celebrate your day with your family. If you're looking for something to do after you've unwrapped that new necktie and enjoyed breakfast in bed, why not take in these events:

Father's Day in the Garden - Come to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for a free concert and classic car and motorcycle show. Sunday, June 21, 1P - 4PM - admission required.

Father's Day Brunch - Enjoy delicious lobster and scrambled eggs with cheese over puff pastry with hollandaise sauce, grilled prime rib, southern style BBQ and other tasty dishes at Millie's Diner for Father's Day. No reservations are needed.

...aaaand, if you're thinking of searching for a new home in the area, remember that there are only four units left at Nolde Condos. If the idea of living in an affordable, luxury Richmond apartment for rent appeals to you, why not take Dad on a free tour?

Only Four Units Left! Luxury Richmond Apartment Rentals

It's true! There are four vacancies left at Nolde Condos, affordable luxury Richmond apartments for rent in the Church Hill district. This is your chance to experience comfortable urban living and enjoy easy access to downtown restaurants and shops...perfect for VCU students! Visit NoldeCondos.com today to schedule your free tour.

Letterboxing Opportunities Abound in Richmond

Locals and visitors alike know that Richmond is a popular destination for American history enthusiasts. Racing fans flock to the area twice a year to take in big events at the Richmond International Speedway, and various summer concerts and festivals keep everybody entertained. For hobbyists interested in letterboxing, Richmond is rich with several opportunities to add timeless souvenirs to your collection, and memories to treasure.

A Brief Letterboxing Primer

For the benefit of readers new to this centuries-old practice of “treasure hunting,” letterboxing is similar to the “geocaching” trend gaining popularity among GPS users. Letterboxing has its origins in the mid 19th century in England, where secret boxes storing letters and other communications were happened upon or hunted. Visitors would leave something in return. In recent years, enthusiasts will hide letterboxes (usually a plastic, sealed container) containing rubber stamps and a guestbook in various places outdoors, and hunters will use the stamp for their own notebooks, while stamping the letterbox book to let the owner know it has been found. An Internet search for popular letterbox sites Letterboxing and Atlasquest will yield hundreds of such boxes hidden around the world.

Letterboxing in Richmond

One can find several letterboxes in the metropolitan Richmond area, in urban and rural locales. Traditionally, a hunter will check Internet sites for clues on where to find the boxes – some may give precise directions, while others may present a puzzle to decode in order reach the goal. For an idea of what to expect in Richmond letterboxes, here are a few select ones available for search:

• An Irish Lass in Hollywood – hidden in the Hollywood Cemetery
  
• The Siren’s Song – hidden on the campus of the University of Richmond
  
• Deep Run School – hidden near Short Pump Park
  
• The Carillon – hidden near a war monument
  
• Slippery Rock – hidden in Deep Run Park
  

Rules of Letterboxing

Some things to remember when going on a letterboxing expedition:

• Make sure you have directions in hand. You won’t need a compass unless searching for a challenging box, but it’s good to print the directions from the letterboxing websites so you don’t get lost.
  
• Be discreet when you find a letterbox. Some letterboxes hidden in parks and landmarks may be removed by staff or stolen, so if you find a box be careful with it and make sure it is hidden where you found it, so others can find it later.
  
• Plan your route. There may be a number of different letterboxes hidden within a few miles of each other. Do your research and you can make a whole day of the search.
  
• Have fun! Letterboxing with your kids is a great way to encourage their orienteering skills.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on downtown Richmond apartments and Richmond website design.

Monuments of Richmond, Virginia

Along with the generals there is room for memorials to a sailor and chart maker, and a tennis player.

Traffic streams past along Monument Avenue and most of the monuments are big enough to get a look at while stopped at a light, or driving by.

The memorials for Matthew Fontaine Maury and Arthur Ashe, however, are worth the effort to park, wait for the lights to cross into the wide grassy median, and have a closer look.

Read more from "A sailor and a tennis player on Monument Avenue Richmond, Virginia Part Three."

Living in a downtown Richmond condo has many advantages, in particular the opportunity to enjoy the city's rich, diverse history. If you are looking for a one or two-bedroom loft or apartment to rent in the area, consider the proximity to great shops and points of historical interest you can enjoy on a daily basis.

