Right Around The River Blog

Wakeboarding Competition at Rocketts Landing This Weekend

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The wait is over, friends! This Sunday, AF Wake hosts Richmond's first wakeboarding competition at Rocketts Landing, and we couldn't be more excited for our newest event to begin!

The USA Wakeboard competition -- dubbed "Rocketts Big Air" -- features up to 10 of the region's top pro- and semi-pro wakeboarders showing off their wave-riding skills. Organized by world champion wakeboarder Adam Fields, Rocketts Big Air is the first competition in a series of events happening throughout Virginia that will showcase the growth of wakeboarding across the region. The series finishes in the fall with the USA Wakeboard Amateur National Championships at Lake Gaston.

"The whole point is to grow the sport of wakeboarding around the region," explains Fields. "And Richmond is outdoorsy and action-sport minded. With the city as a backdrop, the marina and all the restaurants, Rocketts Landing is the perfect venue for the event."

Fields hand-selected riders for the wakeboarding competition who will each have 60 seconds to show off their best tricks for a chance to win top place and cash prizes in three categories: Best Trick, Best Air and Best Overall. USA Wakeboard–rated professionals will judge their performances. Spectators will also enjoy two wakeboarding demos by professional riders.

“I like to feature riders with great attitudes who need some spotlight and the opportunity to build their portfolios,” says Fields. “We’re featuring local talent who are all really incredible athletes.”

On land, spectators will get to browse products and displays from a variety of vendors. Rocketts Landing’s riverfront restaurants, Conch Republic Rocketts and The Boathouse, will also open their doors and patios for hungry patrons (and if you arrive early enough to get a patio table, you’ll also have some of the best views in the house!).

To learn more about the Rocketts Big Air wakeboarding competition at Rocketts Landing, be sure to check out AF Wake’s website and Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you down by the river this weekend!

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public

Photos courtesy of AF Wake

Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride Attracts Thousands

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

After only a few years, the Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride is gaining major momentum, and cyclists, spectators and media are taking notice. Last year, Richmond.com listed the event as a "Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011" top choice. And last weekend, Cap2Cap welcomed 2200 cyclists -- 440 more than in 2011!

(Featuring Rocketts Landing 210 Rock resident Tom Tarkington)

As one of the largest (and fastest growing) cycling events in Virginia, participants flex their muscles while raising money for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation -- an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the 55-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail currently being built to link Richmond and Jamestown. And from the sounds of the event's success and sights of participant's sweaty smiles, everyone enjoyed a day full of cycling enthusiasm and camaraderie!

Cyclists rode either a 100-, 50- or 25-mile course and started (and finished) from one of two points: Rocketts Landing’s riverfront or James City County’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

“The location in Rocketts Landing was absolutely perfect,” explains Beth Weisbrod, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation executive director. “People couldn’t believe how beautiful the area was. The location and size fit our needs perfectly, and it really made a great day for the Richmond cyclists!”

Participants came from as far away as Maryland and beyond, and fundraising estimates exceed $70,000! Cap2Cap also introduced new features for cyclists this year:

Eco-Discovery 15-Mile Ride: This lower impact course offered cyclists a shorter route option and was especially popular for amateurs and families with children. Based on the route’s popularity (drawing 70 families and about 140 additional individuals), they plan to keep this course for next year’s race.

Cap2Cap jerseys: Jerseys were also a huge hit and helped contribute $400 toward the Foundation’s fundraising goal. They have more jerseys available to purchase for only another week, so if you missed out on buying one, you can do so now through their website!

As far as the trail’s development, they are making great progress! On May 24, the Foundation will celebrate a groundbreaking in Charles City County for the trail’s Sherwood Forest Phase, which will complete the 27-mile portion from Jamestown to Charles City. Construction is already underway with an estimated completion date by October 2013. And a portion that will connect Richmond to Charles City — which includes a section through Rocketts Landing — is on track to open by May 2014.

As proud supporters of the Virginia Capital Trail, we’re certainly thrilled to host Cap2Cap each year at Rocketts Landing, and look forward to welcoming even more cyclists to next year’s race!

Rocketts Landing Residents Get Social and Help a Neighbor

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We feel super lucky that our community tends to attract a variety of active, outgoing, fun and genuinely sincere people to live here. So when we heard that many Rocketts Landing residents spent their Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby weekend both with lively festivities and a yard sale fundraiser for fellow residents, we immediately got all warm and fuzzy inside and had to share!

Yard Sale Fundraiser

Yard sales are typically not permitted in our community. But when Rocketts Landing residents have important causes to support, bending the rules becomes worthwhile! Such was the case this past weekend when residents rallied together to help out fellow neighbors Gabe and Natalie Corbett.

In September 2011, the Corbett’s infant son, Isaac, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Type 1). Isaac has been in Duke Hospital ever since. In fighting for their son’s health, they’ve accrued a plethora of medical expenses, many of which are far from over. Driven to help out, our residents organized a yard sale with the goal of raising $1000 toward the cause. From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., they sold a collection of over 20 residents’ donated items, including furniture, electronics and household appliance. By the yard sale’s end, they successfully raised $1720!

“I was very happy to see the Homeowners Association grant us an exception to allow this [yard sale],” explains fundraiser organizer and Rocketts Landing resident Julie Mabie. “It’s just another example of what makes Rocketts such a great place — we’re a real community, and we take care of each other.”

We’re certainly humbled by our residents’ actions and hope only the best for Isaac, Gabe and Natalie! If you wish to donate or organize your own fundraiser in support of their cause, you can do so on their website through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. You’ll also be able to donate to help the Corbetts by visiting the residents’ fundraiser booth at our upcoming Memorial Day event Rocketts Red Glare.

Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby Festivities

In addition to supporting great causes, Rocketts Landing residents also enjoy socializing together — and the events hosted by the Residents Social Committee certainly keep everyone’s spirits high! In honor of both the Mexican holiday and American racing tradition, residents threw a “Cinco de DERBY” bash this past weekend, complete with event-themed food and drinks. They even harvested mint from one of the resident's community garden plots to enjoy in their mint juleps!

“[Resident] Sharon Payne was gracious enough to open her home, even though she had to work,” explains Rocketts Landing resident Laura Streat (Sharon Payne is also the Residents Social Committee President). “And we are always well fed at our gatherings. Everyone brought something yummy to eat, [including] Mexican dips, wings, homemade mini cheesecakes, just to name a few.”

From volunteering for good causes to offering lively gatherings, Rocketts Landing residents certainly know how to come together and have a good time. If you’re a resident and you’ve not yet connected with the Residents Social Committee, we definitely encourage you to get involved. Their next event is a Memorial Day picnic, and we’re certain great times are in store!

Mother’s Day Events at Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Pampering mom this Mother's Day doesn't taste any better than at Rocketts Landing restaurants. We have lovely spring weather in store, which means the perfect opportunity to get mom out of the house and alongside the James River! Whether Key West, French/Southern fusion or American-themed cuisine is mom's style, we're certain she'll find just the right taste for her palate at Rocketts Landing restaurants.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

With its welcoming river view, The Boathouse is prepping to make your mom happy with a Mother's Day brunch filled with all the great fixings. She'll be able to choose from items such as a Pecan Waffle Station, Omelets Made to Order or even Rock Shrimp and Ground Grits, among many other mouth-watering treats — including a delicious dessert display!

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $38.95 per adult, $12.95 for children 6 – 12 years old and free for children under 6 years old (includes non-alcoholic beverages)
Reservations: 804.622.2628

M Bistro & Wine Bar

If we could write Ooh la la! with an effective French/American Southern accent, then we just might be able to aptly express how delicious Chef and Owner Michael Hall’s cuisine is. And based on his Mother’s Day three-course meal, including everything from Lobster Risotto with Corn Bisque, Angus Filet Rosini and Old Fashioned Maple Carrot Cake with Amaretto Gelato, perfecting our expression is more important than ever!

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $37.00 per adult and $17 per child
Reservations: Only a few slots remain! Reserve yours today: 804.652.2300

Conch Republic Rocketts

We're pretty certain that if Jimmy Buffett were to take his mom to Mother’s Day brunch at a Rocketts Landing restaurant, Conch Republic would be at the top of his list. Offering a Key West–themed menu and vibe (with a fantastic riverfront patio), mom can tap into her inner islander this Mother’s Day with a buffet featuring dishes such as She-Crab Gumbo, Grilled Salmon and Mango Salsa, Island Pancakes and more.

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $29.95 per adult and $14.95 per child
Reservations: 804.226.6242

With all these delicious meals ready for mom to enjoy at Rocketts Landing restaurants, we hope you join us down by the James River this Mother’s Day!

Rocketts Landing Residents Grow Community Gardens

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You know the old adage, "April showers bring May flowers"? Well, for many Rocketts Landing residents, the showers also bring a variety of fresh produce and herbs ready for the picking in their community garden. And based on the lush greenery we've spotted, this year's growing season is off to a great start!

Located along the riverbank directly beside our community pool, the garden plots offer any Rocketts Landing residents ready to get their hands dirty the opportunity to garden to their green thumbs' content. And this season, we've seen everything from plots of red leaf lettuce, spinach and chard to bushels of mint, parsley and rosemary taking off!

Residents can customize their garden plot in most any manner they desire. Some have installed bird feeders and houses, and others have built stone pathways that are both aesthetic and functional. And we’re especially fond of one garden’s walls, which are made from intertwined sticks (Did we mention that Rocketts Landing residents are quite creative, too?)!

We provide the space — garden plots are free for the planting — the water and the serene environment. All that Rocketts Landing residents need are their own seeds and tools.

There are 33 garden plots for use, and currently, all of these plots are reserved. Should one or more of these spaces open up during the growing season, you can put your name on the waiting list by contacting Blakeley Newbill. We’re excited to keep watching Rocketts Landing residents’ community gardens grow!

20th Annual Canoe-A-Thon Launches From Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Okay river friends, we have to admit something: Keeping up with all the awesome sports events happening on the James River at Rocketts Landing is certainly getting harder and harder to do! But, as fellow river enthusiasts, we wouldn't have it any other way -- and we're completely excited about all the river action around Rocketts Landing!

One such activity this weekend is the Varina Lions Club 20th Annual Canoe-A-Thon. Bringing together paddlers of all ages, the Canoe-A-Thon encourages participants to enjoy a day of fun and camaraderie out on the James River while raising money for the Club's largest fundraiser, "Paddling for Sight." Whether through sponsorship or personal donations, all collected funds support funding local scholarships and helping the blind and seeing impaired, including Prevent Blindness of Virginia, Leader Dog, Inc. and eye exams and glasses for the needy.

Launching from Rocketts Landing at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, around 78 participants — ranging in ages from 10 to 76 years old — will paddle 10.5 miles down the James River to arrive at Osborne Landing in Varina, where they’ll be greeted by a lively picnic celebration.

“The event is different things to different people,” explains Canoe-A-Thon Chairman Will Harlan. “Some [paddlers] are racing one another for the first-place prizes of first canoe and first kayak. Others are taking a leisurely paddle down the river.”

The James River Association’s River Keeper and the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries will join paddlers along the river. And while en route, they all have a chance to take in the historic landmarks along the way:

Rocketts Landing: First visited by Christopher Newport in 1607 and also the landing spot for Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War
Tree Hill Farm: The site of Chief Powhatan’s last village
Deepwater Terminal: Richmond’s port for ocean-going ships up to 559 ft.
Drewry’s Bluff: The site where Confederate Gen. Beauregard defeated Union Gen. Butler on May 15, 1864
Chaffin’s Bluff: The site where Adm. Semmes scuttled the ironclad ships CSS Richmond, Fredericksburg and Virginia II to slow the final Union advance on Richmond on April 2, 1865
Osborne Landing: The site of the Revolutionary naval battle between Benedict Arnold and American troops on April 27, 1781

Although participant registration already closed, Hardin pointed out that spectators are certainly welcome to watch as paddlers launch from Rocketts Landing. He also mentioned how grateful the Lions are for having access to our facilities. Because we believe the Lions Club is a valuable organization, we’re always happy to accommodate them — and support their cause.

And if you aren’t participating but would like to support their fundraiser, you can email the Lions and make your donation today!

Publicity photo courtesy of the Varina Lions Club

Enjoy Rocketts Landing's Events in May

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The sunshine's out and the weather's warm down here by the James River -- which is perfect timing for Rocketts Landing's events happening in May. While we launched our event season last month with the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta, May brings a variety of occasions both old and new to our community. So grab your friends, family and canine companions for many exciting days along the James River in the next month. We can't wait for the lineup of Rocketts Landing's events to begin!

May 12

Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride

As Virginia's fastest growing cycling event and a Richmond.com "Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011" top choice, Cap2Cap invites cyclists of all skill levels to hop on their bikes and raise funds for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Once completed, the Virginia Capital Trail will be a 55-mile-long pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting Richmond to Jamestown. With only a handful of miles left to build (including a stretch within Rocketts Landing), the Foundation is closer than ever to their goal. All in all, Cap2Cap is a great ride full of great people for a great cause (doesn’t get much better than that!).

Time: Starts at 7:30 a.m.
Register: Visit the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s website

May 20

Wakeboarding Competition (New!)

We've got canoeing, boating, kayaking, rowing, fishing and now wakeboarding along the James River! As Richmond’s first-ever wakeboarding event and competition, participants and spectators alike can expect to enjoy wakeboarding tricks, feats and plenty of good times. Spearheaded by our very own Conch Republic Rocketts (who certainly has a knack for ensuring everyone has fun) and featuring live music by the Cashmere Jungle Lords, the Wakeboarding Competition is certain to make some waves!

Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

May 27

Rocketts Red Glare (New!)

You might remember Rocketts Red Glare from Rocketts Landing’s event lineup last fall. Unfortunately, we had to postpone due to inclement weather. Fortunately, we’ve successfully rescheduled and are now offering Richmond’s only Memorial Day fireworks right along the James River! In addition to the celebration, Rocketts Red Glare will also benefit the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), a nonprofit organization offering resources and training programs to residents in our neighboring community of Fulton Hill. We’ll also have craft beer and wine, food vendors, live music by Colin Healy and Kings of Swing, and even guided tours on docked replicas of Christopher Columbus’ famous Pinta and Nina ships.

Time: 5:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Boathouse-Sponsored Contest Selects 2012 River Heroes

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Spring is here, friends, and the 2012 River Heroes winners are in! After a month-long nomination process sponsored by The Boathouse and nonprofit organization Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP), we're thrilled to announce this year's passionate river enthusiasts.

River Heroes is an annual contest recognizing those individuals or businesses that have made a substantial effort to preserve the James River, enhance its use or champion the river in other ways. And according to Maureen Egan, FOJRP board member and former president who helped manage the competition, this year's contest revealed a superb showing of Richmond's river champions.

But just like any competition, certain participants stand out from the crowd! While Richmonders submitted a dozen nominations, two individuals earned this year’s 2012 River Heroes official title: Greg Velzy and Robert Steidel.

Greg Velzy: Day in and day out, Greg champions the James River with his job as Senior Recreation Programmer at Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation. But that’s not all! He’s also the founding member and an active volunteer with the James River Outdoor Coalition, and was named by Governor Warner to Chair the Fall of the James Advisory Board, among many other achievements. Over the course of his selfless efforts, Greg has also taught thousands of people how to paddle on the James River!

“In every way, he’s always giving back and wanting people to get out on the river and enjoy it,” explains Maureen. “And all those people [he’s taught] will now become stewards of the James. He’s a really great guy.”

Robert Steidel: When submitting Robert’s nomination, the applicant said, “Some years ago, the joke among whitewater paddlers was that you could put your boat on the river, but could not take it off.” Point being, there were no active takeouts for paddlers to use. Fast forward to today, and Robert has played a huge role in bringing river access back to Richmond paddlers and river enthusiasts — including the 14th street takeout. And as Richmond’s Director of Public Utilities, he’s been doing his part keeping the James River clean both behind and in front of the scenes. He’s also been integral to helping the James River Park System acquire new land to protect, foster and enjoy!

“Lots of public officials just take a narrow view of their responsibilities,” Maureen says, “and he takes a broad view and contributes so many ways.”

As winners, they’ll each receive a prize package that includes gift certificates to The Boathouse, Real Richmond Food Tours & More, and Discover The James — plus a FOJRP t-shirt and membership. They’ll also be honored at the FOJRP annual picnic and get to serve as judges for next year’s contest.

Congrats again to our newest River Heroes! Richmond’s James River wouldn’t be the same without their efforts, leadership and support. If you’d like to become more involved with your own James River initiatives, be sure to check out the Friends of the James River Park website. We’re certainly huge fans of all they do to promote safe, clean and fun river use!

Transient Slips Open at Rocketts Landing's Marina

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Hold on to your rudders, boaters. The new transient slips at Rocketts Landing's marina are now open for business -- and they offer much more than just a place to dock your boat.

Located directly below our community's riverfront restaurants -- The Boathouse and Conch Republic Rocketts -- the 15 new transient slips at Rocketts Landing's marina provide a hassle-free way for boaters who don't live at Rocketts Landing to come ashore after a day on the James River. They also connect hungry boaters to an instant meal prepared by our restaurants through dockside ordering and delivery.

Ahoy!

The Boathouse's "Dockside To Go"

For Rocketts Landing transient boaters who want to eat at The Boathouse, their "Dockside To Go" program brings the entire menu to you for instant satisfaction. Boaters can either order ahead of time while out on the water or dock at the marina and call up an order. Then, within about 20 minutes, their dedicated waitstaff will bring your food straight to your boat — or you can dine in-house.

And for those thirsty for libations, you’ll also be able to order a six-pack of beer and selections of wine to enjoy with your meal.

The Mariners Club at Rocketts Landing

Conch Republic Rocketts

If you’re looking for the flavor of Key West, Conch Republic will make sure you “Get Conch’d!” Similar to The Boathouse’s program, Conch Republic is offering their entire menu dockside to fill transient boaters’ hungry bellies. You’ll be able to call in your order ahead of time and have a server bring your meal to you — or you can just dock and eat in-house to enjoy the riverfront view (and their many nights of live music!). Conch Republic will also be offering beer and wine to go. Just remember, boaters: Don’t drink and navigate!

M Bistro & Wine Bar

Offering French-inspired Southern cuisine, M Bistro is currently putting together a special boating program of their own. While details are forthcoming, we’re certain they’ll offer a delicious, easy way to wine down dockside. So look for more info to emerge soon!

To rent a transient slip at Rocketts Landing’s marina, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time (especially during the busy summer weekends) by calling 804.222.3555 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. You can either rent for a few hours for a brief visit or stay overnight — the choice is yours! More impulsive in your travels? No problem. If you pull up to Rockets Landing without a reservation and see an open transient slip, feel free to stop, dock and play!

4th Annual Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta a Success

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

When April arrives at Rocketts Landing that means only one thing around here: Our athletic spandex season has begun! And there's nothing like seeing our Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta in action to perfectly showcase the athletic events we host along the James River.

Last Saturday, over 300 spectators and rowers gathered for the 4th Annual Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University Crew. Collegiate crew clubs from across the region came out to participate, including:

University of Richmond (UR)
The College of William & Mary (W&M)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
George Mason University (GMU)
James Madison University (JMU)

While the day was full of sunshine, some heftier breezes certainly added an extra level of competition to the mix. “Hitting the wall” of 15 mph wind gusts — as rowers put it — prevented crews from posting especially fast times, but that certainly didn’t stop the competitive spirit.

“The VCU Novice Men’s 8+ won their event taking down a big rival (GMU) for the first time on home water,” explained VCU Crew Club Coach Yuriy Levitsky. “However, GMU had their revenge later in the afternoon winning the Novice Men’s 4+, Varsity Men’s 4+ and Men’s varsity 8+.”

Some other great finishes came from the JMU Women's Varsity 4+ who, according to Yuriy, “had a spectacular run in the outside lane taking the event by surprise and winning with plenty of water to spare.” And the UR Men’s Varsity 4+ also finished in a strong second behind GMU.

Despite the wind and choppy waters (which seems to be a bit of a tradition for collegiate regattas, around here!), Yuriy explained that the regatta’s format and traffic pattern created a smooth, seamless race.

And because we can’t pass up a good party along the river, the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta ended in a lively afterparty full of food, beverages — and plenty of dog mascots! If you didn’t get to check out the collegiate regatta, be sure to see this year’s events lineup for future regattas (and more) we have in store. This event season is one you won’t want to miss!

Collegiate Crew Season Begins at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Crew season has hit the river at Rocketts Landing, and we couldn't be happier seeing so many vessels on the water. While the Virginia Boat Club (VBC) is rocking record membership levels this year, collegiate clubs from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and University of Richmond (UR) are also rowing stronger than ever. And with the 4th Annual Collegiate Regatta scheduled for this Saturday, their determined rowing spirit is infectious here at Rocketts Landing.

VCU Crew

Sharing space in the VBC boathouse, the VCU crew club is celebrating their 10th anniversary with vigorous practices. They started their training with early, cold morning sessions on land between their boathouse, VCU's Cary Street Gym and miles of running through the city. In March, the club moved their workouts to the water, including a Spring Break–training in Florida, where they practiced twice a day for six straight days. Back here at Rocketts Landing, they’ve prepared for the season with new rowing lineups and revised coaching and mentoring processes. Their goal now? Achieve streamlined, effortless competitive rowing techniques.

“Rowing is repetition,” explains VCU Crew Club Coach Yuriy Levitsky. “Each stroke [includes] minor adjustments, [a] thousand strokes at a time, until muscle memory has captured every element and the mind can focus on endurance and sustaining the pain of racing.”

We’re exhausted just thinking about it!

Richmond Crew

Last fall, the UR rowing club found a new home for their boathouse at Rocketts Landing — and they’ve made great use of it ever since! After returning from their own Spring Break–training trip in Cocoa Beach, Fla., they, too, have been busy rowing on the James River. They’ve seen a boom in membership from 30 to 50 members; hired their first paid coach, Tamara Highsmith; and bought a refurbished 2006 Vespoli 8 (thanks to a donation from a team member’s family).

“With our newly built (and finally completely finished as of Friday!) boathouse, we are able to expand our inventory of boats,” says club President Nikki Cannavo. “We would not be able to accommodate our new teammates without this new space, and we are extremely thankful for our new home.”

To check out VCU and Richmond crew clubs in action (and many others from across the region), be sure to stop by the 4th Annual Collegiate Regatta this Saturday. With a sunny day forecasted and rowing spirits stronger than ever, we’re expecting one heck of a time on the James River at Rocketts Landing.

What: 4th Annual Collegiate Regatta, hosted by VCU
When: Saturday, April 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public

Celebrate Easter at Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Look out Easter Bunny -- Rocketts Landing restaurants are bringing their "A" game this Sunday.

We know dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies go back for generations (and are delicious), but our restaurants fill baskets with their fantastic Easter brunches along the James River! Where else can you find omelets made to order at a riverfront buffet or pork tenderloin and quail eggs, or even alligator bites? Not in the Easter Bunny's basket, that's for sure.

This year, get out of the house and head down by the river. We're ready to celebrate Easter with you at Rocketts Landing restaurants.

M Bistro & Wine Bar

Owner and Chef Michael Hall presents a three-course meal featuring French-inspired Southern cuisine. Entrees such as rockfish wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon and Colorado lamb stuffed with pine nuts will delight you.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $35 per adult, $17 per child.
RSVP: Reservations recommended. Call (804) 652-2300.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Offering a riverfront brunch buffet, The Boathouse will appease all ages and palates. Their diverse display of pastries, cold plates, breakfast, hot lunch, carved items and desserts feature everything from spiced rock shrimp and ground grits to smoked salmon, omelets and carved turkey breast with honey.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $34.95 per adult, $12.95 per child (6 – 12 years), free for ages 6 years and under.
RSVP: Reservations recommended. Call (804) 622-2628.

Conch Republic Rocketts

If Key West is more your style, then head on over to Conch Republic. Their island-inspired brunch buffet will offer dishes such as frog leg gumbo, honey-baked ham, swamp bites and more.

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $29.95 per adult, $14.95 per child, free for ages 5 years and under.
RSVP: Reservations recommended. Call (804) 226-6242.

So, whether you’re looking to “Get Conch’d", feast riverfront or enjoy a gourmet three-course meal, be sure to check out Rocketts Landing restaurants on April 8. You just might acquire a new staple for your Easter basket!

Virginia Boat Club Ready to Row at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Grab your oars, Richmond rowers -- and get ready to row at Rocketts Landing! The Virginia Boat Club's winter training is complete, and they're prepping their boathouse and members for one heck of a rowing season. With higher-than-ever membership levels, new boats on hand, improved landing access and more, rowing at Rocketts Landing with the Virginia Boat Club (VBC) is better than ever.

Increased Membership

According to VBC President Steve Abbott, memberships levels are off the charts this year! Meaning, Richmond rowers have an even stronger community to enjoy. Now, new rowers must sign up early to land a spot on their increasingly popular Learn-to-Row (LTR) programs, which they consistently fill to capacity. (We actually took the LTR course a couple years back and enjoyed every minute of our sore and strengthened muscles!)

New Boats and Equipment

To keep up with their growing membership, VBC has purchased a new 4 shell from Brown University. But, wait! There’s more. They are also currently in discussions to add even more boats to their growing collection and have bought additional oars to keep up with the growing rowing demand.

Improved Landing Access

As you might know, we’ve upgraded the marina this year to add new transient boat slips and a fuel dock — and with that came improved landing access for VBC. We’ve done away with the old wooden steps and built concrete stairs to allow for safer, stronger boat launches. (And if you’ve ever had to carry an 8-shell over your shoulders down stairs, we know your arms and feet are already celebrating!)

Partnership with Sportables

In the words of Abbott, “Rowing’s one of those great sports you can do at any age in your life.” And with their recent partnership with local nonprofit Sportables, it’s one you can do even if you have a physical or visual disability. Their Adaptive Rowing program provides opportunities for disabled individuals to enjoy the water through their Indoor Erging and Outdoor LTR and Intermediate Rowing courses.

First Part-Time Employee

VBC is a volunteer-based organization and all operational positions are unpaid — until now. In order to keep up with their membership demand, VBC is currently hiring a part-time operations manager who will be their first paid employee. They’re still accepting applications, so if you or someone you know would be a good fit, you can learn more on the VBC website!

Now, if only Mother Nature would slow down and stop overfilling the river … We’re ready to row at Rocketts Landing!

Rocketts Landing 2012 Events Season Begins

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Get your calendars out and put your spandex on, Richmond.

Spring is in the air at Rocketts Landing -- bringing another year of our community's events along the James River! For our 2012 season, we have a great lineup of happenings in store, from regattas to triathlons to wakeboarding. So, whether you're more of a spectator or participant, be sure to keep Rocketts Landing events on your radar. This is one season you won't want to miss.

APRIL

April 7: 4th Annual VCU Collegiate Regatta

Richmond's only collegiate regatta makes waves again with an exciting day of rowing on the James River. Drawing clubs from universities across the region, you can expect a day of determined collegiate athleticism, including an alumni race at noon.

MAY

May 12: Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride

Voted a Richmond.com “Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011” top choice last year, this fundraiser for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation — which supports the 55-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail currently being built to link Richmond and Jamestown — is quickly growing into Virginia’s largest cycling event.

May 20: Wakeboarding Event (New!)

Get ready, wakeboarders and fans! Richmond’s first wakeboarding event on the James River hits Rocketts Landing this year. Expect an evening of wakeboarding tricks, feats — and of course, a jolly good time!

JUNE

June 23: 9th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta

Hosted by the Virginia Boat Club, our annual Sprints Regatta attracts rowing clubs from across the Greater Atlantic region for some strong rowing competition, a tradition along the James River dating back to the late 1800s!

JULY

July 22: Rocketts Landing Triathlon (Olympic Length)

Each year, our Rocketts Landing Triathlon athletes never cease to amaze us. Richmond Multisports organizes this annual 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run at and around our community, bringing out some of the region’s fittest athletes.

AUGUST

August 11: Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Race (New!)

A Richmond tradition and favorite in its 23rd year, BBBS brings their annual Duck Race to Rocketts Landing for the first time — and we’re thrilled to host the event! Expect to see up to 20,000 yellow duckies “racing” by our community for a full day of festivities that all ages will enjoy.

SEPTEMBER

September 23: Richmond Rox Triathlon (Half Ironman) (New!)

Another event new to Rocketts Landing, the Richmond Rox Triathlon is Richmond’s only official Half Ironman endurance race. Expect swimming, running and cycling followed by an afterparty near The Boathouse.

OCTOBER

October 6: Dragon Boat Festival

Also voted a Richmond.com “Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011” top choice last year, the annual Dragon Boat Festival brings a taste of China to our community. Complete with fierce and fun dragon boat races, and traditional dancing and food, you'll enjoy one unique cultural festival along the James River.

October 20: Rocketts Landing Run to the River

As a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Resource Center in neighboring community Fulton Hill, Run to the River is close to our hearts — and running shoes! Participants test their endurance in Richmond’s only urban cross-country hill race, and enjoy a lively afterparty to reward their hard work.

Rocketts Landing Offers Resident a Commuter’s Dream

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing Cedar Works resident Mark Anderson is no stranger to staying active.

As an international sales manager for an industrial supplies cutting tool company based in Long Island, N.Y., Mark flies at least 100 times a year. So, when he was ready to move about five years ago, being close to an airport -- while not sacrificing his active lifestyle -- was essential.

"When I was looking to move, I was thinking of New York City or Florida," explains Mark, who has lived in Richmond for nearly two decades, "but then I saw [Rocketts Landing] and I said, nope. I'm staying here."

His first attraction was our community's 10-minute drive to the airport. Then, he saw our Cedar Works building and loved the exposed brick and renovated warehouse feel. Next, he realized the lifestyle he could enjoy at Rocketts Landing — and Mark was immediately hooked.

“I run six to seven miles every day,” says Mark. “I mainly use the community’s gym facilities, but we also have access to run the Canal Walk and go down to Brown’s Island, and run the trails downtown. Once the Virginia Capital Trail is complete, I will enjoy running on that. And the [riverfront] pool here is also very nice, which is actually where I’ve met most of the people I run with.”

Another feature Mark enjoys is our community and the area’s walkability. From walking over to the 17th Street Farmer’s Market for Shockoe Bottom’s variety of festivals to stopping by Gillies Creek Park for disc golf or having dinner at one of our community’s restaurants, the convenient location fits his life perfectly.

But the cherry on top?

“I also like that the [residents] I know are from every different age group, from 25 to 70 years old,” explains Mark. “Other places, you might have the same age group. But here, everyone is different and likes knowing each other. I see myself staying here for a while.”

Rocketts Landing Featured in Richmond Writer’s New Novel

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we know all about the great river views and active lifestyles our residents and visitors enjoy. But, once we heard about a local writer featuring Rocketts Landing in his newest novel, Felony Dementia, we were blushing and had to learn more.

Published last October and co-written by Dr. Winfred Ward and Adrien Eissler, Felony Dementia is a medical legal thriller that follows a man named "Same" and his experiences with the disease frontotemporal degeneration -- a progressive degeneration of the brain's temporal and frontal lobes -- as well as his life in Rocketts Landing's 210 Rock. Dr. Ward will do a reading for our Resident's Social Club on March 28, so we decided to sit down for a Q&A and pick his brain a bit. Our edited transcript is below, enjoy!

Rocketts Landing: You’re an infectious disease clinician by day. When did you start your writing career?

Dr. Winfred Ward: Well, I started writing probably 30 years ago with my first published book, The Healing of Lia, but I had written articles and chapters for books before that.

RL: How many books have you published?

WW: My first book came out in 1985 and was a case study written for the general public. Lia was a multiple personality study. I wrote the story with her, which was fun to write, and it was well received and published by Macmillan. Since my last book, I wrote a couple of other books in the interim, one that was picked up but never published, but I became very busy working, enjoying my family, so for a while, writing took a back seat.

RL: What inspired you to write Felony Dementia?

WW: A couple of years ago, I slowed my workload down and decided I wanted to write again — and another novel. I knew this guy, my co-author Adrian Eissler — who is the counsel for the utilities commission for the State of Texas — and knew he was quite bright, entertaining with a sense of humor. I thought he’d be fun to work with, and he said yes immediately. So, I went down to Texas, we wrote an outline, and the rest of the story we did by email.

Before we began to write, we came up with the idea to address the fact that studies show that improving literacy keeps people from returning to institutions. So, we decided to write the book, and we’d give away [copies of our] paperback books to residents of penal institutions, in jails and such. About three weeks ago at a shelter in Austin, Texas, we gave away our book and other books, and the response was overwhelming. We’ve had great feedback from people receiving the books and what it means to them. We will be doing the same thing at one of the jails here in May.

RL: The lead character is dealing with his father’s frontotemperal degeneration. Why did you choose to focus on this disease?

WW: What led us to frontotemperal degeneration is that Adrian’s family has this disease and he lost his father to it. And, I also decided to write something that addresses this topic. The book is a medical legal thriller, me bringing the medical side and Adrian bringing the legal, and the story just grew from there.

RL: Why did you choose Rocketts Landing as the backdrop for your story?

WW: One day, I was cruising around Richmond trying to find a place for the protagonist to live, and I went down on the riverfront and saw the apartments and so forth, nothing really struck me. And then, I went to Rocketts Landing, and they took me up to one condominium and I immediately saw that’s where he should live, because The Boathouse comes into the story also. There is one scene where the protagonist is sitting on his balcony and looking up and down the river, and he falls asleep because it’s so peaceful, and he awakens covered in dew. The Rocketts Landing scenery is just awesome.

RL: What do you hope readers take away from Felony Dementia?

WW: We want them to, first of all, have an awareness of the disease, because it’s much more prevalent than I was aware. And also, when we have done readings and signings, people who’ve read the book didn’t even know this disease existed. They know about Alzheimer’s and dementia, but this disease, which has hundreds of thousands suffering from it, is under the radar and very devastating. Also, there’s an element in the story of a government conspiracy, and we want people to become more aware that [from our perspective] government intervention in your healthcare is not such a good idea.

RL: Do you have any other books in the works?

WW: The next book will also be set in Richmond and will have parts of Texas, too. It will have a small element of a sequel to Felony Dementia, and we are only a third of the way into the writing now.

RL: Anything else you’d like to say?

WW: The story does have unusual relationships and shows how relationships come about, i.e., the protagonist is his family’s sole survivor aside from his half brother who is 10, and we tried to show their closeness. No matter what the affliction is in life, if you’re living under the axe, you live life to the fullest.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Hosts March Wine Sampling

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

When you're looking for a unique beer or wine event, chances are that The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has just what you need. While we've been reminiscing over the delicious beers we recently sampled on their Virginia Craft Beer Tour, they've been busy planning yet another event for the wine lovers: a March Wine Sampling.

As a complimentary event happening this evening, March 14, The Boathouse will guide guests through six wines hailing from the ever-popular wine regions of Italy, California and New Zealand. The Boathouse's Director of Wine (and Rocketts Landing resident) Michael Avery and The Country Vintner representative David Forchielli will lead the sampling of a sparkling wine, along with whites and reds. Some of the highlights guests will explore include:

Cantina Montelliana Extra Dry Prosecco Treviso DOC, Italy NV: This sparkling wine is made according to the natural fermentation Charmat method and produced with grapes cultivated in the Montello and Asolo hill areas.
Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands, California 2010: Featuring handpicked grapes that are barrel-aged for 12 months in French Oak and 30 percent new oak, Michael says this wine is an “excellent food wine.”
Wild Earth Pinot Noir Central Otago, New Zealand 2008: Red lovers will enjoy this deep ruby wine with aromas of old roses, briar and a hint of vanilla.

The Boathouse has two wine sampling events in March, and tonight’s flight experience is the only one happening at their Rocketts Landing location. So, be sure to grab a friend or loved one and make your reservation. Featured bottles will also be available to purchase at half price — making tonight even tastier!

What: March Wine Sampling at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
When: Wednesday, March 14
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Complimentary event
RSVP: Reservations recommended. Call: 804.745.2545

The Mariners Club Makes Waves for Their 2012 Season

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

One great thing about being on the James River here at Rocketts Landing is our easy access to endless river fun -- and The Mariners Club is no exception. While we're busy expanding our marina and adding new transient boat slips and a fuel dock, The Mariners Club is prepping for their 2012 season putting boaters on the water. And they are certainly ready to make some waves.

A membership-based organization providing hassle-free boating access, The Mariners Club gives boaters a chance to get on the water without owning a boat. They have a variety of watercraft to use -- from pontoons to sport boats and jet skis -- and this year, members will have even more access to instant river outings.

New Watercraft

The spring boating season starts April 4, and The Mariners Club is wasting no time ramping up their selection of water vessels. Some of their current boats include a Tahoe Q6 Sport, Suntracker Pontoon and Sylvan Pontoon with Sundeck. But that’s just the start of their fleet.

“We’ve actually upgraded two of our bowriders, added a console fishing boat — which is versatile and family friendly — and upgraded a pontoon boat,” says Tory Wiles, owner of The Mariners Club.

So, whether you want to take one person or 10 out on the water for a day of skiing, exploring or fishing fun, The Mariners Club has just the boat for you.

New Partnership With Carefree Boat Club

One of the biggest developments members will see this year is a partnership with Carefree Boat Club, a national boating club that has nearly 20 locations across the country (which they plan to grow to 35 by year’s end). Through this partnership, The Mariners Club members will be able to access Carefree Boat Club locations and fleets — and add destination boating experiences to their membership perks.

“All our members will now be able to use the Carefree Boat Club locations,” explains Tory. “Right now, Virginia has four locations, including Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Stafford and Washington D.C., and they will soon open docks in Lake Anna and Tappahannock. The Club has the same kinds of boats and membership access, so now, members can expand their use and travels.”

And if members go on a vacation elsewhere in the U.S. near a Carefree location, such as North Carolina or Florida, they’ll be able to further enjoy their boat club benefits.

The Mariners Club is still accepting membership applications for their 2012 season. So, if you seek boating thrills without the hassle of ownership, we definitely recommend you check them out. And if you act now, you’ll even have your initiation fee waved — but this is only good for a bit longer, so be sure to contact them today!

Watershed Specials at The Boathouse Promote a Cleaner River

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Food lovers: If you never thought you could eat your way to a cleaner river, think again.

Since 2010, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has offered a food special aimed at promoting our region's cleaner waterways, called their "Watershed Special." Partnering with two nonprofits, Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, each time a customer orders a special, The Boathouse donates a percentage of the sales to their participating nonprofits. The special changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients and availability.

"The program has been a win-win," explains The Boathouse Owner Kevin Healy. “For The Boathouse, it’s our way of educating our customers about the need to protect our waterways. For our customers, it's an easy way to donate — and a tasty way, I might add. For FOJRP, its a wonderful, consistent source of funds, especially in today’s challenging economic times.”

In fact, since the program began, FOJRP has received over $9000 in funds, which plays a huge role in helping them achieve their operating goals.

“Wow! The Friends are overwhelmed with gratitude toward The Boathouse for this [program],” explains Maureen Egan, FOJRP board member and former president. “We’ve used some of the money to update and improve our website — an ongoing task — and had park trailhead kiosks built and maps replaced. It’s the difference between wanting to make improvements and being able to do them!”

The Watershed Specials will continue to run throughout the year. So, if you’ve not yet headed over to The Boathouse and supported the cause, you still have time. But, if you want their current special featuring roasted rockfish with fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, watercress chimichurri and beet chow-chow, better head on over there, today!

Rocketts Landing Offers 210 Rock Resident a Home Away From Home

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

For Rocketts Landing resident Christina Dick, her one-bedroom condo in 210 Rock isn't just a place to sleep -- or host a dinner party. As a recent VCU graduate and Community Manager at The Martin Agency, life at Rocketts Landing offers her something far cozier for this next stage of life: a new home.

Originally from Gloucester, Virginia, Christina moved to Richmond for college and lived for a while in a warehouse loft in neighboring community Shockoe Bottom. Upon graduating and landing her job, she was ready to live somewhere that offered her the modern yet peaceful lifestyle she enjoys, matched by an easy commute. After celebrating her graduation at Rocketts Landing restaurant, The Boathouse, she knew she had found the home she wanted.

“I had originally looked at a few other places to live downtown, but the size and price was better at Rocketts Landing,” says Christina. “And it’s really convenient too. When I go home, I take Dock Street straight from work and it’s a quiet, easy ride.”

Christina also enjoys DIY (Do-It-Yourself) home decorating projects and an active social life, and she says the modern style and layout of her one-bedroom condo — along with the location close to downtown — perfectly fits her personality. From turning her walls into a collage of framed pictures to relaxing on her deck with the river view and even stopping by one of our community’s restaurants for a board meeting, Christina finds comfort enjoying the lifestyle she desires.

But, one of her favorite features of living at Rocketts Landing is the tight-knit, diverse community she’s now a part of.

“At Rocketts Landing, there’s a lot more diversity than where I lived before, so I can easily meet a bunch of different people,” says Christina. “And, I love that when I’m at home, I can text my neighbors if they have aluminum foil I can use. It’s that type of community I have here.”

The Boathouse Hosts Virginia Craft Beer Tour

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

From Norfolk to Richmond to Charlottesville, craft breweries have been popping up all over Virginia recently. And fortunately for local enthusiasts, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has hopped on the craft-beer bandwagon. This past Saturday, they hosted a daylong Virginia Craft Beer Tour -- so we grabbed our stein to enjoy the ride.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

The morning kicked off with a continental breakfast at The Boathouse, followed by a trip to Richmond’s newest brewery, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. With morning-eyed glee, 26 of us tasted their flagship beer, Singel, and the seasonal Mocha Belgique while learning about their hands-on production methods that use 100 percent wind power and refurbished local, fallen wood. From their beer to their ambiance to their culture, Hardywood is proving locally sourced and produced products and business practices can satisfy, sustain and prosper.

Devil’s Backbone Brewpub

From Richmond we wound our way up to Nelson County for a tasty visit to Devil’s Backbone Brewpub — while also sampling ales along the way (gotta love a chartered bus!). Arriving in the mountains, we sat in their warmed beer garden and enjoyed plates of gnocchi and grilled portabella salad while tasting beers such as their Eight Point IPA and Vienna Lager. While their main production now occurs in Lexington, they do brew seasonal and reserve beers in-house. And for those hungry tasting moments, their entrees up the ante for brewpub fare — including tasty sweet potato fries that certainly absorb some of their delicious brews.

Star Hill Bewery

Last stop on the tour was Crozet, home of Star Hill Brewery. As one of America’s fastest growing craft breweries producing up to 20,000 barrels a year, they serve a nice tasting variety. A highlight was their current Monticello Reserve, made in partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and brewed according to his original recipe with corn instead of barley. Their Wee Heavy ale, aged in whiskey barrels, was also a star brew; though, as a specialty beer with only one barrel to share, this one won’t last long. And, their tasting room is full of purchasable items offering everything from stickers to t-shirts to beer chocolate — which is dangerously delicious.

Needless to say, The Boathouse served up a beer-lover’s delight and offered both a pleasant daytrip and taste-worthy event. So the next time their beer (or wine) tour comes around, be sure to hop on board. (Just don’t be surprised if you see us again!)

Your Rocketts Landing One-Bedroom Condo Awaits You

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Love is in the air at Rocketts Landing! While our community's restaurants are busy dishing up romantic meals at their Valentine's Day events, we thought we'd offer a Valentine's treat of our own that's easy to fall in love with: Rocketts Landing one-bedroom condos.

Take, for example, the Tribeca floor plan in our 210 Rock building. These one-bedroom, one-bath condos feature 961 to 1015 sq. ft. of living space and include a private terrace, living room and dining room. Plus, each condo offers spacious floor plans matched by contemporary architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows and exceptional views -- culminating in the epitome of modern urban living along the James River.

As love goes, only a few of these condos are available to the right owners — and only for a limited time. But, we’re convinced that as soon as you learn more about the incentives and active, vibrant lifestyles Rocketts Landing residents enjoy — just minutes from downtown Richmond — you just might pick up the phone and schedule a date with our sales center (we can’t blame you!).

Sure, you might not be able to cuddle your Rocketts Landing condo while sipping wine and hearing live jazz at M Bistro & Wine Bar or invite your condo to the next Residents’ Social Committee party — but with an array of home selections ranging from $179,900 to $1 million, and only a handful of one-bedroom condos left, “love at first sight” starts now.

For your personal showing, call Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011 or learn more today!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for just the right way to spend Valentine's Day with your loved one? Well, love is in the air at Rocketts Landing restaurants, as they busily prepare to pamper guests with everything from live jazz to six-course meals. You'll also find selections for both lunch and dinner -- so whether you want to steal away for a romantic moment during your workday or wine and dine your love through the evening, we know you'll find just what the doctor ordered here at Rocketts Landing.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Want to surprise your date with an awesome river view, live jazz and delicious menu featuring fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza? Then the Boathouse just might be the date spot for you! Offering casual yet sophisticated river-themed dining in a renovated 19th-century power plant (whose renovation has earned countless accolades), they can provide the perfect charm for your perfect someone.

Time: Dining offered from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with live jazz from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies by selection from both their regular and Valentine’s-themed menu.
RSVP: Reservations not required but encouraged. For additional details call: 804.622.2628.

Conch Republic Rocketts

If the casual Key West is more your style, this riverfront restaurant will set the mood with a six-course meal featuring everything from frog legs to roasted lamb loin. Throw in their included bottle of wine or champagne, drink specials from their two river-view bars and a heated patio overlooking the James River, and all that’s missing is a Jimmy Buffet serenade.

Time: Normal dinner hours.
Cost: $82.95 per couple.
RSVP: For additional details and to make a reservation, call: 804.226.6242.

M Bistro & Wine Bar

As their name suggests, M Bistro is part café/part wine bar featuring French-inspired Southern cuisine from one of Richmond’s most beloved chefs, Michael Hall. With a reputation for offering from-scratch, seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors, Chef Hall and his dedicated crew are hard at work preparing a “poetic meal” coupled with live jazz for you and your date.

Time: Woo your love with a Valentine’s lunch (with complimentary chocolate mousse) or a four-course “sonnet for the soul” offered during normal business hours.
Cost: Lunch, normal menu prices; dinner, $52.00 per person.
RSVP: Reservations encouraged. To learn more, call: 804.652.2300.

Rocketts Landing Residents Throw Super Bowl Party

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

One thing's for sure at Rocketts Landing: If there's a reason to party, our residents' Social Committee is already hard at work planning their celebration. As soon as we cover one event, such as their New Year's Eve bash, it seems they've already gathered together with delicious food and drinks to celebrate yet again with Rocketts Landing neighbors and friends (so much that we're considering a name change to Social Landing!). And with this past weekend's Super Bowl party, they've continued living up to their reputation.

Hosted each year by Rocketts Landing Fall Line residents Ken and Linda Aspinall, around 60 people gathered to watch the Giants take on the Patriots with all the makings of a football tailgate: football attire, cold drinks, buffalo wings, chili, assorted dips and homemade guacamole, and even bacon-wrapped scallops for added zest. They had a football pool producing quarterly winners and plenty of viewing opportunities in the game room, den and even the kitchen (not to mention a stellar river view).

And while their party certainly focused on the Super Bowl, another theme was also in the air: neighborhood camaraderie.

“Rocketts Landing residents love getting together for neighborhood events,” says Social Committee President Sharon Payne. “We are very appreciate of the Aspinalls for opening up their home to accomodate such a large, singular gathering!”

In fact, our residents’ readiness to have a good time at the drop of a hat is one of the many things we love about them. So, while we admit that we’re not really going to change our name to Social Landing — sorry, residents — we are starting to feel that we might need to get in on some of this party action. And if you’re a Rocketts Landing resident and you’ve yet to join the fun, you just might want to rally on the field, too.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Sponsors River Heroes Contest

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A day rarely passes at Rocketts Landing where someone isn't taking advantage of our community's instant access to the James River. From paddling to rowing to fishing -- and even enjoying a romantic cuddle (or wedding!) at our community's overlook -- residents and visitors enjoying the river is as ubiquitous as people socializing at Rocketts Landing restaurants. So, you better believe that when a contest comes along to honor those who work hard keeping our river clean and accessible, we're all over helping to spread the word!

Starting February 14, co-sponsors The Boathouse restaurant and nonprofit organization The Friends of James River Park (FOJRP) will start taking nominations for their second annual River Heroes contest.

"The river is key to Richmond and needs to be celebrated every chance we can,” says Maureen Egan, FOJRP board member and former president. “But, celebrating the river is one thing and actually giving attention to the people making the river better, more accessible and thrilling is another — and that’s what we want to do: showcase the people doing great work to make the James River fun for everyone.”

Passages Adventure Camp Belle Island zipline

To nominate Rocketts Landing — we mean a River Hero of your own (okay, you caught us!) — FOJRP asks you to follow a few basic guidelines:

There’s no age limit for nominees, which can include an individual, group, business or association.
FOJRP board members (including ex officio member Ralph White — who would win every time!), The Boathouse employees and past winners are not eligible.
To nominate someone, you must answer: “Why is this person or group a River Hero?” and provide examples of how your nominee has either: improved the James River’s condition in Greater Richmond, enhanced the river’s use in some aspect or championed for the James River in other compelling ways.

2011 River Hero Mike Ostrander and former FOJRP President Maureen Egan

Last year, three different nominees won, and Maureen says she expects they might select up to three winners again this year. They’ll announce their 2012 River Heroes on Earth Day, where in addition to public recognition of their river-rat coolness, winners will also receive a variety of great swag, including: FOJRP membership and gift certificates to The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Discover the James and Real Richmond Food Tour.

So, be sure to submit your River Heroes nomination between Feb. 14 – March 14 on The Friends of James Park’s website, through snail mail (P.O. Box 4453, Richmond, VA 23220) or email. And don’t worry, so we aren’t caught unprepared, we’re already busy writing our acceptance speech (just kidding …).

