Carytown & Museum District News Events in Richmond Virginia, West of the Boulevard

River City Rapids broke the news that Arianna’s may be expanding into the closed tattoo parlor next door. The restaurant has received glowing reviews since it opened, and adequate seating is something it has lacked, so it seems to be a good move.

Is Devil’s Triangle losing its edginess?

See that big yellow dot on the Dominion Power outage map? That’s Carytown. From RTD…

A flaming power pole in Carytown tonight left about 2,200 customers without electricity… The pole is at Cary Street and Beaumont Avenue, just east of Cary Court Shopping Center. … expected repairs to be made and power restored to the last 700 customers by tomorrow morning.

The 25th Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival is a Richmond tradition, and it’s quickly approaching. The event takes place Sunday, August 10, 2008, from 10 AM to 6 PM and will be bigger and better than ever.

Organizers are expecting a record crowd of 100,000+ strolling Cary Street and have some new events planned as well as keeping the old favorites…

• A fashion show will take place at the main stage in the Ben & Jerry’s parking lot. Merchants from Carytown will be featuring their clothing in the show
• Shriners will be back serving up watermelon for charity. Make sure to buy from them versus other watermelon vendors
• Parking. Well, that’s still an issue. So get there early.

We’ll continue to update this post with details as they come in. Check back often!

photo by: The Anti-ZIM

Tipster Kristen sent us this plea to keep buses running through WOTB…

I wanted to bring your attention to the GRTC’s current plan to eliminate nine bus routes in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties by September purportedly due to low ridership. While I’m sure cancellation of any of the nine routes will cause hardship on many riders, I personally can speak to the hardship the cancellation of Westhampton 16 and the Main Street/Church Hill 13 will cause, not to mention GRTC’s absurd timing, in light of the pressing need for improved public transportation. The Westhampton/16 travels from University of Richmond, downtown, with most of its route on Grove and Hanover Avenues, and Franklin and Grace Streets. The Main Street/13 travels from Church Hill through downtown, out to River Road on Cary Street, and then back through Carytown on its way downtown. I have been riding both buses to and from work for the past four years and can assure you that ridership is up substantially in the recent months.

There is a public forum on the matter next Monday 7/28 Tuesday 7/29 at 6 pm. I don’t want this travesty to merely slip through the cracks without attention. I am trying to raise awareness amongst bus riders and local groups that may have interest.

Thank you for your time.
 
Kristen

GRTC’s notice 
RTD article

When is the last time you rode a GRTC bus?

National Night Out is August 5. WOTB had some rockin’ parties last year. Let us know what’s going on. Email info (at) wotbn (dot) net.

From the Department of Public Utilities…

RICHMOND, VA—Beginning Friday, July 18, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will be performing emergency sewer work in the 700 block of N. Boulevard. The project is expected to be complete by Wednesday, July 23, 2008.

During this time, the two northbound lanes of N. Boulevard will be closed between Monument Ave. and Grace St.

Traffic will be detoured east on Monument Ave and directed north on to Davis Ave. to W. Broad St

From Ellwood Thompson’s…

Dragon and Tiger Qigong - July 19, 1 PM. Come learn the Dragon and Tiger form, which boosts energy, increases flexibility and balance, and is good for heart and kidney issues.

Sample a delicious and potent antioxident blend from Nature’s Way on July 25, 4 - 7 PM. This 100% certified organic blend of goji, mangosteen, pomegranate and acai is not only a very potent antioxidant but tastes great as well!

Farmers’ Market - Every Wednesday, 3:30 - 7:30. Ellwood Thompson’s is the original Farmers’ Market, but they’re setting up outside each Wednesday with local farm favorites.

Introduction to Goat Cheese - July 30, 7:30 PM. Think all goat cheese tastes the same?

Speaking with Spokes: On August 1st, 2008, Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market and RVA Magazine team up to create Speaking with Spokes, the first organized, sponsored and safe group bike ride through the city. This ride will benefit Books on Wheels,

Ellwood Thompson’s is located at 4 N. Thompson St.

Amici has closed its doors until September 2 to remodel. The northern Italian eatery picked an interesting time to do this - right in the middle of the summer when their front patio is one of the most popular places to eat in Carytown.

Amici is located at 3343 W. Cary Street.

Infuzion Lounge is expanding it’s offering to lunch, opening its doors Tuesday-Friday. A jazz pianist will be on hand, as well as fare including salads, skewers, wraps, sandwiches, and desserts.

Infuzion is located at 1401 Roseneath Road.