Corporate Apartment Rentals in Richmond

Richmond-area businesses in need of temporary housing for visiting executives and employees will be happy to know that Nolde Condos, offer downtown Richmond condo rentals, has corporate apartments available. Nolde Condos are situated close to the pulse of Richmond industries, near public transportation and find dining. All corporate condos are furnished and temporary residents can enjoy the same amenities as their neighbors.

Call (804) 432-8899 today or visit us online at NoldeCondos.com to learn more about our available rentals.

Top Five Things to do in Richmond

When you live in a downtown Richmond condo, you’ll find a wealth of things to keep you busy in your downtime. After a long workday, you can relax in any of the city’s nearby parks, take in live music at a favorite club, or enjoy a lively sports events. Richmond is rich in historical and cultural flavors, and whether you live in this state capital or are visiting, you are certain never to be bored.

What are the best things to see and do in Richmond? It’s difficult to come up with a definitive list, but here are – in no particular order – what we think are the Top 10 attractions and suggestions for a fun day or night in Richmond, Virginia.

Stop and smell the roses! And daisies, and petunias, and…well, you get the idea. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a popular destination for local lovers of flora. Tour the manicured Victorian gardens and see Virginia in bloom. Summertime brings live music to the garden, so pack a blanket, relax, and enjoy the tunes.

Hunt for ghosts! Haunts of Richmond is the city’s only walking ghost tour. When the sun goes down, go for a guided stroll through the Shockoe area and learn about the darker side of Richmond. Who knows who you’ll meet – living or otherwise – along the way.

Indulge your sweet tooth! Ask any local where to find a creamy, delicious milkshake and more than likely you’ll be pointed to the legendary Dairy Bar. This Richmond institution has been serving up the sweet stuff for over fifty years, along with sandwiches and other great lunches.

Cheer on the Spiders! These Spiders don’t spin webs, they are the might athletes of the University of Richmond. Whether your sport is baseball, football, soccer, or men’s or women’s basketball, the Spiders are always ready to play. Get tickets for a home game or match and enjoy.



Savor the taste of fresh fruit! The Carytown district of Richmond hosts an annual Watermelon Festival in early August. Stroll along the “Mile of Style” – as Carytown is known for its stylish boutiques and cafes – and sample delicious, fruity treats made with locally-grown watermelon. Just watch where you spit the seeds.

Kathryn Lively

Summer Activities to Enjoy in Richmond Virginia

Virginia in the summertime promises many of months of fun outdoor activities, concerts and tours. If you plan to visit the Richmond area, whether as part of a grand tour of the state or for a weekend getaway, you'll find the options for entertainment are plentiful. Here are just a few suggestions for visitors and residents to augment their weekends in Richmond.

First Fridays Artwalk - Downtown - As the weather warms up in Virginia, it's a great time to stroll the historic districts of downtown Richmond. The First Fridays Artwalk is held, naturally, the first Friday of the month in the early evening, and visitors can take in any number of participating galleries and show rooms for the best in regional oils, mixed, media, photography, and sculpture. This is a recurring event the whole family will enjoy.

Garden Concert Series - Every summer the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts Groovin' in the Garden, a series of lawn concerts held on Thursday evenings. Guests are invited to lay out a blanket and enjoy the rhythms of top regional and national folk, pop, and country acts. Ticket prices vary according to the schedule, so be sure to check their website.

River District Canal Cruises - Hop aboard a covered boat and enjoy a relaxing and informative tour of Richmond's historic district from the James River. This 40-minute ride motors past various city landmarks. Private charters are also available for large parties.

Friday Cheers - Brown's Island - Fridays on the island set the backdrop for great live music, free! Come out in the early evening to enjoy top local and regional acts playing original and popular R&B, country, and rock.

Concerts, arts and entertainment, historical tours. Richmond is a diverse, growing city offering the best in recreation and entertainment. Plan a weekend and enjoy a fun summer event in this state capital.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Richmond condo rentals and Virginia Web design.

See the City on a Segway - Church Hill Tours

If you lived in the Church Hill district of Richmond, you could be home now, enjoy an evening in your luxury Richmond condo. If you're still undecided about urban living, however, perhaps a guided tour of Richmond's historical downtown is in order to show you what you've been missing.