Photos courtesy of The Friends of the James River

M Bistro & Wine Bar at Rocketts Landing Starts Tuesday Jazz Nights

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If we could count the number of times we've sipped on a tasty glass of wine at M Bistro & Wine Bar in Rocketts Landing and thought, Man, some live jazz would be great right now! we probably would have quite a few empty glasses surrounding us. (Okay, let's be honest. We'd have quite a few bottles, but with their awesome selection, can you blame us?) So, you can only imagine our giddy excitement when M Bistro announced their new, upcoming weekly event: Tuesday Night Jazz.

Starting February 14, M Bistro & Wine Bar will feature live jazz from some of region's top talent -- with delicious drink specials to boot: $5 specialty martinis. And while the jazz nights are new to M Bistro, Owner and Chef Michael Hall has been marinating the idea since opening the restaurant at Rocketts Landing last year.

“Michael has always had the vision for live music at the restaurant and now that we’re here in 2012, he’s ready to move forward,” says Angela Davis, M Bistro Sales Director.

For the music, Michael is pursuing a collective jazz experience and plans to feature musicians spanning nearly every genre, from standards to smooth jazz. And in keeping with jazz’s improvisational roots, they’re purposefully not creating predictable set lists or repeating themes. “Each Tuesday night will have its own flair,” Angela explains.

So, mark your calendars and start channeling your inner Ella or Miles. We have a feeling your Tuesday nights at Rocketts Landing are about to get a whole lot smoother.

What: Tuesday Night Jazz, M Bistro & Wine Bar at Rocketts Landing
When: Every Tuesday evening, starting February 14, 2012
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: No entrance fee
RSVP: No reservations required but for more details call: 804.652.2300

Rocketts Landing Residents Help NRC Families Celebrate the Holidays

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Okay, we admit it: Nothing makes us all gushy inside like hearing about Rocketts Landing residents doing great things for the community. (What can we say, we're softies over here!) And the Holiday Toy Drive our residents' Social Committee sponsored during the 2011 holiday season is certainly hitting our "softie" hearts.

As a Social Committee, the residents focus on having a good time together (and trust us, they sure know how!), but they also make community involvement a priority. And while enjoying the holiday spirit last year, they upheld their commitment to helping families at the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) in Fulton Hill. The group raised $585 toward buying toys for families in need, helping 57 children in total, and they even added goodies to the mix.

“The kids were able to receive books, games, lip gloss and even gloves and hats, which are hard to come by and harder to keep track of!” explains NRC Program and Volunteer Coordinator Penny Ferris.

To celebrate the season for their families, NRC threw a party honoring holiday celebrations from around the world: Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa. Each holiday station had a food item and craft activity that corresponded to the particular cultural celebration. The holiday gifts and donations raised by our residents contributed to the variety of goodies the kids received.

But, the purchasing power didn’t stop there! NRC actually had leftover funds and was able to buy even more items for specific families who needed additional support. The NRC identified families who work hard and make too much income for public assistance — but way too little to buy their children presents. Each family came to the NRC by appointment and handpicked holiday gifts for their kids, ranging from art sets to pajamas.

“We were so grateful for their help this past holiday season,” says Penny. “Rocketts Landing Residents made Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2011 for Greater Fulton families!”

I believe our softie little hearts are officially melting …

Photos courtesy of the Neighborhood Resoure Center (NRC)

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Features Spanish Wine Dinner

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As many of our guests know, having a good time at Rocketts Landing frequently involves enjoying one of our community's three destination restaurants. This weekend is proving to be no different, as The Boathouse opens their doors for their second annual wine dinner. Featuring a Spanish-themed six-course dinner, we're sure you'll be wined and dined into believing you've landed in Europe for the night.

"During this time of year -- the end of January and beginning of February -- there isn't much happening in the winter months," says Boathouse Wine Director and Rocketts Landing resident Michael Avery, "so doing our annual wine dinner gives us and our guests something fun and exciting to do in the middle of winter."

Each dinner course will feature a perfectly paired wine that highlights the local ingredients abounding in Richmond’s food scene right now — which Executive Chef Todd Richardson hand-selected specifically for the event. Guests will enjoy gourmet dishes such as Braised Rabbit with Smoked Surry Sausage, Herb-Rubbed Polyface Pork Loin and homemade (by Todd!) ice cream from BonneyClabber Blue Goat Cheese.

Michael chose to pair the dishes with Spanish wines because the dishes’ ingredients lent themselves to the wines’ lighter yet complex characteristics. Some of his favorite selections for the dinner include the starter Marques de Gelida Brut Cava and the Finca Sandoval Syrah-Monastrell — and he’s especially excited to present the Lustau Delux Cream Capataz Andres Jerez-Sherry, a favorite of Spain and Europe but lesser-known here in the States.

Reservations are required to attend the dinner, so be sure to reserve your seats while you can. Plus, with the dinner set in their special events room, you’ll get to take in the sights of the outdoors and downtown skyline from a private patio overlooking the James River — all that’s missing is a gondola serenade!

What: 2nd Annual Wine Dinner at The Boathouse, featuring Spanish-themed six-course meal.
Date: Saturday, January 28.
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 per person, $170 per couple or $680 per table of eight.
RSVP: Reserve your seats by 4:00 p.m. this Saturday by calling: 804.622.2628.

Photos courtesy of The Boathouse.

Rocketts Landing Marina Adds New Boat Slips

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Get ready James River boaters -- if you enjoy perusing Rocketts Landing after being out on the water but don't live in our community, then our new boat slips are just for you. We are currently hard at work expanding our marina to accommodate transient boaters, so you can more easily stop, dock and play at Rocketts Landing.

Construction on the slips started last November with an anticipated completion date of April 1, 2012 -- just in time for boating season to begin! An additional 15 slips will be added during this development phase, providing much-needed landing access for boaters who want to stop into town before heading back down the James River. The new slips will be directly located at the base of our community's popular riverfront restaurants, The Boathouse and Conch Republic, providing more immediate dining accessibility.

“This will be a big improvement to the marina, because it has a fuel dock that will make boating much more convenient at Rocketts Landing,” explains WVS Companies Vice President Jason Vickers-Smith. “The new slips will also add activity to the waterfront, and there will be programs with the restaurants for transient boaters.”

While we’re anxiously anticipating the completion of these new slips, we also are excited about what’s in store down the road. We have 30 more boat slips waiting to be built at our marina, providing an even livelier boating experience here at Rocketts Landing. So, whether you want to grab a bite at one of our community’s restaurants or stroll into downtown Richmond via the Virginia Capital Trail, the marina’s new boat slips will provide the access you want.

We look forward to seeing you at Rocketts Landing!

Rocketts Landing Residents Celebrate the End of 2011

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As we've frequently shared, Rocketts Landing residents are one active bunch -- and they thoroughly enjoy each other's company. From running marathons together to celebrating the holidays, our residents make a point to get out and enjoy life. And from the way they closed out 2011 with their Social Committee events, they certainly didn't miss out on any holiday giving and fun.

NRC Toy Drive

The Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) provides resources to families in need who live in our neighboring community Fulton Hill. During Thanksgiving, our residents raised $555 to help provide holiday meals to NRC-identified families. And they apparently didn't want to stop there -- so the Social Committee sponsored a holiday Toy Drive to help many NRC families purchase gifts during the Christmas season. They raised $585 dollars for buying toys and also donated additional presents to the mix. All in all, 57 children receive gifts!

“Due to our residents and the savvy shopping of the NRC staff, each child they serve was able to receive a hand-selected gift delivered by Santa at their holiday party,” explains Rocketts Landing resident and Social Committee President Sharon Payne.

New Year’s Eve Progressive Dinner Party

Not only do our residents enjoy giving to a cause, they also like to get together, party and enjoy delicious food! And their annual New Year’s Eve Progressive Dinner Party is a great example of the good times they create. As a multi-home-hosted dinner party, around 50 attendees enjoyed different meals at each location, while celebrating with their very own ball drop. This year, three townhome owners hosted events: John and Veronica Buckovich, Terri Thaxton and Laura Streat. Residents enjoyed dishes such as coconut shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon and beef tenderloin. And they finished the evening in high spirits enjoying dessert and champagne.

“There was a midnight ball drop at Laura’s house and people were celebrating the new year in the street!” says Sharon. “ A good time was had by all!”

In looking to their next event, Sharon says a Superbowl party is currently in works. So, if you’re a Rocketts Landing resident and you’ve not yet checked out the Social Committee, we highly recommend getting involved. From uniting over good causes to celebrating in style, our residents always seem willing and eager to have a good time — and they certainly do!

210 Rock Residents Marry at Rocketts Landing Overlook

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As our residents know, Rocketts Landing's view of the James River and downtown skyline is a sight to be seen -- and taking in our community's backdrop is certainly common around here. So, we were hardly surprised when we heard two engaged 210 Rock residents, Sheree Shaw and Scott Greenfield, decided to have a Rocketts Landing--themed wedding this past weekend!

On January 7, Sheree and Scott exchanged their vows at our community's overlook on a perfectly warm, sunny winter day. As water lovers, the couple was originally planning a destination wedding at a tropical beach. But, after looking around their own neighborhood one day, Sheree and Scott realized they had all they needed for their perfect moment right here in the Rocketts Landing backyard.

“The more we thought about a destination wedding, it was too difficult to make those arrangements,” says Sheree. “So, we said, ‘What’s the closest thing we could do to getting married on the water?’ -- which we love. The river in Richmond and at Rocketts Landing was the answer.”

Sheree and Scott, who are 56 and 57 years old, respectively, first met four years ago on eHarmony.com. She was living in Ashland; he was living in Midlothian, and they both had a 45-minute commute when seeing each other. They moved to Rocketts Landing together in the fall of 2011 and immediately fell in love with living here.

“I’ve been coming down here for years with my friend [who also lives at Rocketts Landing],” says Sheree. “So I already had a feeling of the community and how much I like it.”

When planning their reception, Sheree and Scott decided on M Bistro & Wine Bar, which is one of their favorite Richmond restaurants. For M Bistro, their reception was the first wedding event the restaurant has hosted since opening. And they certainly seemed excited to play a part, as Chef and Owner Michael Hall personally baked the newlywed’s wedding cake.

For life after the wedding — and their tropical beach honeymoon — Sheree, who’s also newly retired this year, says they plan to keep Rocketts Landing in their future.

“We really like it here so much. This is where we’d like to stay.”

And though we might be partial, we couldn’t imagine a better location for enjoying retirement and a new marriage than right here in Rocketts Landing. Congratulations!

Wedding photos courtesy of Paula Jones.

Cake photo courtesy of M Bistro & Wine Bar.

Rocketts Landing 2011 Events: Year in Review

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As many Rocketts Landing residents and visitors know, active lifestyles abound in our community. In fact, you could say we're turning into a bit of an outdoors playground for Richmonders, thanks in large part to our connection to the James River and commitment to having a good time! From hosting regattas to bike races and more, we stay busy with an array of events focused on fun, fitness and the great outdoors. So, in the spirit of the New Year, we thought we'd highlight the breadth of events we hosted at Rocketts Landing in 2011.

FEBRUARY

RVA Fashion Week: Catwalk for Kids & Grand Finale

An annual event, RVA Fashion Week celebrates the best of Richmond fashion by local artists with a week of events and gatherings around town. Rocketts Landing hosted both their fundraiser, Catwalk for Kids -- featuring renowned NYC-based designer Amy Smilovic of Tibi -- and their final celebration, resulting in one stylishly dressed week along the James River.

APRIL

Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta

As Richmond's only collegiate regatta, this event attracts rowing teams from schools across the region for a high-impact day of competitive rowing and excitement. The VCU Crew Club organizes the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta, and last year brought a variety of rowing enthusiasts and collegiate fans to Rocketts Landing for a day of camaraderie and athleticism.

MAY

Richmond Ballet’s Kentucky Derby Day

Hailed as one of Richmond’s foremost spring events, the Kentucky Derby Day party features everything Derby fans need to celebrate the race in style. From enjoying a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet and open bar with (of course) mint juleps to watching the race and dancing to a live band, guests party until the stars shine above while also raising money for the Richmond Ballet.

Cap2Cap (recently recognized as a Richmond.com “Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011” top choice)

As one of the largest (and fastest growing) cycling events in Virginia, Cap2Cap offers cyclists a way to flex their muscles while raising money for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation — an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the 55-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail currently being built to link Richmond and Jamestown. Rocketts Landing serves as one of two starting points, and for those who start here, we also throw a festive afterparty featuring live music, food, drinks — and plenty of sweaty spandex!

JUNE

Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta

In another nod to rowing, the Virginia Boat Club hosted their annual sprints regatta — in its 8th year at Rocketts Landing — attracting rowing clubs from the Greater Atlantic region for a day on the river. Beyond the wonderful crowd this event attracts and the rowers’ focused competition, perhaps our favorite part is their traditional toss of the winning coach into the river at the event’s end!

JULY

Rocketts Landing Triathlon

Richmond Multisports organizes this annual 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run at and around Rocketts Landing. The course starts at Rocketts and takes athletes into the James River, out into the countryside and back through downtown Richmond before ending with an afterparty on the Rocketts Landing riverfront.

Dragon Boat Festival (recently recognized as a Richmond.com “Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011” top choice)

The Dragon Boat race at Rocketts Landing combines century-old traditional racing (featuring dragon head boats) with a cultural festival along the James River to create one unique athletic event. Last year’s event attracted over 3,000 spectators and even saw some Rocketts Landing residents and employees compete together in our own boat. While we didn’t take first place, we’ll definitely continuing hosting this unique, engaging event.

OCTOBER

Run to the River

As an event dear to our Rocketts Landing hearts, Run to the River is both a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) in neighboring Fulton Hill and Richmond’s only urban cross-country race. The event consists of a challenging 10k hill run through several of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods and 5k walk through Montrose Heights, Gillies Creek Park and along the river through Rocketts Landing. An afterparty with live music, food and free massages closes the race!

So whether spectating or participating is your style, be sure to keep an eye out for Rocketts Landing in 2012 — these are only the beginning of even more events we have in store!

Celebrate the Holidays at Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The holiday season is in full swing here at Rocketts Landing, and though the Parade of Lights boat show was canceled due to river conditions (we were definitely bummed!), we're certainly not finished celebrating -- and neither are Rocketts Landing restaurants. From Christmas Eve to New Year's day, our restaurants are ready to serve up some festive holiday meals for you and your loved ones. Whether you enjoy island cuisine or French inspirations, we're certain you and your loved ones will find a holiday meal to appease your roaring bellies!

Conch Republic Rocketts

This Key West--themed restaurant knows how to give patrons a good time, and they're ready to provide a delicious, island-inspired holiday dining experience. From conch fritters to Gator bites, prepare to "Get conch'd"!

Christmas Eve: Serving the regular menu with limited dining hours. Open until 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Enjoy a special holiday dinner. Seats are $85 per person.
RSVP: For additional details and to make a reservation, call: 804.226.6242.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

The Boathouse is known for providing yummy seafood dishes and fine wine with a quality view of the James River and downtown skyline. And with live jazz to boot over the holidays, we guarantee a visit this holiday season will be delicious, cozy and carefree.

Christmas Eve: Serving both a regular and holiday menu. Seating patrons from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Seating for a celebratory holiday dinner 5:00 to 10:30 p.m.
RSVP: For additional details and to make a reservation, call: 804.622.2628.

M Bistro & Wine Bar

When it comes to French-inspired Southern cuisine, M Bistro Owner and Chef Michael Hall knows how to please the palate. And his holiday meals are no different. Pair gourmet dishes with specially selected wine, and you and your family will certainly be able to eat, drink and be merry!

Christmas Eve: Serving a holiday dinner. Seats are $75 per person.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Offering a “special holiday dinner” to ring in 2012. Seats are $100 per person.
RSVP: For additional details and to make a reservation, call: 804.652.2300.

Find Fan-Style Living in Rocketts Landing's Luxury Townhomes

Rocketts Landing — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Do you enjoy the quaint rowhouses in The Fan and Church Hill neighborhoods of Richmond but desire close proximity to the James River and a maintenance-free lifestyle? Then Rocketts Landing's luxury townhomes are the place for you.

These three-story homes offer residents distinctly modern and appealing features, such as a rooftop terrace and two-car garage. But we believe the awesome view of the downtown skyline and access to the quality of life you want are enough to appease the soul -- and our residents Veronica and John Buckovich seem to agree.

After living in Richmond for most of their lives, and more recently in Mechanicsville, Veronica and John sought a home that offered a close commute downtown and access to the James River and other outdoor activities and restaurants. After visiting one of our townhomes a year-and-a-half ago, they knew they had found their home at Rocketts Landing.

“I am a nurse practitioner and work at MCV in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, part of the Massey Cancer Center, and I love the seven-minute commute!” says Veronica. “We particularly love our end unit with all the windows and upgrades, and the incredible roof with its awesome views.”

John also enjoys an easy commute as the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety. And because they both stay incredibly active, they take full advantage of all the abounding recreational activities at their doorstep. They are regular gym users, store their two kayaks on-site in designated storage, follow the Virginia Capital Trail on their bicycling excursions and go running and walking throughout neighboring Church Hill and the Canal Walk — just to name a few activities.

“Rocketts Landing is a perfect spot for active people,” explains Veronica. “Our neighbors also have been warm and welcoming. In fact, after a year-and-a-half at Rockett’s, we know more of our neighbors than we knew after 20+ years in the same suburban neighborhood!”

We currently have only three townhomes available at Rocketts Landing starting at $375,000. With two or three bedrooms and a den, 3.5 baths, an open living space that includes a sitting room and fireplace off the kitchen, we don’t expect these homes to last long. So to see for yourself the charm, comfort and coziness our townhomes — and community — offer, be sure to contact Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011 for your appointment today!

Enjoy the James River Parade of Lights at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Get ready for holiday festivity, friends -- the 19th Annual James River Parade of Lights takes place this Saturday, December 10. And we can't wait to sit outside at Rocketts Landing wrapped in blankets, sip hot cocoa and oooh and aaah as the decorated boats float by.

Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, the James River Parade of Lights is a 14-mile parade along the river featuring an array of lavishly decorated boats. The parade starts at the intermediate terminal adjacent to Rocketts Landing at 6:00 p.m. and finishes at the Varina-Enon Bridge around 8:30 p.m., and includes various contests for participants, as well as an after-party at the Richmond Yacht Club.

Local celebrities will serve as the parade’s judges to select first-place winners in four categories:

Best Adaptation of the Parade’s Theme
Most Original Display
Best Appearance on the Water
Best in Parade (capturing the boat’s “charm or wow factor”)

A Best Novice award and Runners Up will also be selected. Additionally, participating boaters will have a chance to win raffles featuring a variety of donated prizes from businesses such as The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Richmond Yacht Club and Venture Richmond.

As a growing holiday tradition, the James River Advisory Council expects around 6,000 to 8,000 spectators to enjoy the parade, with several viewing locations designated along the river from start to end.

From personal experience, we have to say that we absolutely enjoy the view at Rocketts Landing. As downtown Richmond’s skyline sparkles with holiday lights in the background while the boaters’ decorations reflect off the river, the James River Parade of Lights is certainly a unique and festive sight to be seen. Plus, you can couple the parade with dinner at one of our Rocketts Landing restaurants and have the perfect evening with friends and family.

You can learn more about the James River Parade of Lights by visiting the James River Advisory Council’s website. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cedar Works Gallery at Rocketts Landing Features Up-And-Coming Artists

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Fresh talent and creativity is certainly in the air right now at Rocketts Landing -- and we're loving the vibe around here. Not only is Art 180's traveling installation "What Do You Stand For?" visiting our community, our residents' Cedar Works art gallery just opened a new show, "Urbanesque," featuring some of Richmond's emerging artists.

"Urbanesque" showcases four Richmond-based artists relatively new to the art scene, ranging in age from 27 to 32 years old: Renee Kaebler, Josh Woods, Kristin Polich and Bekah Miller. Curated by Meredith Timberlake, whose parents live in Cedar Works, "Urbanesque" provides these new artists with an opportunity to showcase their emerging talent. In fact, this is Josh and Bekah's very first show. (And Josh has already sold three of his four pieces on display!)

“We chose the name ‘Urbanesque’ because these are young artists just beginning, who are still a little rough around the edges but aren’t afraid to create their art in the fashion they choose,” says Meredith. “[They also] are not willing to compromise who they are and what they represent through their art.”

With mediums that include canvas and oil, paper and ink, and fabric and thread, “Urbanesque” aptly displays each individual’s scope of expression, as well as the range of talent Richmond fosters. While both Renee and Kristin hold a degree in art (VCU and Hollins University, respectively), Josh and Bekah are self-taught, and each artist shares an innate passion for artistic expression.

“I hope this show makes people realize you don’t necessarily have to be trained technically to be an artist,” Meredith explains. “All it takes is a little talent, creativity and — most of all — vision. Being a creative thinker comes from within.”

“Urbanesque” will run through the end of February 2012 and gallery visits for the public are by appointment only. To schedule a viewing, email Meredith today!

Rocketts Landing Residents Make an Impact at NRC

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, we detailed the fall Oyster Roast many Rocketts Landing residents enjoyed on the Sky Line terrace. An annual event hosted by their social committee, the gathering is part fall celebration/part fundraiser to help raise money for Fulton Hill families in need for the Thanksgiving Holiday. And let us just say how continually impressed we are with our residents!

Since highlighting the fun our residents had digging into oysters and drinks while taking in the James River views, we've learned about the impact their fundraising efforts had -- and they achieved far more than anticipated. To start, the residents were able to raise $555, which was $200 more than last year, while also striving to support five families. Well, thanks to some fantastic purchasing power by the Neighborhood Resource Center's (NRC) Program & Volunteer Coordinator Penny Ferris, our residents' generous donation ended up feeding 11 families this past Thanksgiving!

“Our members were so relieved and so grateful for this assistance,” says Penny. “Beyond our programs, gifts like this are a way of supporting working families who fall though the cracks of traditional assistance programs. Four families alone, who received their gift, are working single parents. ”

And according to Penny, many of those assistance programs were not as capable of providing Thanksgiving assistance as they normally do. So the money raised by Rocketts Landing residents helped fill this gap and ensure they had food on the table. Penny also was able to take advantage of holiday shopping deals at the local grocery store and purchase turkeys at only $0.08 per pound, which helps buy a lot!

“One grandmother in particular was overwhelmed by their gift,” explains Penny. “She recently took in four of her grandchildren and is working very hard to ensure that her family has all they need to succeed in school and in life.”

So a big thank you goes out to our Rocketts Landing residents who raised money for families in need this Thanksgiving. Your generous efforts helped support many families who might otherwise have experienced a very different holiday!

Art 180 Displays Artwork at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, art and everyday life frequently coincide. From our Deep Water Sponger sculpture overlooking the James River to the Cedar Works art gallery showcasing Richmond-based artists (and sometimes, even residents!) and more, you could say creativity is a way of life at Rocketts Landing. And next week, Art 180 will bring their newest installation project, "What Do You Stand For?" to our community for an inspiring month-long outdoor display.

A local nonprofit, Art 180 dedicates their efforts to "providing art-related programs to young people living in challenging circumstances, encouraging personal and community change." And from our perspective, "What Do You Stand For?"-- created in collaboration with Higher Achievement and six local artists -- perfectly encapsulates their mission and challenges both young people and the community to reflect on what drives our aspirations, individually and collectively.

On December 5, Art 180 will install 31, eight-by-four-foot-tall pieces of plywood in various locations throughout Rocketts Landing. Each piece is painted with the artist’s portrait on one side and their statement of what they stand for on the other. And aside from six works created by local artists, sixth-grade students created all the artwork.

“It’s a challenge to capture who you are and what you stand for,” says Art 180 Program Director Betsy Kelly. “[The artwork] is a great reminder about the commonalities we all share.”

It’s also a reminder about individuality and the importance of standing up for what you believe in — even if you end up standing alone. To further capture these individual perspectives, the show will also include a plywood-turned-chalkboard for observers to write on and answer what they personally stand for.

As a traveling installation, “What Do You Stand For?” will be on display at Rocketts Landing from December 5 through January 9, before moving elsewhere throughout the city.

“We’re really excited to be in Rocketts Landing,” says Betsy. “Between the residents who live there and people coming to enjoy the restaurants and the river, we’re just really pleased to share the artwork with the community.”

So, whether you’re a Rocketts Landing resident or visitor, be sure to experience the installation while it’s here. We’re sure you’ll walk away inspired — and reminded of what you believe in.

Photos courtesy of Art 180.

Rocketts Landing Residents Celebrate Fall With Oyster Roast

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What do you get when you combine oysters, a sunset and a bunch of Rocketts Landing residents on a terrace? One heck of a fall social committee event with a fantastic view!

On Nov. 19, around 40 Rocketts Landing residents gathered on the Sky Line terrace to enjoy raw and fried oysters sponsored by The Boathouse, and homemade Brunswick Stew, while taking in the sunset over the James River and downtown skyline. And from what we've heard, the group thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"The sunset was amazing, and everyone mingled while enjoying their favorite beverage," says Cedar Works resident Hayley Karicof. "The food was also amazing! They did a great job with the Brunswick stew, and The Boathouse offered scrumptious fried and raw oysters. [Afterward], a few of us ventured over to Conch Republic to listen to the band and continue the party."

Completely organized by Rocketts Landing residents, their annual oyster roast focuses on celebrating the fall season together, while also raising funds to help buy Thanksgiving meals for families in need living in neighboring Fulton Hill. The families were identified by local nonprofit the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) — an organization Rocketts Landing helps support that provides Fulton Hill residents an array of resources to support personal and community growth.

“For the Thanksgiving Food Drive, we raised $555,” says Social Committee President Sharon Payne. “We were charged with raising enough money for five NRC families [in need this holiday season]. We surpassed last year’s fundraising total by about $200, while supporting two additional families.”

As far as social events go, more fun times are in store. They will be holding an NRC holiday toy drive, a holiday/boat party on Dec. 10, a New Year’s Eve party and Super Bowl party. So, if you’re a Rocketts Landing resident, be sure to keep these events on your calendar. The camaraderie and good times are too fun to pass up!

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinners at Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Rocketts Landing — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Feeling the Thanksgiving Day spirit but don't want to spend all your time in the kitchen? Have no fear, friends -- our Rocketts Landing restaurants are ready to take over the wining and dining so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your time with family. Each restaurant is offering something a bit different, so you can choose a meal to fit your mood, palate and schedule.

Conch Republic Rocketts

As a Key West-themed restaurant, Conch Republic is offering a traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet with "a twist of the Keys." You'll enjoy traditional dishes such as smoked turkey, baked honey ham and corn pudding, with the addition of a seafood station that includes mussels, crab claws, oysters, crawfish and more. Top this meal off with your choice of Key Lime pie, pecan pie or chocolate torte, and a complimentary glass of wine, and you’ll finish the day pleasantly Key West stuffed.

Date: Thanksgiving Day
Time: Service hours are between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Call for details
RSVP: Reservations required. Call: 804.226.6242

M Bistro & Wine Bar

Offering French-inspired Southern cuisine, M Bistro will open up their doors on Thanksgiving Day to indulge guests in a four-course meal featuring starter plates, soups, entrees and desserts. Included dishes range from braised short rib wellington with a rich demi-glace to crab bisque and a cranberry Grand Marnier duck breast. Every guest receives a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, but we suspect their awesome wine selection might tempt patrons to enjoy another glass or two.

Date: Thanksgiving Day
Time: Service hours are between 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with the last seating at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $55 per person
RSPVP: Reservations required. Call: 804.652.2300

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Though The Boathouse is closed on Thanksgiving Day to let their staff celebrate with loved ones, they certainly plan to enjoy the holiday spirit on Thanksgiving Eve. Coinciding with their weekly “Wednesday Wine Night,” guests will enjoy select wines for half price, as chosen by their Director of Wines. You’ll also take in the sounds of the Joshua Walker Duo as you eat, drink and be merry.

Date: Thanksgiving Eve
Time: Normal business hours
Cost: Varies by selection
RSVP: Reservations recommended but not required. Call: 804. 622.2628

Rocketts Landing Residents Run SunTrust Richmond Marathon

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to energy, engagement and activity, perhaps there's something in the water at Rocketts Landing, because we're continually impressed with the lifestyles our residents enjoy.

From gathering for frequent social events to spending a night out together at one of our community's restaurants, Rocketts Landing residents are certainly social people who enjoy life. They also tend to be incredibly active. And nothing showcases their energy better than the array of residents who just wrapped up running in last weekend's SunTrust Richmond Marathon.

As an annual event, the SunTrust Marathon winds runners through downtown Richmond to compete in a full and half marathon, and 8k run. And on Saturday, Nov. 12, at least eight of our community’s residents participated in the race — including the majority of our Cedar Works fifth floor — with huge smiles to show for their successes. In fact, one of our Cedar Works residents and Sales Manager Amy Broderick said they frequently bumped into each other at the gym while training for the event.

So, to celebrate their success finishing the race and commend them on their physical feats, we thought we’d share a list of some of the Rocketts Landing race participants:

Cedar Works Residents

Amy Broderick: Half marathon
Andrew Van Deren: Marathon
John Greis: Marathon
Mark Anderson: Half marathon
Merrick Platt: 8k

Fall Line Residents

Barry Lewis: Half marathon
Julie Mabie: 8k

left to right: Julie Mabie (Fall Line), Laura Silva (The Boathouse Restaurant), Amy Broderick (Cedar Works), Merrick Platt (Cedar Works)

If you’re a Rocketts Landing resident and you happen to know any of the race participants, be sure to give them a high five for their efforts. And don’t be surprised if you see them walking through our community in their sweaty exercise clothes — more Richmond races are coming our way in 2012 (including some at Rocketts Landing), and we bet they have their names all over at least one of the events!

BEER-istoric Richmond Visits Beer Caves at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we're certainly no strangers to history. Not only do we have a few buildings in our community dating back to the 19th century (our residential building Cedar Works, for example), we also have something you may not find anywhere else in Richmond: beer caves. And this past Sunday, we welcomed the 2nd annual BEER-istoric Tour of Richmond to our community to visit the caves and learn about Rocketts' role in local beer history.

As one of the final events in last week's Richmond Beer Week -- a week-long, city-wide celebration of craft beer -- the BEER-istoric Tour was also a fundraiser for local nonprofit To the Bottom and Back (who also provided the day's transportation). Combining beer tastings with Richmond beer history, the tour led nearly 70 people across the city (including our Rocketts Landing representative!) in a seven-hour-long beer event. As both participants and hosts, we sampled Virginia-brewed ales, lagers, stouts and brandywine, as well as food samples from local eateries, at five different locations. And my oh my, what a time we all had!

Beginning our tour at Capital Ale House, we heard about Richmond’s first brewing boom, which started as early as the 1600s and took off thanks largely in part to the many German immigrants making Richmond home. Everyone then made their way down to Rocketts Landing for the second stop on the tour, so we could all explore the history of our beer caves.

Located underground on the riverbank and near our community pool, the caves once stored beer made by the James River Steam Brewery, which D. G. Yuengling Jr. opened in the 1860s. The original brewery no longer exists (having closed in 1879), but the caves remain, revealing the former brewery’s prime commerce position: railroads immediately in front and the river just steps away. (Though the caves are closed to the public, you can peer through the gates to get a glimpse.)

While reveling in history, we all sampled a Kolsch-style ale made by James River Brewers in Scottsville and food provided by local sausage maker SausageCraft. Sunshine poured over the river and city skyline as everyone sampled and chatted, epitomizing a very Rocketts Landing experience. But, the tour had to go on. And so everyone made their way back up to the buses and drove off to our next destinations: Legend Brewery, TJs at The Jefferson Hotel, Gallery 5 and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery.

If you didn’t experience BEER-istoric for yourselves, certainly keep this event in mind for next year. When you spend all day long riding a bus with craft beer enthusiasts while taking in the historical sights and sounds of Richmond, you can only expect to have a great time.

And we were certainly happy to play a part in embracing our role in Richmond Beer History.

Richmond Crew Finds Their Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Get ready, water sport lovers -- you're about to see more action on the James River. After 10 years without a boathouse to call their own, the University of Richmond's rowing club has found their home base: Rocketts Landing's Raft Building.

Though Rocketts Landing is Richmond Crew's new home, they've actually operated out of the area before. Over a decade ago (before we were here), the club used the old Power Plant -- which now houses Virginia Boat Club (VBC) and the VCU Crew Club downstairs, and T he Boathouse restaurant upstairs. At the time, the building was in a less-than-ideal state of operation, so they left the East End of the James River and moved upriver to Robious Landing Park.

“We were running out of our trailer for the past 10 years, which limited the amount of boats we could own,” says Richmond Crew President Catesby Saunders. “And since we didn’t have a roof to put our equipment under, all our stuff was constantly in the elements, so rust was our enemy.”

Then, in 2008, Catesby’s parents moved to Rocketts Landing and soon struck up conversations with the developer about the idea of Richmond Crew relocating back to the area. And so, their relocation — conveniently timed during the off-season — has officially begun.

To prepare their boathouse, they have cleaning, organizing and building to do — including erecting a port to store their shells under. They’re also turning their interior rooms into a workroom and social space for the club.

But perhaps the biggest improvement is their close proximity to downtown and the other rowing teams already here at Rocketts Landing.

“We’re really excited about being with VBC and VCU,” explains Catesby. “By rowing at the same time as the VBC masters programs and being there with VCU, whom we go to the same regattas with, we’ll be strengthening the relationship between our programs.”

We’re excited to welcome Richmond Crew, and can’t wait to see everyone out on the water!

Rocketts Landing Residents Enjoy Fall Socials and Fundraisers

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If there's one thing Rocketts Landing residents know how to do well, it's having a good time together. And nothing better epitomizes their fun than the array of fall Social Committee events this year.

From a costume party to an oyster roast and more, our residents truly enjoy each other's company, which is one of the unique features about our community. As a resident here, you instantly have a network of friends you can count on for good times! Below is a sample of some of the fun they have going on this fall.

Halloween Party

On October 29, the Social Committee broke out their annual Halloween Party with a rockstar-themed costume event, complete with a costume contest, door prizes, potluck (including chicken satays from The Boathouse) and — from what we hear — a killer dance party!

Celebrated in our community’s sales center, rockstars such as Slash and Axl Rose, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Michael Jackson, Boy George and Nancy Sinatra were among the “featured” celebrities. For the costume contest, partygoers selected Boy George for runner-up (and a $20 prize) and Amy Winehouse took first prize (for a $50 gift certificate to The Boathouse). In addition to the costume contest, door prizes were donated by various residents, as well as The Boathouse, Conch Republic Rocketts, Eurotrash (in Carytown), Glow MedSpa (in Lakeside) and The Inn at Three Bridge (in Powhatan).

Oyster Roast

On November 19, residents will enjoy the Social Committee’s 3rd Annual Oyster Roast sponsored by The Boathouse. Tentatively scheduled for 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the Sky Line terrace, residents will dig into an array of raw and cooked oysters provided by The Boathouse, as well as the Social Committee’s homemade Brunswick stew while enjoying music and the fantastic river and downtown skyline views.

The Social Committee also has an upcoming Thanksgiving drive scheduled to raise funds and food certificates for the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) and selected Fulton Hill families to help fill their tables with a delicious holiday meal. There’s also a Parade of Lights holiday party and New Year’s Eve progressive dinner in the works to help residents celebrate the holidays.

So, if you live at Rocketts Landing, be sure to check out the Social Committee. They truly do a great job of ensuring our residents have fun and enjoy life. And we’ll be sure to keep you posted with event details as they develop!

Ultra-Luxury Living at Rocketts Landing Riverbank Terraces

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

As you might know, life at Rocketts Landing is all about enjoying yourself -- from our riverfront views, pool and restaurants to our array of unique events and neighborhood social gatherings, our residents definitely get their dose of nature, fun and relaxation.

And when they're not socializing in the community, our residents enjoy quality comfort at home. Now, with our newest townhomes, Riverbank Terraces, we're delivering a level of luxury living never before experienced at Rocketts Landing.

When completed, Riverbank Terraces will be located directly along the banks of the James River -- and epitomize the class and charm of our community life. These one-of-a-kind homes will offer residents unsurpassed views of the river and Richmond skyline. Each home will have five levels, including a rooftop patio and powder room (one home has a rooftop kitchen, too!) with a state-of-the-art, private elevator carrying you from floor to floor.

Yes, we did say rooftop patio, outdoor kitchen and private elevator. And these quality features are just the beginning of your comfort.

(Floorplan for the available end-home 1 Bankside Mews.)

With only four exclusive townhomes to be built (and only one end-home still available) in this first phase, Riverbank Terraces will showcase classic architecture reminiscent of London’s West End, offer between 4,120- and 4,415-square-feet of indoor living space, and feature:

Elegant entry foyer
Hardwood flooring
Stone countertops in kitchen and bathrooms
Stone and marble tile in kitchen and baths
Maple or cherry cabinets
Multiple outdoor spaces
Two-car garage

Starting at $925,000, Riverbank Terraces are the only townhomes of their kind to be built in Rocketts Landing. With their amazing riverfront access and views, and quality features, these townhomes will make coming home cozy, welcoming and luxurious! To take advantage of this unique opportunity and become the first owner of one of these exclusive homes, contact Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011.

Rocketts Landing’s Run to the River a Success

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Give yourself a big high five, Richmond -- last Saturday, 200 people came out to the East End for our annual Rocketts Landing Run to the River urban cross-country race, and participants raised between $25,000 and $30,000 to support the East End nonprofit Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC).

As a dual 10k run/5k walk and fundraiser for the NRC, the money raised through Run to the River is a large component of the funds the center needs to support the varied community programs many East End residents depend on for daily life.

"The race was a great success," expresses Race Director Annette Cousins. "The funds from Run to the River will support the Montessori Preschool, after-school tutoring, job support services, children's cooking classes and learning garden, and GED classes."

In addition to helping the NRC raise funds, participants also experienced a new course, which proved to be a bit more challenging than previous years. Annette says she heard many people remark on the great views they had of downtown and Rocketts Landing — thanks to the course’s many hills.

“Many racers crossed the finish exclaiming they were over ‘that last huge hill’ with a smile on their face!” explains Annette.

We also had a lot of volunteers take part in the race’s success — including Rocketts Landing residents — and for their generous help, we send a big thank you! We’re dedicated to supporting the NRC and East End community, and the event could never be as much of a success without the awesome volunteers giving their time and energy to the cause.

So to everyone who turned out to help the NRC while challenging their endurance and strength, be sure to come back next year — each Rocketts Landing Run to the River race only gets better!

Life at Rocketts Landing’s Fall Line Provides a Photographer’s View

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For Fall Line resident Dee Duffey, Rocketts Landing is more than a place to call home -- it's the backdrop for pursuing her passion full-time into retirement: photography. Today, Dee's photography is mostly a hobby, but her long-term goal is to turn her hobby into a career.

And Dee says she specifically chose Rocketts Landing with these thoughts in mind.

"I ultimately decided on Rocketts Landing because it offered so many more amenities than [other communities], and the ambiance of Rocketts is so much more appealing," Dee explains. "It's just a beautiful, diverse community nestled along the banks of the historic James River, with a stunning view of the Richmond skyline."

Originally a Southwest Virginia-native, Dee moved to Rocketts Landing after living in Midlothian for 12 years. Once she decided she was ready to move back into the city to better pursue her photography, she knew she’d found the home and life she desired in Fall Line.

“I love the building’s architectural style, along with the huge, neat red brick walkways and the lobby area that is just so elegant and always so well-maintained,” she says.

Ultimately, Dee chose her first-floor loft because she found the high ceilings and open floor plan the ideal space to create her own “art gallery.” She says her end unit provides the perfect view of the James River where she enjoys looking out of her “huge windows” to observe the wildlife and activity along the banks of the river. “It’s just so therapeutic!” she says. She’s also close to downtown and Church Hill, which makes taking a bike ride to capture the thrill of photography a cinch.

We think Dee’s story perfectly encapsulates our Fall Line and Sky Line residents and lifestyles. Diverse, engaging and modern, these condos — and their residents — enjoy a lovely balance between urban living and cozy retreat. The sister buildings also hold only a handful of condos left to own, from one-bedroom, loft-style condominiums to luxurious two-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath homes with a living room, family room and office.

Check out this video for a sneek peek into life at Fall Line!

With prices starting at $268,000, now is a perfect time to move to Rocketts Landing and enjoy the riverfront lifestyle you seek. You can learn more about the condos we currently have available to call home by contacting Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011, today!

Run to the River Hits Rocketts Landing This Weekend

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Get your running shoes on and feel-good vibes going -- Richmond's only urban cross-country race, Rocketts Landing Run to the River, is this Saturday, and we can't wait for the sweaty fun to begin!

As dedicated sponsors, Run to the River holds a special place within our community, since the event dually functions as a challenging 10k hill run/5k walk and fundraiser for the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC). Located in Richmond’s East End Fulton Hill neighborhood, NRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing area residents with an array of resources to support personal and community growth. Their annual Run to the River race is a strong aspect of their annual funding goals.

"We are really excited about Run to the River 2011,” says Race Director Annette Cousins. “With attendance at the center increasing in 2011, the funds raised through Run to the River are more important than ever.”

Last year, the funds raised by race participants helped provide over 800 children and adults with access to many of the programs and resources the community now depends on for daily life. And with more than 200 runners and 40 fundraisers expected this year, the NRC hopes to raise $30,000 to support their vast resources including a Montessori Preschool, after-school tutoring and job support services.

From a race perspective, the course is also one of the most challenging in the city — and this year brings new levels of trials.

“The race features a new course that is just as challenging, but includes a portion of the Virginia Capital Trail,” describes Annette. “Runners will still tackle two sets of stairs, cobblestone roads, grassy hills and urban streets.”

You’ll also experience some major hills on this course, with the highest topping off at 190 feet. And, just like any great race, participants will enjoy an awards ceremony and finish-line party at the Neighborhood Resource Center, featuring live music, homemade food, free massages and more!

Registration is still open for anyone interested to race and even raise funds as a Fundrunner, their “Samaritans with Sneakers.” To learn more, be sure to visit the Rocketts Landing Run to the River website. We look forward seeing you bright and early this Saturday morning!

M Bistro & Wine Bar Features Virginia Craft Beer Dinner Event

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

M Bistro & Wine Bar at Rocketts Landing might focus their dining experience around wine, but their upcoming dinner event steps outside their namesake and into a growing Virginia trend: craft beer.

By definition, "craft beer" refers to small breweries outside the mainstream production -- often offering experimental flavors -- that tend to focus on quality, rather than quantity. In the past few years, Richmond and Virginia-at-large have seen a growing number of craft breweries popping up and offering beer lovers a tasty alternative to their typical grocery story options. On Richmond's southside, Legend Brewery is our city's oldest craft brewer still around, but new brewers, such as Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (operating in Scott’s Addition), continue opening across town and the state.

And on October 19, much to our pleasure, M Bistro’s first Virginia Craft Beer Dinner will feature these up-and-coming Virginia breweries by perfectly pairing their beers with a five-course gourmet meal.

“We are featuring Virginia Craft Beers to help launch the growth and birth of several new Virginia breweries,” says Chris Simons, M Bistro & Wine Bar’s general manager. “Richmond has a large and savvy population of craft beer drinkers that are excited and supportive toward quality Virginia beers.”

The menu thoughtfully combines quality dishes with a tasty beer, featuring such pairings as Frogmore Stew with Wolf Hill “Wolf Den Double IPA” (Addington, Va.), Pork Tenderloin with O’Connor Brewing “Great Dismal IPA” (Norfolk, Va.) and Italian Rum Cake with Hardywood Park “Farmhouse Pumpkin” (Richmond, Va., and this one’s made with local pumpkins!).

You do need reservations to attend the Virginia Craft Beer Dinner, so be sure to save your spot at the table. Based on M Bistro’s consistently full house, we have a feeling these seats won’t be around for long!

What: Virginia Craft Beer Dinner
Where: M Bistro & Wine Bar at Rocketts Landing
When: Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person (includes tax and gratuity)
RSVP: 804.652.2300

Mediapond Makes Brand Magic Happen at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When driving by our 210 Rock building at Rocketts Landing, you've likely seen the big letters displayed in one of our storefront windows: M-E-D-I-A-P-O-N-D. Sound familiar?

The "man behind the curtain" is no other than Mediapond, a digital design firm focused on helping companies authentically express their brand. They're also closely connected to their partner firm based in the same office, Pure Culture Consulting -- and both businesses are owned and operated by wife-husband team Karen and Bob Kelley, respectively.

Mediapond and Pure Culture moved from their original Shockoe Slip location into Rocketts Landing in summer 2010, because they needed larger office space. When seeking a new location, they specifically wanted a place that matched their brand -- and their customers.

“Our clients love coming here [to Rocketts Landing],” says Karen. “Because of that, our location here has been great for us. Some of them actually ask if they can bring their teams out — and we won’t be doing anything with them. They just want to see our space and have their meetings offsite.”

And with one visit inside their office, you know why: open industrial feel matched by eclectic, warm colors and accents. There’s also a basketball hoop, a huge projection screen surrounded by a glass table and salvaged metal grates reused as “walls of inspiration.”

Initially a video production company, Mediapond now does website design, logo creation and audio production, among other services. They were also the company behind the branding for our newest restaurant M Bistro & Wine Bar (And if you’ve checked out M Bistro’s website, that’s their work, too!).

You can view this clip to see some of their video work:

In looking to Mediapond’s future, life only looks up — and fun. They’re planning both the growth of their newest service, Social Media Strategy & Development, and a hoppin’ holiday party. And if you happen to revisit their office and see the furniture totally switched around, don’t be surprised. With Karen’s interior design background, apparently the muse hits, often.

To learn more, be sure to check out Mediapond’s website.

Rocketts Landing’s 210 Rock Is a Place to Call Home

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When 210 Rock resident Donnell Brantley moved from New York City to Richmond, she sought a place to live that was both urban and cozy. After visiting then-newly developed Rocketts Landing, she immediately knew she had found her new home.

"I drove down to Rocketts Landing and as soon as I turned the corner, I was like, 'Oh yeah, this is good,'" says Donnell, who's now also the president of 210 Rock's Board of Directors and one of the original residents. "I'm a New Yorker, and Rocketts Landing has a real New York flavor."

So it's only fitting that Donnell found an affinity toward a building coincidentally named with floor plans after Big Apple references: Chelsea Flat, Tribeca Flat, Gramercy Flat and Soho Flat (with a nod to "30 Rock" in our building's name).

(210 Rock Board of Directors at Conch Republic Rocketts. Seated rear right, Donnell Brantley)

Donnell also loves the water, and life along the James River fulfills her nature-loving side, too. She and her husband own a boat, which they dock at the marina and take out for a ride whenever the mood hits. For days when they feel like relaxing, Donnell sits back and enjoys the “park-like” views from their sixth-floor balcony overlooking the community, river and downtown skyline.

“This is a beautiful place to live,” she says.

Donnell’s story is like many we hear from Rocketts Landing residents who have found their home at 210 Rock. Seeking modern living and riverfront relaxation, they find 210 Rock provides the balance of both worlds — and with condo prices starting at an all-time low of $189,900, a Rocketts Landing lifestyle has never been more attractive.

Whether you enjoy the comforts of a one- or two-bedroom floor plan, or a more expansive loft, we have a variety of homes to suit your needs. This distinctive, contemporary building sets the trend for urban living in Richmond and boasts the neighborhood’s first retail and office space.

There’s also an array of residents to connect with when you feel like being social. In fact, 210 Rock residents just wrapped up their annual “Meet and Greet” social on the rooftop — one of many ways they stay involved with each other and the community. Donnell says residents often hang out together on the rooftop, so the Board is purchasing outdoor furniture for everyone to enjoy while up there.

“Everybody’s friendly,” explains Donnell. “There are both older and younger residents. Our board is dynamic. And we all interact together. This is a wonderful community to live in.”

To learn more about the lifestyle you can enjoy at 210 Rock and the condos we currently have available at all-time low prices, contact Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011, and schedule your appointment, today!

Rescheduling Rocketts Red Glare

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You know the old adage, "It's better to be safe than sorry?" When people started gathering on that rainy Sept. 5 day for Rocketts Landing's inaugural Labor Day event Rocketts Red Glare, we knew playing safe rather than sorry had to take top priority -- and we postponed the celebration. We were pretty bummed to delay the event because of rain, but with a fireworks display to account for -- and the safety of everyone involved -- we knew rescheduling was the best answer.

But don't fret -- while we're still landing the exact date, Rocketts Red Glare will be back in full swing next spring, complete with our anticipated fireworks display over the river. So, in the meantime, we thought we’d share the company behind the pyrotechnics magic -- and the ones who ultimately helped us decide to play it safe.

Petersburg, Va.-based company Dominion Fireworks is the secret ingredient to our fireworks show and they have a stellar track history of putting on some pretty fantastic programs — with a 100-percent safety track record to prove it. Led by Owner William Bulifant, a 28-year industry veteran, who’s supported by at least 15 licensed technicians, Dominion Fireworks does all types of fireworks for all sorts of events (ever seen the water-based fireworks at Virginia Beach? That’s them!)

And putting on a fireworks show is no small feat. To start, William says they must look at the venue location and address a variety of ordinances, such as combustibles used, distance requirements for spectators and vehicles, city fire codes, among others. For Rocketts Red Glare, in addition to the normal ordinances, we also had to get approval from the U.S. Coast Guard since we are close to a nautical waterway.

When weather’s involved, as it was for us, the details get even more complex.

“What most people don’t realize,” explains William, “is that a fireworks program takes hours to set up, everything from half an hour to 10 or even 16 hours — it just depends on the event.”

For Rocketts Red Glare, William and his team needed four straight hours to get every detail in place — that’s after weather’s accounted for. To assess iffy-looking weather, Dominion Fireworks scrutinizes every detail, all hours leading up the event: weather forecasts and maps, Doppler radars, predicted rain amounts, etc. In addition to safeguarding their fireworks, they also must protect their launching system, which is all electrical. And the firing system for Rocketts Red Glare is computerized and automated. If any water gets into the system, they must send the equipment back to the factory.