Richmond History Center Tours is holding two guided tours of the Church Hill district, home of Nolde Condos. Reservations may be required, so don't delay in getting your spot to see where you could be living!

April 19 (2-4pm) - Church Hill: Examine 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures.

Meet your guide at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets. $10 (Pay your guide on the day of the tour. ) Members: $5

May 9 (12-2pm) SEGWAY TOUR: NEW TOUR! Church Hill on a Segway

Roll past 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures.

Reservations are required. Call Segway of Richmond (804) 343-1850. Starting point will be determined by Segway of Richmond.

Downtown Richmond Living Brings Access to Annual Events

As the trends in real estate turn more toward downtown living, one might find a great advantage in leasing an urban condo. Better access to annual events and festivals in your town in certainly a plus, especially if you decide to rent a condo in Richmond. This jewel of a southern city is constantly alive with music and arts, culinary celebrations and other social gatherings. If you’re looking for something to do in Richmond you’ll definitely have a full calendar with these popular attractions:

Virginia Wine Expo – This annual gathering of Virginia wine lovers happens in Richmond every February. Nearly 300 wines grown and bottled in the state (aptly nicknamed “Napa East”) are swirled, sampled, and savored, along with delicious eats from local chefs. Get your tickets early, because some seminars and luncheons do sell out quickly.

Richmond Chili-Off – Sometimes you experience a nip in the air in late April. That’s why we have the big annual Chili Cook-Off to warm us up! Each year a local rock radio station puts on the event with live music, games for the kids, and of course the spiciest chili this side of Texas! The location varies, so be sure to have 102.1 FM – The X on your dial in the early spring to find out more.

Richmond Folk Festival – a popular event held at Richmond’s downtown riverfront, the folk festival brings together artists from all over the world specializing in traditional and ethnic folk music, from Cajun and Appalachian to exotic African rhythms. Explore the world of homespun art and culinary delights, just steps from your door.

Richmond Vegetarian Festival – There’s no better time to think green, and eat green! The Annual Vegetarian Festival in Bryant Park is a great event if you’re interested in going meatless, and learning how a vegetarian diet can help your health as well as the environment.

Convenience to downtown and an enthusiasm for trying new things makes living in downtown Richmond an appealing prospect. If you lived here, you’d not only be home by now but you could be at any number of the city’s annual festivals in minutes without the hassle of parking! Come see what the city has to offer.

Kathryn Lively

Richmond, Virginia: a Capital Destinion

If you are contemplating a trip to Virginia this summer, no doubt you have a certain destination in mind. Beach enthusiasts may be attracted to Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, while outdoor lovers may wish to go west and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley and the many opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. History buffs will find the northern area of the state a great place to visit, as the proximity to Washington, DC provides a wealth of attractions and interest.

But where, in all of this, does Richmond figure into a vacation. Not only is Richmond the capital of the commonwealth, but it provides visitors a good central point on the map. Crossed by two interstates, Richmond offers visitors historical and cultural interest to enjoy for anyone traveling north, south, east or west through the state.

Founded in 1607 by Christopher Newport, Richmond is just slightly younger than the first permanent colony of Jamestown, and has remained equally important in the formation of the United States. It was named capital of the commonwealth after the Revolutionary War, and served as capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. It is the birthplace of tennis great Arthur Ashe, and former home of Edgar Allan Poe. It was here, in St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, "Give me liberty or give me death," and it is here where thousands of stock car racing fans can watch their favorite NASCAR drivers compete.

Other local landmarks visitors may wish to see while in Richmond include:

The Diamond: Home of the Richmond Braves, the AAA farm team for Atlanta. Baseball fans will want to make a point of stopping for a home game.

Carytown: High-end shopping and antiquing abounds in this trendy Richmond neighborhood.

Hollywood Cemetery This is the final resting place of three US Presidents, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, among other noted Civil War figures.

Belle Isle: This beautiful spot on the James River was used a film location for blockbusters like Cold Mountain and Hannibal.

If Virginia is your destination this summer, consider a stop in Richmond as part of your itinerary. Historical and cultural attractions, coupled with upscale shopping and cuisine, can truly enhance your trip.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer specializing in articles on Richmond condos for rent and Virginia Beach website design.