William says if a 60 percent chance of rain is predicted, they’ll recommend their client cancels the show. And so, as the rain continued hovering over our riverfront community, we listened to the expertise of our savvy fireworks partner and pulled the plug on the day’s event — at least the first time ‘round.

As more details unfold for our next run at Rocketts Red Glare next spring, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. Until then, think dry, clear-sky thoughts and don’t stop until the last firework has landed!

Photos courtesy of Dominion Fireworks

Cedar Works Closeout at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we try not to toot our own horn, because our community's vibrant happenings -- from our riverfront events and restaurants to our residents' own social gatherings -- do a great job of expressing the Rocketts Landing lifestyle. But, every now and then, a great feature comes along that we can't hold back, and our current Cedar Works Closeout is one of them!

As a community, Cedar Works attracts an array of residents, many whom we've featured here on our blog! And as the only historic residential building on our property, the condos boast many cool features found in a renovated late-1800s warehouse: tall ceilings and original, exposed brick, wood beams and columns. On top of these period details, the building even has its own art gallery in the lobby — and according to our Sales Manager Amy Broderick, you can still find a soft scent of cedar sweetening the air (thanks to the turn-of-the-century items once made from cedar, here!).

We currently have only 12 historic Cedar Works units left to buy — at historic prices. Each condo features its own unique floor plan, and according to Amy, “This unique opportunity to live in a Rocketts Landing condo with historic features — at this price — won’t happen again, because we can’t build another Cedar Works building.”

These Cedar Works condos truly are their own unique living experience. So, here’s a sampling of some of the condos available:

One bedroom with lofted sleeping area (the only Cedar Works condo with this feature left!) and a courtyard-facing balcony.
Two-bedroom featuring a unique office nook with a built-in desk and shelves, granite kitchen countertops and courtyard-facing balcony.
Two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse with a 10’x25’ terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows (for some amazing sunsets over the river).

Beyond the cozy, modern feel found in an historic Cedar Works unit, making Rocketts Landing your home also brings riverside living to your doorstep, delicious restaurants in your backyard and wonderful neighbors right next door.

So, seize this historic opportunity and don’t let the river pass you by. You can contact Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at 804.222.5011 and schedule your appointment, today!

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Hosts Virginia Capital Trail Event

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we're eagerly awaiting completion of the Virginia Capital Trail, which is slated for 2014. Once finished, the trail will wind its way through our community and connect Richmond to Williamsburg on a paved pedestrian walking and biking path. To keep trail users and supporters in the loop during construction, the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation has organized a social event at The Boathouse -- and all are invited to attend!

The event takes place this Wednesday, September 14, and will offer guests light hors d'oeuvres and beverages to enjoy while mingling with Foundation members, volunteers and supporters. They've also invited two keynote speakers to attend and speak on pedestrian and cycling topics for the Greater Richmond Region and the state of Virginia: Jake Helmboldt, the City of Richmond’s new Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator; and John Bolecek, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner for the Commonwealth.

You’ll also hear details on the next steps of construction, including an approximately 10-mile portion in their New Market Heights Phase, a nine-mile portion in their Varina Phase and the remaining 0.75-mile portion for Downtown Richmond (this is what will eventually run through Rocketts Landing!).

So, if you’re a supporter of the Virginia Capital Trail — or are even just looking to learn more about the future of a cycling-friendly Richmond — be sure to stop by The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing this Wednesday. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event: Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Fall Social
Place: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Date: Wednesday, September 14
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 suggested donation, but not required for attendance

M Bistro & Wine Bar Launches Retail Wine Service With Weekly Tastings

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Since Rocketts Landing's newest restaurant M Bistro & Wine Bar opened this past July, they've been busy serving up customers from morning till night ever since. And with both retail and dining sections in house, they certainly serve a variety of customer's needs.

Now, they recently added retail wine selections -- and weekly tastings -- to the mix.

Described as "explorative wine tastings" by M Bistro General Manager Christopher Simons, the focus of each wine event is to help people discover aspects and types of wine they didn't know about before and typically won't find in their grocer's wine section. They'll pair the wines with a cheese, crackers and bread plate, and guide participants through a discovery tasting that truly helps to de-mystify and expose unique and enticing wine attributes.

On Thursdays, M Bistro will sample a specific bottle of wine featured in their retail section, with a focus on seasonal and holiday-specific selections. Each first Thursday of the month, however, they will offer an extended tasting, and participants will sample six distinct wines.

Because M Bistro & Wine Bar has an ON/OFF ABC license, restaurant customers have been able to purchase any bottle from their dining menu — a vast selection of over 120 bottles — to take home to enjoy. With the official launch of their retail wine section at tonight’s wine tasting event, you’ll now be able to find bottles of wine not available for table service. Christopher says they’ll initially offer the six bottles from the event for retail, but the end goal is to keep a selection of around 25 retail wines.

At tonight’s inaugural First Thursday Wine Event — which does fall on the month’s second Thursday, but only this time! — they will sample six different wines, with a focus on great-value discovery wines, highlighting some lesser-known but very high-quality selections. Included in the tasting is the 2009 Alma de Blanco Gadello from Spain. Gadello is an indigenous Spanish grape and a well-guarded secret by the locals. Described by Christopher as “savory, mouth-filling and impeccably balanced,” this is one of many great selections they’ll sample this evening.

So be sure to stop by M Bistro & Wine Bar for tonight’s First (Second) Thursday Wine Event. With six delicious bottles to explore — we know your palette will thank you!

M Bistro & Wine Bar Weekly Wine Tasting Details

When: Every Thursday, they’ll sample one bottle of wine, with a unique tasting of six different wines every First Thursday of the month.
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person.
RSVP: Reservations are encouraged but not necessary. You can reserve your seat by calling 804.652.2300.

Music's in the Family for Rocketts Red Glare Performance

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Our inaugural Labor Day event, Rocketts Red Glare, is right around the corner, and we can't wait to celebrate with Richmonders at Rocketts Landing!

One of the features we're excited to see (and support) is our opening act, Colin Healy. A native Richmonder, Colin is also the son of Kevin Healy, who owns The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. At 21, Colin is one talented and driven musician. As a solo act, he is an acoustic-driven singer-songwriter who writes catchy pop ballads he describes as "music that's good for a car trip." He predominantly plays guitar and piano but is also versed in the drums and bass. And he's quickly garnering attention locally and regionally as an up-and-coming musician.

So, to learn about the inspiration fueling his talent and the upcoming performance at Rocketts Red Glare, we sat down for a quick Q&A to learn more about the man behind the music.

Rocketts Landing: How long have you been making music?

Colin Healy: I started about eight or nine years ago, when I got a guitar for Christmas. I think the first day I got it, I tried to write a song — and it was horrible. But, I’ve been writing ever since then. In fact, my first day of high school [at Trinity Episcopal School], my freshman year, my sister (who was a senior) signed me up to play at our lunch band sessions, without me knowing. She started putting all these posters up, and so I had no choice but to play! That was my first experience playing for everyone. And I’ve been playing since.

RL: What musicians/bands do you draw inspiration from?

CH: I guess that you can always say the classics, like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash. For more modern influences, one thing I actually do — that a lot of people don’t — is listen to the radio. I like to stay on top of what’s happening in music today. The radio always has the new single out, whether good or bad. I also grew up listening with my family to [Richmond’s] B103.7. The songs I listened to in the ‘90s are also where I get my inspiration from everyday.

RL: How does Richmond’s creative scene contribute to or influence you as a musician?

CH: Everything. I wouldn’t be a musician if Richmond didn’t have such an awesome art community. I started at a young age and got so much support from everyone — friends, family and Richmond, in general. A few years ago there was this show called Community Service on Y101 that played local bands. Being featured on local radio and playing shows around town, and seeing the songs catch on, made me realize I could do this for my career.

RL: Can you provide insight into the songs you’ll play at Rocketts Red Glare?

CH: I’m definitely playing a couple of original songs, but I also understand not everyone knows those songs yet, so I’m going to play some recognizable tunes with my own spin. When I cover a song, I try to turn it into something else and play the music as I hear it.

Colin is currently recording his first solo album, and while he doesn’t yet know the release date, he says his upcoming record reflects a more mature side of himself as a musician that a lot of his fans haven’t seen before.

To get a sneak peak into Colin Healy’s music, check out the video below. You can also find more of his music at his YouTube page Colin Healy Plays Music or learn about upcoming shows at his Colin Healy Fan Page on Facebook.

Rocketts Landing Residents Get Social

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we've frequently spoken of the close-knit communities our residents enjoy. From gathering for holiday celebrations to dining together, Rocketts Landing residents are truly social people -- and we believe nothing showcases this better than their organized Social Committee.

Spearheaded by resident Sharon Payne, assistant principal of J.R. Tucker High School by day, the Social Committee is an informal group with two distinct focuses: spending time with neighbors through resident-focused events and community fundraising. Each building at Rocketts Landing has its own social committee representative who keeps residents and the committee in the loop about what's going on in the neighborhood.

For events, they place a huge emphasis on friends, food and good times -- and the more, the merrier.

“It’s very informal,” says Sharon. “We’re just trying to foster a strong community. I associate living at Rocketts Landing like [living in] a Fan neighborhood that happens to be on the river. We have everyone from 24 year olds to retirees living here. We’re truly a diverse group.”

They also host everything from oyster roasts and chili cook-offs to Halloween and Christmas parties. In fact, their Halloween party is the biggest event to date. Residents enjoy karaoke, music, door prizes — and of course, themed costumes. (A sneak peak into this year’s theme? Rockstar.)

To see a peak into the Rocketts Landing's Social Life, check out our video:

In terms of community fundraising, they focus their efforts on a nonprofit close to Rocketts Landing’s heart: the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) in Fulton Hill. From raising money for their special events to volunteering at fundraising drives, our residents’ Social Committee is truly dedicated to the cause. In fact, last Thanksgiving, they raised funds for six Fulton Hill families who couldn’t afford food for the holidays — doubling the amount of money raised from their original goal.

So, if you’re a Rocketts Landing resident and you’re new to the community or haven’t yet checked out the Social Committee, we highly encourage you to jump in on the fun. Their next event is a Labor Day picnic on Sept. 4, and chances are, there’s a basket with your name on it!

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Adds Dining Deck

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you've experienced long waits trying to sit outside at Conch Republic Rocketts, have no fear -- The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is currently expanding their outdoor dining deck. And they'll be ready for business on Sept. 5!

Just in time for our inaugural Labor Day event, Rocketts Red Glare, The Boathouse's new riverfront dining deck will extend seating and enable 40 patrons to have a full, riverfront dining service. Until now, The Boathouse customers have been able to enjoy outdoor drinks and dining at bar tables on a more intimate patio by the bar. Upon the new dining deck's completion, however, patrons will now have two levels of full outdoor dining access. The upper deck will be accessible for regular restaurant customers, while they’ll reserve the lower deck for special events in their Riverview Room.

But the new dining deck isn’t the only addition to The Boathouse experience. Three weeks ago, they also added iPads to their table service! Now, when they seat patrons, every table receives its own iPad to use when selecting a wine to drink and appropriately pair with their meal. Thus far, owner Kevin Healy says the response to the new service system has been great, and they are currently updating the program for a more engaging experience.

“It’s an interactive tool that’s fun and informative, and helps people order that may be intimidated or uncomfortable discussing wine,” says Kevin.

If you’re planning on attending our Rocketts Red Glare event (which we hope you are!), The Boathouse also has a special event in the works for you: a VIP Lobster Bake. By reservation only, patrons will enjoy a lobster dinner in their Riverview View room where you can listen to the Richmond Symphony Orchestra play while taking in the views and sounds of fireworks bursting over the river.

So be sure to stop by The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing and enjoy a view from their new dining deck. Whether you’re watching fireworks or eating rockfish (which is in season soon), this a view you won’t want to miss!

Inaugural Rocketts Red Glare Labor Day Event

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What do you get when you have the word "rockets" in your name and a desire to see fireworks on Labor Day? Richmond's first-ever Rocketts Red Glare Labor Day celebration, naturally -- right on the banks of the James River!

At Rocketts Landing, we can't help but get excited over every opportunity we have to gather Richmonders together for unique events at our riverfront community. So, after realizing we had a chance to create the city's only Labor Day celebration with fireworks, we immediately started planning a family-friendly fun event that promises to end your summer with a bang!

On September 5, this one-of-a-kind celebration -- co-sponsored by Richmond.com and The Boathouse -- will include a performance by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra followed by a fireworks show over the river as the Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Everyone is welcome (and encouraged!) to bring a blanket or chair to sit on and a picnic full of goodies. We’ll also have a variety of ice cream and shaved ice vendors, including Boyer’s Ice Cream, Cherry Hill Ice Cream, Kona Shaved Ice and Soul Ice Vending. If you’d rather grab a bite to eat than picnic, you can head over to one of our three restaurants for dinner at M Bistro & Wine Bar, Conch Republic Rocketts or The Boathouse.

Have a well-behaved pooch who enjoys fireworks? Bring your dog along and include him or her in your family fun (just remember a leash!). The Richmond Symphony Orchestra performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks starting just after sunset around 9:15 p.m.

So be sure to RSVP on our Facebook page and share Rocketts Red Glare with your friends and family. We look forward to celebrating Richmond’s newest Labor Day tradition with you at Rocketts Landing!

M Bistro & Wine Bar Packs the House at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing's newest restaurant, M Bistro & Wine Bar, opened just a few weeks ago, and already they're packing the house and making dining waves.

When Owner and Chef Michael Hall first opened the doors for business on July 22, he started off serving morning pastries and lunch. As word about M Bistro quickly spread across the city, Michael says he's seen his restaurant fill with hungry patrons every week since -- and he's already expanded dining to include dinner and Sunday brunch.

Thus far, Michael's noticed a theme for the most popular menu items: for lunch, it's the Lamb Burger; dinner dishes include the Mussels in Bacon appetizer, and Seared Chilean Sea Bass and Strip Steak entrees; and the BBQ Bacon Eggs Benedict tops the list for brunch. Other popular menu items include chocolate and raspberry croissants, bread pudding, crème brulee, strawberry shortcake brownie, and the Sally Lund and potato breads -- and they're all made in house!

But, Chef Michael reminds us that these developments are only the beginning.

“With the size of our space, already we’re evolving,” says Michael. “We’re going to take a sink out of the coffee service area and put in a refrigerator [to store their growing house-made items]. We are also going to partition off some of the dining room with acrylic glass to make it more private for people who want to book large parties.”

In the coming months, Michael’s planning to host special events at M Bistro & Wine Bar, such as an upcoming wine dinner for Rocketts Landing residents and a black tie wine event. He also will start offering Happy Hour breakfast specials, which will include a croissant egg sandwich with a coffee for a set price, good for a “pick-up-and-go morning meal.” And with four sommeliers on staff and a fully bar stocked, they’ve become a go-to destination all hours of the day.

As M Bistro & Wine Bar continues to grow, we’ll be sure to keep you posted on exciting new events and offerings. Until then, be sure to stop by and check out their fantastic menu. We can say from personal experience that between their welcoming ambiance and stellar food and service, you just might never want to leave!

Rocketts Landing Residents Find Love at The Boathouse

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When The Boathouse's Sommelier Michael Avery began working at Rocketts Landing (after years in their Brandermill location), little did he know he'd find the love of his life in the process: Cedar Works resident Merrick Platt.

Merrick is one of the original Cedar Works residents, and as you might know, our residents maintain close-knit communities, frequently dining, partying and even boating together. So, when she and her neighbors started hanging out at The Boathouse almost daily after the restaurant opened, Michael and Merrick noticing each other didn't take long -- two weeks, actually.

They quickly became friends, and six months later, Michael and Merrick found themselves on their first date at the Shockoe Bottom restaurant Sumo San.

“She had her neighbor come in and check on us,” says Michael.

“I wasn’t sure if I’d have to bail,” counters Merrick, playfully.

Apparently, no escape route was needed. After the evening was over, Merrick immediately changed her Facebook status to say she was in a relationship. A year later, Michael (who was living in Brandermill) moved in with Merrick at Rocketts Landing and marriage discussions quickly began. So, they had a jeweler design a custom engagement ring that combined a new center stone with Merrick’s grandmother’s diamonds on the band. And as soon as the ring was ready and he found few hiding spaces in their home, Michael knew he had to pop the question that Sunday — (after her father’s blessing, of course).

True to their love’s theme, Michael gathered their friends at The Boathouse so Merrick would think they were enjoying a casual evening. On the patio overlooking the James River with the city skyline behind them, Michael proposed to Merrick. A neighborhood party broke out soon thereafter, and the rest, you could say, is history!

Their wedding is set for March 17, 2012, with a reception naturally happening at The Boathouse followed by a 12-day Caribbean Cruise. And when asked if they’ll remain at Rocketts Landing as husband and wife, Merrick was certain in her response:

“There is no other neighborhood like Rocketts Landing. The camaraderie of the people and what we can do here, the restaurants and businesses here, the diversity of the people, we have no plans on leaving — and even want to raise children here.”

And that, friends, is how memories are made at Rocketts Landing!

Rocketts Landing Residents Pursue a Dream

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we're always delighted to hear about residents with interesting hobbies and businesses who spend their time doing what they love. So when we learned that residents Leslie Haas Clanton and Richard Crofton-Sleigh partnered up to create their company Beverage Solutions, we were immediately intrigued -- and had to know the skinny on their pursuits.

As a whole, Beverage Solutions makes beverage holders that allow festival and sports events' attendees to tote around their drinks while remaining hands-free -- meaning you will no longer have to worry about clapping, drinking and cheering all at the same time (or food sampling, shopping and drinking; or dancing, drinking and eating; or -- you get the picture!). Their patent-pending products Boberry® and Sport Your Drink™ are geared specifically toward the festivals (such as wine events) and sports markets, respectively, but are also perfect for any type of event where you need a beverage but don’t want to carry it around.

As business partners, Leslie and Richard met at an event in 2008 where she was demonstrating her products, and after seeing what she offered and her passion behind the product, Richard (who is a pilot by day) was inspired to join the action. They both became Rocketts Landing residents in 2010 and now enjoy one of the best work commutes around — a stroll down the Cedar Works hallway (!) — which Leslie says has been instrumental to their successful business planning, as well as a great community to call home.

When looking to next steps for Beverage Solutions, the world is currently their oyster. To start, they are finalizing their manufacturing partner, building out their expansive online shopping cart and expanding their professional relationships to land national — and potentially — international distribution.

But if we could sum up in just one word what Leslie and Richard really have fueling their success, it’s passion. In fact, that’s a trait we commonly see among our residents. And we’re thrilled to see such excitement driving Beverage Solutions toward their destination.

Dragon Boat Festival Attracts Thousands to Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

On July 30, over 3,000 spectators flocked to Rocketts Landing for the 2nd annual Dragon Boat Festival along the James River -- and what an event we had! Rocketts Landing residents came out in droves to celebrate the dragon boats, cheering from their balconies and the community pool, as well as toasting drinks from patios at Conch Republic Rocketts and The Boathouse.

Plus, our Rocketts Landing dragon boat team rocked the races. Not only did The Rockett Ship take 2nd and 3rd place in two heats, the event provided an incredible team-building experience for our employees and residents, alike.

"Racing in the Dragon Boat Festival was amazing," says Blakeley Newbill, Rocketts Landing employee and dragon boat captain. “The camaraderie between residents and management staff was just great! We worked very well together and everyone was very motivated.”

Motivation and camaraderie are key components of a successful dragon boat race, and based on the endless cheering from spectators along the river and rhythmic rowing from participants, everyone was taking their fun seriously.

Participating dragon boat teams included local corporations and associations, as well as regional competitive dragon boat clubs. Snagajob.com, The Boathouse Restaurants, Virginia Credit Union, Mekong Is for Beer Lovers and Anthem were among a few of the local competitors. Dragon Boat Charleston from Charleston, S.C., took first place in the Premier Mixed Division A and the BB&T Riverrockers team (BB&T Markets/Scott & Stringfellow) took the Best Local Richmond Team Award. Both winning teams received a free entry into the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival at Walt Disney World in October.

The event also featured compelling ceremonies and performances: the Chinese Dotting of the Eyes (awakening of the dragon) opened the event, later followed by kung fu and Chinese folk dances; and a moving tribute from the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation honored women currently battling cancer and those who lost their lives to the disease. To honor them, cancer survivors threw pink carnations into the river from a dragon boat.

And when we asked Blakeley if the Rocketts team wanted to row in the Dragon Boat Festival next year, her sentiments echoed the event’s success:

“Absolutely, 110 percent with the same team; we loved it! We’re trying to buy a dragon boat for Rocketts, so if anyone wants to donate us a boat, let us know!”

While we're not sure purchasing a boat is in the cards for Rocketts Landing, we look forward to participating for years to come!

Rocketts Landing To Compete in Dragon Boat Festival

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Move over hot weather -- the second annual Dragon Boat Festival hits Rocketts Landing this Saturday, and we have a boat with our name on it ready to make some waves!

Around 38 boats are racing this year, and SportsBackers and Toronto-based company Great White North (GWN) Dragon Boat -- the company who brought dragon boat racing to Richmond -- have quite an event planned. In addition to the 500-meter sprints each team will compete in, spectators will enjoy a cultural festival along the James River, including food vendors, a beer garden and Chinese musical and dance performances. Sponsored by WhatIfCreditUnions.com, the race also raises money to benefit The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.

Rocketts Landing residents and employees have joined forces to fill our dragon boat, and we’ve spent this week learning how to manage the vessel and leave the competition in our wake. Well, not everything’s about the competition. In fact, as a sporting event, the Dragon Boat Festival focuses more on celebrating the camaraderie of sportsmanship and the race’s cultural history, which started in Southern China 2,400 years ago. Today, the Richmond sporting event provides an exhilarating, team-building experience for many corporations and associations.

To prepare for the race, rowers receive only two days of instruction from GWN Dragon Boat. Twenty people fill the boat, plus a drummer and steersperson. In the Rocketts Landing boat, our own employee Blakeley Newbill will serve as our team’s captain. And despite the fact only two of our rowers have competed in dragon boats before, everyone feels fully confident for Saturday’s race.

“It’s been really nice taking the work aspect out of our roles and being with each other and gaining friendships [among residents],” says Blakeley. “And, we have dreams of taking home that big, gold trophy and displaying it in every community building.”

So be sure to come on down to Rocketts Landing and see how we fare against the rest of the dragon boats. Based on the amount of competition and celebration in store, we can safely say we’ll be in for one heck of a ride!

Date: Saturday, July 30
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend

Rocketts Landing Residents Rock Conch Republic

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we are endlessly fascinated by the variety of interests our residents pursue. So, when we hear a unique story about someone engaged in their passions, whether professionally or personally, we can't help but spread the word!

Such is the case for residents Marna Bales and Jody Boyd: By day, the couple co-own 9WG Studios, a state-of-the-art audio and video production facility located in downtown Richmond. By night, they are two-thirds of Sky Run Band, a trio playing acoustic rock, classic rock, contemporary country, pop and originals -- and they are quickly becoming a community staple, performing regularly at Conch Republic Rocketts.

Marna and Jody moved to Rocketts Landing this past February, after many years living in Chesterfield County. After endless commutes back and forth to their studios downtown — some trips taking as long as an hour — the couple decided they needed to move closer to the city. Upon seeing the easier commute Rocketts Landing could provide them, coupled with our amenities, restaurants and riverfront lifestyle, they knew they found the home they wanted.

As musicians, Marna and Jody first got their start with a band they formed in the late 1980s. They’ve since played in a variety of musical acts, but lately focused their full-time gigs on running their studio, as well as making music for commercials, movies and videos regionally and nationwide. Last year, however, they began seeking a new musical outlet to challenge them professionally, and in November 2010, they partnered up with their friend Chris Stanley — and Sky Run Band was born.

Marna is the group’s lead singer and also plays hand drums (her first role as a percussionist), Jody contributes vocals and lead guitar (he’s normally a drummer) and Chris offers vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar (he’s usually a lead singer). The result? A rockin’ band full of flavor and fun that also provides new inspirations for each musician. While they play regularly at Conch Republic, they also stay busy at other venues across the region — and their band is quickly growing from a trio to include many other musicians.

Sky Run Band plays their next gig at Conch Republic Rocketts this Wednesday, July 27, at 7:00 p.m. If you’ve not heard them yet, we highly encourage you to check out the band! We’re thrilled to have Marna and Jody in our community, and look forward to many more musical days ahead.

M Bistro & Wine Bar Now Open at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Here we go, Richmond -- let the dining begin!

After much anticipation, M Bistro & Wine Bar officially opened their doors yesterday, welcoming a packed house full of hungry patrons eager to experience the newest addition to the Rocketts Landing community. And we have to say, after tasting what Owner and Chef Michael Hall and his team have up their culinary sleeve, we expect M Bistro will remain packed for many days (and weeks and months) ahead.

The day's triple-digit heat discouraged anyone from sitting outside, including us (as lovely as the patio is, the AC is much more inviting at the moment!). While a bustling service staff cared for the fully seated dining room, Chef Michael was busy in the kitchen working alongside his team members as they cranked out one dish after another. Not only could we easily view the cooking action from our seats, Michael paid careful attention to the details of his guests' comfort, so our plush chairs and booths encouraged relaxed dining.

The menu features many wonderful dishes, so choosing just one can be hard. While we initially wanted to sample the lamb burger and sweet potato fries, they were already sold out — so, we ordered the M Bistro Burger (Michael’s signature recipe) with asparagus fries, as well as the Watercress, Avocado & Hake salad and homemade truffle fries. And we thoroughly enjoyed our selections.

The burger was surprisingly jam-packed with hidden spices (a sweet & sour type of flavor) and the salad topped fresh watercress and Mesclun with an amazing roasted hazelnut and orange vinaigrette — and they cooked the fish to perfection. Though the truffle fries arrived late, they were absolutely worth waiting for and the server apologized because “they cut each fry fresh to order, which takes them a bit longer.” You truly can’t beat a homemade fry!

While M Bistro doesn’t have their ABC license yet, Michael expects to serve alcohol by this weekend or early next week. So for those looking to have a glass of wine or martini with your meal, just know this detail is coming. And for anyone interested to stop by in the morning hours, they’re serving locally roasted coffee from Lamplighter (located in The Fan district) — instead of the previously mentioned Greenberry coffee — resulting in one tasty cup of joe.

All in all, we believe M Bistro is a perfect addition to the Rocketts Landing community, and we’re excited for everything they have in store!

Purple Martins Roost in Shockoe Bottom

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we love that we're surrounded by an array of wildlife, even though we're only three minutes from downtown. In fact, this feature is one of the many reasons our residents (residential and commercial, alike) choose our community. From seeing great blue herons, otters, turtles and eagles (and even once a manatee!) to enjoying instant access to the James River, the great outdoors is a big part of the Rocketts Landing -- and Richmond -- experience.

So, the fact that Purple Martins make our next-door neighbor Shockoe Bottom their annual breeding grounds while on their way to Brazil isn't a big surprise. If you've not seen these birds in action, they're pretty incredible. Roosting in trees directly north of the 17th Street Farmer’s Market, the thousands of Martins fly acrobatically overhead in amazing dips and turns that feel like a choreographed dance. But if the performance sounds a bit Hitchcock-esque, don't worry -- the birds avoid side-swiping their viewers below!

The Martins have just started arriving for their annual roosting and thousands more birds are expected. In fact, last year, the flock peaked at 15,000 birds before they left town, so they clearly mean some mating business while they’re here! Even more impressive, the Shockoe Bottom roost is the only active, publicly accesible one of its kind throughout the state of Virginia (and urban Purple Martin roosts are even more rare!).

To see the birds in action, check out this video capturing them at the Farmer's Market:

In honor of this unique event, the National Audobon Society is hosting free Martin watches combined with a discussion led by Purple Martin experts before their fly-in at dusk. You can join in on the bird-watching fun for their next gatherings on July 20 and July 27 at the Farmer’s Market. And, for additional revelry, be sure to attend the 4th annual Purple Martins festival Gone to the Birds on August 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

But remember, with all those birds flying overhead, you might want to wear a hat!

Third Annual Rocketts Landing Triathlon One Week Away

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Once again, the time is here to come out to Rocketts Landing and marvel at the men and women competing in our Rocketts Landing Triathlon. As an annual sports event produced by Richmond Multisports, the triathlon offers a competitive course that spans downtown Richmond with urban panoramas and pastoral landscapes matched by inviting river views.

This year, the event serves for the first time as the 2011 USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Region Club Championship. An Olympic distance triathlon, the race covers a 1.5k swim in the James River, 40k bike through the country and 10k run through historic downtown Richmond, with $5,250 prize money up for grabs to the winning participant. But prize money isn't the only purse involved. The event will also raise funds to benefit Fulton Hill’s Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), a community center dedicated to supporting low-income families living in the East End.

The triathlon starts and stops at Rocketts Landing, followed by a festive post party featuring live music by Richmond’s own Moosa, a beer and wine tent, and an array of food prepared by P.F. Chang’s.

While registration is no longer open (over 600 participants already registered!), Richmond Multisports President and Race Director Laurie Householder Mehler says they are still seeking volunteers to help with the event. So, if you’re interested to support the dedicated athletes by serving as a body marker, course marshal, aid station volunteer, motorcycle marshal, kayaker, lifeguard or another role, visit the Richmond Multisports website. Volunteers receive a free race shirt, complimentary food and beverages — and of course, potential sweaty smiles and high-fives from race participants.

All in all, our Rocketts Landing Triathlon is a lively event showcasing stellar athletes and a challenging course. But we think it’s best wrapped up by Laurie’s sentiments:

“The triathlon is really evolving, and we’re focused on making this an awesome event that we’ll keep building and growing for years to come.”

We couldn’t have said it better.

Restaurants That Deliver to Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we love the fact that an array of delicious restaurants surround our community. Not only do we have our own growing collection of restaurants onsite, Richmond taps into quite a scene of local foodies and chefs continually invigorating our city's eclectic dining environment.

From Italian to Lebanese to American -- and from gourmet dishes to hoagies -- Rocketts Landing residents can easily satisfy their hunger in the neighboring areas of downtown Richmond. So, for those days when you're hungry but just don't feel like leaving the house (we know how that feels, especially during these brutally hot summer days!), we thought we'd put together a list of restaurants that deliver to Rocketts Landing.

Of course, we've probably not captured every restaurant that delivers here, so if you’ve ordered from somewhere but don't see the business mentioned, be sure to let us know! We’ll continue updating this list to reflect the vast restaurant-delivery options Rocketts Landing residents enjoy — so instant noshing remains only a click away.

Rocketts Landing Restaurants

Conch Republic Rocketts

M Bistro & Wine Bar

The Boathouse (no delivery services, but take-out is available)

American

Alamo BBQ

Pies, Fries and Franks

Str8 Outta Philly

Tarrant’s Café

Pizza/Italian

Bottoms Up

Chanello's Pizza

Extreme Pizza

Papa’s Pizza

Sette

Asian

Alex’s Thai Cuisine

Good Taste Chinese

Thai Top Ten

Wan Jin Lou Chinese Restaurant

Mediterranean

Aziza’s on Main (special events deliveries for larger parties only)

M Bistro & Wine Bar Just Weeks Away From Opening

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

M Bistro & Wine Bar is the newest addition to our growing restaurant scene here at Rocketts Landing, and we've recently heard that opening day is just a couple weeks away!

Since signing the lease for their space on the first floor of our 210 Rock Condominium building in May, Owner and Chef Michael Hall has been diligently putting all the pieces in place -- and the results show: They're set to open shop on July 14.

To start, the French/Southern-inspired cafe will offer breakfast and lunch, featuring coffee from Charlottesville, Va.-based roaster Greenberry's and an array of homemade pastries and light fare. Dinner service will begin a few weeks later. Their end goal is to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner by the beginning of August, including Sunday brunch.

While Michael’s been busy fine-tuning the menu and interior/exterior features, he’s also recruited some fine service talent in the process: M Bistro’s General Manager is Chris Simons, who previously worked at Lemaire; and his Sous Chef is Anthony William, former sous chef at The Bull & Bear Club and The Dining Room at The Berkeley Hotel. And Michael says they’re now in training mode to prepare their staff for opening day.

General Manager Chris Simons (left) and Sous Chef Anthony Williams

In fact, Rocketts Landing residents will be able to enjoy a soft opening before July 14, where they’ll sample fare and sneak a peak at all M Bistro & Wine Bar has to offer. So if you live in the community, be sure to keep a look out for that invite coming your way.

For all others, once fully open, M Bistro’s operating hours will be:

Tuesday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As of now, they’ll be closed Monday, but Michael says he has a feeling he might revise the operating hours once they’ve seen customer demand. And, they’ll also have WiFi available for customers.

“We’re really appreciative of how the neighborhood has welcomed us,” Michael says. “I want to thank everyone at Rocketts Landing because this has been a long process, and I can’t wait [for opening day]. I really appreciate all the support.”

We can’t wait either, Michael. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta Draws Crowds

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Our 8th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta took place on June 25, and thankfully, perfect summer weather joined us for the occasion.

With the sun shining down, nearly 200 spectators lined the banks of the James River to watch boat clubs from across the region compete in the annual regatta -- and what races they enjoyed! Each individual heat showcased talented, dedicated rowers, and the Virginia Boat Club (VBC) certainly fared well: Their men's masters 2+, 4+ and 8+ took first place, as did their women's 2+ and mixed 8+, among other top finishes.

While the sprints regatta focuses on rowing finesse, the occasion is just as much about camaraderie, good times and enjoying a day on the river. As spectators and rowers alike enjoyed delicious food and drinks sponsored by Elliott Park & Associates, everyone was engaged, excited and ready for more!

To VBC President Steve Abbott, this crowd and participant engagement is precisely their goal in hosting the regatta.

“We’re trying to gain awareness with the regional [Washington] DC crews and really grow this race to become a premiere regatta for the mid-Atlantic region,” says Steve.

And, given the event’s successful track record, he believes they are establishing the sprints regatta as a go-to race.

“With continued support from Rocketts Landing and organizations like the City of Richmond, we’re going to continue building this. Next year’s regatta will continue to be even stronger, and within three years, we believe the regatta will be on the map and in all the top crews’ consideration. If you’re a top team, you’ll think of going to Richmond.”

We can’t agree more. From the wonderful feedback given by teams who traveled to compete in the regatta to each year’s growing crowds, we believe the Virginia Boat Club is well on their way to realizing their dream — and continuing Richmond’s century-old legacy of rowing on the river at Rocketts Landing.

And we’re proud to support their growing success!

The Power Plant at Rocketts Landing Receives National Recognition

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When visiting Rocketts Landing, community residents and visitors, alike, are quick to notice the Power Plant: a stunning structure overlooking the James River. Currently home to the highly popular restaurant The Boathouse, as well as the Virginia Boat Club (VBC) and VCU Crew Club, the building has long-standing ties with downtown Richmond.

Before CMSS Architects (now merged with Hankins and Anderson, Inc. as H&A Architects & Engineers) transformed the structure into a remarkably modern design (led by Rocketts Landing developer The WVS Companies), the Power Plant was an architectural remnant of Richmond's past. Originally built around 1887, the plant first served to power the city's electric trolley car system -- which were also the first trolleys in the country! After the cars' heyday ended, the power plant sat unused for many decades, just waiting for a new moment to shine.

And shine it has!

Since renovating the building in 2007, the architects who worked on the Power Plant continue receiving accolades for their creative, inspiring designs. And in May, H&A was acknowledged with the following nods:

Merit Winner, IDEAS2 Award by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

As a winner in the “Projects less than $15 million” category, this award recognized “urban renewal at its best” and H&A was selected from an array of steel-framed building projects throughout the country.

Commendation for Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Hampton Roads Chapter

AIA honored H&A Architects & Engineers for their work on the Power Plant at their 2011 Design + Honor Awards.

Not only are we honored to have such a well-designed building within the Rocketts Landing community, we’re very proud of the creative and hard work employed by everyone involved in the project. So be sure to stop by for an evening at The Boathouse, and see first-hand just how awesome the Power Plant looks -- and feels -- today!

8th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta Is Here

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For the past eight years at Rocketts Landing, we've hosted the Virginia Boat Club's Sprints Regatta -- and this Saturday's race is turning out to be one exciting day of events!

To start, as a sporting event, the regattas draw a fantastic crowd of engaged spectators and passionate rowers on the James River right in front of Rocketts Landing. In fact, our location has been attracting rowers and spectators down to the river since 1888, when one of the first regattas in the U.S. took place at Rocketts Landing (how 'bout them apples)!

Check out this old video of the Virginia Boat Club (VBC) and Potomac Boat Club competing against each other at Rocketts Landing in 1933:

Keeping the legacy strong, six clubs are set to compete in the regatta this year, including major rowing clubs from the Greater Mid-Atlantic region: Chester River Rowing Club (from Maryland), Hampton Roads Rowing Club, Potomac Boat Club (a premiere club), Rivanna Boat Club and VBC.

At the sprints regatta, rowers will compete in all size shells in five 1,000-meter lanes, with women’s, men’s and coed heats starting every 10 minutes. Older rowers will gain a seven-second lead on younger participants this year — and everyone will be expected to sweat, row, yell and sweat some more! (If you’ve ever seen a regatta that doesn’t involve buckets of sweat and lots of yelling from the coxswains, we’d love to see the video.)

A cookout full of food and drinks for rowers will start at 11:00 a.m., followed by a bake sale to support the Virginia Boat Club. Their women’s 4-team is trying to raise funds for competing in the Women’s Masters Championship in Oklahoma City — and with their recent Gold medal at the Stonewall Regatta on June 4, we hope they’ll keep the momentum going!

After attending the regatta, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music by a Jimmy Buffet cover band starting at 2:00 p.m. at Conch Republic Rocketts — which also marks their first Saturday serving lunch.

So step on up and come on down, this weekend we’re ready to make waves!

New Conch Republic Rocketts Sign Is Symbol of Success

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Conch Republic Rocketts is certainly not holding back in offering Richmond a good time. Since opening at Rocketts Landing on April 14, they've hit the ground running and continue to pull in crowds of restaurant goers ready to experience the Key West-themed restaurant.

According to Owner Bob Cox, business is going great, and they're definitely packing in the crowds. And when he says they're packing them in, Bob's not joking. With an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the James River and downtown skyline, Conch Republic Rocketts has been in high demand, especially during these blue skies days. Bob says they've experienced three-hour waits, and "every night, if it's beautiful weather, we are packed." Even when those 100-plus degree temperatures hit Richmond, people are still demanding their patio view!

To further mark their success, Conch Republic has made some spiffy updates to their building’s exterior — including stellar new signage and a large wall mural by esteemed Richmond artist Ed Trask. They’ve also expanded their operating hours and solidified a live music schedule, which seems to have something going on almost every day of the week:

Every Monday Night: Dave McKinny plays Jimmy Buffet songs.
Tuesday Night: A mix of music rotating each week.
Wednesday Night: Sky Run Band (comprised of Rocketts Landing residents!) plays country, acoustic and classic rock.
Thursday Night: A mix of music rotating each week.
Sunday Brunch: Jazz music, rotating weekly.

Even more restaurant updates include:

Weekday lunch hours are now officially here, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday brunch begins this weekend, June 19, with live music by three Bio Ritmo members (a popular Richmond-based, world-traveling salsa band).
Saturday lunch hours begin on June 25.

And according to Bob, the Conch Fritters appetizer, Blackened Voodoo Nachos and Grits and Grillades are some of the most popular menu items. So, if you’ve not experienced Conch Republic Rocketts, be sure to head on over to Rocketts Landing and get conch’d!

New Art Showcased at Cedar Works Gallery

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When Cedar Works Gallery curator Meredith Timberlake told us she was excited for the upcoming show, we knew something intriguing was in the works.

The one-of-a-kind gallery in Rocketts Landing currently features bold, captivating works by local artists Jim Timberlake and Jeff Satterthwaite, and marks the first time Meredith has curated different mediums side-by-side. The dual showcase opened just a couple of weeks ago, and we couldn't be more delighted with the result! So, we thought we'd dive in a bit and offer some background info on the artists, their work and the drivers behind their creativity.

Jim Timberlake, Painter

This Rocketts Landing resident paints oils on wood panels to create complex, textured layers that are compellingly rich in color. His creative approach is based on a layering technique and process that result in abstract works using geometric lines with an aged, weathered essence. A self-taught artist, Jim started painting only five years ago at the age of 55 — how’s that for inspiration! He picked up his paintbrush for the first time at Artworks, a local collective of studios and galleries in the Manchester District, and hasn’t looked back, having already featured his work in 19 exhibits since 2007.

Fun Fact: Jim is also Meredith’s father and says she and his family constantly serve as an inspiration for his art!

Jeff Satterthwaite, Photographer

An advertising creative (at AliceBlue) by day and photographer by night (okay, not just night!), Jeff Satterthwaite has been capturing images since 1986 — and professionally for the past 13 years. For subject matter, the untold stories of items in life that people forget about or leave behind — such as forgotten boats, people and abandoned buildings — captivate him, and he is constantly intrigued with breathing new life into the otherwise ordinary. Jeff works in both color and black-and-white, and the featured works are actually taken with a film-based camera instead of digital, resulting in rustic, bold and hauntingly beautiful images of life overlooked.

Fun Fact: Jeff once stumbled upon an abandoned house filled with tons of dolls and instead of feeling thrown into some kind of horror movie, he couldn’t stop imagining the child behind the collection and spent hours visually capturing the story.

While the Cedar Works Gallery is only open to Rocketts Landing residents and their guests, if you have a chance to experience another show in the future, these are two artists you won’t want to miss!

M Bistro & Wine Bar Featured at Broad Appetit

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing's newest restaurant M Bistro & Wine Bar isn't wasting any time testing out the culinary waters.

While simultaneously preparing for their grand opening, M Bistro was a recent participant in Richmond's popular food festival Broad Appetit on June 5. Broad Appetit is totally devoted to the local food scene, featuring nearly 50 restaurants and catering establishments from around town. Everyone offered $3 signature dishes to attendees wandering down fully packed Broad Street. Good thing we came hungry!

M Bistro chef and owner, Michael Hall, is no stranger to gourmet dining, so we were hardly surprised when we heard the RVA foodie scene buzzing for a few days trying to nail what he had cooking up his sleeve. After a stop at his booth, and seeing line after line of people waiting to sample the dish, we knew we were in for a treat: Crab Cake Cocktails in a Margarita Sauce with Fried Spoonbread!

When Michael says M Bistro will feature southern comfort food with a French twist, he certainly has the description — and cuisine — right. The margarita sauce perfectly matched the crab cakes, which were heavy on crab, light on filler and moist, almost melting in your mouth. We easily imagined a plate full of succulent crab cakes topped with sauce just waiting for the perfect baguette to swoop in and soak up the deliciousness.

We were excited for M Bistro & Wine Bar to open at Rocketts Landing before the event — and now after sampling their fare, we’re even more anxious for opening day to arrive!

Rocketts Landing Community Gardens Grow

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Lettuce, rhubarb and squash -- oh my!

Eating locally doesn't get any closer to home at Rocketts Landing than our residents' very own community garden.

In its fourth growing season, the community garden features 32 individual plots brimming with all sorts of plant life, from flowers to produce. Located near the banks of the James River, directly beside the community pool, residents can reserve their own plot and garden to their heart's content throughout the year -- and they certainly take advantage of the opportunity!

This year, we've spotted cherry tomatoes, squash, grapes, a variety of herbs, and yes -- even rhubarb (which they'll soon harvest, hopefully for some delicious rhubarb pie).

We’ve heard fantastic stories from residents about garden harvesting parties when all the goodies are ready to enjoy. And when last year’s growing season yielded a bumper crop of basil, residents made, saved and enjoyed a bunch of pesto. One Cedar Works resident is even cooking up dishes in her personal chef business Eat At Home using fresh ingredients from her garden and sharing the produce love with her clients.

Two garden plots are currently open and eagerly awaiting green thumbs to dig into them, so if you’re a Rocketts Landing resident looking to get your hands and shovels dirty, step on up! We’ll provide the garden plot and water. All you need are the seeds, tools and sunshine. And if the past week’s summer heat is indicative of the months ahead, you’ll certainly have plenty of sun on your side.

You can reserve the plot (at no cost) through the main office by contacting Blakeley at Virginia Management. Let the gardens grow!

Rocketts Landing Community Pool Opens

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sunny days. BBQs. Picnics. River views. Ahhh, yes -- and the pool.

With warmer days now at our doorstep, nothing says "welcome to summer" better than smearing on the sunblock and lounging poolside with family and friends. And we're pleased to announce Rocketts Landing's community pool opened for residents on May 28.

The pool's season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and operating hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Reserved for Rocketts Landing residents and their guests, pool use is included in association dues, so no additional membership fee is required.

As the only riverfront pool in downtown Richmond, residents enjoy wonderful views of the city skyline and the James River winding directly below. And when the summer heat really starts kicking in, we can always hear them taking a dip (or two or three) in the refreshing cold water while river sights and sounds flow in the background.

Though they planned no official Memorial Day pool celebration to bring in the season, we do look forward to seeing residents use our poolside lawn and picnic tables in the months ahead. On those hot afternoon days, the frolicking fun of picnic pool dates always makes for the perfect summer occasion after a hard day’s work. And a community pool party is in the works for later in the summer — and we know for sure our residents will plan quite a splashin’ event.

If you’re new to the Rocketts Landing community and want to learn more about the pool’s many features, feel free to call Elena Ferranti at 804.236.2950 today.

We look forward to seeing you poolside!

M Bistro & Wine Bar Signs Lease at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Get ready, Richmond -- Rocketts Landing is adding a new restaurant to our riverfront community, and we couldn't be more excited for the dining to begin! Described by owner Michael Hall as "Southern comfort food with a French flair," M Bistro & Wine Bar will be part restaurant/part retail shop and all deliciousness, adding a French cafe twist to our growing selection of destination restaurants.

Before cooking up M Bistro, Michael gained years of gourmet dining experience as the former executive chef and general manager at the Bull & Bear Club, and head chef at The Dining Room at The Berkeley Hotel, with culinary roots as a pastry chef -- so he's no stranger to flavor and fine service. And he draws inspiration from both his professional and personal kitchens for the menu, serving up dishes such as a Molasses Duck With Caramel Corn Pudding appetizer (yes, we did say appetizer!).

“I like to do very clean and powerful dishes that use a Southern emphasis, mixed with the sauces the French use, which I love,” Michael says.

M Bistro is located in the 210 Rock Condominium building, just around the corner from The Boathouse and Conch Republic Rocketts. Their grand opening is tentatively set for June 28, and they’ll serve breakfast (coffee and pastries, to start), lunch and dinner with seasonal menus. Guests can enjoy full-service indoor and patio seating, as well as a bar and dedicated retail section selling wine, chocolates, cheeses, pates, olives and more.

“Mainly, the retail will offer anything you would want to buy for a party,” says Michael. “Instead of having to drive down to the grocery store, we’ll be right here downstairs, ready for Rocketts Landing residents to pick up and enjoy.”

And we already have the perfect daytrip in mind: Reserve your boat through The Mariners Club, stop by M Bistro for your picnic supplies and hit the water until the sun sets …

Oh, M Bistro, you can’t open soon enough!

National Bike to Work Day at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Gas prices getting you down? You can enjoy freedom from the pump by participating in Richmond's National Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 20, at Rocketts Landing. An annual event held across the country, National Bike to Work Day promotes commuting to work on a bicycle as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. As avid supporters of Richmond's growing cycling community, we're excited to take part in the celebration.

This year, Richmond's event includes commuter convoys leading to Monroe Park and a Mayor's ride into downtown. Rocketts Landing is serving as a convoy starting point (one of five throughout the city), and interested commuters must arrive by 6:30 a.m. Once everyone is here, our group will promptly leave for Monroe Park to join Mayor Dwight Jones, local Dignitaries and the other four convoys at 7:15 a.m.

Our Rocketts Landing commute will take you on the following three-mile route:

Wharf Street to Dock Street (Virginia Capital Trail section).
Follow 14th Street, crossing Main Street.
Left on Bank Street, in front of the Capitol.
Right on 9th Street and then left on Grace Street.
Left on Belvidere Street.
Arrive at Monroe Park.

With all convoys at the park, Mayor Dwight Jones will depart at 7:30 a.m. and lead everyone on a ride downtown via Franklin Street to arrive at the Capitol Grounds. And if you’d like to end your day in a group cycle back home, you can meet up at Monroe Park at 4:45 p.m. for a 5:00 p.m. group departure.

We can’t think of a better way to start and end your day than by exercising, socializing and commuting to work in style — while supporting the Richmond cycling community in the process. To learn more, you can visit BikeWalk Virginia’s website.

See you bright and early!

New Rocketts Landing Buyers Receive Free Mariners Club Membership

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Summer's only a month away and with warmer days upon us, many Rocketts Landing residents are preparing to hit the river through The Mariners Club. As Richmond's only exclusive downtown boating community, the club offers members the ability to enjoy being out on the water without the responsibility (and costs!) of owning a boat.

And to celebrate the season, The Mariners Club and Rocketts Landing have partnered up to offer new homeowners a free trial membership this summer. Right now, anyone who purchases a Rocketts Landing home will have complete access to the club's array of boats, which includes pontoon, fishing and sports boats. They'll receive full membership training and introduction on how to use the boats, provided personally by the club's co-owners Megan Benfatti and Tory Wiles — who are also Rocketts Landing residents!

“Being residents and business owners here at Rocketts Landing, we’re always happy to welcome new neighbors and show them the ins and outs of the community,” says Megan.

The trial membership is more than a chance to get out on the water for free (beyond paying for gas, of course). Since Rocketts Landing residents make up about 20 percent of their membership, Megan says new residents also enjoy a great opportunity to get acquainted with the community as a whole.

The boating season is open until December 1, and The Mariners Club will waive the initiation fee and offer a reduced rate to anyone who’d like to extend their membership beyond the trial run.

If you’re interested to learn more, Megan emphasizes that you shouldn’t hesitate to call. “We’re both happy to answer any questions new residents might have about The Mariners Club or Rocketts Landing. At every step, we’re just a phone call away.”

To contact The Mariners Club, call 804.222.5275 or email Megan today!

Rocketts Landing Resident Launches Personal Chef Business

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Put down your saucepan and take off your apron. Eat At Home is ready to make your cooking life easier.

As a personal chef company, Eat At Home is the brainchild of Rocketts Landing Cedar Works resident Thea McKenzie, and her sole goal is making eating healthy -- and at home -- much easier. And to start cooking, she's concentrating her initial efforts on supporting the Rocketts Landing community (woo hoo!).

From a business perspective, Thea says Eat At Home is here to truly become a culinary partner and help her clients manage eating well in today's modern, busy lifestyle. Her recipes are based on organic, local ingredients, whenever possible, and she frequently purchases food items from the array of farmer's markets happening around town. She also maintains a garden plot in our community garden, so don’t be surprised if her basil makes a culinary appearance!

You can engage in Eat At Home’s services based on your preferences and needs. From cooking a few dinners each week to doing your entire week’s grocery shopping and preparing seven days worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner, Eat At Home can customize the meals and ingredients to your liking (including most food allergies and gluten intolerance). To streamline the process, Thea prepares all meals at the beginning of the week with a focus on freezer- and refrigerator-friendly dishes you can easily warm up.

And Thea performs all cooking in your own kitchen — but don’t worry, beyond enjoying her homemade meals (and realizing you now have more time in your life again!), she says you’ll never be able to tell she’s been there.

Though Eat At Home has been operating for just under two months, Thea is no stranger to cooking and organic lifestyles. Prior to starting Eat At Home, Thea was a General Manager at the popular Shockoe Slip eatery The Urban Farmhouse Market & Café. She also enjoyed a stint out West working on an organic farm, learning firsthand the ways of the trade.

At Rocketts Landing, we’re always happy to see residents fully engaged in their passions — especially when doing so benefits our community in the process!

To learn more, you can visit Eat At Home’s Facebook page and also explore Thea’s recipes at her blog Food, Health, Life.

Cedar Works Lobby Features Local Artists at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Enter the Cedar Works building at Rocketts Landing and you'll find more than a lobby -- instead, the space has been transformed into the Cedar Works Art Gallery. Unique to the building, the art gallery is curated by Richmond-native Meredith Timberlake, the daughter of two Cedar Works residents.

Meredith's idea to run an art gallery in the Cedar Works lobby started after seeing the inviting walls every time she visited her parents, who've lived here since the building opened. So, as a former professional curator with a full-time gig as Director of Art at The Children's Museum, she was inspired to enhance the already attractively decorated lobby. After submitting a proposal to the Cedar Works Board with her plan, the Cedar Works Art Gallery was born.

The gallery’s been open for just under a year and rotates a variety of art every three months, from landscape paintings to abstracts to photography. Meredith kicks off each show with an invitation-only cocktail reception, featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres. She says the reception offers residents a chance to meet the showcased artists, while providing them with an intimate gathering for socializing with neighbors — and our residents do love to socialize!

To Meredith, the gallery is just as much about offering residents a unique, inspiring ambience as helping local artists sell their work. These aren’t novice artists, either. The Cedar Works Art Gallery features only established artists with a solid resume and portfolio. And yes, residents are definitely buying the artwork.

This month, she’s rotating the show and featuring two Cedar Works residents: abstract painter Jim Timberlake (her father) and photographer Jeff Satterthwaite. The show marks the first time a photographer and painter are featured side-by-side — and we couldn’t be more excited for the challenge.

If you’re an artist interested to display your work in the Cedar Works gallery, email Meredith today.

Richmond Ballet’s 18th Annual Kentucky Derby Day at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Call on the horses and wear your best Derby attire, because this weekend's about to unfold into one heck of a party at Rocketts Landing! On Saturday, May 7, after winding down from the morning's Cap2Cap bike ride, we're hosting the Richmond Ballet's Kentucky Derby Day party, "Ballet, Bourbon and Bowties" -- complete with big hats, mint juleps and a perfect riverfront view.

Hailed as one of Richmond's foremost spring events, the Kentucky Derby Day party features everything you need to celebrate the race in style. From 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. guests will party until the stars shine above while enjoying a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet provided by White House Catering and open bar with beer, wine and (of course) mint juleps.

As a benefit for the Richmond Ballet, it comes as no surprise that a dance floor is always one of the party’s main attractions — besides the race, naturally. This year, guests can get down to music provided by The Janitors, a high-energy band inspired by 60s soul, 70s funk, classic rock and almost everything in between.

And because you can’t have a Derby party without the race, at 6:00 p.m. guests will watch the “Run for the Roses” on a big screen TV, so no moment is missed. As our sixth year hosting the Derby party, we know first hand just how fun this event is for everyone involved, so be sure to secure the date today. Tickets are going fast!

To learn more, please visit the Richmond Ballet’s website.

Gearing Up for the Cap2Cap 2011 Bike Ride

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What do you get when you combine the Virginia Capital Trail, a fundraising event and nearly 2,000 cyclists? If you guessed a day full of sweaty spandex, then you're certainly no stranger to events at Rocketts Landing!

The Cap2Cap bike ride takes off this Saturday morning on May 7, and we're gearing up for the cyclists to arrive here bright and early. As one of the largest (and fastest growing) cycling events in Virginia, Cap2Cap offers cyclists a way to flex their muscles while raising money for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation -- an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the 55-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail currently being built to link the past and present capitals of Richmond and Jamestown.

Cap2Cap participants can ride the 100-, 50- or 25-mile courses, with the rides starting at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., respectively. Each distance winds them across Central Virginia through Civil War battlefields and the rolling countryside. There are also two starting points to choose from: the riverfront at Rocketts Landing or James City County’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park, and cyclists must finish the race at their starting point.

Because you can’t cycle for miles without wanting to celebrate, participants who start at Rocketts Landing will end their efforts here with an after-party. The expo runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is full of music (RattleSnake Creek and Jackass Flats), drinks, food and fun. And trust us, there’s plenty of focus on fun.

Want a shot at winning a room for two with breakfast at the Berkeley Hotel in historic Shockoe Slip? Or perhaps a $150 gift card for dinner at Azzurro? Every volunteer who registers to help out with the event is automatically entered into the raffle — perfect for that last-minute Mother’s Day present (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone!).

If you’re interested to race but haven’t signed up yet, registration is still open, including on race day. You can find additional course information and online registration on the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s website.

See you there!

Now’s the Time to Make Rocketts Landing Your Home

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Have you dreamed of owning a place near the river but haven't found the right location, yet? As the only riverfront community in Richmond, Virginia, Rocketts Landing residents enjoy many benefits, including living in a stunning home within walking distance to the James River.

And with spring now budding around us, we're excited to announce we are currently offering two specially priced homes in our Sky Line building. Each condo offers a spectacular view of the James River. Their convenient location along the riverbank and direct access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a marina, our riverfront pool and poolhouse, a fitness center and two highly popular riverfront restaurants provides a variety of leisure right out your front door.

To celebrate the season, these two, unique homes are now priced at just $499,900. And at this price, they're not expected to last long! (Other Rocketts Landing homes are currently available from $189,900 to over $1 million.)

The Sky Line D Floor Plan features 1,870 square feet of open, light-filled space matched by 9’ ceilings. The foyer, living and dining rooms have hardwood floors that lead to a terrace overlooking the river — perfect for relaxing from the day over a sunset (and a glass of wine!).

Enjoy cooking or entertaining? These homes feature state-of-the-art kitchens with GE appliances, gas cooktops and Granite countertops. Storage is easy with 42” upper cabinets, and the stainless steel gourmet sink, multi-cycle dishwasher and garbage disposal make cleaning up a cinch.

And because comfort is just as important as dining well, each condo has two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, including a generous owner’s suite with your own private balcony, personal sitting room and two large, custom walk-in closets. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower surrounded by ceramic tile, a granite vanity top and ceramic tile flooring.

We only have two of these unique homes available at this special price, and with summertime approaching, we can’t think of a better time to stop dreaming about a riverfront home — and finally start living your dream!

To schedule a tour or to learn more, please contact Amy Broderick or Dan Boyer at (804) 222-5011.

3rd Annual Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta Set to Make Waves

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Hosting sporting events at Rocketts Landing is always a great time, and our 3rd Annual Collegiate Regatta is gearing up to be a jam-packed day full of rowing excitement. Organized by the VCU Crew Club, the event is Richmond's only collegiate regatta -- and colleges from across Virginia will hit the James River tomorrow, including the College of William & Mary, James Madison University, Liberty University and George Mason University.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., 11 heats are scheduled for alumni, intermediate and varsity rowers, who will compete in four-lane races beginning at the Vulcan Quarry and finishing at the Richmond Intermediate Terminal Dock. And while the collegiate regatta is in its third year, they will actually row a historic course, as rowers have been racing here on the James River since the late 1800s. With history on our side, we are certain that any morning rain will clear in time for the event!

One of the aspects we love about regattas is the amazing synchronicity the rowers must master. From having to perfectly time their oars hitting the water to maximizing each stroke with up to eight people in the boat, regattas demonstrate the amazing teamwork needed to streamline efforts and maximize speed. And when you can’t predict the river’s turbulence on race day, ensuring your rowers are well-prepared can make or break your speed where any drag can become the difference between winning by a split second, or not.

As a family-friendly event, spectators are invited to join us along the river to cheer on your favorite college team. You can bring a picnic and drinks to enjoy, and some friendly alumni rivalry is always encouraged! With Earth Day here, we can’t think of a better way to get outside and enjoy the banks of the James River with friends, family and college buddies.

Where: Rocketts Landing
When: Saturday, April 23, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public

Video Test

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This is my video test.

Conch Republic Rocketts Now Open

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

After months anxiously awaiting the grand opening of Richmond's newest riverfront restaurant, Conch Republic Rocketts is now open for business at Rocketts Landing. And we couldn't be more pleased!

Opening day was April 14th, and perfect weather joined us for the celebration. With the sun shining down, we sat on their 2,000-square-foot deck, enjoying the view of downtown while watching people stop in for their first taste of the Key West-themed restaurant.

Crowds were slightly sparse at first, but once the evening hours set in the restaurant was in full swing serving up customers who were hungry for seafood and thirsty for refreshing drinks. We sampled the conch fritters appetizer, which was similar to a hush puppy and definitely delicious. The menu offers a variety of dining options, from conch and gator bites to filet au poivre, along with a fully stocked bar. In fact, they have two bars, both with patio-side ordering windows — perfect for those thirsty margarita days!

With service staff quickly adjusting to the excitement, our server pleasantly expressed her happiness with the new restaurant and the many days ahead for Conch Republic. Right now, the restaurant opens daily at 4 p.m., but lunchtime hours will be available in a few weeks.

Although they’ve only briefly been open, two upcoming weekend events are in store:

April 23: Conch Republic Independence Day celebrations, lunch until ...
April 24: Easter Brunch, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

So be sure to head on over to Conch Republic Rocketts and “Get Conch’d!”

Catwalk for Kids Struts Over to Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

RVA Fashion Week: Talk about a good time! From sashaying runway models to live music to stylishly dressed guests, RVA Fashion Week events at Rocketts Landing last week was certainly a time to remember.

And Catwalk for Kids was no exception.

On April 8, over 100 guests attended the fundraising luncheon to help raise money for the Children's Hospital of Richmond's pediatric cardiology department. The fundraiser added to Catwalk for Kids' community outreach at the hospital, where they visited and made handbags with patients.

To kick off the day, Catwalk for Kids founder Mary Norton took the stage and introduced the nonprofit's mission as well as four inspiring individuals who were patients at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Ranging from eight years old to adulthood, each person shared a compelling story of survival and the quality care they received.

With local radio celebrity Melissa Chase as MC, the stage then turned into a catwalk featuring New York City-based Tibi’s designs — recently showcased at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Tibi designer Amy Smilovic introduced the line (stylishly dressed might we add!), which focused on floral prints and flowing, delicate designs.

While experiencing the first-hand glimpse at upcoming styles, we enjoyed seared tuna over an arugula salad followed by shortcake with mixed berries and cream. Catered by Mosaic, the lunch was as fabulously prepared — and presented — as the runway models themselves.

With appetites satisfied and next season’s styles sealed in our minds, a live auction featured patient- and celebrity-made handbags and packages. Among the fabulous items purchased were two round trip VIP tickets to the Country Music Awards with accompanying handbag and guitar signed by Carrie Underwood, round trip tickets and accommodations to see The Colbert Report in New York City, a handbag made and signed by Amanda Peet, and a basketball signed by VCU basketball coach Shaka Smart.

And because the day was almost as much about the entertainment as the cause, former American Idol contestant (and Short Pump native) Zak Resnik and Richmond’s own Susan Greenbaum closed the stage.

All in all, the Catwalk for Kids fashion event offered everyone a lively day filled with inspiring moments — for both the Children’s Hospital of Richmond and our guests, alike.

Rachel Flynn Speaks at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we are strong supporters of Richmond's Downtown Master Plan, which outlines a proposal for future city development. So when Rachel Flynn, former director of the Department of Planning and Developmental Review -- who also spearheaded the Plan -- decided to speak at Rocketts Landing and provide updates, we were delighted to host the event.

On March 31, Rachel spoke to an engaged, packed house of real estate professionals on "Ramping-Up Richmond." She offered a fabulously outlined presentation with interesting before-and-after images of potential development while detailing the following five key points Richmonders want to see downtown:

Beautiful public spaces
Great neighborhoods
Quality architecture
Great parking
Historic preservation

One of our favorite images was an imagined skyline view from an improved Manchester bridge, asking, “Why can’t Richmond have the Chrysler Building downtown?”

Not surprisingly, Rachel stressed the importance of keeping the James River as a central activity point and improving public access -- and we agree completely.

In fact, many of the key points she expressed are directly in line with our mission at Rocketts Landing. As a community, creating an environment that fosters vibrant lifestyles while preserving Richmond’s historic architecture and access to the James River is crucial -- not only for our residents and businesses, but for the city at large.

(Imagined development of Broad Street in Shockoe Bottom.)

From perspectives shared about the Master Plan, new developments need to combine mixed-use architecture and accessible storefronts with high ceilings in pedestrian-friendly environments. All these details are rooted in our approach to the buildings we develop, and we are encouraged to continually see our visions align with Richmond’s.

(Imagined development of Hull Street, Manchester District.)

Rachel summed up the presentation by encouraging Richmonders to reach out to their public officials and voice their support for the Master Plan. Because, in the end, a quality urban environment should inspire people to shop, dine and play while enjoying bustling, cultural activity and community camaraderie.

Photos courtesy of the City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Developmental Review

Rocketts Landing Welcomes RVA Fashion Week

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

RVA Fashion Week kicks off on April 2, and at Rocketts Landing, we couldn't be more excited for the fun to begin.

Not only is there a great lineup of things to see and do, we're also hosting two of the fashion events: Catwalk for Kids of Richmond 2011 and the Grande Finale, which we've recently highlighted on our blog.

You'll need tickets to attend both events, and they are going quickly. If you haven't already done so, we recommend reserving your spot through the RVA Fashion Week's website as soon as you can.

To get you started, here's a recap of the upcoming fashion events at Rocketts Landing:

Catwalk for Kids of Richmond 2011

Date: April 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $125

Catwalk for Kids is a charitable foundation dedicated to helping children with critical medical needs. The event follows up from Catwalk for Kids' community outreach at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s pediatric cardiology department where they’ve been visiting and making handbags with patients. Their last outreach raised $270,000 for the pediatric oncology department at MUSC Children’s Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, so we’re excited they’ve selected to help Richmond-area patients.

The event has a varied lineup for attendees and opens with a fundraiser luncheon at 11:30 a.m. After a tasty meal by Mosaic Catering, you’ll see a runway fashion show featuring the popular designs of New York City-based Tibi, followed by an appearance by Tibi designer and founder Amy Smilovic. You’ll also hear stories from current and former patients who have benefited from Catwalk for Kids’s outreach.

We can’t stress enough how important — and engaging — this day will be. We are psyched!

Fashion Week Grande Finale

Date: April 9
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Cost: $10 to $75

As part music show/part catwalk/part local boutique showcase/part fashion trends sneak peek, the Grand Finale is more like an RVA-focused variety show than wrap-up event, and we are ready to include you in the mix.

Entertainment-wise, the Grand Finale showcases music and performances by New England’s Best Dance Crew: The Movement Specialists, “TT” The Artist, The Handsmiths, Manifesto and M.A.S.S. FX. You’ll also learn first-hand the winners of RVA Fashion Week’s Design and Model Competition, which happens on April 6 at CenterStage and features local talent.

RVA boutiques that will be onsite include Lex’s of Carytown, The Phoenix and NYFO (among others) who’ll ensure you’re ahead of the style curve by offering insight into upcoming trends.

With all this in store — and the fact you’ll get to party down at RVA Fashion Week’s only events along the James River — we believe you’ll enjoy every fashionable minute, as will we.

Photos courtesy of RVA Fashion Week

Real Richmond Food Tour Showcases Dining Near Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we never cease to be amazed (and delighted) by the array of restaurants within minutes of our community. While we do have great eats right at our doorsteps, The Boathouse and soon-to-be-opened Conch Republic Rocketts (plus another spot on the horizon, sorry, we can't say too much, yet!), our neighboring district Shockoe Bottom has tons of diverse dining options to choose from -- and they're barely minutes away!

So, when we learned that Real Richmond was doing their food tour right down the street from us, we didn't hesitate for a moment before signing up.

To start, we just want to say: Whether or not you are a native Richmonder, live in Rocketts Landing or are visiting from out of town, these tours are perfect for everyone! As a walking tour that combines learning about Richmond’s rich local history with tasting our rich local cuisine, even the most seasoned Richmonder is bound to learn something new. Plus, the tours change neighborhoods every weekend, giving you an ability to really sample all Richmond has to offer.

For our Shockoe Bottom/Church Hill tour, we visited five diverse local restaurants within a 1.4-mile perimeter: Mingles (Caribbean), Café Gutenberg (Alt-American), Sensi (Italian), Aziza’s (Lebanese) and C’est le Vin (Italian/East African-inspired). Our group, which was limited to 13 participants, met outside Café Gutenberg and was led by Real Richmond owners Maureen Egan and Susan Winiecki.

As tour guides, Egan and Winiecki do a lovely job of leading you around town with their casual, approachable demeanors while simultaneously serving as historic interpreters. They insert little snippets from stories of Richmond’s past at just the right moments — and even purposefully craft details into your walk: After our third stop at Sensi, we walked up into Church Hill, landing perfectly at St. John’s Church and two other historic sites before meandering back down the Hill to hit Aziza’s. (And with three restaurants behind us already, our hike up the hill was perfectly timed!)

As far as restaurants go, each one had something different to offer — from vegan Rooster Wings (mock duck) at Café Gutenberg to homemade, wood-fired pizza at Aziza’s to duck breast with Saba and mushroom risotto at Sensi — and locations normally closed during the day generously opened their doors for us.

A standout location was definitely C’est le Vin.

As part wine shop/part art gallery/part cafe, C’est le Vin opened for business only eight months ago and already has much to be said for them. They offer a great retail selection of wine (after one tour participant didn’t want to taste the blush because of its “two-percent residuals,” the owner enthusiastically went to the wine case and pulled a non-residual blush for him to sample) and certainly know how to pair delicious food (prepared by Italian-born Chef Santino Ficippetto). The professionally curated art attracts well-known artists and rotates every two weeks, offering a pleasant ambiance for sitting back and sipping wine.

All in all, what the Real Richmond tour highlighted best was the fact that within a matter of blocks and just minutes from Rocketts Landing, we have an incredible array of interesting, delicious and inventive restaurants at our disposal — coupled with fascinating culture — ripe for exploring any day of the week.

And you never know what you’ll discover along the way!

To learn more about Real Richmond, please visit Realrichmondva.com.

Conch Republic Independence Day Festivities at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Spring is finally here, and we can't wait to sit on the deck and relax at Rocketts Landing's newest riverfront restaurant Conch Republic Rocketts. A Key West-themed restaurant, Conch Republic will be a casual dining experience with a heavy emphasis on good times -- and they're certainly not waiting around for the fun to begin.

Only a handful of weeks (or days!) away from opening, owner Bob Cox already has a major event planned on April 23: a bona fide Conch Republic Independence Day celebration.

You see, the story goes like this -- On April 23, 1982, Key West residents announced their independence from the United States in protest over a roadblock enforced on Route 1 (the city's main thoroughfare) by the United States Border Patrol. The roadblock caused major travel disruptions and hurt the area’s tourism. Determined to revoke the block, Key West residents and government officials, alike, joined together and seceded from the country, officially renaming Key West, “The Conch Republic.”

While the secession was more display than true revolt, their movement caught on, creating a weeklong annual independence day celebration in its wake and even their own national anthem, “The Conch Republic Song.”

And when taking the party to RVA, Cox certainly isn’t cutting any Conch Republic corners.

While festivities will span over many days, the main party takes place on April 23, featuring everything from food specials (fresh conch and Florida fish, such as grouper and mahi mahi) to drink specials (“plenty of rum runners and frozen drinks”) to an array of live music, which Cox refers to as “Conch music”: steel drums, reggae and Jimmy Buffet-style rock and roll.

Cox will also recreate the Conch Republic’s mock secession where they break a loaf of Cuban bread over a Naval officer’s head (well, in this case, a man in a Navy uniform), quickly surrender to the officer and immediately demand foreign aid.

Anyone who’s ready to toast to the Republic is welcomed to join in on the fun. The only requirement is sporting island-themed attire and attitude.

Good thing we keep our closets fully stocked!

The Mariners Club Opens Second Season at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Oh, the upcoming spring season can't arrive soon enough!

Not only are we anxious for warmer days (what would you expect from a riverfront community?), Rocketts Landing's instant access to outdoor activity means many sun- and water-filled adventures are on the way with The Mariners Club.

As Richmond's only exclusive downtown boating community, The Mariners Club is in their second operating season and will start boating again on March 11.

We recently spoke with co-operators Tory Wiles and Megan Benfatti about the new season, and they say exciting developments are on the horizon. To start, membership has almost doubled since last year, continues to grow and is as diverse as Richmond: Members' ages range from 25 to over 60 years old, and include people from the Rocketts community, Church Hill, the West End and beyond.

With diverse members to serve, the Club keeps a variety of boats at their disposal. This year, they added a new, more powerful pontoon boat that can pull water skis and inner tubes — perfect for families’ (or friends’) day trip down the James River — which joins their collection of other fishing, pontoon and sports boats. And if membership continues growing as planned, the next boat they’ll purchase is a center console fishing boat, to “catch all the fish around here.”

Each season, The Mariners Club also hosts special social events, such as exclusive member and holiday parties — which Wiles and Benfatti believe reflect the free spirit of a boater. They’ll also continue a tradition they started last year: a boat blessing, where everyone working at the marina and members are included in a blessing and reception to celebrate the season’s new start.

To top it off, Wiles and Benfatti continue to be great advocates of the community at large, creating relationships with organizations such as the Virginia Food Bank, National Kidney Foundation and Walk for a Cure. But the cause that’s closest to their rudders is supporting the James River — not only because it’s critical to their operations, but also offers Richmonders a stunning, natural playground to enjoy after a hard day’s work.

Fun times, good causes and a great river — what more could you ask for?

To learn more about The Mariners Club and membership opportunities, you can visit their website at Themarinersclubva.com.

Photos courtesy of The Mariners Club.

Food Specials at The Boathouse Help Friends of the James River Park

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing already has quite a list of reasons to visit. From their stellar riverfront patio view of Richmond's downtown skyline -- which we seriously can't get enough of -- to their array of menu items and special events, The Boathouse has quickly become a go-to destination.

And their current Watershed Specials have added another notch to that list.

Started in July 2010, the Watershed Specials combine seafood with a good cause: With each purchase of a Watershed Special, The Boathouse donates 20 percent of their sales to the Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP). An all-volunteer nonprofit organization, FOJRP is dedicated to the “conservation, enhancement and enjoyment” of the 550-acre James River Park system. (If you haven’t guessed, we’re big fans of FOJRP!)

The Watershed Specials change quarterly, and thus far, The Boathouse has helped raise more than $5000 for the organization. FOJRP President Maureen Egan said that not only was the arrangement serendipitous, but is also enabling them to reach a variety of goals.

To start, they recently updated and relaunched their website, and the donations have helped them cover the current and future costs of maintaining the site. “The park is always expanding,” says Egan, “ and it gives us a feeling of security that we can fund the website and keep the best [most up-to-date] information about the park.”

Additionally, the donations have enabled FOJRP to dedicate funds to help the Park System install trailhead kiosks. They are working with Trails Manager Nathan Burrell and Park Manager Ralph White to coordinate installing the kiosks, which will offer trail users useful information and area maps. While the City has already installed some kiosks, many more are needed, and the Watershed Specials’ donations are a big part of FOJRP’s ability to help make that happen.

In addition to the food specials, The Boathouse and FOJRP are also teaming up for their first River Heroes contest, for which they just wrapped up accepting nominations. While they are both sponsoring the contest, Egan points out The Boathouse came up with the idea to recognize a Richmonder who has worked hard to improve the James River for people and wildlife, alike. FOJRP will choose the winner on Earth Day.

As far as the Watershed Specials go, you can currently donate delicious tastes to your palate with Blackberry BBQ Oysters (Chapel Creek) and Manakintowne Arugula Salad.

Date night anyone?

To learn more about the Friends of the James River Park, please visit Jamesriverpark.org.

Photos courtesy of The Boathouse and Friends of the James River Park.

Virginia Capital Trail Updates

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we're proud supporters of the Virginia Capital Trail -- a paved pedestrian walking and cycling path that will ultimately span 55 miles and connect Richmond to Williamsburg. We believe the Trail will not only provide our residents with great access to outdoor activities, but also support Richmond's ever-growing cycling culture and general outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, the idea of riding bikes straight from our backyard to visit Jamestown is rather exciting.

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is the main advocate for raising public awareness and support of the Trail. Executive Director Beth Weisbrod recently discussed upcoming developments to support the Trail's expected 2014 completion date, and we're more pleased with every new detail that emerges.

Thus far, at least 17 miles of the following trail sections are currently in place:

1. Downtown Richmond has an approximately mile-long section that begins at the Canal Walk and ends at the Great Shiplock Park, parelling Dock Street.

2. Charles City County has a seven-mile part of the trail in use.

3. James City County has a nine-mile portion in use, which is already being used by students riding their bikes to Jamestown High School.

The Trail’s next stage of development will span the portion starting at our community (following the railroad bed along the river) all the way to Long Bridge Road in Varina. We’re not sure exactly yet when construction will begin, because the Trail’s design is currently in a planning review. Weisbrod does confirm, however, that thus far, they are on target for their expected completion date.

One of the items the Foundation is currently developing is a trailhead at the Great Shiplock Park. A similar structure already exists in James City County, and Trail users are reporting much satisfaction. Weisbrod said the Richmond trailhead will be a solar-powered shade structure with bike racks and an electronic kiosk offering information such as local maps, nearby amenities, wildlife to see along the trail, emergency numbers, historical site details and more.

If all goes according to plan, they are shooting for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the trailhead this September.

Another development Weisbrod mentioned is brick sponsorships for Trail enthusiasts, where you can have your name permanently etched on one (or more) of the Trail’s bricks. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available with mile markers, signs, bike racks and other trail components.

And of course, another way to support the trail is to attend our upcoming annual cycling event, the Cap2Cap bike ride, which raises money for the Virginia Capital Trail. While we’ll definitely post more details as the event nears, we will say that thus far we’re already nearing 2,000 registered riders (our first race drew 300!).

All in all, though waiting to use the Trail in its entirety keeps us on the edge of our seats, we’re pleased to see the continued progress, support and enthusiasm surrounding such a unique development for our Richmond region.

If you’d like to learn more about the Trail’s progress and other details, you can visit the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s website at Virginiacapitaltrail.org.

Photos courtesy of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Features Picasso

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

One of the advantages of living and working at Rocketts Landing is our close proximity to downtown Richmond (just over a mile, to be exact) and all the city has to offer.

So when an internationally acclaimed -- and showcased -- art exhibit chooses our own Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) as its only East Coast destination on a tour of seven locations worldwide, you'd better believe we'll be first in line.

On Saturday, February 19, the VMFA will open their doors to Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris in honor of their 75th anniversary. Co-organized by the Musee National Picasso, Paris, the exhibition features works Picasso created during every major artistic period of his eight-decade career (1881 - 1973) and includes 176 pieces from his personal collection, which he purposefully kept for himself.

Almost every medium Picasso ever worked in is represented, including oil on canvas and panel, cast bronze, carved wood, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, pencil and ink, and printmaking. And as co-inventor of cubism (along with Georges Braque), Picasso’s exhibit also highlights the classic work he created during the Analytic Cubism period.

Patrons will be able to see famous works such as “Portrait of Dora Maar,” “Celestina (The Woman with One-Eye)” and “The Goat.”

Thus far, the exhibit has traveled to three museums in Russia, the Seattle Art Museum in Washington and will head to the Fine Art Museums of San Francisco after our Richmond showing.

The VMFA’s ability to seize this opportunity and display the Picasso exhibit comes as no surprise to us, since they are consistently recognized with a world-class reputation. In fact, the Musée National Picasso, Paris actually approached the VMFA with the opportunity, not the other way around.

As avid supporters of the arts here at Rocketts, Richmond’s rich artistic scene is one of the many reasons we enjoy our riverside location within our state’s capital. From the First Fridays Art Walk and CenterStage performance venue to over 90 independent art galleries, there’s a wealth of ongoing artistic expressions to experience in almost every waking moment.

For now, we can’t wait to stand in awe of one of the most famous artists to ever live -- right here in our own urban backyard.

Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris will be on display from Feb. 19 - May 15, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit their website at Vmfa.state.va.us/Picasso.

RVA Fashion Week Makes a Debut at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we certainly keep ourselves entertained (and busy!) by hosting a variety of events each year. And our 2011 calendar is filling up faster than ever.

One of the newest events we're thrilled to be a part of is RVA Fashion Week - Richmond's own take on (and scaled down version of) New York Fashion Week, now branded as Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week, which just wrapped up on Feb. 17.

While New York's extravaganza focuses on the industry’s top designers and cutting-edge couture, Richmond keeps the extravagance local, showcasing our own top independent fashion designers and their upcoming seasonal trends.

In its third year of production, RVA Fashion Week will take place April 2 – 9. The event’s goal is to entertain and educate the public on the fashion work and styles coming out of Richmond, while further highlighting the creative culture flourishing in our state’s capital.

As an event host, Rocketts Landing is proud to support two of the week’s fashion galas: Catwalk for Kids of Richmond and the Grand Finale.

Catwalk for Kids of Richmond
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 8, RVA Fashion Week attendees can enjoy a fashion show with entertainment, live auction and luncheon all bundled in one event — and for a good cause. Catwalk for Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with critical medical needs, specifically pediatric oncology.

This year, Catwalk for Kids will visit children at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine Pediatric Department where participants and celebrities will make handbags with patients. The fashion-show charity event at Rocketts will continue their mission to raise money for supporting local pediatric medical care. Renowned Tibi-label founder, Amy Smilovic, will be a featured designer.

Grand Finale
Just as the New York Fashion Show must finish with an ounce of drama mixed with fashion, so too will RVA’s Fashion Show at Rocketts Landing on April 9.

Along the banks of the James River, attendees will enjoy a fashion show featuring local designers Crystal Vaquerano, Jared Bradley’s Inch by Inch, Britt Sebastian, Karla K and Dyanne Marte, while local boutiques, such as The Phoenix, Lex’s of Carytown and Wardrobe, showcase upcoming Richmond trends. And because no finale is complete without stellar entertainment, we’ll also feature live performances by The Movement Specialists, “TT” The Artist, Manifesto and M.A.S.S. FX.

Full details on RVA Fashion Week are still emerging, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated with event lineups and ticket information as the dates draw near. You can also check out the fashion show’s website at RVAFashionWeek.com as details are published.

Conch Republic Rocketts Opening on the Horizon for Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, we're always excited when a new resident moves into the community. We're even more pleased when the newest addition offers us a delicious dining destination to enjoy.

Conch Republic Rocketts is a Key West-themed restaurant and will soon open for business on the riverfront, beside The Boathouse.

The restaurant's construction began about four months ago, and they've been vigorously working ever since. In fact, according to owner Bob Cox (who also owns Fan favorites Curbside Cafe and Metro Grill), development is wonderfully ahead of schedule, and they are expecting an early opening the first week of April.

While construction began only a handful of months ago, Cox was brewing the concept for around three years, after selling another restaurant in 2008.

"I've always wanted to do a riverfront restaurant,” Cox says. “I previously looked at some other places in The Fan to open the same concept, but once the waterfront space became available, that was my only option.”

In line with the Key West theme, Conch Republic is focused on offering patrons a casual, fun experience. And based on the restaurant’s nearly finished design, “good times” are on the horizon.

Upon completion, Conch Republic will feature an 1800-square-foot deck with seating for up to 110 people, overlooking the James River. On sunny days, Cox plans to regularly host live music on the deck in the afternoons and early evening. The restaurant’s interior will feature an open floor plan, with 16- to 17-feet-high ceilings. Patrons will also enjoy a fantastic view of the river while they dine, as the river frontage is made of all-glass garage doors that can be opened for full outdoors exposure.

As far as the menu goes, Chef Josh Mathis will lead the kitchen, bringing decades of high-volume, upscale cuisine experience along with him. Cox says they’ll serve all the delicious bites you’d expect from Key West: plenty of conch, from fritters to salads to chowder; fried grouper sandwiches and entrees; as well barbecued “gator” bites and gator sausage chili.

Initially, Conch Republic will open only for dinner. Four to six weeks later, they’ll offer lunch and later brunch, which will be joined by a live jazz trio.

All in all, we’re thrilled with their progress and slated Spring opening — and can already savor the relaxing experience of sitting outside overlooking the river as we dine on seafood and drinks, while the sun brilliantly sets before us.

New Sculpture at Rocketts Landing Focuses on Water Conservation

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

At Rocketts Landing, the role of water in our lives is an important part of our growing community. Not only does our location along the James River provide stunning views of the water and wildlife it attracts, this proximity offers us a continuous reminder that clean water matters for our community - and the world at large.

So, when we were talking to local sculptor Charles Ponticello about his Deepwater Sponger sculpture series, we instantly knew Rocketts Landing would make a perfect home for his public art.

The Deepwater Sponger arrived on November 18, 2010, when a crane installed the nearly 2000-lb. sculpture at the bank’s edge, beside The Boathouse. Standing six-feet tall, the Sponger is made of cast iron with cast-concrete gears, and is a character set in a hypothetical future where our water resources have drastically dwindled. In this eye-opening vision, the earth’s water continues migrating beneath the surface, and The Deepwater Sponger is a water miner on a mission to retrieve the valuable resource, bearing the inscription: No Water, No Life.

On January 20, we officially celebrated the sculpture’s arrival at The Boathouse along with the Friends of the James River Park. The event generated fantastic discussion on the role public art can play in a community, as well as the current state of the James River.

So, what is the role of public art and The Deepwater Sponger?

For Ponticello, public art brings awareness to a cause and enhances community relations. His Deepwater Sponger is the beginning of a series he hopes to install worldwide to further inspire discussion on — and generate awareness of — the state of our diminishing resource (To put the global crisis into perspective: Less than one percent of Earth’s fresh water is available for human use!).

And, where does that leave our James River?

According to event speaker Anne Wright, coordinator of Life Sciences Outreach Education and assistant professor of biology at VCU, our beloved river is looking better than ever. Mating sturgeons have returned and are ready to reproduce (which offered guests a surprising video of squiggling, ripe male, um, you get the picture!). And our downtown fall line is now full of diverse, intolerant insects — some of which are traditionally a mountainous species — that can only live in water with a positive quality rating.

All in all, as the sun set over the downtown skyline, we embraced the evening as a success for both our newest Sponger resident and the James River that continues to be so integral to life here for many Richmonders — and Rocketts Landing residents, alike.

If you’d like to learn more about the sculpture and The Deepwater Sponger series, you can email Charlie Ponicello at studios19@aol.com. You can also learn more about Friends of the James River Park at www.jamesriverpark.org.

The Nutcracker and the New Year

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I've seen The Nutcracker. My childhood memories consist of sugar plum costumes and famous classical pieces. When my neighbor and her granddaughter invited me to attend the Richmond Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker, I accepted with great pleasure.

The Carpenter Theater created a magnificent backdrop for this holiday classic. As the music began, I noticed that the action on stage touched each member of the audience in a different way. Young children sat on the edge of their seats and stared in amazement while adults relaxed and enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music played by the Richmond Symphony.

As I viewed the performance, I was reminded of the story’s special messages and how they can be applied to everyday life, not just the holidays.

The story of the Nutcracker is based on a child’s dream. And it made me think that, as an adult, I don’t dream enough. As I sat in the beautiful theater, I re-committed to some longtime personal aspirations: running a marathon and organizing the trip abroad that I have postponed for years.

In the Nutcracker, family members appreciated what each individual brought to the party. They welcomed their eccentric uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, and enjoyed the magic he brought to the festivities. This reminded me of the importance of family and the need to reconnect with distant relatives. I will make a point of letting my family know how much I appreciate the limited time we spend together.

In Act Three, the dancers portrayed the elegance and grace of “snowflakes.” I noted that the smallest things have the ability to make us stop and appreciate life. Next time it snows, I will remember to live in the moment.

As I begin forming New Year’s resolutions, I will remember the Nutcracker and the messages it delivered - never stop dreaming, celebrate family and every once in a while stop and appreciate the simple things in life.

The More Holiday Parties, the Better

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I read in the newspaper a few weeks ago that forty percent of Americans will attend an average of three holiday parties this year. It made me think...Why do people attend so many parties around this time of the year? Is it the food, or is it the drinks? Could it be the gift exchange? Or maybe it is catching up with family and friends?

The reason became apparent this week when I attended the Neighborhood Resource Center's (NRC) Holiday Party.

As you may recall, Rocketts Landing provides support to the NRC by participating in various fundraising projects and volunteer programs throughout the year. Around Christmas and the New Year, the social committee collects donations for the Center to purchase gifts and offer additional holiday help to their neighborhood families.

So I went to the annual NRC Holiday Party expecting gifts and assistance packages to be handed out along with the traditional holiday meal (lasagna and green beans), songs, games and Santa visits. However, after the piñatas (which were filled with school supplies for the children) were cracked open, the party seemed to be coming to an end. I questioned, “When will the families receive their holiday gifts?”

Annette Cousins, the NRC’s Co-Executive Director, answered my question. “We decided to change the plan this year,” she informed me. “We wanted to reinforce the idea that holiday parties are for having fun with family and friends. The focus should not be on the gifts you receive.” She told me that the families would be receiving their gifts privately the following week, and that the NRC would work closely with each family to honor their holiday traditions.

While I love holiday parties for the sugar cookies, eggnog and occasional “Secret Santa” gift-exchange, this reminded me that the most important part of the festivities is catching up with friends and family. I am grateful for the invitations, and actually love hearing stories from the past and talking about next year’s plans. So while the statistic I mentioned earlier may say three holiday parties is average, I think I will RSVP yes to the next week of several parties, and even consider those pending invitations for New Years.

After all, I can always catch up on sleep next year.

Building “Me Time” into the Holiday Season

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It's the time of year when I look at my calendar and immediately feel overwhelmed. Relaxing weekends are a thing of the past, and the holiday rush is on. If I am not baking, gift shopping or getting my holiday cards and gifts in the mail, I am managing my schedule so I don't miss something or someone important.

Despite the pressures of what I needed to do, I attended the Grand Illumination and the Farmers' Market Holiday Market this past weekend. What a wonderful escape. I realized, thankfully not too late in the season, that I must spend some time attending festivities instead of preparing them. One event I added to my holiday agenda is the James River Parade of Lights, which took place this weekend. The Parade ran along the James River from Richmond to Henricus Historical Park with several viewing sites along the route. Rocketts Landing was a wonderful place to view the parade. On Saturday night, I set up my lawn chair, dressed warmly, shared some chili with my Rocketts friends and relaxed with a steaming mug of hot spiced cider.

Scheduling another activity in the same week may appear indulgent, but there is one event I just can’t miss. The Richmond Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker is a must on my holiday schedule. I purchased tickets for the special matinee that includes an after-show celebration, Clara's Tea Party. At the party, I will enjoy an elegant, seated tea with live holiday music and meet the cast from the Kingdom of Sweets. What is more relaxing than listening to the beautiful music of the Richmond Symphony on a chilly afternoon?

After The Nutcracker's special tea, I am going to be in an afternoon tea state of mind. One of the best places to experience this civilized tradition is at the Jefferson Hotel, where they make an art of afternoon tea. The lobby is always decorated with elegant holiday adornments (you can pick up some great ideas here), the atmosphere is warm and the architecture is grand. I will enjoy scones and finger sandwiches under the magnificent Tiffany-stained glass while taking a moment to reflect and enjoy some quiet time. This is a great place for out-of-town company to stay, and you will have a built-in excuse to visit and enjoy afternoon tea.

There are so many ways to stop and enjoy myself during the holiday rush. Ironically, I just need to take the time to schedule them.

Adopting a New Friend on the James

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As you may recall from an earlier blog post, I had the privilege of attending one of Captain Mike Ostrander's famous "Discover the James" eagle tours. The three-hour journey showed me the James River's dynamic ecosystem in a compelling and engaging way.

When Captain Mike reminded me that he was hosting a "Lunch Break" presentation at the Science Museum of Virginia, I had to attend. I looked forward to revisiting what I had learned on my tour.

When I arrived at the Museum, I found a room full of curious nature lovers. I had an opportunity to meet some of the attendees, one of whom was Capt. Mike's wife and fellow eagle photographer, Lynda Richardson. Her enthusiasm for the river and its wildlife was as strong as her husband’s.

“The James is the reason we moved to Richmond,” stated Lynda. “The peace and tranquility of this water system provides a spiritual experience for everyone we take out. Getting people to understand this amazing ‘backyard’ resource is crucial.”

Capt. Mike’s presentation focused on the river’s conservation and protection. He shared stories that demonstrated his deep connection with this habitat and how several once-endangered species deserve our attention and respect. At the close of his talk, he mentioned the organization, Virginia Center for Conservation Biology. They are a great source of information for current and future James River conservation efforts.

I went to the web site and found that The Center for Conservation Biology is currently conducting one of the largest eagle tracking projects in the world.. I was excited to see I could also get involved in the tracking process. All I had to do was adopt one of the tracked bald eagles and my donation would help the organization continue conducting research. I selected a male bald eagle named Androscoggin (pictured below). I received an adoption certificate, information on my new friend and the ability to see his current location each time I requested it.

The process was an extremely easy way to support Capt. Mike’s message - “This part of Richmond and its historic inhabitants are what give the “River City” its name. It is up to us to make it a safe and welcoming place for ALL to live.” * If you are interested in getting involved and would like to adopt a Virginia, satellite-tracked eagle, please click here and share your adoption story with us on our Facebook page.

Giving is Contagious

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Around this time of year during Thanksgiving and holiday-gift buying (Black Friday), you often hear "it is better to give than to receive.." As a child, my mother used to remind me of this as I developed my "extensive" Christmas wish list. However, this past week, I was reminded of this saying in a different way.

As you may recall from previous blog posts, the Rocketts Landing Social Committee supports the Fulton Hill Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) throughout the year by giving donations and volunteering time. For the month of November, the committee collected money for NRC to buy grocery gift cards for 11 Center families to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

In order to receive a card, the Center selected a group of recipients who have multiple family members to support and are unemployed. This past week, I was grateful to be able to witness the Center passing out these cards firsthand.

Penny Ferris, the Center’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator, handed a card to the first woman eligible to receive the gift, a mother of three whose husband was recently murdered. She paused and then started crying. “I am going to split this with my neighbor,” she whispered. “I am so grateful that I want others to feel the way I do. God bless you. You just don’t know how much this means to me.” Penny informed me that many of the gift card recipients do just that – share them with others in need.

“Most of our Center families not only receive donations, but they respect and understand the power of giving back to their own community,” she said. “Most of our mothers will try and come in once a week to donate their time to our after-school programs, and when they give back, the NRC and the Center parents are able to work together to create an optimistic atmosphere,” she continued. “Giving to one often results in giving to another – it is contagious.”

As Penny handed out the cards, the recipients shared their excitement and gratitude and told us about the people they were going to include in their holiday meal. “Now my auntie can make her famous turkey,” a young girl announced in the back of the room.

While these people definitely appreciated receiving the gifts cards, they were more excited to share the opportunity to enjoy the holiday with someone else. I could not help but think – it truly is better to give than to receive.

*To learn more about the Fulton Hill Neighborhood Resource Center and the amazing work they do to support the surrounding community, please visit http://www.nrccafe.org/.

The Proper Homecoming

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

An important Richmond native came home today and decided to settle down at Rocketts Landing. This "local" goes by the name of "Deep Water Sponger."

You may be asking yourself, "Who is "Deep Water Sponger'" and "where has 'he' been?" I know I did, so I reached out to his "creator," Charlie Ponticello, to get more information.

In speaking with Charlie, I learned that this new member of the Rocketts community has an important message to share. The one-ton public art sculpture is part of a series of "spongers" designed to create a sense of urgency for protecting and conserving our planet's water resources. The words "No Water, No Life" are engraved on the Sponger's base as a reminder of the sculpture's main purpose – to be a symbol of man's concern for his environment, and ultimately, well-being.

"He has traveled along the East Coast to Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the campus of Johns Hopkins University to share the 'dark' message that we can no longer ignore our situation on earth. We need to be aware of the quality of the natural resources that are vital to our survival," Charlie told me. "The Sponger is lovable and enjoyable, which makes this critical message easier to swallow."

The impressive art piece is a mixed media sculpture with a large cast iron figure (the Sponger) as the centerpiece and cast stone gears as its base. The Sponger was cast by OK Foundry using a method called "no-bake molding." Some of the cast techniques were put into practice for the first time on Sponger, and the successful production was in large part due to Charlie's extensive experience with mixed media sculpture.

"He is moving from an educational space [Johns Hopkins] to a public space where he belongs. I simply could not think of a better place for him to rest,” confirmed Charlie. "He has a personal relationship with the James River - he is coming home."

I agree with Charlie. I could not think of a more appropriate home - overlooking the water in one of Richmond’s Best Communities*.

* Voted Best New Community four years in a row by Richmond Magazine readers (2006-2010).

A New Recipe, Friend and Tradition

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I love finding new recipes. I buy cookbooks looking for the next best dish to make for my family or share with my Rocketts Landing friends. This past week with temperatures signaling much colder days ahead, I decided to focus on soup recipes. I thumbed through several books and nothing caught my eye. I kept finding the same tired recipes I had seen in every cookbook I owned – standard chili, clam chowder, tomato, cheddar broccoli and many other familiar soups.

However, just as I vowed to put my Crock Pot away, I came across a recipe in one of my grandmother’s hand-me-down books that I had never seen before – a recipe for Brunswick Stew. Not only did the name peak my interest, but the ingredients did also. I did a little more digging online to find out more about this unique dish.

When I typed “Brunswick Stew,” I found that in the upcoming week Richmond’s 17th Street Farmers’ Market would be hosting a Brunswick Stew Festival. “Perfect timing,” I thought. What’s more, the Festival website promised great music, street vendors, good beverages, and most importantly, a fun, welcoming atmosphere. I marked it on my calendar and planned on arriving with a big appetite.

When I arrived at the Market, a woman holding a small cup of stew immediately greeted me. “You have to try this one” she exclaimed. “This is the best I have had!” It seemed like I had no other option but to take a bite and thank the kind stranger. The rich, smoky flavor and unexpected thickness of the broth were unlike anything I had tasted before, and I was compelled to begin asking questions about the dish, and Festival for that matter. I realized within a few moments of talking with this personable woman that I was in luck. She was the ultimate Brunswick Stew “ambassador,” Connie Jones.

“The eighteen ‘stew crews’ get here the night before and start cooking at 2 a.m.” Connie, a life-long, Richmond resident informed me. “Each team has ‘stirmaster’ that stirs the stew for at least eight hours, and by the time the stew is considered ‘ready,’ the spoon can stand upright in the stew on its own.” She detailed the customary ingredients, special seasonings, which teams had won in previous years and her favorite crews.

With so much “Stew” information to share, I had to ask – how did she know so much about this event and recipe? “It is a tradition,” Connie answered. “I come to this festival every year. I actually moved into this neighborhood for festivals just like this one. You cannot help loving the unique sense of community and friendship that thrives in this area of Richmond.”

After a day of walking around with Connie, talking about everything Richmond, waiting in line with several other “stew fans” and eating some of the best food Virginia has to offer, I knew why I loved this part of Richmond so much. I exchanged contact information with my new friend and vowed to take advantage of the exciting events and festivals happening at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market over the course of the year. Of course, the Farmers’ Market Brunswick Stew Festival would be at the top of my list.

Who knew upon finding a new recipe, I would find a new friend and fall-time tradition.

Additional Note: If you have a great Brunswick stew recipe to share, please post it to our Facebook Wall. We would love to share your recommendations and pointers for making t

Wine: A Part of the Workweek Routine

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The minute I get home from work I don't waste any time starting on the "workweek" to-do list ? going through the mail, walking the dog, preparing dinner, getting ready for the next day. However, this Wednesday, the microwave dinner just was not going to cut it. I wanted a little fun (and good food) to help get me through the rest of the week. One place came to mind? The Boathouse Restaurant at Rocketts Landing.

Now that I’d made my executive decision to go, I called my neighbor, Amy, to join me. “Of course,” she replied. “Wednesdays at The Boathouse are special.” “Special?” I asked. Once the question left my lips, I realized I had completely forgotten about “Wednesday Wine Night.” I knew there was a good reason why I thought about breaking away from my workweek rut.

When we arrived at The Boathouse, my favorite waiter, Aaron Grandstaff, greeted us. He handed us the restaurant’s Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list, and told us more about the special event that evening. “Each Wednesday we typically select three whites and three reds from the list to feature,” he explained. “Each highlighted wine is discounted to half off of the bottle’s price, so you have the opportunity to try certain wines you might not ordinarily order.” He did an excellent job of walking us through the list and telling us interesting facts about all the wines listed.

Amy and I could not decide among all the award-winning California wines featured for the week, but by asking several questions, we settled on one white (Sanford Chardonnay from California) and one red (Sterling Vineyards Merlot from California), and Aaron was right. We normally would not have ordered these two fragrant and complex wines. Just as we expected, they were amazing and complemented the crab dip and oyster stew we ordered to share.

We were so pleased with our wine experience that we caught the attention of The Boathouse owner, Kevin Healy. We raved about the Sanford Chardonnay as he walked to the table. “If you enjoyed the two wines you ordered this week, you should come back next week when you can try ALL of the wines on the list before picking your bottle,” he said. “The second Wednesday of every month, we offer a tasting from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. where you can taste each featured wine before making your decision on which half-priced bottle you would like to buy, and our Wine Director, Michael Avery, is here to explain the wine making craft and essence behind every bottle.”

It sounded like a great opportunity not only to learn more about some amazing wines, but to have some fun mid-week. Forget the laundry ?Wednesday Wine Nights may just have to become part of my after-work routine.

Rethinking My Halloween Costume

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It all started a few weeks ago when I stopped to ask a neighbor advice on what Halloween costume I should pick for the neighborhood party at Rocketts Landing. "I could dress up as something simple, like a ghost," I mentioned. "No one goes as a ghost anymore."

My neighbor suddenly became very serious. She informed me that I should not use the word "ghost" so lightly. "Here in Richmond, ghosts are not only responsible for what our City has become, they are still very active and involved citizens," she stated. I laughed. With a stoic expression, she advised that if I did not believe her, I should do my research.

Upon saying goodbye and reassuring her I would be careful about choosing a Halloween costume, I rushed back home to get on the computer. It did not take long for multiple stories to populate my screen. However, one link in particular stood out - The "Haunts of Richmond" - an entire company dedicated to educating Richmond residents and visitors about the haunted happenings that take place throughout downtown's Shockoe neighborhoods. I clicked on the link to find that this group of Richmond veterans provided guided, "haunting" tours. Immediately, I signed up for one of their excursions. I wanted to find out if my neighbor was telling the truth or just trying to scare me.

That next week, on a cold, rainy night, I walked to meet the Haunts of Richmond tour. A group of around thirty people gathered eagerly to begin the adventure. Our tour guide, Stephanie Riggsby, rounded the corner with an inquisitive look on her face and excitement in her stride. "Are you ready to begin?" she asked. In unison, we nodded yes, a little uncertain of the next hour of events.

The tour started inside The Tobacco Company in their spacious back parlor. I felt like I had just walked back into the 19th Century. Stephanie proceeded to tell us stories about mysterious happenings in the restaurant after hours, and how current residents complain about hearing laughter, music and horses, only to see nothing outside their windows. She also warned us about taking pictures along the tour. "Unrecognizable faces often appear in the photos."

Her stories and instructions gave me chills, and I have to admit, even in a large group, I was a little scared. While the stories were entertaining, they also taught me some unique things about Richmond's past, such as where the slaves' quarters were located during the Civil War or how Edgar Allen Poe used to (and still does) wander the streets looking for inspiration.

After the stories at the second and final stops, The Berkeley Hotel and Sine, I had to ask Stephanie how she learned all of these interesting tales. As a lifetime resident of Richmond, she fell in love with this part of the City and wanted to learn everything she could about its history. Along the way, she talked with historians and local business owners and found that many individuals had the same unique ghost stories to tell. She saw the interest for this type of information grow, and she recognized the importance of hosting tours for The Haunts of Richmond.

"It is a unique experience of education, entertainment and respect," Stephanie said. "Respect for the ones who have come before us and given us what we have today in these historical neighborhoods." After listening to her explanation, I was starting to understand what my neighbor was trying to tell me. Scary ghosts have helpedform the landscape, atmosphere and antique beauty of this part of the City. I could not help but embrace and respect this "haunted" culture.

I decided to rethink my Halloween costume. I will leave "being a ghost" to the actual spirits of Richmond, and dress as a pumpkin instead.

The Perfect Motivation

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This year I prepared for the Rocketts Landing Run to the River 10K very much as I did last year. I trained the weeks prior, watched the weather reports the night before and woke up early race day to organize last minute items, such as a water bottle and sunscreen. I got to the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) thirty minutes early to make sure I had enough time to stretch and get a good position at the start of the race. As I was walking over to the starting line to get one last view of the course map, something caught my eye, and I decided to do something a little different from my usual pre-race routine.

What I saw was a NRC volunteer handing a bag of food to a young girl, who had just walked over from her house. With pantry items grasped closely to her chest, she walked back across the street and handed the oversized bundle to an elderly, fragile woman waiting patiently on her porch. The old woman could not contain her happiness and hugged the young girl with newfound strength. While I thought I was familiar with the all the valuable services the Center offers the children and teens in the Fulton Hill community, such as after school programs and pre-school, I had never witnessed the NRC's work in such a personal way. I wanted to learn and see more.

I glanced down at my watch. I had 20 minutes before the race, and instead of getting a "refresher" on the course, I decided to get a "refresher" on the NRC. I asked one of the NRC staff members if I could get a quick tour of the Center and hear more about their incredible neighborhood outreach. Blue Clements, the Center's Food Services Coordinator, was extremely helpful. She informed me that the Center was actually celebrating its five-year anniversary this year, and she was happy to share the developments and positive community changes that the Center has achieved in the past few years.

"This is such an amazing place, and I am so lucky tobe a part of an evolving community that has embraced and supported the opportunity to improve," smiled Blue. She briefly described the Center's after-school activities, such as cooking, tutoring, drama and dance classes, and guided me through a quick tour of the facility-operated, backyard garden that supplies the snacks and pantry items for the children and community (not to mention the after-race party). I was fascinated, and just about to ask one more question when Blue reminded me that the runners were beginning to line up.

I approached the starting line with a brand new outlook on the race. I felt more prepared to run than I had ever felt before. I knew exactly why I was running – for the NRC and the surrounding community. As the horn blew, I attacked the course and daunting hills with strength, ease and purpose. While I was rounding the corner along the riverfront in the middle of Rocketts Landing, I could not help but think about the children and volunteers. I felt different. I felt more motivated. As I crossed the finish line with Rocketts Landing residents, I knew I had accomplished my goal. I had not only beat my race time from last year, but I truly understood why being part of this Rocketts Landing event is so important - uniting people around a great cause.

Not only have I marked my calendar for the race next year (October 22, 2011, by the way), but I am looking forward to volunteering and remaining active in a community where people and positive outreach are a priority.

Getting to Know the Neighbors

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing has many features that make it unique - the riverfront views, the access to great events and outdoor activities and The Boathouse Restaurant (just to name a few). However, for me, the community is unique for another reason - the amazing atmosphere of friendship, fellowship and connection.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Rocketts Landing Neighborhood Social Committee's first annual Oyster Roast. This event, sponsored by The Boathouse Restaurant, was a truly special occasion. Just as the sun was setting on the James, servers from The Boathouse wheeled trays of oysters down to the river's edge, where residents from each of Rocketts unique buildings brought a variety of side dishes and set up one expansive and impressive picnic display. The beauty of the riverfront setting and welcoming nature of the group provided the ultimate combination for an engaging social experience.

Before I had time to grab a plate to pile high with oysters and pasta salad, Sharon Payne, the committee's social chair gave me a giant, enthusiastic welcome. She was so eager to pile my plate with food while at the same time giving me updates on the committee's upcoming events and initiatives. "We are focused on building a "Fan-like" neighborhood on the River," Sharon began. "We have such a rich sense of friendship and community. It is all about the people, and here at Rocketts, we have good people - people who care about one another."

After she shared details about the upcoming Halloween celebration (a cartoon-theme costume party), she explained the structure of the social group, its continuous growth and the main reason for the committee's founding earlier this year. "The committee has a social chair assigned to each of Rocketts individual residential buildings, and as a unified group, the committee schedules events within the community, as well as works to develop projects around charitable efforts in Rocketts' nearby neighborhoods," Sharon explained. "Not only do we think it is important to develop a group where Rocketts residents can connect as neighbors within the community at large, but we also want to build a group that is dedicated to reaching out to our neighboring areas, such as Fulton Hill", she continued.

The committee selected Richmond's Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton Hill as the focus of its community outreach. The Center is a grass roots non-profit whose mission is to foster personal growth and positive change in the Greater Fulton Hill community. Throughout this past year, the social committee has hosted events, participated in the Center's projects and volunteered in the Center's programs. This fall they will be involved in several more events benefiting the Center, such as the Rocketts Landing Run to the River 10K/5K race (taking place this weekend) and organizing a Toy Drive before the holidays.

I was in awe of Sharon's enthusiasm and the group's willingness to tell me more about their vision and culture. Merrick Platt and Hayley Karicofe, three-year residents of Rocketts' Cedar Works building, moved in at the same time and instantly became best friends. "We love the sense of community," explained Merrick. "When you become part of Rocketts, you just feel like you are part of something special – a place that cares and always has a door open willing to listen and help. Before I moved to Rocketts, I did not know this type of neighborly living existed."

After only being with Rocketts Neighborhood Social Committee for a few hours, I felt exactly what Merrick was describing. Being a part of this group is truly a unique experience – a good example of how strong a community can be when people get to know their neighbors.

Ready to Run with Rocketts

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After participating last year, I have to say that this race is unlike any others in Richmond. The course alone is truly unique - winding through historic neighborhoods and cobblestone streets over steep hills (Powhatan, Potomac and Libby Hills) along the city's scenic riverfront - and, the after-race party is one of the best in town with great refreshments, live music and a unique, alternative health fair.

First, always pre-register. While it is perfectly fine to register at the event on race day, it often helps to register a few weeks, or even days beforehand. By doing so, you are not only able to get your race day goodies in advance, it also allows you to arrive at the race ready to go. You can focus on the run and less on getting your registration form filled out, your race number pinned on in enough time to stretch and get situated comfortably among the other runners at the starting line. If you get to the race early enough, you are also able to relax, get mentally prepared, catch up with fellow running friends and partake in the pre-race activities and festivities. If your plans change and you are unable to make the race, do not worry. It is for charity, and the registration money will always go to a great cause, just like the Neighborhood Resource Center. Below is a photo of Nick, one of the Neighborhood Resource Center's recipients.

Second, do not forget to fuel up, and I do not mean your car. Running on empty is not very fun, or safe. When I do not eat the proper pre-race meal, my performance and overall well-being suffer. Make sure on race day morning you get a healthy, light breakfast full of whole grain carbohydrates and protein, such as wheat toast and eggs. I have also found that a banana can help with muscle cramps during and after the race; however dairy, such as milk or cheese, can often have the opposite effect and cause a few “side stitches.” Most importantly, don’t forget water – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before, during and after the race.

Lastly, enjoy yourself and never forget to pat yourself on the back for a job (race) well done. Running is fun, and the fact that you are supporting a local charity is even more fulfilling. While races can be intense depending on your expectations or fitness level, they do not have to be. You can always register and walk with friends while enjoying views of the James River and exploring historic neighborhoods along the race course. By simply crossing the finish line, you are already winner, and you should be proud.

I hope these tips help you get ready and motivated for October 16. You can get more information and pre-register (which I highly recommend) by visiting www.runtotheriver.org or check out the Rocketts Landing Facebook Event page.

Breakfast within a Day's Drive of Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As I got deeper into my search, I was reminded that Virginia is a state full of so much natural, cultural and historical diversity. On one end, you have mountains, and on the other, you have beaches and ocean. It was hard to decide in which direction I should go.

This establishment, built over 150 years ago across from the Mathews Court House Square, has served many different purposes. The building has served as various hotels, home to local legends (including an MGM "Goldwyn Girl"), a day care center and now a rejuvenated inn & bistro. With its 2009 “face lift,” The White Dog Inn boasts two newly, renovated, modern suites with great views of the Bay and Courthouse. It also provides two dining areas, the Chart House for coffee and the Port Side Deck for drinks and dinner. It had everything I was looking for in a bed and breakfast – a unique history, nearby cultural activities, great coffee and breakfast menus and of course, the main highlight – the beach for my morning walk.

Now that I found a perfect place along the coast, it was time to shift my research efforts in the opposite direction. I wanted to find a bed and breakfast in Virginia’s mountains. Grazing through various Internet resources and books, I came across the town of Blacksburg, Virginia.

While this town is home to Virginia Tech, it also is the home of many great bed and breakfast inns, such as the Inn at Riverbend. This bed and breakfast offers incredible hiking and fishing packages, unique breakfast options, like sour cream banana pancakes and access to shopping and antiquing in Giles County. I love the river views at Rocketts Landing, and this inn’s pictures of the New River made me feel right at home. The only addition was the expansive, panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains in the background. The more I looked at the pictures the more eager I became to try the hiking trails, the glassblowing classes and legendary pasta at the Riverbend.

Finally yet importantly, I wanted to find a bed and breakfast with access to Virginia’s famous wine country. It was not long before I discovered Orange, Virginia and the Inn on Poplar Hill.

This bed and breakfast sits on 28 acres of manicured park grounds within walking distance of downtown Orange’s restaurants, art galleries, Farmer’s Market and the Monticello wine trail. To start your day, they offer a “bountiful” breakfast and coffee in your private guestroom. For the rest of the morning and afternoon, they also offer Montpelier Excursion packages and Wine Trail Excursion packages. On the Montpelier excursion, you can investigate the mansion and participate in various archeological digs; during the wine trail excursion, the Inn arranges free tastings and tours at six Piedmont wineries, which includes dinner by awarding-winning chefs at the Barboursville Winery. I could not ask for a better day – breakfast in bed, history and great wine.

Of course, this is just a sampling of wonderful bed and breakfasts within easy reach of Rocketts Landing. With so many great places to choose from for my next weekend adventure, all I need to do now is to decide what to pack.

A Richmond Safari

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Often I stroll along the Rocketts Landing Marina enjoying the wonderful views of Richmond's downtown skyline and the beauty of the James River, but I am the first to admit that I rarely think of, or appreciate, the unique wildlife and individual natural eco-communities existing within this same environment along the river. This past week, I decided it was time to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor opportunities around me. It was time to explore.

With a little research and suggestions from my Rocketts friends, I found the “legendary” Captain Mike Ostrander, a Richmond-area fishing guide and wildlife expert, who has been leading fishing and eagle tours along the James for the past 10 years. After spending some time on his website, discoverthejames.com, I enthusiastically booked one of his two-hour wildlife tours. Little did I know that by the time my tour was over, I would learn to view my neighborhood and the James River in an entirely different light – one of extremerespect.

On a crisp, fall-like morning, I met Captain Mike just before dawn at a dock just south of Rocketts Landing, literally right around the river (no pun intended). He politely introduced himself, offered me some coffee, a warmer coat and an extra pair of binoculars. We stepped on his pontoon boat, The Discovery Barrage, and we pushed off down the river. The fog was still dancing along the water and the sun was creeping up from behind the trees when I caught my first glimpse of one of the most amazing creatures. It glided through an opening in the trees and headed directly for our boat. “That’s Bandit,” Captain Mike whispered.

This large, yet elegant bird landed on a floating log just a few feet from where we sat. I shivered. It was a bald eagle. I did not expect to witness the majestic, almost mythical appearance of a “wild” animal so close up. I felt like I was on a safari within an arm’s reach of touching an iconic American symbol.

Captain Mike could see my amazement and went on to explain the mannerisms and personality of the bird. He also shared information that I would have never expected. Bald eagles are actually “residents” of the James and stay in their defined “territories” along the river year round. They always have a designated, life-longmate. Bandit’s mate was Rocky and they were preparing to build their nest, Captain Mike later told me.

In awe of all the wonderful birds and jumping fish during the tour, I asked Captain Mike if he could pick one thing he loved most about hosting these tours. It did not take Captain Mike very long to answer. “Every day, each trip is different,” he said. “There is such a diversity of wildlife surrounding the James. From albino squirrels and white-tailed deer to Atlantic sturgeon and wild turkey…you never know what you are going to see. How cool is that?” I had to agree with Captain Mike. It was “cool.”

He went on to talk candidly about his journey along the James. “It has been about personal discovery and developing a true connection with nature. The excitement of learning something new about the habitat, especially finding another pair of resident eagles, drives me to do this the rest of my life…an added bonus, all of this is in about a five-mile stretch of the James River close to downtown. Once again, how cool is that?”

I could not help but share Captain Mike’s enthusiasm and catch his contagious, child-like excitement at every river turn and animal he was able to show me. For someone who explores this part of the River several times a week, he acted as if each thing he showed me was a new discovery.

His curious outlook and feelings toward the James and its natural offerings were inspiring. In fact, the tour has motivated me to walk along the Rocketts marina and not just admire the great skyline of Richmond, but to really appreciate and embrace the living creatures that call the River their home, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Thank you, Captain Mike.

Additional Note: Captain Mike will be presenting his wildlife photos and talking about his eagle tours and discoveries on November 17, 2010 at the Science Museum of Virginia. Stay tuned to our Facebook (hyperlink to our Facebook page) page for more information about Captain Mike and his presentation.

A Fun Farewell to Summer

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This past Labor Day weekend marked the end of the pool season, and for many, it also signaled the end of summer. To take advantage of the long holiday weekend and the last few days of summer sun, I decided to pull out my beach bag, sunscreen and bathing suit cover-up and head to one of Rocketts great amenities, the riverfront pool and pool house.

I was excited to see so many Rocketts friends and familiar faces relaxing by the pool, sharing drinks and reminiscing about this summer’s pool parties and weekends. While the discussion was light-hearted and full of laughter, we were all a little sad to see the season end.

Jeff Satterthwaite, a three-year resident of Rocketts’ Cedar Works building, did not miss a weekend at the pool this year. “With a great view of the river and a wonderful group of “regulars,” I could not imagine missing out on spending quality time with my neighbors. I have developed so many wonderful friendships, and not to mention a great tan,” joked Jason.

Emily Mitchell, the pool lifeguard, joined in the conversation. “I love working at this pool,” she said with a smile. “The atmosphere and sense of community are unlike anything I have witnessed at other neighborhood pools. Immediately, you feel part of the group – every weekend.”

I know I did! We talked about everything from grandchildren to upcoming workweeks. We shared snacks, beverages and even sunscreen. With all the great conversations, I lost track of time.

With a little too much sun and red skin beginning to show, I decided it was time to say goodbye to my friends and to the Rocketts pool season. I was sad to leave, but I was reassured by a question from one of the Rocketts Fall Line residents, “Who wants to plan a get-together this fall?”

Did someone say “football” or “apple pie?”

Sundays on the River

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

On a Sunday morning, the deck of The Boathouse Restaurant at Rocketts Landing is one of my favorite places in Richmond. Often, The Boathouse is associated with its spectacular, always-packed happy hour; however, the restaurant's Sunday brunch is definitely an experience that needs to be included on everyone's weekend to-do list.

This past Sunday, I was able to take in the sights and crowd at the weekly brunch along the James. Bloody Mary's, Mimosas and omelets were definitely on the menu, and the buzz of conversation was light and full of laughter. I was able to catch up with two Boathouse Sunday brunch regulars, Morgan Moss and Penny Patton. They told me that they try to come every Sunday they can. "It is like a mini-vacation where you get to meet great people," raved Morgan. "You can always expect the staff to be accommodating and charming," said Penny. In particular, they love Aaron Grandstaff, the waiter and bartender who often works on the patio. He always makes a point to pay the utmost attention to Penny's vegetarian requests. When Aaron delivered my peach Bellini, I had to ask, "What is your favorite thing about Sunday Brunch at The Boathouse?" With a smile, he said, "While there are a lot of Mimosas, it is definitely a different atmosphere and energy than our typical Friday and Saturday nights. It's just a perfect time to catch up with friends and relax." I must say Aaron described the atmosphere beautifully. Before leaving, I caught the attention of the busy, Sunday manager, Emmy Mott, to ask her if each Sunday is this fantastic. While I was lucky with sunny skies and somewhat reasonable temperatures for August, she assured me, "There is nothing else quite like the Boathouse. How can you beat the river views, fun drinks, menu and the great wait staff?" As a huge fan of the Rocketts community and The Boathouse, I agree with Emmy. Subtle breezes, peach Bellinis, a clever soundtrack and a generous portion of eggs - this is truly the best way to wind down your weekend and get ready for the next busy week. (By the way, they cater to all types of dietary needs. Thank you personally for making sure my omelet came out gluten-free and delicious.)

Offices Work at Rocketts

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

When you hear about Rocketts Landing, you might think about riverfront homes, great outdoor events or even boats floating along the James. However, for many business-minded individuals, Rocketts is also a place of livelihood and productivity - a place to work.

With the riverfront views, the close proximity to downtown and the wonderful community of surrounding residents and potential customers, Rocketts is the neighborhood where some of Richmond’s prominent business owners are looking for an exciting, evolving professional atmosphere.

This past week at 210 Rock, I was able to witness a typical workday. Pureculture, one of the companies located at Rocketts, was busy pitching new business ideas, working on client videos and performing other necessary tasks of a typical workday. Business was booming.

I was fortunate to grab Bob Kelley, Founder and President of Mediapond and Pureculture, in the midst of his hectic schedule. As a new 210 Rock tenant who entered into the neighborhood this summer, he was not shy about his satisfaction with the property and his decision to bring his business to Rocketts.

“There is so much positive energy in this tight-knit community,” voiced Kelley. “I feel like my business is in the center of activity and excitement, but then I am reminded by the scenic view that I am only seconds from the river and only minutes from downtown.”

He was even more passionate to share his experience moving in and working with the Rocketts management team. “From the moment we stepped foot into 210 Rock (one of Rocketts’ retail and residential buildings), they were so accommodating and made us feel extremely welcome. He also shared that within just the last two months the activity and liveliness of the neighborhood have increased, and he believes the area will continue to support major economic growth and development for the city.

With this momentum building, I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Sampling Shockoe’s Food and Community

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This past week, a new and exciting dining event, "Sampling Shockoe" took place right around the corner from Rocketts Landing, AND if you missed it, please let me assure you will want to mark your calendars for next year.

Before I put the napkin in my lap, I did a little research, as I wanted to be sure I could share the best of this local event with all of you.

First, I found out that I was getting a great deal. I would receive a three-course pre fixe menu (often accompanied by a glass of wine) for the set rate of $30. That worked for me. Second, some of Richmond's well-known Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom restaurants were going to participate, such as Caf Gutenberg, Julep's New Southern Cuisine, Millie's Diner and Dora's Brazilian Grill.

Some of the other favorites that would also be participating included: Europa, The Hard Shell, Havana '59, La Grotta, Lulu's Restaurant, Morton's, Old Original Bookbinder's Richmond, Sam Miller's, Sensi, Tobacco Company and Trevi's the Flavor of Italy Restaurant at the Omni Hotel. That is an all-star team, if you ask me.

Lastly, and somewhat mostly importantly, I found out that most places required a reservation. (I will be sure to make note of this next year!)

However, after completing my research and studying the location of each restaurant, I was hungry and ready to take on the event. Every place I went, I tried a little bit of everything, and of course, I always saved room for dessert (picture of vegan chocolate pecan tart below). However, I have to say the best part of the entire event (aside from the food, since I will never be able to pick a favorite) was the energy and positive atmosphere engulfing Shockoe and the adjacent neighborhoods. People were enjoying each other's company on restaurant patios, laughing in the streets and catching up with old friends in the bar. It was a true neighborhood party.

Josh Padarathsingh, the barista at Caf Gutenberg, summed up the event and surrounding neighborhood perfectly. "Events, like Sampling Shockoe, unify and make this area more appealing and engaging for Richmond citizens," stated Josh. "By bringing more cultural elements and positive attention to the area, patrons of the restaurants and residents cannot wait to come back."

I agree with Josh. I know I will -- especially for dessert.

A "Sky Line" View of the Dragon Boat Race

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The world's fastest growing water sport?

When I first read this bold statement - "the world's fastest growing water sport" - I have to be honest. I had my doubts. But after attending Richmond's first annual Dragon Boat Race at Rocketts Landing this past Saturday, I am a firm believer. Let me set the scene.

Sunshine and water. Families, dogs and children. Men, women and teenagers in matching crew uniforms― all different ages and ethnicities. Food, drinks and tents. Drums beating. Crowds cheering. Friends laughing.

As an advocate of Rocketts Landing and the surrounding natural beauty of the river, I was extremely excited that the event brought out so many people ― especially those who have probably never been to Rocketts Landing or witnessed what amazing amenities it has to offer.

However, what was even more exciting and unique, for that matter, (and the highlight of my day) was the fact that I was invited to watch part of the day’s festivities from the balcony of a top-floor condo in Rocketts Landing’s Sky Line building.

Wow.

Judy Arenstein, a two-year homeowner at Rocketts Landing, just raved about the unique experiences, like the Dragon Boat race, that she has along the river almost every day. “The view is beautiful, and I feel like I am in the middle of everything,” she told me. Her grandchildren love coming to visit, and I can definitely see why.

Thanks to Judy, I was able to get some great food, learn more about the Dragon Boat culture between the boat races, enjoy the incredible view, talk with Judy’s friends and fellow neighbors (Ray Inscoe, three-year resident pictured below) , and hear the reason why Ray decided to move into Rocketts along some other neighbors.

“My children had left for college and we lived in the suburbs,” explained Ray. “I wanted something special and when I found Rocketts, I could not pass it up.” Once again, I can see why.

Once the drumming, racing and excitement began to die down, I thanked all the Rocketts residents and friends (and the Judy’s cat, Toby) for showing me a great time, hospitality (and view).

While I will definitely check the Internet occasionally to learn more about the Dragon Boat culture and where the next race may be, I will definitely keep checking back at Rocketts Landing for more unique events to attend. I may even stop by and check in with my new friends, Judy and Ray, to get firsthand accounts of the exciting developments taking place just outside downtown Richmond.

A Tomato of a Time

Rocketts Landing — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Richmond foodies rave about the tomatoes grown around the Richmond region, which apparently is due to the rich soil here.

As such, summer wouldn't be complete without eating some of the area's locally grown tomatoes. And this weekend, Richmond's hosting a festival to celebrate them.

This Saturday, July 24, the 9th Annual Shockoe Tomatoe Festival takes place at the 17th Street Farmer's Market in Shockoe Bottom. The goal of the event is to celebrate the importance of local produce and the farmers who produce it.

"We really want to emphasize fresh, locally grown products," says Market Manager George Bolos. "We also want to celebrate [Richmond] restaurants and their creativity."

Presented by the 17th Street Farmer's Market and the Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Association, the event's main feature is a cooking competition. Up to 20 participants will create tomato-themed dishes with the only requirement that each dish must be made using Virginia-grown tomatoes.

Past competitors have entered everything from tomato wine to tomato fudge.

While many Shockoe Bottom restaurants are competing, such as Café Gutenberg, LuLu's and River City Diner, participants don't have to represent a restaurant in order to compete. Anyone who has a hankering for cooking and is willing to work within the event's theme is able to compete.

Live music will be provided by Virginia-based bluegrass band The New Oldz. Festival participants will also sell their tomato creations.

Bolos said a water mister will be on-hand at the event to help provide some welcome relief from the expected heat on Saturday.

The Shockoe Tomato Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. To learn more about the event or register to participate, please visit the Market's website.

Photo courtesy of the 17th Street Farmer's Market

Swim, Bike, Run at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The heat? That's just another challenge to be bested. The river? They've got that one covered.

The 2010 Rocketts Landing Triathlon is this Sunday, July 25, and thus far, more than 400 people have signed up to participate, which is a 15 to 20 percent increase in attendance from last year's inaugural event.

"It's really exciting to have a race like this on the James River," says Richmond Multisports President and Race Director Laurie Mehler. "We have a strong triathlon community in Richmond, and our vision is to attract 1000 participants over the next few years."

The race begins at 7:00 a.m., and participants will compete in three different courses featuring Olympic-sanctioned distances.

The swim starts and finishes at the Rocketts Boathouse Virginia Boat Club platform. And because weather disabled the swimming course last year, two alternate routes are available should the weather and river tides make the original course difficult to navigate. The bike course is rural and winds through the Henrico County countryside toward Battlefield Park and finishes at Rocketts Landing. The run course sends racers toward downtown, over the 14th Street Bridge (Mayo Bridge) and onto the James River Park floodwall cinder path.

In addition to the triathlon, participants are also competing in a duathlon, two- or three-person relays, aquabikes (cycles of swimming and cycling, only) and aquathons (cycles of swimming and running).

Participants will enjoy an after-party on the banks of the river. Food will be provided by P.F. Chang's and live music features the cover band Sloth Loves Chunk. Beer and wine will also be available.

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit Fulton Hill's Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC).

Though interested participants can no longer sign up online, Richmond Multisports will be accepting on-site registrations. They are also still in need of volunteers to help on the day of the race.

And despite the anticipated hot weather, Mehler believes the event will be a success.

"The demographics for a triathlon is pretty special," says Mehler. "I believe it's going to be a great second-year event."

To learn more about the triathlon or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit the Rocketts Landing Triathlon website. You can also view more photos from last year's triathlon on our gallery.

Beyond the Multiplex: Richmond's Classic Theaters

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Richmond's past is steeped in the performance arts, which is evident in the number of historic theaters speckled throughout the city. For those interested to explore our city's classic theater houses, we've compiled a list featuring some of Richmond's oldest theaters still in operation.

The Byrd Theatre
A State and National historic landmark, Carytown's The Byrd Theatre first opened in 1928 and remains a local staple. Named after one of Richmond's founders, William Byrd, the theater has been a devoted cinema since day one. The Byrd is equipped with a Dolby Digital sound system (donated in 2004 by Ray Dolby, himself) and runs second-run movies for $1.99 while also playing host to a variety of independent movie festivals and performances. The theater seats 1300 (in most of the original chairs) and occasionally opens its balcony. With classic architectural details reminiscent of a French opera house, patrons can enjoy sitting underneath a 18-foot, two-and-a-half-ton Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier surrounded by the original murals of Greek mythology. On Saturday nights before the movies begin, House Organist Bob Gullege plays classic tunes on the theater's original Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, which has become a treasured Richmond tradition.

The National
Located downtown on Broad Street, The National originally opened in 1923 as an old-style vaudeville performance house and for decades featured both prominent Broadway shows and first-run movies. Originally designed by architect Claude Howell (who also designed many stately Monument Avenue homes), the building is adorned by an array of nymphs, which were installed by famed sculptor Ferruccio Legnaioli. The theater closed in the 1980s, and after sitting idle (and near demolition) for two decades, The National underwent a meticulous renovation, which restored the theater to its original state. Reopened in 2008, today the theater is a devoted and popular music venue, seating 1500, and features a wide variety of nationally acclaimed artists, as well as local talent, almost every night of the week.

Landmark Theater
The Landmark Theater (formally known as the Mosque) was opened in Richmond in 1927 by the ACCA Temple of the Mystic Shrine and became a city-owned performance venue in 1940. Home to many of Richmond's Broadway and symphonic shows, the Landmark Theater seats 3,565 and features one of the largest pipe organs in the South, with the grandest pipe measuring 16 feet long. The theater's iconic, elaborate dome is designed with 75,000 square feet of gold leaf and 35,000 square feet of aluminum leaf. Interior details also include an array of tiles imported from Spain, Italy and Tunis, and expansive Saracenic murals adorning the walls, which work together to create an exotic, yet classic, theater-going experience.

Carpenter Theatre
Recently renovated and re-opened as a part of Richmond's newest performance arts complex, CenterStage, the Carpenter Theatre (also known locally as the Carpenter Center) is located downtown and first opened in 1928. The Carpenter Theatre is currently home to Virginia Opera and also features performances that range from acclaimed musicians, Broadway plays, comedic acts, symphonic troupes and more. Architectural details are inspired by Moorish and Spanish baroque styles, and include fiber optic stars that twinkle above the audiences against a midnight-painted sky — a concept included in the original design by architect John Eberson.

Two More Reasons to Dine Out

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is about to have some company.

A new riverfront restaurant on the banks of the James River is in the works. Located next to The Boathouse, the restaurant will feature a Key West-inspired, casual dining atmosphere and menu, with an anticipated opening of Spring 2011.

There's also a third restaurant on the horizon for 210 Rock — whose details we'll soon share — which may open as early as this September.

Both eateries have experienced Richmond restaurateurs separately behind them.

We'll keep you posted on the developments as updates are available — so stay tuned.

It's About Quality, not Quantity

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

 The 7th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta took place on Saturday, June 12, and despite the heat, over 300 people came out for the event.   

Participants from the Virginia Boat Club and Williamsburg competed against each other in scrimmage-style sprints. While the turnout of participants was lower than anticipated this year, the focus was on creating a lively social event, which Virginia Boat Club President Mark Willis deemed a success. 

 "All in all, despite lower participation, [the regatta] was very successful," said Willis. "We had a lot of spectators, a lot more than I expected, which generated a lot of activity on the river."   

The competing sprints included women's masters 2 and 4, men's masters 4, mixed masters 4 and mixed 8. Waters were a bit choppy due to a high wind blowing through the Richmond area, which added an extra competitive edge to the course.

 The Virginia Boat Club finished first in all but one sprint.   

After the race, participants and spectators relaxed at an after-party hosted by local attorney, Elliott Park, and assisted by Virginia Boat Club volunteers.    

In looking forward to next year's event, Willis hopes to attract more regional clubs to participate.   

"We're still looking to make it more of a regional event and to generate more outside interest in the regatta," said Willis. "I think we've got it down in terms of how to put on an event and have a good time, and I think the more clubs you have, the more fun it is for everyone."

210 Rock Welcomes Another Commercial Tenant

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

When Pure Culture Consulting, a Richmond-based strategic planning company, decided it was time to relocate their office from its current Shockoe Slip location, they looked throughout the city for six months to find the ideal spot.

Upon visiting Rocketts Landing, Founder and President Bob Kelley knew he found the location he was seeking at 210 Rock.

"I felt like our brand, as well as our clients, aligned really well with Rocketts Landing," says Kelley.

Ensuring the company's office space is conducive to his clients is important to Kelley.

As a strategic planning company focusing on helping businesses achieve growth through business strategy, branding and culture, Kelley engages his clients in learning retreats and forums, which up until now have been conducted offsite. Kelley says his new location enables him to use the approximately 2400-square-foot office space as a learning lab for his clients.

"I run a CEO growth forum," says Kelley, "and when I run the next ones I'll be able to conduct it in my own space."

He also will have the extra office space needed for the growth of their new business division, Media Pond, which provides video production services.

While Kelley plans to open for business in their new location beginning July 1, they are currently in the final push of planning and organizing the new layout and interior design.

"[Rocketts Landing] was really flexible on letting us design our own space," says Kelley. "There's always constraints on older buildings, so we're getting custom built space for us, which is great."

To learn more about Pure Culture Consulting, please visit their website.

Learn to Row: the Thrill of the Competition

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After a little over four weeks of the Virginia Boat Club's Learn to Row classes, I admit I wasn't nervous to compete in the 7th Annual Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta until I was actually on the river. 

But sitting with my oar "squared and buried" in the water and waiting for the start of a sprint reminded me of sitting harnessed in a roller coaster waiting for the 0 – 60 launch to shoot me off on the ride — I was instantly filled with nervous excitement.   

Before race day, we only attempted the course's full length (1000 meters) once, and had no coxswain to aid in navigation. With each stroke, we rowed in zigzagged lines, completing only 500 meters as opposed to the race-day 1000.   

And as the regatta revealed, 1000 meters is much more difficult and requires even more focus.  

 To complete a strong race from start to finish, I had to become completely in the moment. Not looking at the boats beside me. Not looking up at the spectators cheering on the banks. Not engaging in conversation while waiting for the sprint to start. Not paying attention to how hot the sun felt.   

Because there were many people around, boats travelling to and from the water, and sprints starting back to back, distractions were plentiful. And while racing, turning my focus to the other teams to see how well they were competing against us was extremely tempting.   

Actually, the fact that I couldn't even see the competition while I competed made racing even more challenging. Unlike other sports, such as soccer, cycling and running, where you can easily gauge your performance against your competition, rowers race backwards and must keep their attention on the rowers in front of them. 

 So, while I was racing with full strength and could only see my crewmate's back, I realized how very dependent we are on the coxswain's commands to judge the success and speed of our crew's efforts.    

And when we reached the halfway mark, and I was rowing at full speed and my hands were sore and all my muscles were pushed to the limit, the last thing I felt like hearing was the coxswain yelling for a "Power 20!" (20 rows straight with full power). At this point, turning around to see how much further to go until we could pull into second or first, or even reach the finish line felt necessary.  Almost like I needed that visual connection to the course and competition to propel my body into superpower mode.   

But I kept going, and completed one of the best total body workouts. 

 And while each sprint I participated in finished last — my four shell possibly could've finished first had we not caught so many crabs with our oars (when the water pulls the oar under) — it didn't matter. The fact that I completed my very first regatta after only 12 classes of instructions is enough of a feat to make anyone feel proud.

And every butterfly in my stomach count.

Racing on the River

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

 The Seventh Annual Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta takes place this Saturday, June 12, and sunny skies are on the horizon.

 Hosted by the Virginia Boat Club, the regatta attracts clubs from across the region to compete in 1000-meter sprints on the James River. While registration is down slightly, the focus for this year's regatta is on bringing the community together for an engaging social event.

Virginia Boat Club President Mark Willis says the regatta will provide a great experience for all registrants and spectators. 

 "This year, it will be a couple of crews joining for a scrimmage," says Willis. "We'll keep [the race] flexible, which means it will be less frantic and a bit more relaxed."   

Masters and Master Novices from the Virginia Boat Club and a Williamsburg crew team will be competing this year.   

The regatta's lineup will include women's twos; men's, women's and mixed fours; and women's, men's and mixed eights. USRA officials will referee all events while the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary controls the course. 

 A post party is planned for after the regatta, which is open to both participants and spectators.  

"We plan on making this into a social event everyone will enjoy," says Willis.   

The regatta runs between 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Rocketts Landing marina. To learn more, please visit the Virginia Boat Club's website.

Learn to Row: Week 4

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I've officially entered a new stage in my rowing: consistent calluses on the palms of my hands.

And I have to admit — I am rather proud of my calluses.

We have only two classes left in the course before my Learn to Row class debuts in the Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta this Saturday, June 12, and we're scheduled to compete in both the eight and four shell races (eight and four rowers per boat, respectively). With various races between us, I need those calluses to avoid painful blisters on a hot day of competition.

Up until this past Saturday, we'd only rowed an eight shell, but given the fact we've learned (yet not necessarily conquered) an array of rowing skills and techniques thus far, I imagined changing the size of the boat wouldn't make a large difference in our ability to row. In fact, rowing in a smaller boat seemed slightly easier, since you have less people to synchronize and a smaller shell to stabilize.

Boy, was I wrong — transitioning to a four shell requires even more attention to balance.

With half as many rowers steadying up the boat, you are more vulnerable to slight movements rocking the vessel from side to side. And when the boat starts tipping heavily, practicing correct technique and timing becomes practically impossible. Sometimes, you can't pull your oar away from skimming the water's surface at all; other times, the oar hangs too high in the air, and landing into a smooth catch (the moment your blade enters the water) is complicated.

Somehow, though, these difficulties make conquering the skills that much more satisfying.

Since every technique you learn has nuanced layers of skills attached, I'm quite impressed with what we've been able to achieve in only four weeks. And while none of us are master rowers yet, I believe the race this Saturday will prove to be a success — not because I expect we'll win any sprints, but because we'll actually be out on the water rowing without our coach to guide us.

And with the end of our rowing course approaching, and no other day left to test our skills in a four shell, as we take up our oars (in our callused hands) for that first solo sprint, let's hope we find our wings.

Another Commercial Tenant Lands at Rocketts

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

210 Rock is about to get artsy.    

The Art Department is one of Rocketts Landing's newest commercial tenants, and they opened for business on May 30. As a full-curriculum art school, students receive in-depth and industry-leading instruction on traditional and digital art education in the fields of drawing and painting, illustration and entertainment design.

The Art Department will offer a 30-month program designed to enrich the technical and business skills artists need to succeed as full-time professionals in their field.  

 "We offer the same amount of information as traditional design colleges, but we do it in a shorter time," says Sterling Hundley, Director of The Art Department, Richmond. "Our whole purpose is to train students to get into their industries, as quickly as possible."   

The school focuses on offering cutting-edge education from industry leaders.  

 "Our faculty are some of the top current illustrators, entertainment artists and gallery artists from around the world," says Hundley. 

 Classes will be taught online, but students will have the opportunity to immerse in studio assignments in person and surround themselves with other students enrolled in the program.   Richmond is one of five storefront locations or "pods" across the country. The other four locations include: Kansas City, MO; Austin, TX; and Berkley and San Francisco, CA.   

Because the curriculum is delivered online, students and instructors can live anywhere. Hundley said there is no average age for their students, who range from the traditional undergraduate age to adults who've been out of school for decades. 

 "We're excited to redefine art education," says Hundley. "The traditional art education today is akin to being a Hollywood movie star. We're doing everything in our power so students can enter the professional world and be as competitive as possible, immediately." 

 To learn more about their curriculum or to enroll in the program, please visit The Art Department's website.

Learn to Row: Week 3

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

And they're off — well, almost.

In preparation for Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta on June 12, my Learn to Row crew team with the Virginia Boat Club is making steady progress on absorbing (and applying) our newfound rowing skills. Up until now, we'd only once tried rowing with all eight people at the same time, and the outcome was wobbly and challenging at best. The past week, however, we made great progress successfully rowing at once, and thus far, we've succeeded in not tipping the boat over. Actually, we are rowing better than I anticipated, although we still have progress to make before we are "race ready."

But what does it really mean to be prepared for a regatta?

Becoming a "race ready" team entails quite a wide range of skills the rowers must gain. At the minimum, within only four more practices left, we must be able to:

1. Synchronize eight rowers without disrupting the boat's balance,
2. Decrease the amount of time it takes to launch and dock by at least half, and
3. Skillfully feather and square our oars during strokes, in unison.

While those skills might not seem like much to accomplish, the truth is each skill set has multiple layers of abilities enabling a rower to achieve the above task.

So, for example, in order to skillfully feather your oar (pull it parallel to the water when recovering for the next stroke) you must make sure you are correctly holding the oar with your outside hand locked just firmly enough for you to grip the oar, but loosely enough that the oar handle can rotate in your grip; meanwhile, your inner hand and wrist are responsible for twisting the oar and pulling it into the feathered position above the water. The outside wrist remains stiff and straight. The inner wrist breaks and twists.

And all of this is done while employing full strokes that correctly balance the shell while looking at the back of the person in front of you — not your oar. In fact, while rowing, you should very rarely look at your oars at all.

In every stroke and recovery, a rower's attention is on one of two places: the stroke position's guiding rhythm (stroke position is the rower who leads the strokes for the rest of the team) and the back of the person one to two people in front of you. Only if you direly need to correct your stroke, and can't do so without looking, should you ever focus your attention away from the rhythm of the rowers.

Because you must perfect your technique without consistently watching your form, much of a rower's skill is dependent on an ability to internally gauge your actions. We must feel the boat's rhythm, the oars' movements, the rowers' recoveries, the wrists' twisting, the oars' catching, the water's current ...

And only four more classes left.

Learn to Row: Week 2

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I have six Learn to Row classes behind me now with roughly eight more to go until our participation in Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta in June.

And we are starting to shape up.

Granted, we still have a ways to go before we are ready for the regatta, but with each practice, we're showing new signs of improvement.

As a team, we're getting better at carrying the boat down to the dock — which means we're increasing our speed and decreasing inefficiency. If you're unfamiliar with rowing, this feat might not sound like an impressive accomplishment, but preparing to launch is no simple task. Before we can push away from the dock, we all must:

Bring the oars down to the dock
Take the coach's launch boat to the dock
Move any other boat or apparatus that is in the way of our boat within the club
Synchronize our movements to lift the eight shell and carry it out of the club
Carry the shell at our shoulders down to the dock
Delicately place the shell onto the water
Open the oarlocks on the riggings and install the oars
On the coach's (and soon coxswain's) command, slide the starboard oars out onto the water
Take off our shoes (while holding onto the boat)
On the same call, place one foot into the boat and sit down
Place our feet in the boat's shoes and ensure they are at the right measurement for our height (while holding onto the oars)
Wait for the coach's (coxswain's) command and push off

Each step requires strength and balance, and the ability to work as a synchronized team. With every class, the straining and mumbling as our arms buckle under the boat's weight decreases — as does the time it takes us to complete the process.

In and out of the water, speed is a desired quality when rowing. You want to make your movements as quick and efficient as possible; it's also common etiquette while on the dock. Because there are frequently other teams waiting to get out of or onto the river (especially during a race), putting your own boat into and taking it out of the water quickly is respected — and expected.

Ironically, however, speed can work against you on the water. If you row too quickly and aren't synched up with the leading strokes, you'll quickly throw off the entire boat's rhythm, timing and balance.

So, to help us troubleshoot our united speed and accuracy, we learned new rowing drills to focus on our form and timing. We've also begun feathering our oars, which involves flipping our oars parallel to the water when recovering for the next stroke (and actually requires more technique than I ever expected).

On only one occasion thus far have we tried synchronously rowing with all eight rowers — with good reason. While we have improved controlling our boat's balance on the water, transferring the technique into eight people rowing at the same time will take more practice. But, considering how far we've come after only six classes, I feel confident we will nail this technique soon.

So with a few more weeks to go, I'm hoping my next post will announce:

"And they're off!"

Learn to Row: Week 1

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I'm one week into the Virginia Boat Club's Learn to Row course in preparation for Rocketts Landing's Sprints Regatta in June, and after three practices, I'm already hooked.  

 And my muscles are sore — from my shoulders to my legs to my fingers.   

Lessons are Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings, for four straight weeks. There are 10 people in the class, and we are learning to row in an eight shell, which as you'd guess, seats eight people. At the end of the course, we'll all compete in the regatta. 

 This past Saturday was our first day actually rowing on the water. And given that we'd only had two full instructional classes before going out on the James River, I wasn't sure what to expect — or if we'd even make it beyond the dock at Rocketts Landing. After our first successful trip on the water, however, I am feeling more confident that we can be whipped into shape to offer up some relatively solid competition by June.   

The top five most important lessons I've learned thus far are: 

1. You and the boat depend on each other completely.  

Once on the water, the only things keeping the boat from tipping over are the oars, my rowing mates and myself. Unlike other river sports, such as canoeing, the boat isn't able to remain upright on its own, so without the right balance, the boat dips from side to side, making steady, controlled progress a challenge. And when we fill the boat with nine people, balanced and proportioned movement is key to staying properly afloat. Even if you aren't rowing the oars, you must actively take part in balancing or "steadying up" the boat by applying just enough pressure on the oars against the water so you help keep the shell balanced at all times.  

2. Collaboration is everything. 

Rowing is the epitome of a team sport. Just as the boat must be in perfect balance with the rowers, the rowers' timing must be perfectly synched — in everything. From carrying the boat out of the Club to catching our oars in the water, every movement is a group effort. Fail to collaborate smoothly and you risk anything from dropping the boat to tipping over. The way a chandelier's brightness is determined by the strength of each individual light, so too is our vessel's strength united by every rower's contribution.  

3. Never move without a coxswain's command.

 For strong-willed individuals, I could foresee this lesson being difficult to get used to. A coxswain is the team member who doesn't actively row but is responsible for guiding the team's efforts and navigation. Whether we're carrying the boat to and from the dock, or reversing our direction on the river, the coxswain keeps everyone's movements united and leads the way, so we maximize our efforts while minimizing inefficiency and potential injuries (to the boat and ourselves).  

4. Upper body strength is essential.

 Honestly, I didn't realize how much my shoulders needed strengthening until we had to lift one of the boats up over our heads on our very first lesson. These boats are heavy. And even when you have at least eight people lifting the boat in unison, the boat is still heavy. Couple a heavy boat with having to carry it above your shoulders along the bank, down a set of stairs and then turning and placing it gently atop the water, and doing this again when you return to the club (after over an hour of rowing), and muttering under your breath as your shoulders burn becomes too easy. So, I'm hitting the weights.

5. Never wear baggy clothing.

 When you first sign up for the class, you are forewarned that baggy clothing and rowing don't mix. Because your seat rolls back-and-forth within the boat, any material hanging near the wheels is vulnerable to entanglement. And after seeing first-hand what can happen when this rule is ignored, I completely understand why everyone wears spandex.  

After learning so much in only three classes and one trip on the water, I look forward to the upcoming new developments and lessons. So stay tuned as I continue sharing my Learn to Row experiences.

Wind-Chill Factor for Cap2Cap

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I participated in the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation's Cap2Cap bike ride this past weekend, and like last year, I showed up bright and early to pedal along with other spandex-clad bikers.

Each year, the ride draws more than a thousand cycling enthusiasts and raises money for amenities on the Virginia Capital Trail, a multi-use path that will link Richmond with Williamsburg.

 The ride doesn't use the actual trail, but instead meanders through the lush countryside east and south of Richmond. We started in Henrico and traveled through the farmlands of Charles City County, looping back near the Richmond International Airport.

And from my perspective, the Cap2Cap bike ride was harder this year. A stiff wind blew in our faces for the second half of the ride. On the overpasses it was particularly windy, but not as bad on the country roads.

So, I needed motivation. Luckily I had a carrot at the end of my stick: Buzz & Ned's barbeque at the finish line.

Riders could choose between three different distances: 25, 50 and 100 miles. The most hardcore riders went 100; I opted for 50, with Rocketts Landing as the starting point.

The wind, which felt around 20 miles an hour at times, made the last two hours much harder. And now that I'm comfortably inside at a computer and recollecting, I realize I pulled from the same mentality that's helpful for accomplishing any task or challenge: break the task into small segments with a reward at the end of each one.

One of my favorite parts of the ride are the rest stops — or as they call them on this ride, "Feed Zones."

The stops occur about every 15 miles.

But you can't stay too long sipping PowerAde and munching on goldfish crackers and cookies, or else you start to lose your resolve and your quadriceps cramp up. So, I averaged around five minutes max at the three individual rest stops.

During the Zones, there was a small voice in my head saying, "Rest just a little longer," or "Sit down, you earned it."

But, you have to shush that voice and keep the momentum moving. The best way I've found for continued movement is to out-reason the voice:

"Fifteen more miles 'til barbeque."

Finishing the race, I made three trips through the lunch line, filling my paper plate with chicken and pork. But I only ate two plates. My first blew away — that's how windy it was. (I'm not sure how many plates of food were allowed, so if you didn't get any, sorry.)

You can only imagine how this type of wind feels on a bike, so now I'm even more ready for next year.

Another Ride, Another Year Closer to the Finish Line

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Put on your helmet.

For the third year in a row, the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation's Cap2Cap bike ride will bring cycling enthusiasts together to help raise money and awareness for a multi-use, 50-mile path that will connect Williamsburg with Richmond. Several sections of the trail are completed with more under construction.

The ride takes place on Saturday and begins at two different locations, along the James River in Rocketts Landing and beside the Chickahominy River at James City County's Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Participants can choose to ride three different courses: 25, 50 or 100 miles. Both locations offer plenty of scenic views, and cyclists must start and finish at the same location.

More than 1600 riders are expected to participate this year, which is an increase of 200 registrants over 2009. (We will have a first-hand account of the ride early next week.)

"The 25-mile route is the fastest growing trail, which shows me that we have a strong interest in the Capital Trail ride," says Beth Weisbrod, the executive director for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

All proceeds generated from the Cap2Cap bike ride benefit the Trail and help provide necessary funding for completing the highly anticipated bike (and walking) path.

Throughout the course, riders can receive water and snacks from posts every nine miles; however, Weisbrod does encourage riders to bring their own energy snacks and water bottles.

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is still in need of afternoon volunteers for the ride. If you are interested to help out, you can register online today.

No Mud at Derby Day

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The dance floor was packed, the hats were abundant and the sun was shining here unlike the rain down in Kentucky.

 Rocketts Landing hosted the Richmond Ballet's 17th Annual Kentucky Derby Day Party for the third year in a row to a sold-out crowd of over 350 people who enjoyed the festivities under a huge tent in Rocketts' central quad. The Richmond Ballet's Community Relations Manger Caitlyn Powitz referred to the event as an "unprecedented success."

The popular cocktail for the afternoon: the Mint Juleps. 

 A large television and full screen displayed the 136th running of the classic race, which everyone gathered around at 6:15 pm. Lisa Schaffner, the event's co-chair, played MC for the night.   

"It's been so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves," said Schaffner.    

Conversation quieted down as the Derby began, and after Super Savor won the highly anticipated first leg of the Triple Crown, the crowd broke away to enjoy the dinner buffet by David Napier's White House Catering.   

The delicious spread of food included dishes such as seared Rockfish and grilled vegetables. And though the line was long, people moved quickly enough to fill their plates, finish eating and hit the dance floor to enjoy the sounds of Souler Coaster before the sun even began to set.   

All event proceeds benefited the Richmond Ballet, and against the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, everyone seemed pleased to be able to enjoy the party while supporting the local nonprofit. 

 "My family is an avid supporter of the arts," said attendee Paul Rice, "and this party ranks high up there as far as getting people together to enjoy a great party while helping out a cause."

Learn to Row, the Classes Begin

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The 6th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta is a little over a month away, and in preparation for the event, I've decided to dive into the sport and blog about my experience.

Starting this Saturday morning, on May 8, I'll take my first session of the Virginia Boat Club's Learn to Row class. Aimed at beginning rowers, nine other participants and I will learn the techniques and collaborative team efforts needed to successfully row down the James River.

We'll be out on the river three days a week for five weeks straight, and I look forward to experiencing what I've heard numerous seasoned rowers express already — the addiction to rowing. And in order to give us a real goal to achieve, the final class involves competing in the Sprints Regatta — which I admit, I didn't know when signing up for the class, but I am thrilled to be competing in.

In the Regatta, two different techniques will be used: sweeping and sculling.

In short, sweep rowers use one oar; scullers use two. As a rower's skill level increases, sculling is the more common technique. For the course of Learn to Row, we will all learn to sweep.

I've never rowed before, but I do enjoy paddling, so I hope to transition easily into the new sport. And because I've not competed in a team sport in quite some time, I'm glad my classmates and I are all starting at the same rowing skill level.

Throughout the class, I'll blog about my experiences and offer first-hand rowing perspectives on the James River. Be sure to check back and track my progress.

Let the classes begin!

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Boat Club

A River of Possibilities

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Now that spring is officially in the air, so too is enjoying the James River with family and friends.

To get an insider's tip on the some of the best places to visit by boat, I chatted with Tory Wiles, Co-Owner of The Mariners Club, (read our article about The Mariners Club). Fortunately, he was just about to test one of their new boats for a trip down the James River to Newport News.

  Traveling to Newport News by boat going 35 mph takes almost two hours without stopping along the way. Chances are, however, you'll want to calculate additional travel time into your journey, as boating downriver offers some wonderful mini-trips. And best of all, the round-trip can be done on only one tank of gas. 

 To begin, 15 minutes south of Rocketts Landing you'll find what locals call "The Islands," which includes Hatcher, Farrar and Turkey Islands. A popular docking spot for area boaters, you can enjoy sandy shorelines and many coves great for swimming, picnicking and fishing.    

The river starts to widen 10 minutes further, as you approach Hopewell, which offers an opportunity to jump in the water and test your tubing and waterskiing skills. If you're interested in an early pit stop, the Hopewell City Marina has ramps that are open to the public year round and two pump stations on site. The Dockside Restaurant also welcomes boaters at their dock.   

Traveling a bit further east, you'll encounter Jamestown.  

 If you'd like to enjoy a quick visit of the historic settlement, you can easily dock directly across the river from Jamestown and take the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. For those who'd rather hit the beach and enjoy a picnic, the Jamestown Beach Campground offers a mile stretch of sandy beaches complete with picnic tables and grill pits. The Kingsmill Marina is also located nearby and has 15 transient boat slips and full-service dockside fueling. Their marina and store is equipped with boating and fishing supplies, and you can enjoy golfing, tennis and other recreational activities at the Kingsmill Resort & Spa.   

Travel 30 minutes more, and you'll arrive at Newport News, where an array of dining and shopping options are available. Tory recommends the Crabshack Restaurant, a popular spot conveniently located near the marina. While on the river, you can also experience great views of the Naval Yard, though this is not open to public.   

No matter if you travel straight to Newport News or enjoy leisurely stops along the way, expect to enjoy an abundance of nature surrounding you. With hawks swooping by, a variety of wildlife and lush greenery, and many fishing opportunities, a day on the river can appease the whole family.   

If you are interested to take a trip but don't own a boat, The Mariners Club is currently accepting memberships for their 2010 season. To learn more, please visit their website.

GMU Wins First Place in Regatta

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The results of Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta are in, and thankfully, in addition to a good crowd, great weather was also in attendance.   

Around 200 people showed up to cheer on the rowers on April 10. In total, the Collegiate Regatta had 42 entries and ran 12 races. The top place winner was George Mason University Men, who dominated all but one men's event. Locally, the University of Richmond Women's Varsity 8 stood out with a strong performance.   

"The schools really enjoyed [the race] and are planning to come back next year," said Yuriy Levitskiy, the coach for VCU's crew team, the regatta organizer. "They're hoping that local events continue happening here and gaining speed in Richmond."   

Because high winds and choppy waters ended last year's inaugural regatta, Levitskiy recruited the Coast Guard and Henrico Police to manage this year's safety measures.    

"It was a huge difference having the Coast Guard there," said Levitskiy. "They absolutely made the day and the event possible."   

Levitskiy himself participated in the Regatta's alumni race, which included Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Maryland and William & Mary. VCU alumni won both the Men and Women races.  

 In looking to next year's regatta, Levitskiy said he's hoping to attract a few more crews to compete, including increasing the number of regional teams coming from North Carolina and Maryland.   

"Just like popular Richmond events, like Strawberry Hill, that are well-attended and a local tradition," said Levitskiy, "I'd like to see these Rocketts Landing Regattas pick up and become an event people plan to attend every year."

If You Rebuild It, They Will Come

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Crossing over the James River into Southside, you'll find the remnants of a vibrant, independent city that was once Richmond's commercial and retail competitor: Manchester. 

 Today, Manchester is one of Richmond's budding historic districts filled with century-old warehouses and lofts attracting a variety of developers, businesses, artists and residents. Some of the neatest businesses include scooter shop Scoot Richmond and Southside's beloved Legend Brewery restaurant and brewpub.   

This year Manchester is celebrating 100 years of their annexation into Richmond city. 

 So, why did two independent cities eventually become one? 

 In short, Manchester and Richmond's divide was creating a heavy tax burden due to the toll bridges and toll ferries Manchester residents were required to pay, in addition to their thoroughfares' frequent destruction from floods. In 1910, after 35 years of negotiations, Manchester agreed to Richmond's annexation with the arrangement that a free bridge be built, thus uniting — rather than dividing — the two cities.

  And for years, everything went smoothly.   

Up until the 1950s, Manchester remained a bustling economic center with its own Christmas parade down Hull Street, plenty of shopping and even a theatre where famous performers played, including Elvis Presley.  

 All of that changed, however, as property owners began neglecting their buildings and the experimental housing project, Blackwell, was built with the purpose of uniting both affluent and poor individuals in the same area. The exact opposite resulted, however, and as crime and race relations escalated, home and business owners closed their doors, leading to vast urban decay.   

Fast forward 50 years. Manchester is once again establishing itself within the community.    

With a vibrant, artsy, industrial vibe coupled with easy access to river trails, wall climbing and the Flood Walk, Southside's Manchester district is growing.   

In honor of Manchester's 100th anniversary of the annexation, the Valentine Richmond History Center is hosting a photography and art exhibit chronicling Manchester's history. "Manchester: From Sister City to South Richmond" opened April 15 and runs until August. To learn more about the exhibit, please visit their website.

Photo courtesy of Valentine Richmond History Center

And They’re Off!

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

  The Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta is one day away, and this year the weather looks like it will cooperate.   

Harsh weather ended last year's regatta prematurely with waves swamping boats and several rowers needing to be rescued. Plus, many unexpected boaters and fisherman on the river presented an obstacle for rowers.

 Though the weather can't be controlled, VCU Crew's Head Coach and Regatta organizer Yuriy Levitskiy says they've tried to work out kinks from last year, and he is optimistic this year's race will run smoothly. 

 "There will be three Coast Guard vessels doing traffic control," said Levitskiy. "Henrico Police will be there, and they will also have their fire boat performing emergency services."   

As an event, Levitskiy's overall goal with the Collegiate Regatta is to improve the rowing venue in Richmond.   

"By attracting other institutions, universities and colleges, I hope that having a well-rounded regatta is improving our venue," said Levitskiy, "so in the future, people think of Richmond as a serious course to consider, not just something that happens every now and then." 

 Six collegiate teams and row clubs from across the state are expected to participate, including William & Mary, George Mason University Men, James Madison University and University of Richmond. Levitskiy hopes that as the regatta's reputation spreads, more participants will be attracted from Western Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. 

 Heats are treated as their own race, and each first-place winner will walk away with a medal. Rowers will compete in Men's and Women's Collegiate Pairs, Fours and Eights. An Alumni Fours heat is also scheduled.    

On land, spectators can enjoy picnic-style concessions provided by VCU Crew volunteers, as well as musical entertainment. 

Click here to see more photos from last year's regatta.

 Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta will take place this Saturday, April 10, from 10 am to 2 pm. To learn more about the race and VCU Crew, please visit their website.

Lofty Achievements for the Downtown Loft Tour

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It was like looking at a glossy magazine, only live.    

On March 27, Venture Richmond sponsored the 2010 Downtown Loft Tour, which took 1,050 ticket holders on bus trips through six downtown neighborhoods to see nine buildings and 15 lofts.  

 "We had a really good mix of people turn out," says Lucy Meade, Director of Marketing and Development for Venture Richmond. "We've received a lot of feedback, and [our guests] enjoyed seeing the variety of lofts downtown, from the smaller ones to penthouses and everything in between."   

Rocketts Landing had five lofts featured in the tour.   

While the Loft Tour gives residents a chance to share their living styles with fellow Richmonders, it's also a way for the city to showcase what downtown living has to offer.   

"There are a lot of people who come downtown year after year for only one particular reason," explains Meade. "The tour changes [many people's] perspective on downtown, thinking of it more than just a place to work, but also a place to live with very cool urban spaces."   

In addition to exposing many people from the Richmond-metro area to city living, the tour was also host to a variety of visitors from as far away as New York, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and South Carolina.  

 "The residential base for downtown is doubling and tripling [in some cases]," continues Meade, "and the tour gives people the opportunity to see real lofts and hear real stories."

The Mariners Club Makes A Splash

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts' newest commercial tenant, The Mariners Club, is open for business and ready to help Richmonders get on the boat.

As an exclusive boating community, the Club's main goal is to make it more convenient for people to enjoy the river without actually having to own a boat.

"It's something that's never been brought to Richmond before," says Co-Founder and Rocketts resident Megan Benfatti, "and [the membership] is much more affordable and user-friendly than owning your own boat."

Members receive access to a variety of watercraft available for use in the spring, summer and fall, which are docked at Rocketts Landing, Richmond's only marina.

The Club's boating season kicks off with an open house on May 1, and boats will be available for use the following day. There are a set number of memberships available, and a 10% discount on annual membership fees is currently being offered to Rocketts' residents. Initiation and monthly fees will be waived for the 2010 season, with the only additional charge for fuel usage. Water safety courses and certification will also be included with membership.

Benfatti said there are additional benefits to becoming a member, such as the ability to go boating without worrying about ongoing maintenance or required licensing. And with a variety of boats and jet skis to choose from, members will have tons of recreational options.

Safety, however, will be a priority for all members.

"We are going to ask that every member goes through the U.S. Coast Guard water safety course, and that everyone operates [the boats] under the Coast Guard's regulations," says Benfatti.

For businesses interested to take clients or employees out for a river trip, corporate memberships are available. The Mariner's Club will also perform community outreach through their "Outside the Wake" philanthropy, which will introduce less-fortunate children to the world of boating.

The Mariner's Club's office is located in the 210 Rock building at Rocketts Landing, and will serve as a reception area to the general public, as well as a social area for members with convenient dressing rooms. To register for membership or learn more, please visit their website.

Home is Where the Loft is: The Hopkins at Fall Line

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

  The 2010 Downtown Loft Tour is only a few days away, and Fall Line residents Jason and Monica Hopkins are staying busy finishing their to-do list.    

As Rocketts' Sky Line and Fall Line architect, Jason originally moved into the two-story, 1250-square-foot unit to use the loft as his office and show room — not his family's residence. But soon, Jason and his family, including 10-year-old and five-year-old daughters Mason and Joni, wanted to live there.   

"Our daughters really enjoy living here more," explains Jason. "Their school's about six miles away now, and we were living in Powhatan before, commuting to school every day, 45 minutes away. Now my daughter and I can ride our bikes to and from school."   

Jason's daughters are also well-known to neighbors, staying busy as the community's "designated" cat and dog sitters. "They walk a lot of dogs and housesit for people, take care of their plants and gardens, as well," says Jason. "Everyone knows them, and everyone looks out for them."   

The Hopkins's unit has an open floor plan and only the laundry room, closets and two full bathrooms are closed in, although they are currently enclosing their master bedroom. And instead of choosing from the available Rocketts' design features, the Hopkins decided to completely customize their unit by gutting the entire loft and starting from scratch.  

 "We didn't [choose] any finishes that the condo offered," explains Jason, "Our bathroom is floor-to-ceiling mosaic tiles with stainless steel sinks. We gutted our whole kitchen and had custom cabinets made [and] concrete countertops. We also have concrete floors. Basically, we filled in the shell."    

Additionally, the Hopkins hired a mason to brick one of the walls that runs from the first and second floors. They are also rebuilding their doors from reclaimed wood found in one of Rocketts' original buildings and putting the finishing touches on Mason's new loft bed, which will be ready in time for the tour.  

 "There are some fantastic units in Rocketts, and everyone has their own personal tastes," says Jason. "It's a real nice sense of community. [We] love living here. It beats the suburbs by far." 

 You can see the Hopkins's home, as well as the five other featured Rocketts residences, during the Loft Tour this Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about the tour and purchase tickets today.

The Real Chimborazo

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It's February, and I'm flying to Ecuador for some R&R. And while there, there's one specific feature I will make sure to see: the mountain, an inactive volcano, for which our Church Hill park was named — Chimborazo.

Richmond's grassy Chimborazo Park is the site of one of the largest hospitals during the Civil War. With normal occupancy around 3,000, the hospital had approximately 120 buildings and patient units were separated into five different divisions. The area was originally named Chimborazo because, at the time, the mountain was thought to be the tallest in the world, at 20,703 feet high. (Everest is 29,000 feet.)

Ecuador's Chimborazo is just a few hours bus ride from the equator and accessibly located in a protected national park. For $1, a bus takes me from the nearby city of Riobamba (which is, funny enough, about the same size as Richmond) to the entrance to the park. And by "entrance to the park," I mean a shed with a pickup truck outside.

Arriving at the high-desert altitude above 12,000 feet, simply breathing is hard. From there, it's about a three-hour hike through a sandy, high alpine desert to the refuge, which has a kitchen and bunk beds. Vicuña, a relative of the llama, stare at me along the way.

 There's really not much to do at the refuge other than try to stay warm. At an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, I am about as high up as the tallest mountains in Colorado. And it's cold inside, around 40 degrees. I have on all my layers and sit in front of the fireplace for most of the afternoon.

Just outside the refuge, at about the snow line, are several headstones memorializing mountain climbers who died trying to reach the peak — an ominous forewarning of the intense climb ahead.

I spend the night at the refuge and hike the next morning to the start of the glacier. Traveling on the ice and snow requires special crampons and ice axes, which I do not have with me. But I am content to have come this high on Chimborazo, at last.

Below are some photos of the experience:

Chimborazo Mountain, in the distance

Chimborazo Mountain, up close

Riabomba, Ecuador (below)

A Room with a View: The Aspinalls at Fall Line

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Downtown Loft Tour 2010 is just a couple of weekends away, and Fall Line residents Ken and Linda Aspinall have some getting ready to do. 

 Empty nesters, the Aspinalls have lived at Fall Line for almost two years with their toy poodle. Their daughter, Britt, is off at college. This is the first year their penthouse has been featured in the tour.   

"When I saw the first article on Rocketts Landing I said 'I want to move there,'" said Linda. "We already knew the area well because we have a business down here. So my husband can walk to work now, which is great."   

When Linda was looking at units, she said she liked the expansive views of downtown and the river from their five different terraces. 

 "Many of our guests think it's a common area. We have a view of the city daytime and nighttime, which is stunning," she said. "Yes, the outdoors is the selling point — plus there's no grass to mow. That makes me very happy."   

The Aspinall's two-story home features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a great room, family room, pool/exercise/bar room, sitting room, office and kitchen.   

For their decorating style, Linda pointed out it's not the traditional look found in many Richmond homes. "We're contemporary," she says, "basically black, white and silver. [People] are really amazed when they come in our home because of the color scheme."  

 Linda also highlighted the all-glass staircase railing as a celebrated feature adding unique detail to their loft. 

 You can see the Aspinall's home, as well as the five other featured Rocketts residences, during the Loft Tour on March 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about the tour and purchase tickets today.

The Bald Eagle Returns

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

One of the things we cherish at Rocketts Landing is our extremely close relationship with the James River and the various interactions with nature that are available at any moment. So, it is with tremendous excitement that we celebrate the great bald eagle's return. After facing extinction on the James River nearly 30 years ago, the eagle has returned to the river in miraculous numbers that are even surprising conservationists. In fact, our residents frequently comment on seeing the great eagles fly by their windows, which offer stunning views of their impressive six- to seven-foot wing spans.

Style Weekly's article, Wings Over the James, offers a compelling read on the details of their return to the James and what that means for the eagle's future, and our own River City sightings.

Year of the Dragon Boat

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Last year, Rocketts hosted a triathlon and a bicycle ride. Now, we're getting worldlier. 

 This summer, on July 31, here come the Dragon Boats.    

Originating in China, dragon boat racing started 2000 years ago. The boats are slender, 40-foot-long canoes with elaborately decorated dragon heads and tails. A dragon boat crew consists of 20 synchronized paddlers, one steersperson and one drummer. While the paddlers propel the canoe forward, the drummer beats out a steady, strong rhythm to help the keep the paddlers' momentum in synch and up to speed. Think of it like a musical coxswain.  

Local nonprofit Sports Backers, which also puts on the popular Monument Ave. 10K and Dominion Riverrock events, is co-hosting the festival with Canadian dragon boat event marketing company Great White North. The event is also a fundraiser to support the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.   

"We're trying to create sporting events around the great attributes of Richmond and show it as a great place to live," says Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. "Having [the Dragon Boat Festival] at Rocketts Landing is a natural choice, and offers an incredibly beautiful section of the river right next to downtown."  

 Lugbill expects the race to bring contestants from out of town. And anyone can join.  

 "What's great is if you enter the event, you get a training session beforehand," explains Lugbill. "Great White North comes in the week before [the race], your whole team is scheduled to come down for training, and you go out and paddle. In an hour or hour-and-a-half practice you'll now what you're doing."   

Great White North will provide all the dragon boats and steerspersons for each individual team on the day of the race. Paddlers will compete in various heats, which are meant to encourage just as much as competition as fun.   

Additionally, up on shore, attendees can listen to music and watch traditional dragon dancing and various other cultural activities by the Organization of Chinese Americans Central Virginia Chapter.   

To sign up as a dragon boat paddler or to learn more about the event, visit Sports Backers' website at www.sportsbackers.org.

Photo courtesy of Sports Backers

Virginia Film Is on the Rise

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Virginia's film scene might not be Hollywood, but that doesn't mean it can't feel like it.

On Feb. 28, the Virginia Film Office and Virginia Production Alliance are co-sponsoring the Virginia Independent Film Festival at the Byrd Theatre, which showcases the best independent films produced in the state. In its third year, the Film Festival features filmmakers who live and shot their movies in Virginia, ranging from high school students to seasoned professionals.

Three categories will be presented: Documentaries, Short and Feature Films.

To select the entries, filmmakers from across the state were invited to submit their films, and a panel chose the featured selections. A separate panel will judge the winning entries and name the top movie in each category.

The festival will also feature audience choice awards, where festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite film in each category and select a winner.

"The audience choice awards are going to be great," says Kathryn Stephens, Industry Relations Manager for the Virginia Film Office. "In addition to the winners selected by the panel, we'll give ballots to the audience, they'll submit their choices, and we choose winners based on their feedback."

Stephens points out that the feedback will enable the filmmakers to receive honest critiques on their films' effectiveness, which is a crucial component in any creative endeavor. "Sometimes the audience chooses films that the judges haven't chosen," says Stephens, "and they receive plenty of [creative] support."

According to Stephens, a supportive environment is the foundation of Virginia, and Richmond's, film industry.

"The Virginia film community is amazing," continues Stephens. "They are incredibly professional, a lot of them work on the big budgets as crew, and then make smaller films with their own money. They have a passion for this, and they'll make incredibly professional products. Hopefully the festival will accomplish [highlighting their success] and give them a venue to have their films screened."

The festival falls at a time when Virginia's film industry is currently receiving a lot of attention. Compared to many other states, Virginia has no tax incentives to help woo Hollywood to make big budget movies here. Consequently, films such as Secretariat (about Virginia's famous racing horse) moved their location to Kentucky, which represents a huge loss for Virginia.

"The sad thing is Virginia was one of the top states [for Hollywood films] almost 10 years ago, but its gotten to a point that even Steven Spielberg can't film here because it doesn't make sense," says Stephens, "even though the [actual] cost of filmmaking is a lot lower here than LA or New Mexico."

Gov. McDonnell is currently trying to turn that trend around with a newly proposed bill that seeks to create a motion picture production tax credit.

"We are very excited the Governor is supporting the film industry," says Stephens. "It's a great time to be a filmmaker in Richmond. People are collaborating more, they're networking, and they just want to work with great artists."

And with a recent increase in film festivals throughout the city, apparently Richmond wants to see great movies too.

To learn more about the Virginia Independent Film Festival or the Virginia Film Office, please visit www.film.virginia.org.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Film Office

Connecticut Finds its New Haven at Odell

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Public art is meant to inspire a community.

After three weeks of differing viewpoints, proposals and opinions, the celebrated Richmond sculpture and former Diamond fixture, Connecticut, has found a home atop the Lucky Strike building belonging to architectural firm Odell Associates in Shockoe Bottom.

We were fortunate enough to sit down and talk with Fulton Hill resident and Connecticut Sculptor Paul DiPasquale, and dive into his perspectives on public art, and what Connecticut's new home means today, and tomorrow.

Below is an edited transcript of the interview.

RL: Were you surprised at the public's interest in finding Connecticut a new home?

PD: It's not a surprise to me, because over a quarter of a century, people have called me up and brought classrooms of students over to talk about Native Americans. [Over the years] I've had [various] schools bring buses of students to look at the sculpture at the Diamond, and then come see my studio. I've gotten all these emails, saying 'I grew up with the Indian, and I'm so happy to see Connecticut stay in Richmond.' The RMA just looked at it as something that was a part of the building. They had to wash it, and people came to see the sculpture, which didn't make them any money; meanwhile, they just wanted people to come to baseball games. It's interesting because there was a discussion to leave Connecticut at The Diamond, which would have been fine. What I was told was the Flying Squirrels thought it would be fine there. However, it is on a false parapet, so they'd have to do work on the base.

RL: You must feel satisfied about Odell's purchase of the statue?

PD: Odell gets it. And I hoped for it, as it was perilously close to being shuttled off to a high school. The decision [to purchase Connecticut] was up to Odell's CEO. He and I knew each other before this all started. He admired my work, and when he knew the sculpture was available, we were able to talk about it. The other thing to remember is [at Odell] they're architects and designers, focusing on the presentation of buildings. They're all over Connecticut and have an historical art perspective, combined with structural and architectural insight.

RL: And they are honoring the Native American history Connecticut represents, which was your original artistic purpose.

PD: [This discussion] really is about public art, and one of the main things [public art] can be about are symbols. What's happened for Connecticut is it's been a symbol for a baseball team for over 20 years. And now it gets to be a symbol for the Native American. High school mascots, they are signs. But politically, are the signs appropriate? [Connecticut as a school mascot] becomes less and less appropriate, as soon as you realize how little people know about Indian history. In general, we've ignored their history for so long, we've lost so much of it. That's the purpose of the sculpture. Most people don't realize that the Indian wasn't a commission for the stadium; it was built to honor Native Americans, instead of being a sign for a baseball team. Now Connecticut can be a symbol for the people he represents. Changed from mascot to indigenous people. I think that's what caught everyone's imagination and interest.

RL: This brings up the process RMA employed for finding Connecticut a home. What are your thoughts on the proposal process?

PD: There are a lot of ways that public art gets installed. The request for proposals is not a way to find a home for a structure. You need to find the location and what would look best for the structure first. When you look at land use and planning a city, democracy doesn't have as much to do it. You have to look at plans and how those plans affect the city.

There was no deadline to [find Connecticut a home]. RMA could have taken time and had their committee come up with particular sites, instead of having people bid on the location. I think it would have been better to find the site first, instead of look for interested people. Regardless, [the decision] is going to continue to raise dialogue, and that means [the sculpture] is doing its job. I feel strongly that Richmond gets a chance to make Connecticut work for them well, and work for them better [than before].

Photo courtesy of Paul DiPasquale

Day-Tripping Down the Street, Part James River Plantations

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

During the ongoing winter weather, we like to take advantage of sunny days and hop into the car for a scenic drive down Route 5 to the James River Plantations.

Located between Rocketts Landing and Williamsburg along the James River, the Plantations are steeped in history and offer a glimpse of Colonial life with stunning architecture and elegant gardens. While many plantations are scattered throughout the region, our quick daytrip features five plantations: Shirley, Berkeley, Westover, Sherwood Forest and Evelynton.

Shirley Plantation
House open daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Grounds and gift shop close at 5:00 pm.
Erected in 1613, Shirley Plantation was established six years after the Jamestown settlement was declared, becoming Virginia's very first plantation and one of the first businesses in the New World. Shirley Plantation has remained under the leadership of one family (eleven generations), making it the oldest family-owned business in the United States, dating back to 1638, and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Great House, which highlights America's only remaining architectural examples of features such as the "Flying Staircase" and Queen Anne Forecourt. Formal gardens and eight original outbuildings complete the grounds. Birdwatching at Shirley Plantation is also a popular attraction with guided tours available throughout the year.

Berkeley Plantation
Open daily, off-season hours are 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Home to the very first "official" Thanksgiving dinner in 1619, Berkeley Plantation is rich with history. Signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Harrison V was born at Berkeley; US President William Henry Harrison "Old Tippecanoe" was born at Berkeley; and the infamous song "Taps" was composed at Berkeley in 1862, when the plantation served as the headquarters and supply base for McClellan's Union Army. The plantation's original Georgian mansion, built in 1726, is featured as the oldest three-story brick house with a pediment roof in the country. Thomas Jefferson is credited as directing the design of the house's Adam woodwork and double arches. The grounds are home to hundred-year old trees and cover nearly 1000 acres, which feature five terraced gardens dug by hand before the Revolutionary War. Interesting schedules of events are also planned throughout the year.

Westover
Grounds open daily, 9 am to 6 pm. House not open to the public.
Established circa 1730, Westover Plantation was built by the founder of Richmond, William Byrd III, and named for Henry West, 4th Lord Delaware and son of Thomas West, Governor of Virginia. The mansion is recognized for its many secret passages, elaborate gardens and architectural details, and is a stunning example of Georgian architecture. The main two wings of the house weren't originally connected, and the east wing once housed the famous Byrd Library with over 4,000 volumes that burned during the Civil War. According to historians, the Westover grounds also host the 3rd oldest tomb in America, that of Captain William Perry who died on Aug. 6, 1637. When you explore the gardens be sure to check out the many shady tulip poplars that are more than 150 years old.

Sherwood Forest
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Dubbed as the longest frame house in America (over 300-feet long), the Sherwood Forest house was built in 1720, and is a prime example of Virginia Tidewater architectural design. John Tyler, 10th President of America, lived at Sherwood Forest from 1842 until his death in 1862, and the Tyler family still resides there today. Featuring one of the most complete plantation yards left in the country dating back to 1680, the grounds include 25 acres of gardens and lawns, which are especially well-known for its trees: Sherwood Forest is home to the oldest Ginko tree in the country. Enjoy self-guided tours or call ahead for a scheduled appointment to tour the house.

Evelynton
House and grounds not open to public.
Though still a private residence and not open for visiting, Evelyn Plantation completes the plantation collection along Route 5 and was once part of the Westover Plantation. Named after William Byrd's daughter, Evelyn, the plantation has been home to the Ruffin family since 1847. Edmund Ruffin, family patriarch, is credited as firing the first shot of the Civil War at Fort Sumter, and is also known as the "Father of American Agronomy" due to his substantial activism in Virginia agriculture. In fact, historians attribute his contributions as the driving forces that rescued 19th-century Virginia from a drastically declining agricultural economy. The plantation is home to a 2500-acre farm that is still family owned and operated.

Photo courtesy of Shirley Plantation collection in Charles City, Virginia.

Let the Downtown Loft Tour Begin, Part I

Rocketts Landing — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It's like playing house, but with real homes and real people.   

On March 27, Rocketts Landing participates for our second year in Venture Richmond's Downtown Loft Tour.   The event goes like this: Richmonders gather on buses school-field-trip style and oooh and ahhh at some of the most dashing lofts in five different neighborhoods around town: Manchester, Jackson Ward, Shockoe Bottom, Shockoe Slip and Rocketts Landing.  

 In preparation for the tour, we will post a series of articles highlighting Rocketts' five featured condominiums and the owners who call them home.    

In Fall Line, three different residencies will be featured: a 4,000 sq. ft. penthouse, a 1600 sq. ft. two-bedroom home, and a 1200 sq. ft. loft.   Sky Line will feature two homes: a 4,700 sq. ft. penthouse and an 1800 sq. ft. two-bedroom home.  

 Each residence has a different floor plan, specifically appealing to the life and lifestyle of the owners. Three of the five participating lofts at Rocketts are home to couples with young children.   Loft Tour attendees will be able to meet the loft owners in person and hear their stories. Be sure to check back soon as more details on the homes and their families are discussed.

Another Commercial Tenant

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A Year in Review

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Most of us are probably saying good riddance to 2009. But even though it was one of the tougher years on the economy, a lot of positive things happened. We've compiled this year's Top Five community highlights.   

1. Rocketts Landing Regattas

 2009 brought two new regattas to Rocketts Landing: the Collegiate Regatta in March and Sprints Regatta in May.  

Collegiate Regatta 

Teaming up with the Virginia Boat Club and VCU to host Richmond's inaugural and only major collegiate regatta, the event featured crew clubs from VCU, University of Richmond, North Carolina State University, Duke University and University of Maryland at Baltimore County. The crew teams planned to compete in 25 different races and various categories. Unexpected choppy waters made the river difficult to navigate, however, and the teams were able to complete only three races. Though the regatta was called off after two hours, we believe starting a new collegiate sports competition that celebrates the James River is a huge accomplishment.  

Sprints Regatta 

The sixth annual 1000-meter sprint took place in May and included an array of contestants from both high school crew teams and regional clubs. This was the first year Rocketts Landing hosted the event and many spectators lined up along the Intermediate Terminal Dock on the banks of the Virginia Boat Club and Rocketts Landing's site. Refereed by USRA officials and controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the regatta proved a successful and invigorating Richmond river competition.   

2. Virginia Capital Trail Cap-2-Cap Bike Ride 

The Virginia Capital Trail is in the works to become a multi-use trail linking Richmond and Williamsburg by 2013. Rocketts Landing joined forces with the Virginia Capital Trail in May and was the official host for the 2nd annual bike ride, which raises money for the trail's development. With a 40-percent increase in attendance from last year, 1400 riders completed the course, in either 25, 50 or 100 mile round trips. The event saw an upgrade of festivities this year including a VIP breakfast, beer truck, lights and live music.  

3. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

 Rocketts Landing's first restaurant in the community, as well as Richmond's only and highly anticipated riverfront restaurant opened its doors in August. Located in the restored Power Plant Building on the banks of the James River, The Boathouse has been serving a packed house almost every night since it opened. In November, the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (A.C.O.R.N.) awarded The Boathouse with their 2009 Golden Hammer Award for "best commercial renovation," honoring their successful work blending industrial history with contemporary architecture.  

4. Rocketts Landing's Fountain 

In November, community residents gathered together for the grand illumination of Rocketts' newest structural addition: an industrial-inspired fountain. Local design firm Tektonics conceived and built the fountain, matching its design to the surrounding 100-year-old industrial buildings. Illuminated from below and within the fountain, light permeates through chinks and gaps, and reflects water streaming through the middle. Residents expressed satisfaction, stating the fountain offered a welcoming community gathering place, which will soon be joined with benches.   

5. Jingle on the James 

Hundreds of people attended Rocketts Landing's inaugural two-day holiday festival. Richmond's only riverfront holiday event featured over 100 Virginia artists in an eclectic "art village," James River Parade of Lights, James River Ringers Bell Choirs and Salvation Army Brass Band, RVA HoOp LOvers and carolers. Though the second day brought rain, the holiday festival vendors and attendees remained in positive spirits and marked the beginning of a new Richmond holiday tradition.

Winter Wonderland

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Virginia Capital Trail is One Phase Closer

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If you've driven down Dock Street in Shockoe Bottom recently, you might have noticed the canal's bank has a new look these days. Where before grass was the only feature along the elevated train tracks, today the canal boasts a tree-lined trail with lampposts.

Like The Little Engine That Could, the Virginia Capital Trail is slowly adding chunks that will eventually connect Richmond to Jamestown.

You may remember our post earlier in the year where we discussed the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation's goal of completing the trail by 2013, as well as local excitement for a new bike- and pedestrian-friendly path linking Richmond to Williamsburg.

Executive Director Beth Weisbrod verifies that progress is still on track and "each phase is under production, either through survey, design or construction."

Tomorrow at the Great Shiplock Park, trail supporter Gov. Tim Kaine will cut the ceremonial ribbon in honor of completing the first Richmond phase. Speakers will include Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Chairman Jim Beamer and Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation Chairman Emeritus Brenton Halsey. Rocketts Landing Developer Jason Vickers-Smith will also join the ceremony and introduce the mayor.

"Symbolically this is a huge step for Richmond," says Weisbrod. "We're getting closer and closer to being a cycling- and pedestrian-friendly city."

Weisbrod said before the first phase of the trail is officially ready for use, workers must complete construction on the canopy, which will protect trail users from anything that might potentially fall from the railroad tracks above. She estimates the trail will be ready for use by next week.

In looking to the future, the next phase of production is an 11-mile stretch called Sherwood Forest, which runs from the Chickahominy River to the Charles City County Courthouse.

"We're hoping to see [this next phase] finished in 2011, which is exciting because then you will have 26 miles of path, all connected," says Weisbrod.

Weisbrod also mentioned that once the Virginia Capital Trail is complete, they plan to use the trail for educational programs in subjects such as science and history, as well as a recreational feature to draw professional sports events.

Tomorrow's ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 11:45 a.m. The Great Shiplock Park is located in Shockoe Bottom at the intersection of Dock and Pear Streets.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Jingle All the Way

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

This weekend, Rocketts Landing launches our newest holiday festival, Jingle on the James. Co-presented by One smART Gallery, the inaugural festival is the first (and only) holiday event to take place on the James River — and will turn the community into an eclectic art village as well as a venue for holiday-themed entertainment. Free and open to the public.

To help you prepare, here's a bit of what's in store:

Virginia Artists in Rocketts "Art Village"
Get to know our local artists when Sky Line and 210 Rock buildings, as well as open, street-level homes and storefronts temporarily convert into an art village showcasing more than 100 Virginia artists. With paintings, hand-made jewelry, handcrafted furniture and more, festival attendees can purchase one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and meet the artists, including Ed Trask, Shaun Irving, Annie Ward Love, Jude Schlotzhauer and Andrew Pitts.

James River Parade of Lights
In its 17th twinkling year on the river, the Parade of Lights is a unique display of decorated vessels that runs from Richmond to Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County. Boaters compete for prizes in categories such as best boater-chosen theme, originality, appearance and charm. Spectators can enjoy fantastic views of the parade from the banks of Rocketts Landing. Keep an eye out for the palm tree.

James River Ringers Bell Choir and Salvation Army Brass Band
What's a holiday festival without the classic sounds of beloved holiday music? The James River Ringers will serenade festival attendees with handbell music while the Salvation Army Brass Band plays holiday favorites.

RVA HoOp LOvers
RVA HoOp LOvers is Richmond's only troupe of hula-hoopers performing with LED-lighted hula-hoops. Their glowing performance takes place on the riverbank during the Parade of Lights and will also feature a flaming hoops show, adding an edgy twist to your holiday evening.

Brunch and Dinner at The Boathouse
Thought not normally open for Saturday brunch, The Boathouse is participating in the festivities and will open its doors on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Sign in and browse the festival while waiting for a seat. Parties of eight or more are encouraged to make reservations.

The weather is supposed to be rather cold, so be sure to warm up with some holiday favorites like hot cocoa, apple cider and ginger cookies, available for purchase throughout each day from Espresso-A-Go-Go.

For more details, please visit our schedule of events.

'Tis the Season

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

25th Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A staple of Richmond holiday traditions, the Grand Illumination at the James Center marks the moment downtown dresses up for the season in a display of lights, reindeer and the James Center Christmas tree. Two city blocks will be closed off for celebrations including the countdown of lights, the Legendary Santa, Richmond-native band Timbason, the VCU trombone choir, harpist Rickie Denton, holiday sing-a-longs and more. Illumination happens at 6:25 p.m., so be sure to arrive on time.

Holiday Market at The Farmer's Market in Shockoe Bottom
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

If you still need to purchase a Christmas tree, head down to the Farmer's Market at Shockoe Bottom where trees from Floyd County, Virginia, will be on sale, as well as handmade wreaths and freshly cut mistletoe. The Market will also feature handmade ornaments, hand-carved toys, artisan jewelry, baked desserts and more. The Henrico Pops and the internationally acclaimed Salvation Army International Brass Honor Band will provide holiday entertainment.

Main Street Station Holiday Open House
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The century-old and meticulously restored train station on Main Street in Shockoe Bottom hosts a Polar Express-themed holiday gathering. Enjoy their holiday tree lighting, children's train rides, music by The Angels and storytellers beside the fireplace. Stroll through the lighted Cathedral Walk and view the exhibition of huge holiday cards created on wooden doors by children in the Metro Richmond-area public and private schools.

Capitol Square Tree Lighting
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Who knew there were so many tree lightings happening in one night?! The state Christmas tree will light up on Capitol Hill in a festive gathering. The Governor's Executive Mansion, the oldest continually inhabited governor's residence in the country, will also host an open house starting at 5:30 p.m.

Free Horse and Carriage Rides
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Travelling around the River District by horse and carriage might be a great way to visit all the holiday events. The 12-person carriages loop around Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, and are complete with holiday decorations and jingle bells. One round-trip ride per person. Rides are also available Dec. 5.

Saturday, December 5

The 26th Annual Ukrops-Supervalu Richmond Christmas Parade
10:00 a.m.

Another Richmond staple, the annual parade runs along Broad Street from The Science Museum down to 7th Street and features an array of floats, marching bands, antique cars, Richmond-area Christmas mothers, the premier of Rocky the Flying Squirrel Balloon (the new mascot for Richmond's Flying Squirrels baseball team) and more. The temperature is supposed to be a bit chilly, so be sure to bring jugs of hot cocoa to complete the morning.

The Boathouse is a Golden Winner

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Boathouse is located in the Rocketts' Power Plant Building. Originally built in 1910, the building's former heyday centered on its use as a steam-driven electric power generating plant that provided electricity for a portion of Richmond's trolley car system.

In a complete transformation, the old Power Plant Building now houses Richmond's only riverfront restaurant and blends its industrial history with contemporary architecture. Criteria for the contest were strict and placed emphasis on the quality of materials used and architectural design of the restoration, as well as the building's community impact.

Developer Richard Souter, Vice President of WVS Companies, expressed satisfaction with their recognition. "It's a great honor winning the award. For us, it's always been a building we've wanted to do. By enhancing the natural structure, we've essentially recreated an iconic building that will stand for many years to come."

Souter pointed out that they did not receive tax credits for restoring the building. Consequently, they were able to have creative flexibility. A few of the standout restoration features include an exterior staircase and elevator supported by steel structures, glass walls on the 4th floor, the preserved smokestack and a butterfly roof.

According to Souter, having the right tenant for the building was also an integral component.

"One of the big tricks with a building like this is finding a tenant who shares your vision, someone who can stand the test of time and deliver on the shared vision," said Souter.

To Souter and his team, The Boathouse fulfilled that mission and beyond.

Day-Tripping Down the Street

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Occasionally we've left the property at Rocketts to explore some nearby neighborhoods. For those days when you are ready to do a little historic exploring, here's a breakdown of some of the museums nearby.

SHOCKOE BOTTOM

Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Though not a Richmonder by birth, Edgar Allan Poe grew up here as a young boy, lived here as a student and later served as an editor for the Richmond-based magazine Southern Literary Messenger. The Edgar Allen Poe Museum opened in 1922 in The Old Stone House on Main Street — Richmond's oldest still-standing dwelling (erected in 1737, the house is its own glimpse into the past) — which is only a couple blocks away from Poe's first Richmond home. The museum boasts the world's largest collections of Poe letters, manuscripts, first editions, memorabilia, etc., and also has a model of Richmond from Poe's time completed in 1927 that offers an interesting peak into our historic city.

Virginia Holocaust Museum
Located within an old tobacco warehouse along Tobacco Row since 2003, the Virginia Holocaust Museum originally opened in 1997 in Richmond's Temple Beth El. Today, the museum features 28 permanent exhibits, such as the only existing Nuremberg Trials Courtroom Exhibit, as well as a book and gift shop. A stunning two-story auditorium is also attached and frequently features nationally recognized guest speakers, lectures and films on a wide range of topics. For example, last week the museum hosted a professor from UNC, Christopher Browning, who is one of the world's experts on why Nazis carried out the Holocaust.

CHURCH HILL

Patrick Henry's Speech at St. John's Church
In March of 1775, 100 colonial leaders, such as Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Patrick Henry, gathered in Richmond's first church, St. John's. Home of Henry's infamous "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech, St. John's Church is designated as a national historic landmark, and offers guided tours, private and public reenactments of the Second Virginia Convention, an interpretative Visitor Center and Gift Shop. The church is also an active place of worship and welcomes visitors.

Chimborazo Medical Museum
Located on East Broad Street just a few blocks east from St. John's Church — and an easy walk from Rocketts — is Chimborazo Park and the national park, Chimborazo Medical Museum. During the Civil War, Richmond was a central destination for recuperating wounded Confederate soldiers. Chimborazo housed the largest Confederate general hospital in Richmond. The museum features a collection of medical equipment, as well as a film and diorama of the hospital. One neat side-note: The name comes from a mountain in Ecuador, which during the Civil War was thought to be the tallest mountain in the world at 21,000 feet tall. That's not even close to Everest, at 29,000 feet.

Robinson Theater Community Arts Center
Recently awarded the A.C.O.R.N. 2009 Golden Hammer Award for "best renovation by a nonprofit," the art-deco Robinson Theater was built in 1937 and originally named after early 20th century Broadway star and Richmond-native Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. The theater was an important gathering hub for the historic Church Hill neighborhood until its spiraling neglect and subsequent closing in the 1980s. In 2008, however, the Robinson Theater underwent an historic renovation and now offers a multi-purpose performance hall for arts-based programs, such as the recent Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra fall concert.

Photo courtesy of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

A Grand Illumination

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

 Located in the courtyard of Cedar Works, the copper-plated fountain made of solid steel boasts a striking display of light and flowing water. Light permeates through the chinks and gaps, and reflects water streaming through the middle.   

The design was initially tricky, since a traditional fountain wouldn't work in a courtyard surrounded by renovated 100-year-old industrial buildings. 

 Christopher Hildebrand, who co-owns the local design firm Tektonics, conceived and built the fountain with an abstract design that is related to the community's historical environment. He chose to focus on Rocketts Landing's masonry and brick towers as the structural theme, what he describes as "a monolithic smokestack." 

 The illumination brought out many of the community's residents, who gathered by the glowing fixture. "Our residents love to have places to gather, and this water fountain provides another place for them to get together and mingle," said Rocketts Marketing Director Marti Cooke.    

A "Make A Wish" box filled with pennies was even passed around so they could be the first to toss wishes into the fountain. 

 Bob Jennings, a Cedar Works resident who moved to Rocketts in May 2008 made a wish that — in keeping with tradition — he wouldn't share. He did, however, discuss what the fountain means to him and his wife.  

"[For us] the fountain represents a commitment to details, putting a personal touch into the community — and it looks nice. We have a lot of fun [living here], and the fountain represents the coming together of this great community."   

Sky Line resident Penny Maggio also sees the fountain as an emblem of the community formed at Rocketts Landing.   "The fountain represents how the developer is invested in this community, and to me that's really important. When he's involved, it keeps us involved, which is very much appreciated."   

The residents' sentiments reflect Cooke's vision for the fountain as a meeting place, which will soon be joined with accompanying benches.

River City Manatee

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The James River is brimming with aquatic life (including a giant catfish we wrote about a while back) but when a manatee was spotted last week swimming near downtown Richmond, we could have been on our way to having a revised contender for the new baseball team name.

Sgt. Joe Owen spotted the mammal while he was off duty and enjoying a bass fishing trip near the I-95 interstate bridge, just a ways up from Rocketts Landing. According to reports, he estimated that the manatee was approximately 8-feet long and weighed between 700 and 1000 pounds. In total, the manatee was spotted on three different occasions. Richmond's last visiting manatee swam by in 2002.

Native to Florida, manatees are endangered species that live in freshwater, though they can also travel in salt and brackish waters. In the summer months, the highest north they are commonly found is Georgia. The manatee sightings in Richmond, then, make the visit not only in unusual territory, but also an out-of-season adventure.

To better understand why a manatee would make an appearance so far away from home, I talked with Chuck Underwood, a Public Information Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville, Florida, which also serves as the lead office for Florida Manatee Recovery and Conservation.

Underwood confirmed that since the sightings on Oct. 21, no other manatees have been seen in the Richmond area, and the animal was certainly not a pet released into the river, which some people were suggesting.

"What we're seeing is an increasing number of animals moving up the East Coast," Underwood says. "We don't know for certain why these animals are doing this. We do know that recent reports counted [a total of] 3800 manatees in the population. That's well over double what the minimum population was in 1973. So, when you have a population that's expanding, it's not uncommon for animals to move further and further out."

Underwood pointed out that manatees live in water with temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Perhaps with the recent warm weather "the animal may have gone up river, hung out in the water and since started moving south."

Curious to know the exact location of the sighting, I asked Underwood if he could tell me. Due to the animal's federal protection, however, he quickly informed me that though they are aware of the manatee's precise location, they are not able to provide that information.

Good news for the manatee who hopefully is safely swimming home to warmer waters.

More Like Jog to the River

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The coldest day of the fall so far turned out to be a real help on Saturday when I and 150 other bundled-up joggers ran through Fulton Hill and Church Hill for the Rocketts Landing Run to the River.

Even though it was 10:00 a.m., residents in those neighborhoods who came out on their porches to pick up a newspaper or get a breath of fresh air looked perplexed. Perhaps they were wondering if something or someone was chasing us — indeed no, we were trailed only by helpful encouragement from volunteers.

The race raised around $35,000 for the Neighborhood Resource Center, which is a wonderful community center on Williamsburg Road in the Fulton Hill section of Richmond. It was also a warm home base for after the race, where we all gathered to sip hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

As for the race, I was warned the hills would be a challenge. But they weren't that bad. Coming up Church Hill on slippery grass somewhere around the fifth-mile mark was probably the toughest part.

I try to get out and jog twice a week, usually along the trails next to the James River. But jogging with a crowd provided some much-needed encouragement as we discussed the local restaurant scene. Perhaps I should have been running faster instead of talking. The winner, MacGregor Lennarz, came in after 40 minutes. It took me 55 minutes.

Perhaps I'll do better next year.

A Reason to Rumba

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Confessions of a Cameratruck

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

This Friday, Oct. 2, Rocketts Landing welcomes world-renowned and Richmond-based photographer Shaun Irving to 210 Rock for Landscapes in a Truck, an exclusive exhibit of photographs taken with his Cameratruck during a tour across Spain.

Turning a truck into a giant camera began as a joke in college. Irving ruminated on the concept for a few years, but the idea never left him. So in 2004, using all of his savings, Irving bought an old U.S. mail truck and built the vehicle into the world's largest travelling camera.

"My original plan was to go around the whole Southeast," Irving says. "I wanted to teach kids about photography, and take great photos along the way."

Unfortunately, the original tour fell through. The idea received great publicity, however, and it wasn't long before an ad agency in Spain learned about Irving's Cameratruck and invited him to tour the country in 2006.

The three-week long, 4000-mile trip resulted in 70 photos, all in black and white, and approximately 8-feet in length. Irving's theme was nature, but he adds that the concept of "urban decay" also found its way into the photos. "There's a little bit of man's touch in the natural world. Some ways good, some ways bad," he says. "There are a lot of pretty vistas [in the collection], but also interesting abandoned factories and such."

Taking a single picture is certainly no quick point and click. In fact, each photo takes anywhere from one to three hours to create.

The truck's camera is designed as a light-tight box with a hole on the driver's side. The hole projects every image upside down and backwards onto giant 4'x8' photographic paper hung inside the truck. To take a photo, Irving drives to his desired destination and parks. He then climbs into the truck, exposes the paper to light and develops the image using standard chemicals and hand tools.

The result?

Stunning, light-infused images that feel caught between a century-old photograph and a modern work of art. And because of Irving's approach, every print is truly unique.

"It's an uneven developing [process]," says Irving, "and you end up with crazy images around the edge. It gives the negative a very interesting and different look each time."

Because of the photographic paper's size, Irving's negatives are about seven- to eight-feet wide, approximately 3000 times larger than a typical 35mm negative. "Consequently, you end up with really fine detail that you wouldn't have otherwise," he says.

Landscapes in a Truck will show for one night only. Residents and other guests are invited to attend the opening reception from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. featuring food and wine from The Boathouse, and music by a flamenco guitarist. The show is open to the public from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

To learn more about Shaun Irving's work, please visit Cameratruck.net.

Rocketts Landing Run to the River Part II

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Who said raising money was supposed to be a cakewalk? More like an uphill 10K.

The 2nd Annual Rocketts Landing Run to the River on Saturday, October 17, benefits the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) of Greater Fulton Hill, a non-profit organization that runs a school and community outreach center.

Their programs include tutoring, Montessori preschool, after school programs, art, music and GED classes. They will also soon open a café, in partnership with Tricycle Gardens, featuring organic food options with many of the ingredients grown in the NRC garden.

"We are very pleased to be building our relationship with Rocketts Landing," says Bridgette Huff, NRC's Race Director and Board Secretary. "It's been very encouraging how the community and residents are reaching out and supporting us in our mission."

The race is expected to be a larger event this year, with potentially three or four times as many participants. Local musicians will play alongside the courses, and there will be a halfway party at the Park House in Libby Hill Park.

Three different courses are featured: 10k Hill Run, 5k Walk and 1k Fun Run.

The 10K Hill Run follows the same course as last year, beginning in Fulton Hill and continuing through Montrose Heights, Fulton Bottom, Church Hill and Rocketts Landing. Three major hills included in the course are Libby Hill, Powhatan Hill and Fulton Hill, all of which are short and steep, yet should not deter runners from participating. Terrain will include pavement, sidewalks, grass, cobblestones and stairs, with elevation ranging from 170-feet above sea level at the top of the race to 12-feet above sea level at the Rocketts Landing marina.

"If someone's preparing for the Richmond marathon, this is a great way to practice," Huff says.

A designated member of Richmond Road Runners Club has measured the course to ensure it meets USATF standards.

The 5k Walk and 1k Fun Run are not nearly as strenuous. The 5k Walk spans Montrose Heights, Fulton Hill and Rocketts Landing, while the 1k Fun Run will take place on Salem Street. Though the latter race is geared toward kids of all ages, parents are encouraged to participate as well. "Dogs and strollers are also welcome," Huff says.

Upon completing the race, participants will be able to enjoy NRC's Finish Line Party and Alternative Health Fair with complimentary breakfast, massages, consultations from alternative health practitioners, live music and tours of the NRC.

Additionally, the top two "fundrunners" who raise the most money will receive either a one-year annual membership to Richmond Balance, a personal fitness gym in Shockoe Bottom, or a gift certificate offering a two-night stay at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. Awards will also be presented to the top three men and women in the 10K and 5K races.

To register for the race and to learn more, please visit Runtotheriver.org.

In Good Company

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In coming weeks and months, we will be profiling several of the new businesses that are moving to Rocketts. That means it's time to figure what Rocketts will mean for businesses.

In fact it's the oldest commercial section of the city and the only commercial district with direct access to the James River. That last part is imperative because Robert Hensley, who has responsibility for leasing the project's commercial space, takes potential business tenants on a boat ride along the James to gain a unique perspective of the project.

I recently met with Hensley, Vice President/Commercial Division for The WVS Companies, developer of Rocketts Landing, and he led me through the various units available.

"As a business owner, you will have a built-in population surrounding you, as well as additional amenities and restaurants for you to enjoy within easy walking distance," Hensley says.

He points out some additional benefits to all commercial locations:

Exclusive, urban-inspired riverfront/riverside property
2,000 free parking spaces for employees and customers
Units custom-built to suit your needs by local developer
Commercial spaces available in both Richmond City and Henrico County

There are currently three distinct commercial areas within Rocketts Landing: Cedar Works Warehouse, 210 Rock and prime riverfront property. Let's break it down.

Cedar Works Warehouse
The renovation of this early 20th century warehouse will convert 33,000 square feet into commercial property. Right now developers are working to obtain firm commitments from enough tenants before construction will begin in earnest. The building is located in Henrico County, and as such, is the closest County location to the downtown CBD.

With three floors of space available — each unit contains from 3,000 to 11,000 square feet — aesthetic amenities will include exposed brick walls and heart pine beams, and up to 10-feet ceilings on the first two stories. Businesses on the third floor will have 15-feet, A-frame ceilings. Each floor will also have three all-glass atriums. You may see retailers go in here since they will get street-front exposure to 11,000 cars passing by daily.

"Companies such as a dry cleaner and smoothie shop would do great in the first floor," Hensley says, and could cater to the 3,500 residents who will complete Rocketts Landing, in addition to clientele from the surrounding communities. Hensley envisions the second and third floors working well for "creative spaces" such as architectural firms, law offices and ad agencies. Businesses could be able to move into the space in late 2010.

210 Rock
A restaurant and home builder/development firm are in the process of moving in, and the building also has an array of high-end residences. 210 Rock is a modern, six-story building offering street-level retail spaces, luxury condominiums and structured parking. In total, there are 12,000 square feet of retail space, and the units are between 1,000 to 3,000 square feet each.

"Storefronts offer great foot traffic from residents, and are just a step away from the river," Hensley adds, "making this the perfect location for an outdoorsy professional,"

Prime Riverfront Property
The first restaurant to take off is The Boathouse, and word is they are experiencing a two-hour wait. While it may be two years before most of the other six to eight restaurant lots will be available, the fantastic skyline view, modern architecture and direct river access will probably make this highly sought-after. But for now that's speculation.

The contemporary, three-story buildings will also offer retail and office spaces, and the future available space will total several hundred thousand square feet. Hensley points out that the size of each unit "really depends on what size space the client wants. We [can] accommodate just about any need from the smallest office to a large corporate headquarters."

There is also a lot available for a high-end riverfront hotel, though it will probably be a few years before the space is available.

"We are happy to begin speaking with clients now," Hensley says.

Businesses interested in Rocketts Landing commercial spaces get a river tour. The pontoon boat accommodates up to 15 people at a time.

Experiencing the full vision of Rocketts Landing is important, Hensley points out, since only the first four blocks out of the full twenty are currently in development. In an already exciting development, there is still so much more than meets the eye.

"We're less than a mile from downtown, have a fantastic view of the city, offer convenient parking, and are only steps away from the river," Hensley says. "This is only the beginning of a great destination."

If you are interested to take a tour of Rocketts Landing's commercial district, as well as the complimentary boat ride, you can contact Robert Hensley at robert.hensley@rockettsvillage.com or 804-536-5597.

A Hot Welcome to Ronnie’s

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If you haven't been down to Ronnie's Ribs yet, you don't know what you are missing.

Located in a parking lot at the corner of 25th and East Main Streets, the storefront is an unassuming trailer, but the food is out of this world — and quickly gaining quite a following. In the two years they've been in operation, including just one year at their current location on Main, Ronnie's Ribs has gained significant national exposure. The Food Network featured Ronnie's Ribs in their Best Thing I Ever Ate: Bar-B-Que show, and The View recently dished them up on one of their episodes.

When I asked owner Ronald Logan, a Varina native who's lived in the area his entire life, what he thought was the secret to his success, he immediately had a one-word answer: love.

But it didn't take much longer for his deeper meaning to come out.

"To a lot of folks, it's my attitude and how I feel about my food," Logan says. "The way we set up in the parking lot, people can come right up to us and talk to us, can see the meat cooking, can smell it and have the interaction. I get to know customers by their first names."

Logan also loves cooking.

His passion started when he was much younger and cooking with his dad. So when Logan lost his job at a local banking firm after 29 years of employment, he began looking for the next step.

He was smoking meat at his home, and his son would bring dishes in to work events. Requests quickly came from people who wanted to buy a slab of ribs. Before long, his son asked him if he could cater a work event for 95 people. Logan agreed. And word spread from there. In fact, to this day, Logan says he's barely advertised his company.

"The smoker uses indirect heat and hickory wood," Logan says. "The flames don't hit it. That helps a lot. And the meat is slow cooked. Ribs take 3 ½ to 4 hours, and wings might take an hour and a half. There's a lot of love going into it before, during and after."

Logan points out that he makes his own sauce and his own rub — a truly defining feature.

Menu items are very well priced and include staples such as his famous hickory smoked ribs, North Carolina-style pulled pork barbeque, jumbo wings and beef brisket. Combos include a side dish and a drink, or you can order a la carte.

In looking to the future of Ronnie's Ribs, Logan says he hopes to open a restaurant in Rocketts Landing within the next couple of years. They are planning to add dinner delivery that would service downtown Richmond and Rocketts Landing residents. They will also soon expand their operating hours in order to meet increased demand.

"To do what you have a passion for and squeak out a living, it's not easy," Logan says, "but we're a family-run business, and when you love to do something, you don't mind doing it."

Ronnie's Ribs is currently open Thursday – Saturday, Noon to 8 p.m. You can visit them online at Ronniesribsandwings.com.

Dinner Is Served

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The temporary Garden of Eden

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What a difference a year makes. And I'm not even talking about the complete restoration/renovation of the Power Plant building, which now has a restaurant open for business (more on that in a week or so…)

Nope. It's the garden. Where there are 30 percent more plots this year than last (another 13). And it's the place to meet other residents, says Jennifer Grubbs, who was pulling weeds and watering earlier this week.

"You can just come out here and get to know your neighbors," Grubbs said, pointing out that some plots have little signs saying, "Water Me."

Grubbs, who lives in Cedar Works http://www.rockettsvillage.com/cedar-works-residences.asp, said there was so much interest from residents, that Rocketts built another row of plots. She also said that the current garden location is temporary as the project evolves.

"The soil is much better this year than last," she told me. "And you can see that I use mounds to plant. I put existing plants in the ground."

At Grubb's request, Rocketts also added another hose at the far end.

But despite constant watering, the veggies and flowers are starting to get that August wilt.

Snorkeling in the James

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adventure race on the James, Part II

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Longtime blog readers might remember last October, when I told the tale of my first 24-hour adventure race.

My team completed 45 miles of a 100 mile race, and the hardest part was sitting on the bottom of a canoe for five hours as we paddled a stretch of the James River near Buckingham County. (Never let anyone tell you that three people can fit comfortably in a canoe.)

(I didn't bring a camera and couldn't find any good pictures of the race from anyone else)

Well, I was at it again two weeks ago, this time a bit farther west on the James, and the canoe got the best of me yet again.

The Odyssey One-Day adventure race started in New Castle, Va.

New Castle is one of the most remote spots in Virginia, in a county that's almost half national forest. The lush mountains frame the one-stop-sign main street. The Craig Creek winds 30 or so miles through low-lying farm land until it pours into the James River.

The race started Saturday, but camping out on Friday we got almost no sleep.

The gun went off at 4:30 a.m. And 200 adventurers from up and down the East Cost (I bumped into teams from Florida, Atlanta and Maryland) were off.

After a two-mile jog, biking up and down a 3,000-foot mountain (and by biking, I also mean walking my bike up hills), and hiking to find checkpoints 4 miles apart, my teammate and I got in the canoes.

But before we could push off, we had to strap down our mountain bikes into the canoe. The key was to take off the front tire.

I steered from the back, but when you have your food and your mountain bikes in the canoe with you, the rapids are more stressful than just a summer paddle.

Then the thunder started. And then several canoes passed us. And then I opened my backpack to grab my lunch, a PB&J sandwich. Note to self, in future races make sure Ziploc bags are zipped tightly. Same with the little bags of Wheat Thins. They filled with James River water.

But when you've biked for 6 hours, hiked all day and are hitting the 12-hour mark, your brain starts misfiring. Hence eating soggy Wheat Thins that went for a spin cycle in the James.

And a few hours later, I started seeing things in the night. A tree looked like a goblin. The forest road seemed to veer one way but then when I got up close, it clearly went another.

At that point we had been up for two days and were trying to get to the finish line by 4:30 a.m. And we did. We came in third in the coed division after carrying our bikes across one final creek.

Several of the racers also do three- and five-day races. That sounds crazy to me.

But most people think the 24-hour race is crazy.

The Origins Of The James River

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The latest edition of the "James River Journal" came out in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Monday. The article focused on the origins of the James. Reportedly, it's not located where you might think it is. . .

(See the link below.)

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/JAME20_20090719-222806/281038/

Photo: flickr user the other eric cohen

A Boathouse Restaurant Update

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Brew Story About Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

After the Civil War, thousands of entrepreneurs from the North flooded the business markets of the defeated Southland's major cities. Richmond was no exception. And among the budding business men headed to the capitol city was David Yuengling Jr., a second-generation German immigrant with beer brewing in his blood.

In 1866, Yuengling Jr. established the James River Steam Brewery at Rocketts Landing. The brewery was America's first fully steam powered brewery and was located on grassy area just north of Fall Line.

In 1829, Yuengling Jr.'s father, David Sr., established D.G. Yuengling and Son, the oldest operating brewery in the US. The newly founded establishment was called the Eagle Brewery back then. And for more reasons than one, David Jr. decided to leave it in 1866 to set up shop on the banks of the James River, according to Brooks Smith, the author of Facts and Legends: The Hills of Richmond.

"Back then, Richmond was known as a place for saloons, old-country beer recipes and all around good cheer," said Smith, whose book examines the historical significance of the many hills surrounding Rocketts Landing. "Not only that, breweries from up North were especially attracted to the city's cheap labor force and river access."

Ice was imported up the James River on barges from Maine in order to keep freshly brewed beer cold. According to Smith, this was an expensive endeavor given the long distance the ice had to travel and the city's warm climate.

"A lot of breweries in Richmond went out of business on account of how expensive the ice was," he said.

In addition to importing ice, deep cellars were dug around the James River Steam Brewery to keep the stored beer out of the sunlight and as cold as possible. The oldest beer cellar in Richmond, Smith said, is on Chimborazo Hill, north of Rocketts Landing. It served as a bomb shelter during World War II, but was filled with dirt sometime after that to keep out trespassers.

Rocketts Landing has its own abandoned beer cellar just behind the new pool. The cellar is now fenced off and has standing water on the floor. But it once would have been lined with clean brick and stacked with crates of beer. That is until the James River Steam Brewery closed only a couple years after its opening. The reason why and the exact date the brewery was shuttered remain unknown Smith said.

Rumor has it though that there are plans to turn the old beer cellar at Rocketts Landing into a restaurant in commemoration of the James River Steam Brewery. Smith said he supports the idea. But before any building takes place, he would like to put on some hip waders and take a look around down there.

Photo: Flickr user Ourkid

Tying-up at the New Rocketts Marina

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The marina at Rocketts Landing is finally starting to look like – well – a marina. Bayliners, SunTrackers and Benningtons are just a few of the boats occupying 17 of the newly built dock slips.

Now residents motor along the banks of the James River, watching the occasional water skier pass by and enjoying the sunset. It surely helps, too, that the last few weeks have been unseasonably pleasant.

The slips at the new marina cost $10 per foot a month for an annual lease, and five are reserved for transient boaters who wish to visit Richmond by water and park their boat for up to 45 days.

Most resident boat owners purchased their boats just after the marina opened on May 1st, according to Eileen Davis, the proud owner of a double-decker, 24-foot Sylvan pontoon boat.

Davis says she grew up around boats on the New Jersey shore, and that she and her husband, Martin, are currently "transitioning" from their house in the far west end, near Short Pump Town Center, to their condo in Fall Line.

"When I first moved to Richmond 15 years ago, I couldn't understand why the city's beautiful waterfront was undeveloped," she said. "My husband and I decided to move to Rocketts when we found out they were planning to build condos with water access. We intend to retire to our condo at some point after our daughter graduates from college, but for now, having it and the new boat is like having a vacation house without the long drive."

Davis currently teaches nursing at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and for her, weekends at Rocketts Landing and dinner onboard the new boat is the perfect way to unwind after a long week.

"The new marina is a genial environment that always seems to put me in a good mood," she said. "Everybody is always lending a hand and giving each other boating advice. It's just another fun thing to do and talk about with your neighbors."

Davis expects more slips at the marina to fill up once the economy takes a turn for the better. She also thinks the opening of the new Boathouse Restaurant will play a role in attracting a significant amount of boat traffic to the area, but she isn't concerned.

"The more the merrier," she said. "Even if they extend the marina all the way to the club house and more boats come, I don't think too much traffic will be an issue. Rocketts Landing is a deep water port and the James River is wider than you think."

A part from having dinner on the water, Davis also enjoys viewing all the wildlife the area has to offer, especially the rare birds.

"Out on the water we've spotted turtles, herons and even a Peregrine Falcon," she said. "The falcons have almost disappeared from the Richmond-area, but we saw one right there from the deck of our boat."

Get Pumped for the New Fitness Center

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Little by little, Rocketts residents are learning more about one-another. Now that the fitness center at 210 Rock is open, they will know who can bench press 250 pounds, and who flexes in the mirror between every set.

The fitness center location is not meant to be permanent but has most of what you need to stay in shape, from elliptical machines and treadmills to stack weights and dumbbells. Also, let's not forget the flat-screen TV.

Construction on the 1,800 square-foot, two room site began back in April and was completed last month. It will serve as temporary location for Rocketts residents to exercise until the riverfront community center, which will house the permanent gym, is completed.

"Access to an onsite fitness center is part of the Rocketts homeowners' package," said Community Manager, Amanda Madden. "I think that everyone here is pleased to have a place to exercise until the community center opens."

A number of residents took advantage of an informational workout session this past weekend. The session was hosted by Teresa Glauser of Elite Fitness Systems, the company that outfitted the new fitness center with its exercise equipment.

"I showed the class how to use each piece of equipment safely and effectively," Glauser said. "People want to see results when they're exercising. So, it is important to learn to do things right."

Yes, that means you, Mr. cut-off sleeves, grunting bench-presser.

Glauser also runs the personal training business, Take Action, and she hopes that Rocketts residents will opt for more private fitness classes at the new fitness center in the future.

"I'm already meeting with two ladies from this past weekend's class again on Friday," she said. "I'd also like the residents to do a survey on what exercise classes they would be willing to attend at what times. When it comes to exercise, it's important to give people not what you think they are interested in but what they want."

The new fitness center is open to all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can contact Teresa Glauser at (804) 432-1251 to set up an appointment.

The Rare Civil War-Era Pottery Beneath Rocketts

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A team led by Robert Hunter from the Center for Archeological Research at William and Mary University recently excavated hundreds of American Stoneware pieces at Rocketts Landing. The stoneware is believed to be the product of David Parr Jr., a prominent post-Civil War potter from Richmond.

Parr established a pottery in Richmond around the 1850's somewhere near Rocketts Landing, but no one knows exactly where. His American stoneware is highly sought after by collectors, and Hunter feels he might be on to something, given the abundance of "wasters" or broken pieces of stoneware found during the recent excavation at Rocketts.

"The area has huge potential to be the location of Parr's kiln or maybe even one of his storage facilities," Hunter said. "During a dig, we have never before encountered so much of his stoneware."

The term stoneware refers to the predominant house ware of nineteenth century North America –pottery usually covered in a salt glaze and often decorated using bright blue cobalt oxide. The vernacular term "crocks" is often used to describe the pottery, and it is thought to have originated in Germany during the 1400's.

No one has ever found a stoneware factory belonging to David Parr Jr. For this reason, his work is extremely rare and sells for thousands of dollars. One of the most significant vessel he has produced is the twenty-gallon salt-glazed stoneware cooler decorated with an incised American eagle and on display at the Virginia Historical Society.

No fully intact Parr pieces were found during the recent dig at Rocketts.

"Collectors, of course, want whole pieces to display in their houses," said Hunter. "For us though a fragment is just as good. We're more interested in the historic value of Parr's work."

The dig was funded in part by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Hunter is currently in the process of raising more money for a second visit. Dan Boyer, a sales associate at Rocketts Landing, volunteered during the excavation and would like to see the search for the Parr kiln continue.

"With permission from the Rocketts community we would like to dig as much as possible in order to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the area and the city," he said. "We have even discussed the installment of a small museum on site to display all our findings and maintain that legacy."

Editor's Note: Robert Hunter asked that the Captain's Blog encourage people not to encroach upon the areas excavated for fear of damage that could be imposed upon the historic stoneware potentially located there.

Photos / Robert Hunter

Jump On In

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Athletes Make the Most of Triathlon Despite Bad Weather

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The river showed no mercy at Richmond's first Olympic distance triathlon hosted by Rocketts Landing. The race was a USAT sanctioned event coordinated by Richmond Multisports, a triathlon production company that hosts a total of seven races each year in Central Virginia.

Because the weather did not cooperate, the swimming portion of the triathlon set to take place in the James River was cancelled. Nevertheless, spirits were still high among the 192 competing athletes, 70 volunteers and several hundred spectators, according to Race Director Laurie Mehler.

"Luckily we had 'Plan B' as a back-up just in case something like this happened," Mehler said. "Despite all our preparation, we had to run an abridged version of the triathlon."

The swimming section of the race was supposed to be a rectangular course on the James River scheduled to start and finish at the Rocketts Landing marina. When the first few swimmers entered the water, however, they were quickly swept away by the current and forced to cling on to the kayaks and jetskies of the volunteers monitoring the race.

"It just wasn't safe to go in the water," Mehler said. "I really wish I could have pushed the edit button on Mother Nature. It was very disheartening see, but everybody said they still enjoyed the other two legs of the race and had a good time overall."

The bike portion of the abridged triathlon weaved through eastern Henrico County toward Battlefield Park, down Osborne Turnpike and back to Rocketts Landing via Varina Road. The running portion went west from Rocketts through Richmond over the 14th Street Bridge and onto the James River Park flood wall cinder path.

Richmond Multisports raised money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and at the post race awards ceremony a free scooter from Partnership for Smarter Growth was raffled away. Many Rocketts residents also joined in on the catered, post-race party with music provided by DJ Williams Project.

"We have never staged a triathlon in a residential community, and it really made a huge difference," Mehler said. "The residents at Rocketts you can tell are real tight-knit group and were very supportive. Moreover, the Rocketts staff is the total package and works like a well-oiled machine. They provided everything we need in the face of the bad weather."

Instead of a marked course, next year Mehler would like the swim portion of the race to be a straight-shot that starts at an alternate point down river and finishes at Rocketts marina.
"Now that we have this first race under our belts and experienced the bad weather, it should get easier in years to come," she added. "I anticipate by word-of-mouth the Rocketts triathlon will be our biggest event in two years."

Photo / JFordPhotography.com

Cap2Cap ride: the sequel

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Followers of this blog may recall that last year we produced a multimedia slideshow for the Cap2Cap bike ride, which is a popular road ride to raise money for a bike path linking downtown Richmond with Williamsburg. The trail will traverse Rocketts Landing adjacent to the marina.

This year I left the camera at home and jumped on my mountain bike for 50 miles. That's the farthest I've ever pedaled. But fifty miles goes faster than you'd think -- or at least the almost four hours it took me to complete the 50 went faster than, say, four hours at work. And the weather held up wonderfully, which is a risk in Richmond in May.

Joining me were around 1,400 riders. Last year participants met at Dorey Park, but this year we started and ended at Rocketts Landing, and riders could choose to pedal 25, 50 or 100 miles.

The shade of the rural roads was especially pleasant, and the air had that just-rained smell you only get in the countryside. I don't drive that way too often, and it surprised me and several other riders in my pack how quickly the land turns rural in Eastern Henrico.

In only its second year, the Cap2Cap ride has a cult following. Beth Weisbrod, the executive director of the Capital Trail Foundation, said attendance increased 40% compared to last year. The foundation is still determining how much the event raised, but the money is used for trail enhancements, such as signs and benches.

While I generally call it a bike path, it's technically a multi-use trail and will likely see heavy action from pedestrians and joggers, especially close to downtown Richmond.

Last year the routes took riders from Eastern Henrico to various points on the way to Williamsburg. This year the routes were loops through verdant farmland. That change eliminated the need for shuttles.

And this year there was a more festive spirit.

"The layout of Rocketts is perfect for the race because it is so close to the trail and on the east side of Richmond, the side closest in proximity to Williamsburg," said Tim Miller, the event director.

"Now that Rocketts Landing is the host of the Cap2Cap race we've been able to add a bunch of bells and whistles to the event like the VIP breakfast, beer truck, lights and live music. We're really trying to make this race more exciting and attract more bikers, kind of like the Tour de France."

Photo / Captain's Blog

A Day at the Derby with a View of the James River

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The rain hardly let up. But the dance floor was packed, and the juleps were to-die-for at the Richmond Ballet's 16th Annual Kentucky Derby Day Party.

Rocketts Landing presented the event, and Aaron Sutton, director of marketing and communications for the Richmond Ballet, called it "another huge success."

Nearly three hundred people attended the outdoor party located underneath a massive tent on the Rocketts Landing central quad. And everyone came dressed to impress. Powell Harrison, owner of the clothing store Harrison's of Leesburg, gave his approval.

"There are a lot of good looking outfits and cool people here," he said.

As the early arrivers filtered in, I indulged in the crab cakes and oysters Weyanoke dished up by David Napier's Whitehouse catering. The band 3rd Wave also took the stage at this time, providing the smooth rhythmic melodies that set the uplifting mood leading up to the Derby.

The Derby was broadcast on a big screen projector to the right of the stage, and not a person in attendance was seated as Mind That Bird pulled away from the pack for the long-shot victory. I even saw a little money change hands as a few friendly bets were paid and dinner was served.

The buffet included BBQ beef brisket with horse radish sauce, seared Rockfish with a classic beurre blanc, Chicken Saté, and a Mediterranean pasta salad.

After the dinner, the Richmond Ballet held a raffle which featured such prizes as a seven night stay at the Outer Banks, a sterling silver necklace from Peter Alexander, two round trip tickets on JetBlue Airways, and four tickets to see the Richmond Ballet's 2009 performance of The Nut Cracker.

The sun began to set over the Richmond skyline, as the second band of the evening BUTTER took the stage. By this time it didn't take much – a cover of the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive" – to get everybody back on their feet and doing the Hustle.

All the proceeds of the event went to the Richmond Ballet, and a lot of people had their chance to experience Rocketts for the first time.

"I haven't been back here since the development project first began, and I can definitely see a big difference," said event planner, Wendy Ewees. "The place is really coming along."

Photo / JFordPhotography.com

That's a Big Cat!

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, this photo was taken at the newly opened Rocketts Landing marina. I don't know much about the angler featured in the photo. But I do know he landed this enormous catfish in a kayak on the James River in front of Rocketts early one morning. It's a Blue Catfish for sure, judging by the shape of the head and fins. The largest Blue Cat caught in the State of Virginia weighted 92 pounds 4 ounces. If I had to guess, I'd say this fish weighs at least 25 pounds - not bad for a spot located just outside of Richmond.

Photo / Used With Permission

Shad We Go Fishing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The shad are running in full force this spring. And hundreds of fishermen can now be seen casting for the spawning fish along the James River near Rocketts Landing.

Shad can grow to be as big as eight pounds. They reproduce in the James because it has an abundance of moving water. The current is necessary for the fish's eggs to properly hatch.

Jess Cadwallender has been fishing for shad on the James and Rappahannock Rivers since he was young. Cadwallender holds an IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) World Record, and he drives a Jeep Cherokee with a Virginia license plate that reads, "SHDRUN."

"This year we're seeing a strong run," he said. "The shad will populate the rivers as far south as Florida and some of them come from as far north as Prince Edward Island, Canada. Legend has it; the spawning fish saved Gen. George Washington's army from starvation at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. "

When fishing for shad it is important to remember that they, like any fish, do not fight the current all the time. They sometimes seek the edge of current rips, less turbulent water behind rocks, and the relatively calm water in feeder creeks.

Shad can be caught on a variety of lures, the most popular being small "shad dart" jigs and small gold or silver spoons.

"Every year there is always somebody down by the river peddling their homemade darts, claiming they're the best," Cadwallender told me. "Sabiki rigs have grown in popularity lately as well. Each Sabiki rig has eight to twelve hooks on it with artificial fish skin or feathers attached."

In terms of fly tackle sinking fly line is a requisite, as shad for the most part like to stay deep in the current. A short eighteen-inch leader is all that is needed, and small clouser-type flies in a variety of colors work well.

A lot of people eat shad despite their boney flesh. After scaling the fish, I cut a filet off each side. I then rinse each filet and with the skin side down make half-way deep perpendicular cuts through the meat at quarter inch intervals. Salt, pepper, roll in corn meal, and then fry the filet until crispy. The slices in the meat cook the small bones, making them edible.

Cadwallender, on the other hand, likes to eat the shad eggs most of all. "I sauté the row in a pan with bacon and lemon juice and sometimes mix it all in with my scrambled eggs at breakfast. It's not a bad way to start your day."

Photo / Flickr user Western Sport Shop

At Home on the Water

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Making Port at Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The marina at Rocketts Landing is coming-about. Forty of the planned 125 floating dock slips are complete and scheduled to open May 1st.

The slips hug the James River's east bank and will cost boaters $10 per foot a month for an annual lease. Fifteen of the 40 slips have already been reserved – ten by Rocketts Landing residents (who receive first dibs) and five by non-residents.

In hopes of learning more on how the marina was constructed, I spoke with Jason Vickers-Smith of The WVS Companies (the developer of Rocketts Landing). In 2001, Vickers-Smith spearheaded the building of the 158-slip marina at Belmont Bay on the Occuquon River, a few miles south of Mount Vernon.

Unlike at Belmont Bay, the floating docks at the Rocketts Landing marina were constructed without any pilings and only with steel trusses holding them in place. The pivoting steel trusses measure 30-40 feet in length and are anchored just above the shoreline.

According to Vickers-Smith, it would have been expensive and environmentally unsound to drive pilings into the riverbed in front of Rocketts Landing. A thick layer of solid rock lines the riverbed in front of Rocketts, and the soil surrounding the bedrock stores a lot of the river's pollutants (from long-ago days when the area was used for industry). Drilling would have required costly machinery and released the potentially harmful pollutants into the water.

"The design of the docks using the pivoting steel arms instead of pilings might seem unusual, but it is not uncommon," Vickers-Smith said. "So far, it has worked well."

Other noticeable features of the marina are the wooden crib-docks left over from the early 1900s when Rocketts Landing was a thriving commercial port. Vickers-Smith said the marina was built around the crib docks to maintain an historic element.

The depth of the water at the docks varies from 6 feet to 7 feet at low tide. That should be more than enough room for most James River powerboats with a draft of 2-3 feet. No yachts or sail boats have signed onto a slip, but Vickers-Smith says he is hoping to be "pleasantly surprised" by the birth of one or two.

Vickers-Smith also says that The WVS Companies is considering the purchase of a boat that will be kept at the marina.

There are no plans in place as of yet for the marina's opening day. However, Vickers-Smith said at some point he would like to host an event that celebrates the opening of the new Boathouse restaurant and the new marina simultaneously.

Flying with Tom Stiles of Sky Shots

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, I was 1,000 feet above Rocketts Landing and about to lose my lunch.

"Alright go ahead and bank the plane at 45 degrees so that I can get a better shot," Tom said to the pilot as he was leaning out the back seat window. "That's it . . . a little more . . . perfect!"

He lifted the camera closer to his eye and snapped a few pictures as we circled out over the James River.

In the front seat of the Cessna 172 dubbed 28 November, I was gripping my armrest with white knuckles. The wind was blowing at about 15 knots and shaking the plane's cabin with a dizzying force.

"How are you doing up there, Ben?" Tom shouted at me, looking up for a moment from his camera.

"Great," I said.

But as we pulled out of the turn, I could feel my stomach sink and then rise into my throat. I tried my hardest not to throw-up.

Tom, on the other hand, was constantly moving around and looking for a better camera angle, seemingly unaffected by the turbulence. He founded Sky Shots, an aerial photography company based out of Hanover County Airport, in 1999 and has been snapping photos of the Rocketts Landing development project since construction began.

Having flown in a small plane twice before, I jumped at the invitation to join him on a photo shoot. I prefer to be on the ground or out on the water but still enjoy the thrill of flying. I also wanted to see Rocketts Landing from a bird's-eye-view.

When I met Tom at the airport, he greeted me with a big smile and had a giant camera bag slung over his shoulder. We toured around the airfield, and he showed me some of his latest work which hangs on the walls in the airport lobby.

In one flight, Tom usually tries to fit in as many different sites as he can, and on this particular afternoon, in addition to Rocketts Landing, we were going to take pictures of two other places along the river.

"I always like to take pictures of Rocketts in the afternoon," he said. "The timing makes for a better shot from out over the James when you're looking at the front of the development. The sun is in the west, and the shadows of all the buildings are pointing away from the water to the east."

A part from the blustering wind, we couldn't have asked for a better day to fly. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was somewhere in the mid-seventies. Despite my nausea, I can easily say the trip was worth it.

Along the way to Rocketts Landing, we passed over the Richmond International Raceway, the Richmond Braves' old baseball stadium and Monument Ave.

As we approached Rocketts Landing, we began to slow down and fly in a giant circle. A blast of fresh air rushed into cabin just as Tom opened the window to take pictures.

From the airplane Rocketts Landing looked spectacular. One of the location's most noticeable characteristics was how much it stands out amidst all the old industrial buildings and parks surrounding Richmond. This is something you can't really get a feel for on a diagram or Google maps.

For the first time, I could truly see all the ways the development project could expand along the James River. About six or seven boats dotted the waterway, and the empty but almost complete Rocketts Landing docks looked like open arms ready to take them in.

Probably the most distinguishable building was The Boathouse Restaurant currently under construction. The tinted windows of the dining-area reflected the light from the river bank and contrasted heavily with the surrounding buildings and weathered smokestack leftover from the old power plant.

As we circled around once more, Tom took a few more pictures before we veered off.

"That's great. Let's go on to the next site," he said.

photo / dpicreativeservices.com

Visitors come by the bus-load to see lofts at Rocketts

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone knows that a "boat load" is synonymous with a lot. You'd be surprised how big a" bus-load" is, too.

I learned this over the weekend as visitors were brought to Rocketts Landing by the bus load for the Downtown Loft Tour of Richmond.

The goal: to ooh and ahh at three beautifully furnished lofts. For some, it was their first chance to see Rocketts.

"I'm excited Richmond is doing this," said Pat Zirkle, who was on the tour with her two daughters. "I love these kinds of events."

Denny Petfield, a Richmond-native on the tour with his wife and another couple was equally excited. "I haven't heard anything about the Rocketts Landing development project, but I'm interested to see how the buildings have been redone."

Upon their arrival, visitors were ushered up to the top floor of 210 Rock. The two-story penthouse has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a panoramic view of the James River from the living room. Outside the condominium is also a winding stair case that leads up to a roof-top patio complete with a fire pit, dining-area and view of the Richmond skyline.

"We are excited to be a part of the Rocketts Landing concept," said Beth Saunders, who has been living in the condo on weekends with her family of four since October. "We're originally from South Boston, Virginia, and at first we questioned the idea of moving here. But now we enjoy it and are happy to share our home with others," she said.

The next stop on the tour (no bus needed) was Cedar Works Condominiums, located across the street from 210 Rock. The two-story loft is actually two units put together and belongs to Jason Vickers-Smith, vice-president of The WVS Companies, the developer of Rocketts Landing. His loft has wonderful exposed brick and cedar beams.

"I fell in love with the place when we first started work at Rocketts Landing," said Vickers-Smith. "I have been living here since September and am happy to be helping the project with this tour."

The final stop was at Sky Line, which is a bit closer to the river. Judy Arenstein moved to Sky Line with her cat, Toby, from the Fan District. Her condo was on display.

Arenstein's living room opens up onto a balcony overlooking the river and The Boathouse restaurant currently under construction (read more about that here). She said she is getting excited about the restaurant's opening in the fall and looking forward to watching the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta from the comfort of her home.

"I like the community that Rocketts Landing has to offer," she said. "I felt isolated in other high-rises around Richmond. Plus, take a look out the window. You can't beat that view."

Choppy Waters for Spring Regatta

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Check out the choppy waters of the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta from Sunday in this great Times-Dispatch video.

"High Winds led to choppy rough waters," said the reporter, Jeremy Slayton.

Crew Time

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In an effort to kick off the spring season, the Virginia Boat Club and Rocketts Landing will host Richmond's first – and only – major collegiate regatta.

The inaugural Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta will be held March 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it will feature club crew teams from schools all around Virginia, including VCU, George Mason, NC State and the University of Maryland.

I caught up with Mark Willis, the President of the Virginia Boat Club, to find out more. Willis has been the president of the Virginia Boat Club for about a year and is also the faculty advisor for the crew team at VCU.

"In past years we have hosted what are called masters regattas with participants who are college graduates or row as a hobbie," he said. "Because we're hosting a collegiate regatta this year, we expect things to be a little different with more of a student atmosphere. We're still waiting to hear back from a few schools, but I am confident there will be quite a number of teams and at least 400 spectators on the river."

According to Willis, the regatta will consist of 25 races with teams divided into several different categories.

"They're the ones who actually gave us the idea to host a collegiate event, and they have been extremely supportive financially and logistically," said Willis. "Since Rocketts Landing's involvement we have seen an increased interest in rowing at the Virginia Boat Club."

The Virginia Boat Club has been using Rocketts Landing as a home port since 1987, and it even has its own dock located near the power plant. The club descended from one of the earliest rowing teams in the United States founded in 1876.

Willis says that regattas on the James River used to be more popular and draw thousands of spectators. This is why he is trying to expand the rowing program in Richmond and introduce the sport to younger athletes. The Virginia Boat Club offers numerous rowing classes for both beginner and advanced rowers, and Willis claims he in fact learned to row on a whim four years ago as a participant in one of these classes.

"I encourage everyone to try rowing," he said. "It's a good supplementary sport, a great way to stay in shape and a lot of fun to be on the water."

Flying High Over Rocketts Landing

Rocketts Landing — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The eagles have landed

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Times-Dispatch, in their neat series on the people and ecology of the James River, this week looks at eagles that live there. The population of our national bird almost disappeared because of chemicals, but has burst back on the scene.

"Today, a nearly 40-mile stretch of the tidal, freshwater James -- from the Dutch Gap area near Chester to eastern Charles City County -- harbors one of the country's top concentrations of eagles, herons and other fish-eating birds. The National Audubon Society has designated the region an Important Bird Area, a high compliment among conservationists."

You can read the story here. I saw a bald eagle near the Nickel Bridge last year. It was amazing.

A taste of what's coming

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last week I chatted with the restaurateur who will open Rocketts' first eatery. This week I went to his current location in Midlothian.

Eating raw oysters on a deck surrounded by Virginia pines and waterfront views made me think summer was here. To sample the menu and ambience, (and hopefully glean some details on what we might expect) owner Kevin Healy invited me and a friend to the original Boathouse Restaurant at Brandermill (located on the Swiftcreek Reservoir in Chesterfield). Healy has owned The Boathouse for 21 years and told me that the Rocketts Landing restaurant will have similar table fare, waterfront outdoor seating and décor. He said it will also have the same selection of Chesapeake and Bluepoint oysters - Crassostrea Virginica.

To my satisfaction, The Boathouse oysters were about as fresh and juicy as could be. For an appetizer, my friend and I ordered half-a-dozen oysters Rockefeller and half-a-dozen raw Chesapeake oysters, which according to our waitress are saltier than the Blue Point oysters. The shallot vinaigrette accompanying the raw Chesapeake oysters was superb, and the Dijon spinach, Parmesan bread crumb and bacon combination of the oysters Rockefeller was cooked to a creamy perfection.

As my friend and I savored each morsel of the tasty mollusks, the sun set over the Swift Creek reservoir. A diverse and lively crowd that ranged from business men to couples and families gathered around the surrounding tables and outdoor bar. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the warm Sunday afternoon.

Chef Wood and Kevin Healy have been working together for the past 30 years, and they share ownership of The Baker's Crust at Short Pump. Chef Wood will help Healy select the sous-chef to be in charge of The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. He is known in some gourmet circles as the "The Architect of Food" for constructing such alternative appetizers as the Chicken and Avocado Egg Rolls my friend and I ordered after we finished our oysters. The egg rolls were fried to a flaky crispiness and came with excellent soy and apricot dipping sauces.

For the entree, I ordered the Daily Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi with mango pineapple salsa and Tillamook mashed potatoes. A large portion of filleted Mahi filled my plate and the tender, white fish was grilled to a medium temperature—just the way I like it. The mashed potatoes were also as smooth and silky as could be; however, the mango salsa could have been sweeter and didn't compliment the potato side well.

My friend had the Crab Louis Salad which was large enough for two people and for $12 came with a hefty portion of Lump Crab meat. I would have preferred the asparagus in the salad to be grilled or sautéed instead of blanched, but all the remainder of the greenery was garden-fresh, and the Louis dressing was mixed with just the right amount of chili sauce.
We opted out of dessert. But, if we had any more room in our stomachs, we would have definitely chosen to finish the meal off with the Chocolate Mouse and Cheesecake Martini with raspberries, whipped cream and caramel.

Seeing as how it is much closer to the city, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing should a perfect place for Richmonders to wind down the workweek along the water with a glass of wine or beer. My very premature recommendation: the seafood – especially the oysters.

The inside scoop on The Boathouse Restaurant

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Finally some snow!

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts looks like a winter wonderland. Ok, maybe that's a bit cliche, but you gotta love the snow. There's gotta be some good sledding around Rocketts. I'll be ready for it next winter.

Not even some snow and ice can slow down the construction of the marina.

Touring Rocketts Landing with Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Little is known about the history of Rocketts Landing prior to Captain Christopher Newport's 1607 arrival on the Godspeed during his exploration of the James River. So, last week I took the opportunity to meet with Chief Steven Adkins of the Chickahominy tribe to discuss the significance of the area to Virginia's Native American community.

I met Chief Adkins early in the morning by the Rocketts Landing Boathouse restaurant construction site. It was a windy day but extremely warm for February.

"This is a beautiful place, isn't it?" Chief Adkins said, as we walked along the sidewalk that borders the James River. "This whole area was once extremely fertile, and the Native Americans of this region used it to grow such things as ceremonial tobacco and corn. In addition, these waters were once teaming with fish and these woods filled with game."

As we made our way east along the James, Chief Adkins told me about the United Indians of Virginia. The tribal group has reason to believe that Rocketts Landing is in the vicinity of the original birth place of Chief Powhatan, the father of Pocahontas and leader of the Powhatan Indians.

Chief Powhatan was originally named Wahunsenacawh in 1547. But he acquired the name Powhatan, which supposedly was the name of the Rocketts Landing-area at the time, when later on in his life he inherited the chiefdom of about 4-6 tribes. Through diplomacy and/or force Powhatan eventually assembled a total of about 30 tribes known as the Powhatan Confederacy by the time of the arrival of the European settlers in the early 17th century.

The Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Mattaponi, the Monacan, the Nasemond, the Pamunkey, the Rappahanock, and the Upper Mattaponi are eight tribes that were once a part of the Powhatan Confederacy and are still in existence today as members of the Virginia Council of Indians.

The Powhatan Confederacy most likely used the Rocketts Landing-area for trade, commerce and regular meetings, according to Chief Adkins.

"The Native Americans of this region were interested in the area for the same reasons that the European settlers were," he said. "It's protected by the falls, and it made trading with Western tribes more convenient on account of how it's easy to portage from river to river from this location."

In the near future, the Virginia Council of Indians and Chief Adkins plan to build a "meeting place" east of Rocketts Landing, because of the area's historical significance. The meeting place will be used as an educational facility and to commemorate Chief Powhatan and the forbearers of the Virginia Council of Indians.

"Take a look around," said Chief Adkins. "This is an attractive area that needs to be protected and used to educate the young folks about Native America culture."

Blue Herons are back

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The beloved Blue Herons are back to their habitat along the James River.

So reports Rex Springston, the environmental reporter at the Times-Dispatch. "The big birds, which spend much of the year in swamps to the southeast, returned to Richmond in late January or early February," Springston reports.

"The heron colony, on an island, apparently was first reported in 2007, and it drew widespread attention just last year. The big colony, or rookery, is a first for the city."

Blue Herons generally eat snakes, fish and other small mammals, so this is probably a sign that the local ecosystem is healthy.

The Riverkeeper

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Times-Dispatch has another story this morning in their wonderful series about the James River.

This one introduces us to David Sligh, the Upper James Riverkeeper with the James River Association. He kayaks various stretches and tries to keep an eye out for the health of the river.

Docks in the water

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The docks are going in along the banks of the James, and that's gotta mean water-ski season is nearby.

The Times-Dispatch has the story complete with a very cool video.

Reporter Michael Martz asked developer Richard Souter about how the marina is progressing now that the economy has slowed.

He responded that the marina is part of the long-term plan. "At the end of the day, it's the only place in the city of Richmond where you can moor a boat," he said.

Look for a few more dock/marina posts in coming weeks.

Steady progress on the Capital Trail

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week I was at a coffee shop downtown with a friend who started telling me about how exciting the Virginia Capital Trail was going to be. He did not know that I help out Rocketts Landing with this blog, or that I enjoy biking.

He told me that people here, "Don't even know how great it will be" as if to say that Richmond can't conceive of the future recreational impact. My friend, who manages a local business, also said it will be great for Shockoe Bottom shop keepers.

Refreshing to here such positive thoughts these days, no?

And it reminded me that it's about time to check in again on the status and plans of the Capital Trail Foundation.

For those who haven't been following, the Capital Trail is a bike path (you can also walk) that will connect Williamsburg to Richmond. It will pass along the James River at Rocketts Landing.

According to Executive Director Beth Weisbrod, with whom I spoke late this week, the various stages are progressing as expected. The trail is still on track to be completed in 2013. Right now, seven miles in Charles City County are under construction. Meanwhile in Richmond, construction on a piece near the Shiplock Park should start in the spring.

Beth also said the Foundation is looking to improve its popular Cap-to-Cap ride, which is on May 9th. I covered that event last year and was amazed at the turnout. Registration should open up online in a week or so, she said.

"We want to up the fun factor, make it feel more like the Tour de France," she said. "We know we can make it even better and try to attract people who are new to cycling with some shorter distances, and people who don't consider themselves avid cyclists."

Please send blog ideas to ak@telosmedia.com

Where dogs run free

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

While most humans were cursing the cold streak that sent the mercury into the low teens, Niko loved it.

He's a Shiba Inu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiba_Inu, and his owner, Julie Francis, says he has extra energy when it gets cold.

Francis walks Niko around the property and along Route 5. Sometimes she takes him into the dog run, which is a fenced-in area parallel to Route 5.

Before the dog run was built, dog owners were walking their dogs next to Fall Line.

Now they have their own area and it's fenced in, so dogs can go off-leash. There are also a few toys in the dog run.

As this point, Julie said she doesn't know of any set hours where dog owners congregate. Right now there are about 15 dogs at Rocketts.

But as more and more people make Rocketts their home, it's likely that before and after work will be popular times for dogs – and dog owners – to gather. At least that seems to be how it works at other "dog parks" around Richmond.

Winter!

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Finally some real winter. The James is not frozen, but the railroad tracks look very cool.

Does anybody know how many days of bitter cold weather we'd need before the James does freeze?

Please email answers to ak@telosmedia.com.

He's not just the architect...he's also a resident

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last month we posted renderings of the Riverfront Terraces. I recently caught up with architect Jason Hopkins and asked him more about his vision for the five units, and asked him how he approaches the design process at Rocketts. (He also designed Fall Line and Sky Line.)

Below is an edited transcript of our chat:

Captain's Blog: What did you have in mind when you started the design process?

Jason Hopkins: For me, the exterior finishes were important, including the materials of the building. It was a chance to change the pace and use a different style from the ones we have used already. We have townhomes that are pretty traditional and wanted to go with more elegant cladding.

I looked for more of a mid-century, post-war era look. That's where the limestone townhome idea came from. If you think of like a New York townhome - you'll see a taller town home instead of what is our modern day, traditional three-story one.

CB: Where exactly does the limestone come from?

JH: It comes out of Texas.

CB: We heard early on that the Fan was sort of a precedent. Is that the case?

JH: The second phase will probably be more like the Fan. But this is a departure. Actually, there's a couple townhomes in the Fan that use stone, so in that's sense there is some precedent. But it's not the majority of the Fan row houses.

CB: What specific features will the townhomes have?

JH: They will have solid wood entry doors. It's really a custom door. Then there is the limestone itself, which is a much more classic elegant material than brick. There are also French balconies with wrought-iron railings. And there are metal penthouses at the roof decks with large expanses of windows. And that does not even go into the interior finishes/amenities.

CB: When you design a new phase at Rocketts, do you have a prototypical customer in mind?

JH: We design around an idea of a lifestyle. The Terraces start at $1 million, so that's definitely a niche market. I think as an architect, I try to think of just the townhome as a whole and not gear it toward a particular user the way I would a custom home. I can foresee empty nesters coming here and living with less upkeep while not having to downsize (in a 4,000 square-foot townhome). I can also see a family living here; a family similar to mine. I have two kids.

CB: They'll have elevators, which is a departure from the other sets of townhomes.

JH: That was an important feature. Not only does it add to the elegant feel of the town home, it offers the opportunity to age.

CB: The river is quite literally a stone's throw away. How did you the proximity to the James play into your design?

JH: I definitely wanted to open up as many views as possible to the river. We really tried to get some bigger windows, taller windows, and have balconies on each floor that face the river. All the units have public balconies. All the units have balconies in the master bedrooms. Those also face the river. Then there are rooftop decks overlooking the water.

CB: The Capital Trail will be below the townhomes. Will it present privacy problems?

JH: The Capital Trail will come where the railroad tracks are now. The townhomes sit 25 feet up (to the street level), so it's not likely privacy would be an issue. Again, to me, it's an urban community. It's going to be closer than normal than a typical suburban home. There's always a little give and take in townhomes. You share a wall with your neighbors, after all. To me it's part of the draw. Plus being close to the marina.

CB: You mentioned earlier you have a condo at Rocketts?

JH: Yes, I purchased a condo over a year ago, remodeled (still an ongoing project or two) and moved in last August. That is the architect in me; I wanted to make the space truly mine… even though it was my own design to start with.

Architect Jason Hopkins is the principal of Richmond-based firm Design Physics.
804.598.9216
dpstudios@designphysics.net
www.designphysics.net

Power Plant to get restaurant

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Power Plant stole the show.

Sure, boats lit up like Christmas trees were the attraction (including one with a palm plant). But hardly anyone seemed to notice at last weekend's Parade of Lights.

Instead the 400 revelers seemed more excited about the space inside the renovated Power Plant, which produced electricity for the trolley cars back in the day.

The party was for invited guests of Rocketts Landing. But soon anyone will be able to grab a meal with views of downtown. The third and fourth floor will become home to a restaurant called "The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing."

According to a Times-Dispatch story, Kevin Healy will open up a similar concept to his Boat House at Sunday Park in Chesterfield's Brandermill community, which serves seafood, steak and pizza.

You can see more photos of the Parade of Lights ( courtesy of Hunter Henkel) here.

Fishing in the Winter

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Talk about dedicated. Richmonders who fish in the winter in the pouring rain were featured in another installment of the great Times-Dispatch series on the James River. There's also a wonderful slideshow and a handy guide/map to some of the best fishing spots.

"The night was cold, rainy and thoroughly miserable. Normal people were home by the fire," writes Rex Springston.

Rick Cochran Jr. was in his boat in the James River, beaming with the warmth of contentment and trying to catch one last fish."

Holiday Lights on Display

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The holiday lights are up at Rocketts Landing. The city skline also looks amazing now that the buildings have their winter lights, but I couldn't get a good shot of that. Stay tuned for lots more news in the next few weeks.

Fresh renderings of the Terraces

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Is there a standard length of measurement to qualify something as a stones-throw from something else? Does the arm strength of the speaker, and therefore the rock-thrower matter? And why are people throwing stones, anyway? That seems a dangerous way of measuring.

I ask because the next phase of construction at Rocketts will bring a handful of upscale townhomes to the banks of the James River. I'd very much like to say they're a stones-throw from the water. I'm confident I can easily throw a stone from where construction will begin into the water of the James. But enough about stones.

The homes will range in size between 3,240 square feet to almost 5,000 square feet. Prices range from $1 million to $1.6 million.

A few more details about the terraces:

-    will be constructed with limestone exteriors
-    include rooftop decks
-    include two-car garages
-    each residence comes with an elevator and fireplace

Smooth new lot

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

For the last year two parking lots on the West edge of the property were used for construction vehicles.

Now that they're smooth as – well – something very smooth.

So what will they be used for?

Well, the Power Plant is nearing completion and waiting for a restaurant tenant. The lots can also be used for that as customers in the future will visit businesses on the first floor of 210 Rock. Brand new parking lots are also good for learning how to ride a bike.

James River Journal

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Times-Dispatch has begun exploring various aspects of the James River with a series called, "James River Journal."

Today the paper and website featured Dave Everette, a commercial photographer who has been exploring the river and taking photos for 20 years. There's a great slideshow of some of his shots online and an accompanying story by environmental writer Rex Springston.

The paper says that this is the first installment in a new monthly series about what makes the river special.

If you have story ideas or want to share your thoughts about the James for a future blog post, please email blog@telosmedia.com.

Bike Sale

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

YeRen, an outdoor apparel and gear shop in Shockoe Bottom, has closed. The store is selling its fleet of gently-used rental bikes at steep discounts. The bikes include beach cruisers, mountain bikes and road bikes.

You can see the list here.

Next phase along the River

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

There was a great story in the Times-Dispatch Sunday about a new phase of the project.

According to the Times-Dispatch story, "Riverbank Terraces is designed to reflect the elegant architecture along Monument Avenue."

"The town homes, ranging from 3,240 square feet to 4,495 square feet, will be listed for $1 million to $1.6 million. The facade will be limestone with touches of black wrought iron and very high-end finishes," the paper reports. Construction might start in early 2009.

I'm trying to track down some renderings. Stay tuned.

Meet the residents

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

No need to strap on the binoculars if you're curious what sort of people are living at Rocketts, and what their pads look like.

Rocketts Landing recently launched a new feature for the website called "Meet the Real People at Rocketts Landing"

Right now the site includes five couples and two individuals. When you click on a photo it pulls up a page with a description of the person and includes links to the floor plan of their particular home. Most explain why they chose Rocketts and what they enjoy about living there.

Several of the brief narratives are abbreviated versions of stories that have appeared in local media.

Is this a homerun for Rocketts residents?

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts residents might have another pit-stop on their way home from work: watching a baseball game in Shockoe Bottom.

According to the Times-Dispatch, developers have proposed building a ballpark on 19 acres in Shockoe Bottom. And the mayor is on board, unlike the last downtown proposal in 2005. A new team to replace the Braves has not been named, and the city will likely not have baseball next year.

But according to the T-D on Monday, "A $60 million baseball stadium would be built in Shockoe Bottom as part of a $363 million development on almost 19 acres of public and privately owned land under a plan unveiled yesterday."

The T-D reports that, "The new stadium would be built about 20 feet below street level, and it would be able to accommodate 8,500 fans in fixed seats, as well as on outfield berms, terraces, suites and other areas. The stadium could be expanded to provide an additional 2,000 seats."

The plan also calls for retail, office and residential, as well as a slave trail museum

You can read the city's plan here.

Race raised $21,000 for Fulton Hill community center

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Nobody got lost last weekend while participating in the Rocketts Landing Run to the River 10K.

That's because there were volunteers at every intersection to make sure joggers and walkers made the proper turns.

"It was a beautiful day and the race went off without a hitch," said Mary Lou Decossaux, a director at the Neighborhood Resource Center of Fulton Hill, which organized the event.

Decoussaux said the race raised $21,000 for the center, which includes a school and a kitchen to help prepare healthy meals.

About 70 people participated, but Decoussaux said that is encouraging for a new race.

East End resident Peter Lurie won with a time of 42:58.

River standards upheld

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A state panel unanimously denied a city of Richmond request yesterday to raise the level of fecal bacteria allowed in part of the James River, The Times-Dispatch reported.

You can read the story here.

This would be perfect for a movie

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Memo to local filmmakers: I found the spot where you must film your next good-guy getting-chased-by-bad-guy scene. When I went up to the rooftop decks on the new townhomes this week, it was so blatantly obvious.

The shot starts with a clear view of the skyline, which any screen writer can tell you is a key part of setting the scene.(Think Rocky in Philadelphia or Good Will Hunting in Boston) The viewer takes in quick panning shots of the adjacent buildings with the river in the foreground. The countryside outside of town blends into the background.

If I was in the director's chair, I'd film at dusk.

This thought hit me when I tried to step over the dividers between rooftop terraces. They are just high enough to make a dramatic scene where the good guy leaps over them like OJ in an airport.

Here's how I see it going down: Our hero runs up the stairs inside one of the townhomes. He gets to the fourth floor and throws open the door onto the roofs. He quickly takes his bearings. He turns back and sees the bad guy come out of a door. So he bolts at full speed, leaping over the dividers that separate the decks. It's a good leap, by the way.

Maybe our protagonist is a loving brother who just stole a valuable painting to pay for a new orphanage. Maybe he just did it for the money. Whatever.

So he leaps over the dividers and whizzes past residents doing rooftop terrace-y things – having a cookout, sitting in a hot tub, practicing putting. The hero comes to the end of the row. He has two options. He can jump to his death. Or he can pull a classic move and throw a sheet over the edge and shimmy down to safety. The camera pans to the opposite end of the terraces, where a train can be seen in the distance. Our hero hops on Hobo-style and rushes to save the orphans.

Turns out the villain didn't have a sheet. That's a wrap.

You can see what the heck I'm talking about at a Grand Opening on Oct. 26.

Update

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The first set of town homes is nearing completion. Each of the houses has a different façade from its neighbors, and some are getting full front decks. I've not been inside yet, but hope to get some interior pics soon.

I believe construction on the Marina should begin soon. I'll have photos when it does.

And don't foget, the Rocketts Landing Run to the River 10K and 5K is on Saturday the 18th.

Christen the Marina

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone knows you christen a new boat with a bottle of champagne, but how do you christen a new marina? One bottle of champagne for each slip, perhaps?

If that's the case, prepare 87 bottles for late spring, if Rocketts Landing can build the new marina without too many hiccups.

As the Times-Dispatch reported, the project received a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission for an 87-slip marina.

Construction on the shoreline, step one in the process, could begin within several weeks as soon as the developers get the final permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Then there could be as many as 40 of 50 laborers working on the project with lots of different trades going on at the same time. (By comparison, some of the buildings at Rocketts employ 150 or 200 laborers.)

The marina will feature a floating dock, which is common of new marinas.

"As the water fluctuates, the relationship to the boat stays the same," explained Jason Vickers-Smith, one of the developers. "The boat is always at the same elevation, so you always have the same two steps on to the boat unlike a fixed dock, where at real low tide you could be jumping down on to the boat."

That means during floods the boats and docks should avoid damage that comes from a situation when water flows over the top of the docks. The marina plan is designed to withhold a 25-foot rise in river levels, what's sometimes called the 100-year flood.

Flood conditions in the James come when it rains in the mountains, Vickers-Smith said, which gives boat owners plenty of time to get their vessels out of the water and into a protected location. The docks, meanwhile, should be safe because water will not flow over them.

So far, there's been a flood of inquiries from residents. More than 100 people have put their names on an interest list. That will soon be formulated into a waiting list, according to Vickers-Smith.

This news got me thinking about christenings. And then Caddy Shack came to mind. Here's a funny video for anyone that wants to learn how NOT to christen a boat.

Marina on schedule

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing will soon start construction on the 87-slip marina. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously yesterday to allow it.

You can read the Times-Dispatch story here.

The projects will involve floating docks that can rise and fall with the river levels.

We will have some more updates the marina soon.

Adventure Richmond

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Three people don't fit comfortably in a canoe.

I learned that this weekend while attempting a 100-mile, 30-hour adventure race centered on a stretch of the James River 30 miles west of town.

Organizers of the Untamed Virginia adventure race, let me tag along with a four-person team. I was the fifth wheel. Or the aqua equivalent. I was on assignment trying to learn more about the growing trend of outdoor enthusiasm which is permeating Central Virginia and Richmond in particular.

Adventure racing seems to be at the extreme end. Last week I blogged about the Run to the River – which will pass through Rocketts Landing and has grown from a 5K walk into a 10K hilly run. The Xterra Games have become wildly popular, and new races seem to keep popping up.

I just learned that Rocketts Landing is in discussions to bring a triathlon to town. That would send competitors into the river for the swim section. And Rocketts already hosts a regatta every summer.

So back to my adventure: after carrying canoes for what felt like two miles but was probably much shorter, we shoved off into the mighty James. We had two canoes. So I sat in the middle of one of them on the hard, plastic floor. That's not ideal in shallow water with lots of rocks.

But canoe be damned, the race was a hoot. It was meant to be hard, after all. That's the appeal for the competitors, some of whom are in the military's special forces units.

After paddling, we completed an orienteering section in the James River State Park, where we navigated with a map and compass and tried to find check points listed in a race booklet. Then we mountain biked at 2:00 a.m., steering with headlamps and moonlight. (I was pedaling just fine but still felt like closing my eyes…obviously not a bright idea). The adreneline carried me for the entire race, at least the sections my team completed.

We made it 45 miles until we hit a McDonalds in a small town somewhere in farm country. It was 9:00 a.m., about 24 hours after we started. So we called for a shuttle and ordered some greasy food.

I think we earned it.

Thanks to organizer Grant Killian for the photos.

Run to the River (and then back uphill)

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Racing from Fulton Hill to the James River isn't so hard. That's mostly downhill. It's huffing and puffing back up to the start/finish that's hard.

This year the Neighborhood Resource Center of Fulton Hill is making the annual fundraiser harder on purpose, using a hilly 10K course as a way to attract more competitive runners. Last year the fundraiser was a more leisurely 5K walk.

A long-time runner and local resident helped plot the course.

"We're going to stay in the area, run up and down the James and through Rocketts Landing," said Mary Lou Decossaux, a co-executive director at the Center and one of the organizers of the race. "It will be very challenging and beautiful."

There will still be a 5K for those who want to walk or jog.

The Neighborhood Resource Center is a community center in Fulton Hill (1519 Williamsburg Road) that has classes for kids and adults and will soon finish a new kitchen to prepare healthy meals. Local residents started it six years ago in an old post office.

Decossaux said she hopes to raise $30,000, which goes to help outreach efforts including:

- A Montessori preschool
- Adult education for GED degrees
- Available space for community meetings
- Kitchen to prepare food and teach community - members about healthy diets

Decossaux hopes that more than 100 runners show up. It's probably a great warm up for the Richmond Marathon.

The Run to the River is Saturday, October 18, and starts at 9:30 a.m.

Runners can register here

Set me up

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Rocketts Flora

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It's a typical day along the banks of the James in the summer heat. W. John Hayden wipes the sweat off his brow, replacing it with a hat.

He wears many hats, as it turns out. Hayden teaches biology at the University of Richmond, and he's a dedicated botanist. He cultivates a stunning garden on his property in Powhatan County. He plays classical guitar. He restores his 1952 pick-up truck, an International Harvester.

But today he is exploring the property of Rocketts Landing with me. More specifically, he is examining the plant life that creates a wall of life next to the James River.

All the usual suspects are present: Maple trees, Sycamore trees, Elm trees. There's a Huckberry tree, immediately noticeable from its gray bark. There's the relatively common Polymnia Uvedalia, which is also known as Bearsfoot, characterized by a bright yellow flower with dark seeds sprouting from its interior. And of course, there's everyone's favorite rash-giver, Poison Ivy. (Leaves of three – let it be).

A butterfly catches Hayden's eye as it lands on a Water Willow, which should not be confused with a Willow tree.

Common names, Hayden says, are often useless for actual identification, which is why he describes every plant by its scientific name first. The butterfly sports a black-blue metallic base color. It has two tails jutting out from the back of its wings.

The butterfly isn't the only foreigner. Several invasive exotics have made their way to Virginia and taken root on the banks of the James. One is called the Tree of Heaven. It's mostly green, but some of its leaves have taken on attractive shades of red and gold as the summer months wear on. It can also be recognized by its irregular trunk pattern.

Another invasive exotic is the Princess Tree, which has gorgeous purple flowers symbolizing its royal name. The cottony fluff that surrounds its seeds have been used through the years as packing material, and Hayden hypothesizes that this is why the plant has found its way to Virginia.

The Virginia Creeper has small raspberry-like fruits that start out green and then turn bluish-black as the seasons change. There's also some small blackberry trees scattered around, weaving in and out of common grasses and weeds.

Moon Seed and Morning Glory plants grow from the bank, creating the illusion that the two plants are actually one. The Trumpet Vine, with orange, tube shaped flowers, proves the power of nature's cohesive abilities. Hummingbirds seem to be anatomically built to pollinate these plants, or perhaps it's the other way around.

Even for a veteran like Hayden, there are always new things to look for. That's why he packs a camera and a few plastic bags so that he can grab some specimens and examine them further.

Today, he takes several pictures, and bags up three different plants, convinced that there is more to them than meets the eye.

"You just never know what you're gonna find out here."

Rocketts sprouts buildings…and veggies

Rocketts Landing — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Swanky Power Plant

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A quick update:

The Power Plant building could be substantially completed by September (not the elevator, though). The developers are in talks with restaurants to take some of the space. It's the first building at Rocketts to be entirely commercial (that is, there are no residences).

Below is a rendering:

Also, start warming up that spike serve. Two sand volleyball courts will soon provide a beachy diversion near the Power Plant.

Signage

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Cedar Works sign gets a fresh coat of paint.

Rocketts Resident represents at Muddy Buddy

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Rocketts Landing resident Brian Wetmiller, 27, and his brother Matthew won first place in their age bracket at last weekend's Muddy Buddy Race.

The run/bike/obstacle course in Chesterfield's Pocahontas Park – which includes a trudge through a giant mud pit – has a cult following. Participants come from as far as Washington D.C. and Raleigh to compete. Many of the racers are fast and in great shape. (I know because I was there last year).

The Times-Dispatch's Bill Lohman described it, "The early-morning event was serious in the sense that entrants run and pedal as fast as they can under less-than-ideal surfaces and conditions. But it had a festival feel, with more than a few participants competing in costumes. There were superheroes with capes, as well as a couple of Smurfs. One participant ran and pedaled in a pale-green bathrobe and a hot-pink shower cap. He appeared to be fast."

Brian is a Cedar Works resident.

Barge chugging to town

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A barge might soon start chugging up the James from Hampton Roads to the Richmond port, which is a few miles downriver from Rocketts.

According to a story from Inside Business, a Norfolk business man has convinced the state to put some money behind the idea as a way to reduce truck traffic on Interstate 64.

"Initially, the barge will carry international shipping containers between the state-controlled NIT and the Port of Richmond once a week."

The barge has been dubbed the 64 Express. If fully loaded, it could take 128 big rigs off the roads.

The journey from Hampton Roads up to Richmond would take between 12 and 15 hours.

Will Richmond become more like the Northeast?

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I was up in New England this weekend – and I saw the future of Richmond, and Rocketts Landing.

Well, not the delightful 70 degree summer weather, sigh.

I flew to Boston and immediately boarded a bus for New Hampshire. If gas prices keep rising, Virginians will start riding buses between cities, too. But where I really had a glimpse of things to come was on a lake in rural New Hampshire.

A former railroad track along Lake Mascoma has been turned into a bike/walking path. The Virginia Capital Trail will likely run along a current railroad grade along the James River. There's something innately appealing about walking along water. I didn't take a dip in LakeMascoma, but I could have. That'll be a nice option in Richmond.

I also spent half a day in Cambridge, which is just outside of Boston. The streets are alive with pedestrians and shoppers in a way no Richmond area – save perhaps Carytown – can match. The neighborhoods are dense, with mostly three-decker houses, and that means there are more than enough people to support coffee shops and pubs. And like Richmond, universities are a major employer in that area (Harvard and MIT), so there's a youthful vibe.

Of course, Boston is not perfect. Many of my friends who are buying homes can't afford to live within a 45-minute drive of their jobs.

And when they go bowling, they use pint-sized balls.

Rocketts Landing Regatta

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This post is a little late, but I just got some great photos from the Rocketts Landing Sprints.

The crew race was part of the James River Adventure Games, that crazy weekend of outdoorsy sports two weeks back which included the Xterra Race. (Is it me, or does everyone in Richmond seem to be training for a triathlon?)

Mark Willis, a member of the Virginia Boat Club, said there were 64 boats.

Teams came from Raleigh and Maryland.

If you've never learned to row and want to try, the Virginia Boat Club is offering another one of its novice classes. The open house is July 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the old Richmond Raft Company lot. The course meets three times per week for four weeks and costs $240.

Extra thanks to Eric Simon for the great photos. You can see more here.

210 Rock Party

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

People really like to talk about, and presumably shop for, home decorations and furnishings.

I know this because heat be damned, hundreds of Richmonders stopped by the Grand Opening at 210 Rock on Saturday afternoon.

They oohed and ahhed.

They asked things like, "Where can I get that clock," and "What's the square footage of this closet?"

I kept hearing, "I looove that rug." And, "That would look great in our place, wouldn't it?"

I didn't know you could have such strong feelings for a rug. Or that one has to match a lamp with an accent wall. (Impressed I know what an accent wall is, ehh?)

The last time I walked through 210 Rock, I was stepping over paint buckets and wires.
This time it felt like I was in one of the New York City apartment buildings you see advertised in the New York Times or Wall Street Journal.

Judging by the names of the apartment layouts –SoHo, Gramercy, TriBeCa – that's an intentional move by the architects. To be sure, 210 Rock has a different vibe than the other buildings at Rocketts. It bucks the traditional warehouse style in favor of contemporary lines and angles. Many units have a floor-to-ceiling window bay.

As for the particulars on 210 Rock, the units range in price from the mid $200,000s up to the $600,000 range. The penthouse has already been sold (More on the project-wide popularity of penthouses in a later post).

If you were at the Grand Opening, please share your thoughts of the model units with me by emailing captain@rockettsblog.com.

Don't throw the mortgage out with the bath water

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

"Mortgage broker" has become a dirty phrase – up there with %($)%. But not as bad as $#(%^@$%.

People seem to wag the finger at companies that looked the other way or winked a little too hard at the line on a loan application that asks for household income.

I called a Rocketts resident / mortgage lender to see what's really going on locally. Tommy Samuel, who works for Countrywide, said he's having one of his best months ever.

But financing for condos has gotten harder, he said. "The guidelines are getting more stringent,"

"They're cracking down on the ratio of owner occupied versus investor occupied."

Rocketts remains an approved project, in part because of low investor to owner ratio. Samuels has approval from Countrywide to lend money through Fannie Mae for the Sky Line, Fall Line, and Cedar Works buildings. He's working on it for 210 Rock.

Samuels also said he sees the foot traffic coming through the property on the weekends, which tells him interest is up considerably compared to other projects around town.

"I see 100 people on a Saturday. I think it's because it's on the river. It's just exciting, you know."

Eagle v. Heron....

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A family of Blue Herons have made like Tom Sawyer in downtown Richmond and built a home on an island just off 12th street.

They're quasi celebrities, having been featured in a Times-Dispatch article.

It's not the sort of thing you'd expect in larger cities, such as Boston or New York. And apparently it's rare. Herons normally keep away from humans.

Last week I saw something even cooler: a bald Eagle lifting off from next to the Nickel Bridge. He (not sure of gender, but let's call him a him) flew west following the water. I watched, mesmerized. It was all very patriotic.

Side note: Ben Franklin wanted the American bird to be the turkey instead of the eagle. In a 1784 letter to his daughter he wrote:

"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him … For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

I love the way Ben Franklin wrote. He would have been a big hit on the Web.

Time for a dip

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Pool opens on Saturday.

Each time I check the pool site, it seems like the Shoemaker's Elves had been come during the night and added some new feature. The landscaping and sod just went in yesterday.

Like Riding a Bike

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Special thanks to the Wrinkle Neck Mules for the rights to their song "Pull the Break"

Kentucky Derby

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Poor Eight Belles. Although it's unclear how many casual Derby fans watching at parties across the Southland noticed the filly's post-race accident.

Judging by the various shindigs I attended on Saturday, including the Richmond Ballet's Derby Day soiree at Rocketts Landing, the Kentucky Derby is more about partying than rooting for a speedy equine.

The Ballet fundraiser at Rocketts was probably as close as I'll ever get to the actual Kentucky Derby. So many floppy hats and bright colored dresses. To my delight, one guy had a belt with horses on it.

The Ballet has been hosting the affair at Rocketts Landing for three years. Last year at was closer to the water in what will become the clubhouse. This year it was under a tent. There was a band and – as you might expect of a fund raiser for a ballet – some dancing.

The party usually raises around $25,000 for the Ballet, which was the first professional dance company in Virginia. Currently it has 18 full-time dancers, according to the website.

A walk in the park

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Richmond has great parks. MonroePark is an island of green in the congested VCU neighborhood. On the South Side, ForestHillPark has great walking trails. Byrd and MaymontParks are known outside the metro area and draw out-of-town visitors.

And then there's Gillies Creek Park. Less than a mile from Rocketts Landing, it's the unsung hero of the park system. You might even say it's the new kid on the block – and it's never crowded, unlike, say, Belle Isle.

The 45-acre greenway has an 18-hole disk golf course, lighted horseshoe pits, ball fields and walking trails. The park even has a dirt bmx track.

On Sundays in the spring and fall, throngs of adults (many of whom wish they were still kids) don colorful T-shirts and cleats and gather at Gillies Creek to play touch football. But don't be fooled. The participants take it very seriously. I've spotted players wearing eye-black and seen numerous altercations, including between women.

The River City Sports and Social Club organizes the leagues, and each season more teams join. Gillies Creek is still improving. According to the City's website, future plans call for a volleyball court and horse stables that would be home to the police mounted patrol.

Warp Speed

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I'm constantly amazed at how fast certain construction projects seem to progress.

The pool house was just a concrete remnant when I was last on the property, which was two weeks ago, max.

Now it looks like, well, a pool house. The pool already looks inviting, too. And now there are steps up from the pool area to the main level.

Not an Island

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

No man is an Island.

Neither is Rocketts Landing. A man. Wait, or an Island. Err … what I'm trying to say is that Rocketts Landing is part of the resurgence of a once-thriving part of town. A new shop or boutique, or some new warehouse conversion seems to wrap up every month in the East End.

While Rocketts will have its fair share of retail, residents can also walk to Shockoe Bottom and pop in to a growing number of shops.

Part of the momentum stems from all the new residents at the Tobacco Row apartments who want and need local options. Part of that growth is from intrepid business owners like Erin Ooms and Mike Tyler. Both have opened shops within the last year along a stretch of Main Street that historically had trouble retaining businesses.

Six weeks ago, Ooms opened GlobeHopper Coffeehouse & Lounge Coffee House (2100 E. Main Street). Along with another business partner, Ooms is trying to bring something new to Richmond, and to that part of town. She left a job at an insurance company in the West End to open GlobeHopper. The shop has live jazz and karaoke on the weekends, as well as coffee-shop staples.

"I've live downtown and been scouting this area for years," Ooms said.

Ooms said she looked at property closer to VCU, but that she really wanted the building where her shop now operates. "This is a 24-hour area, with the residents, and businesses and nightlife."

Coffee shops are notoriously difficult businesses, and the rate of failure is high. But Ooms said she's been watching the area and counting traffic to make sure her business plan was viable. And with all the growth on the horizon, she thinks the situation will keep improving.

Indeed, next-door to GlobeHopper, a former fire station has a zoning application sign, which means something is in the works. (Anyone who knows please send email to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com).

And a bit father west, Mike Tyler is celebrating the one-year anniversary at YeRen Outdoor Adventure. The shop sells and rents bikes and outdoor gear and apparel. Tyler said he thinks the area is about to take off. That's why he chose to open there.

Gone Fishing

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Before it was hip

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Talk about being in the neighborhood before it was hip.

In the mid 1980s, Ken Aspinall bought several acres on Orleans Street (just across the railroad tracks from Rocketts Landing) to build a paper plant for Manchester Industries.

Back then, the City had property they wanted developed. As president of the company, Aspinall thought it would be a good location to serve local customers, as well as an affordable one. And a dryer one. A previous plant closer to the river had been flooded numerous times.

The company owns almost an entire block now, renting out space to several other businesses. Aspinall said he's happy to have new neighbors and has enjoyed watching the rebirth of the area – including the construction at Rocketts Landing. Industry and residential can coexist nicely, he says.

And talk about practicing what you preach.

Two weeks ago, Aspinall closed on a home in Fall Line. Right now he and his wife are getting ready to put their West-End home on the market while they decorate the new unit.

"We're happy to see the riverfront being developed," Aspinall said. "These things can be great growth machines."

For the New York City native, moving to Rocketts is a return to a more urban lifestyle.

And then there's the commute: About five minutes by foot.

Golden Goose

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In April's green issue, Virginia Business Magazine takes a look at the "River Revival"

"The river is definitely our golden goose, says Richard Souter, a Rocketts Landing's developer. "And to date it has been vastly underutilized."

Rowing on the James

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the same activity can be both a sport and something far less enjoyable.

Running is fun, if the Monument 10K is any judge. Running away from wild animals or robbers, not so fun.

Swimming can be a hoot (especially when you try to talk under water). Other times it's trying not to drown.

And then there's crew. It brings to mind slaves in the hold of ship paddling in unison;. "STROKE.STROKE. STROKE."

The same commands reverberate off the bank of the James, usually being shouted by the smallest person in the boat. To make matters even more painful, rowers get up absurdly early. The VCU Crew Team meets down at Rockets Landing before dawn. They're off the water by the time most of us are getting ready for work. The reason: the water is less choppy in the morning.

But crew isn't just for college students in sweaters. "You don't have to be super competitive, like they are in college. It's fun just to get out on the water and paddle up and down. It's low impact and good aerobic exercise," said Mark Willis, president of the Virginia Boat Club. (Willis and his wife, who also rows, moved to Rocketts Landing in January.)
"I took this up a couple of years ago. I was a runner for 30 years. I got into it for cross training, and I see lots of people learning to row in my same demographic (50s)."

They seem to be part of a trend. Around 20 intermediate rowers came out two weekends ago for the Virginia Boat Club's open house.

Willis said there will likely be another open house at the end of April. And in June there's a regatta (fancy word for a race) on the James. Boats compete from around the Mid-Atlantic. I've been promised there's beer and food.

Please send comments or story ideas to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

Why walk?

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

An old joke goes something like this:

A prince gets out of a fancy car at an even fancier hotel. The bellhop promptly grabs the luggage from the trunk and carries it into the lobby. When he returns to the car the queen looks at the bellhop and asks, "Can you please bring in my son?"

A little surprised, the bellhop responds, "Of course, but why can't he walk," figuring the prince suffers some type of disability.

"Well, why should he?" the queen retorts.

I laugh every time I tell it. Like any good observant joke, the humor lies in exaggerating reality into an absurdity.

If you laughed at that joke, you might enjoy this story on Slate, which talks about Disney World and how most visitors aren't used to the walkability of it all. "It turns out that the most far-fetched fantasy in Disney World isn't the magic spells, the haunted buildings, or the talking animals. It's the fact that there aren't any cars."

The point is: Human beings are meant to move their legs. That's why we have them.

Not to mention it's a pleasurable way to get around. When you walk places, you're more aware of your surroundings. When I stroll around the property at Rocketts Landing, usually with my eyes fixed on the ground in hopes of spotting some Civil War treasure (sadly, to no avail), I always cherish the time away from the cubicle, and away from my well-worn swivel chair.

This week I saw a fisherman just off-shore. Then there are the Herons nesting upriver. You can read more about that here.

But walking isn't for everybody. That's why there's the Segway. According to Style Weekly, a Segway dealer plans to open in Shockoe Slip.

Please email Segway jokes or story ideas to: captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

Pool Taking Shape

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Call it Home

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

On Saturday the Times-Dispatch published a lengthy feature about a few of the first people to move into Rocketts Landing.

Julie Young writes, "The only amenity in the place so far is the big one, the James River, but Rocketts Landing, phase one, is home to 110 pioneering residents – empty nesters, young families and single professionals. The first homeowners began moving in last June."

The story included profiles of four sets of homeowners:

Stephen, Crista, Jonathan and Andrew Laprade
Henrico County police officer, librarian; 7-year-old twin sons
Cedar Works -- 1,500-square-foot first-floor

"Until the construction calms, the bus stops on busy state Route 5 to let off two passengers from Mehfoud Elementary School -- 7-year-old twins Jonathan and Andrew Laprade."

Bob and Jill Wright
Retirees; four grown children
Fall Line -- 1,900-square-foot fourth-floor condo

"Moving out of a 3,800-square-foot West End colonial and into a two-bedroom city condo meant more than just downsizing for Bob and Jill Wright. It was a leap of faith."

Gabe Corbett
Single real-estate agent
Fall Line -- first-floor, 1,420-square-foot condo

"Corbett, 37, bought a two-story condo in the Fall Line building only a few yards from the James River. "What intrigued me was the thought of living next to the river, being in walking distance of retail, the sheer number of units they've planned to build in the next eight to 10 years, as well as the [biking/walking] trail linking Richmond and Williamsburg," he said."

Danny and Peggy Broaddus
Retirees; two grown daughters
Cedar Works -- fifth-floor, 1,800-square-foot condo

"One of the biggest draws for us is that it's a real neighborhood. At that time, it was on paper but we knew the way it was planned out, it was going to be a true neighborhood. We wanted something that was diverse, where we could walk down the sidewalk and meet neighbors and be a part of a real community."

Get to know your city council issues

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The pool gets deeper

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

No running.

Step one in construction of a pool: DIG

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Construction started yesterday on the pool. The hole was 4 feet deep when I stopped by around 3:30.

The digging part could be done in a week, according to a back-hoe operator. Yes, I interviewed a back-hoe operator.

Quick poll: what's the best flotation device:

1: kick board

2: old-school orange life jacket

3. floaties

4. rescue buoy

5. other

Please send answers to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

Meels on Wheels

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Depending on your geographic location, catering trucks go by a slew of different names. There's the seemingly ubiquitous taco truck or the less-desirable roach coach.

Most days the local chuck wagon comes by Rocketts Landing around noon.

But for Juan and Veronica Lopez, who serve piping hot Mexican food from the window of the mobile eatery, the day starts earlier in the morning. Typically, the couple fills the truck's food containers at a local restaurant and preps food for quick delivery, on demand. Then they drive to construction sites in the vicinity of downtown.

Most chuck wagons service particular parts of the Metro Area, sticking to established routes to develop a consistent customer base, Juan said.

"We usually serve around 40 to 50 meals at lunch," Juan told me when I stopped by for a soft-shell taco (heavy on the onions) earlier in the week.

For the laborers, it's a chance to get a hot meal, cold soda and a bit of friendly chit-chat (usually in Spanish).

If you don't have the means to track down Juan and Veronica's chuck wagon, they also told me that they are preparing to open a restaurant near the corner of Staples Mill and Glenside. Like the catering truck, the restaurant will serve traditional Mexican food.

Please send the name of your favorite Mexican restaurant to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com.

First community association meetings

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

One if by sea; two if by….bike?

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

When construction at Rocketts Landing wraps up in a few more years, residents and visitors will be able to get to and away from the multi-use development by a multitude of conveyances.

I've already blogged about the marina, which allows for easy access to the James River waterway. But for those who favor two wheels over a keel, the Virginia Capital Trail offers a health (as well as environmentally) conscious alternative.

The 50-mile path will eventually stretch from Williamsburg to Richmond, connecting the state's first capital with its current one. The multi-use path, as it's being called (roller blades, equines and even unicycles are welcome), will meander past old plantations along Route 5, and then hug the James River as it snakes past Rocketts Landing.

The project is being constructed piecemeal, with sections in downtown Richmond near Bottom's Up Pizza and parts near Chickahominy and in Williamsburg already in place. The final route should be open to the public around 2012.

"This is going to be really cool," said Beth Weisbrod, executive director of the Capital Trail Foundation. "Richmond is taking a major step in the direction of a bicycle/pedestrian friendly city, which has big benefits for everyone." The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is handling the paving and bridge-building. The Foundation is raising money for other amenities, such as signs, benches and outreach education. To learn more about volunteering, click here.

In May, 1,000 bikers will pedal the route to raise money for the Foundation. The event, called the Capital to Capital Bike Ride, is sponsored by Rocketts Landing, who will also construct the section of the trail that passes through the property.

For those who prefer a longer ride, say…crossing the entire nation, the Capital Trail will also be part of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. Yes, it's for real, and yes, it passes through Richmond. I met a California-bound bicycler last year in the Fan.

If similar trails are any indicator, the Virginia Capital Trail will likely be a boon to area hospitality-related businesses and an asset that promotes Richmond as a historic tourism destination.

The Virginia Creeper Trail, a bike trail in Southwest Virginia, draws throngs of bike-enthusiasts. It connects Damascus with Abingdon along what used to be a railroad track. It's a delightful ride, since the railroad grade is always gentle, which makes for easy pedaling. Inns and bike shops have sprung up in the area, and the Virginia Creeper Trail even graces the ubiquitous state tourism map.

Please email captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com with bike stories, especially ones of your worst fall.

New uses for bygone parcels

Rocketts Landing — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Developers from around the country are turning abandoned urban landscapes -- including mothballed airports, outdated power plants and dormant factories -- into thriving villages.

Steve Filmanowicz from the Congress for the New Urbanism, says that it's a growing trend and "part of rediscovery of cities, a rediscovery of urban fabric."

In a recent phone interview, he told me, "It's the most authentic, character-rich fabric out there, these existing city buildings. They were created at time when warehouses were made incredibly solid. Transportation of the day really emphasized good urban buildings."

I cruised around the internet and found other adaptive reuse projects that share the Rocketts Landing's virtues (traditional neighborhood design, walkability, proximity to downtown …)

Check it out:

Pointe East

A defunct coastal Maine power plant is now upscale housing with a marina. This one isn't necessarily close to a booming metropolis, but it is creating its own downtown, with big city amenities to match.

A local reporter described it, "The site for development used to be a coal-fired, then oil-fired electric generating plant that closed in the early 1990's. The large brick building that once housed massive Westinghouse turbines will remain, transformed into an office/retail space that includes the marina and boatworks. Where towering oil tanks stood (three of them to be exact) will now be the scene of homes and condominiums, an underground garage, and open land."

American Locomotive Works:

Along the Woonasquatucket River in Rhode Island, the American Locomotive Works sits

just outside downtown Providence (which reminds me of Richmond in a lot of ways). The 18.5 acre site is poised to be Providence's newest neighborhood with homes and shops.

The website describes it, "Casual dining, retail shops, loft-style offices, a charming diner, and brand new river front residences combine to create the city's newest destination."

Shoal Point:

A former oil plant turned mixed-use development in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada).

"The project involves the re-development of a former Chevron bulk oil plant into an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable mixed-use development. The Canadian Government has recognized the project as a model for sustainable building design in Canada. Shoal Point has received numerous local and provincial design awards."

Mueller

A former airport in Austin is getting turned into a mixed-use development with parks and bikes paths. "In the spirit of traditional Austin neighborhoods, Mueller's neighborhoods will include a wide range of housing types, contributing to a diversity of lifestyles."

Airports tend to make neat urban planning experiments because they include so much land – all the better for adding those extra amenities like parks and golf courses.

Finally, if you like checking out cool renderings, click here to see some award-winning urban design projects from around the world.

Please send comments or other examples of adaptive reuse to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com.

Pool Party

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A pool seems like a simple idea; dig a hole and fill it with water.

But when you're building a cohesive waterfront that includes a pool house, fitness center, bike path and snack bar, things get a little more complicated.

After dozens of iterations and more than a year of planning, architects at Rocketts Landing have settled on the design for the community pool. Final plans reveal the pool will be 15 feet wide by 40 to 50 feet long with a small waterfall and sitting area. The plan is to have it ready for Richmond's brutal summer heat.

Words don't do the design justice, but it's a modern shape with some cool edges and angles. Swimmers will be able to see the James River and also gander downtown at the skyline. Well, maybe not from under water. The deck area surrounding the pool will be terraced, and a design firm has already selected the chairs and other decorations that will eventually adorn it. Cue the sunscreen and beach balls.

A snack bar will be next to the pool house. The community center, which will be located a bit farther downriver, is still being finalized. (Look for a future post on that adaptive reuse of a former industrial building.)

Douglas Aquatics will start construction in 30 to 45 days once all the permits are finalized.

Send suggestions, story ideas or flotation devices to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

Pool Party

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A pool seems like a simple idea; dig a hole and fill it with water.

But when you're building a cohesive waterfront that includes a pool house, fitness center, bike path and snack bar, things get a little more complicated.

After dozens of iterations and more than a year of planning, architects at Rocketts Landing have settled on the design for the community pool. Final plans reveal the pool will be 500 square feet with a small waterfall and sitting area. The plan is to have it ready for Richmond's brutal summer heat.

Douglas Aquatics will start construction in 30 to 45 days once all the permits are finalized.

Send suggestions, story ideas or flotation devices to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

Mixed emotions at Council hearing

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The downtown master plan is back in the news along with the woman who had it commissioned.

According to Kiran Krishnamurthy's story in Wednesday's Times-Dispatch, some critics told the Planning Commission meeting Tuesday evening that the plan is "too specific in its proposals for privately owned property."

Other entities are going on the record in favor of the plan. Krishnamurthy writes: "Groups such as Historic Richmond Foundation, the James River Association and the Virginia Boat Club, praised the plan last night. They lauded the vision of a pedestrian-friendly, urban city that promotes and even expands public access to the river."

Meanwhile Style Weekly ran a cover story about Rachel Flynn, Richmond's director of community development. Flynn came to Richmond after working in a similar role in Lynchburg.

"Tall and slender with short brown hair and cheeks her 48 years are gently making fuller, the Harvard-trained Flynn envisions a buzzing downtown filled with residents and retail shops with a focus on public amenities and green space, which she believes ultimately add economic value to private enterprise," writes Amy Biegelsen.

Take a hike

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Congress for the New Urbanism, a group that advocates sustainable, neighborhood-based development, reports on its blog that homes near cities and transit lines do not depreciate like those in far-flung suburbs.

"Transit adds value to communities no matter the economic climate. A few sprawling suburban and exurban communities will experience short-term growth due to a booming population, but it is the neighborhoods and communities with strong connectivity that will thrive in the long-term. Transit has the ability to increase (or at least sustain) value because it provides more people with access to commerce in a given area; it also improves one's quality of life in congested metropolitan areas like Washington D.C."

There's no better form of transit than two feet. (Unless maybe you have a bike or a horse.) Realtors and landlords say values will never drop substantially in the Fan because homeowners and renters like to walk to restaurants, classes at VCU, the gym….

Public transportation isn't a huge draw for most Richmonders – at least not just yet. But reducing the daily commute can lead to substantial savings.

The average commute nationwide is 16 miles one way. For someone who works 45 weeks a year (conservative estimate) that's 7,200 miles per year. If the average car gets around 25 miles per gallon, that's 288 gallons of gas a year (again, on the low side). At $3 a gallon, that's almost $1,000 a year. Or $10,000 per decade. And that's just the fuel savings.

Shorter commutes mean more free time. Walking to work means better mental and physical health.

Less dependence on foreign oil means … well … whatever it means it's gotta be a good thing.

Please send comments, concerns or commuting horror stories to captainsblog@rockettsvillage.com

New building completed

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Let there be lights

Rocketts Landing — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

How big is that?

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Parade of Lights

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Master Plan Turns Private Property Green

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Michael Martz reports in today's Times-Dispatch that not all land owners along the James are about to turn their property into grassy parks.

USP Rocketts LLC, a developer based in Northern Virginia, plans on building Echo Harbour, a $160 million development that could includes 210 condos, a restaurant, health club and other jazz, not a park, as planners intimated on their green sketch.

"It is a pretty upsetting thing when you wake up and the property you've paid millions of dollars for is tagged with the label 'public open space,' said a James W. Theobald, a representative of Echo Harbour.

Martz is also reporting that Fred Shaia, who owns MayoIsland, might have different ideas than a fall-line park.

"Shaia likes much of what he sees … But he thinks the city needs to allow income-producing developments that include housing and businesses along with open space on the river," writes Martz.

Master Plan Debut

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Dover, Kohl & Partners released their much-anticipated downtown master plan draft earlier this week. The out-of-state consultants conducted a series of open forums in July.

I attended one and there was a definite excitement in the air – certain, "we're all in this together" sorta vibe.

Not that anything in the report came as news to Richmond residents who interact with their surroundings daily. Paid for by the City, the report stressed the same principals that Rocketts Landing is implementing, such as mixed use and access for all to the River.

In Tuesday's Times-Dispatch, Michael Martz writes, "The plan looks to the past for ways to draw people of all incomes downtown to live, work and play. Instead of big new buildings, it envisions sidewalk storefronts, more trees, places to bicycle or walk and incentives for people to live nearer their jobs and for artists to settle in downtown neighborhoods."

Richmond.com writes that, "There will be flashpoints of controversy and times you will get exhausted from working on certain aspects," said Victor Dover of Dover Kohl & Partners, which researched, designed and created the plan."

The plan calls for an eventual streetcar or trolley system. It also recommends improving the James RiverPark system by adding more green space and turning privately-owned MayoIsland into a park of some sort. (I recall one of the consultants draw an analogy that the James to Richmond should be like Central Park to New York City).

The private sector has already put millions behind the same ideals. Just look at Vistas on the James and Tobacco Row.

Richmond bloggers are debating the plan. You can read more at rivercityrapids.

Power Plant Fever

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Building a Marina

Rocketts Landing — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A few miles east of downtown, a collection of rotting wooden pylons peak above the clear James River water.

How long they've gone neglected is anyone's guess, but it's easy to imagine a dock here teeming with workers unloading cargo off of ships from Boston or Marseille.

And such idle thoughts wouldn't be too far fetched. The north bank river used to house the Port of Rocketts, an active commercial center in the 1700s where goods from the interior of Virginia were loaded on ocean-going ships, and vice versa.

Of course, that was "Back in the Day," as the kids are fond of saying.

Except for some early morning sculls, the waterfront sits mostly idle. The area near the shore – a steep 30-ft drop that makes descending a risky endeavor (or, to put it another way, the kind of slope that would be fun to slide down) – is overgrown with weeds.

But soon the remnants of this industrial past will be part of the Village at Rocketts Landing. In early summer 2008, crews will start turning this long-abandoned section of waterfront into a 125-slip marina, attracting Richmonders to the area once again (though this time they more likely will be sipping margaritas on the deck of a motor boat than unloading a vessel packed with spices).

The City of Richmond also plans on getting in on the waterfront redevelopment by adding a public marina on the adjacent Intermediate Terminal. The jointly-operated waterfront will share a cohesive design, a harbor master and amenities such as a bath house. The train tracks that run through this stretch of land will also be removed and replaced with the Rocketts Landing section of the 50-mile Virginia Capital Trail.

So how do you build a marina?

With heavy equipment and people who hopefully know how to swim.

According to Jason Vickers-Smith, of The WVS Companies (the company overseeing the development of Rocketts Landing), the process begins when the river bottom is cleared of debris, including boulders and refuse from previous industrial use.

"This one is a lot easier than some because the river is deep near the banks," Vickers-Smith said.

Vickers-Smith, who built a 158-slip marina in 2001 on the Potomac River for a development calledBelmontBay, said the banks must then be reinforced to prevent erosion and to create a consistent shore line. Then a dock will be set against the bank, and steps inlaid to allow boaters access to the greenway/bike trail above.

The final step involves installing the floating docks and providing electricity, water, and telephone and cable access.

Construction could start as early as July 2008 and would take about a year to complete.

History of the waterfront:

Richmond never really ceased to serve as a commercial port. Nowadays, four container ships steam into the Port of Richmond on the south bank, where workers unload bottled water, frozen fish and pick up cars (Jeeps and Fords) as well as campers and apples destined for Iceland and Europe.

Rocketts Landing developed early in Virginia's history.

In Notes on Virginia, Matt Gottlieb writes, "The community developed as a transition point between the plantation society around it and the area's emergence as a multicultural mercantile center, dependant on the antebellum traffic of seagoing ships and the James River and KanawhaCanal bateaux."

A brief history lesson:

- Marquis de Lafayette visited the Port of Rocketts in 1824.

- During the Civil War, the area was turned into a Confederate Navy shipyard.

- Abraham Lincoln arrived there to tour the burned Confederate Capital.

- The residential neighborhoods around the port developed as

places of commerce with diverse populations that worked around

ships from all over the world.

The port also served as a transition point from the KanawhaCanal, where boats ferried people and goods from the state's interior. Important export crops that passed through this area included coffee, flour and tobacco. Timber from the Great Dismal Swamp also made its way through here on its way to the Cedar Works, where it was then manufactured into products to be put on train cars for the rest of the growing nation.

Who will use the new marina?

Upon completion in 2009, the marina will house 125 boats. The slips at Rocketts Landing will be made available to residents first, though, if not all of them are rented, the open spots will be made available for rent by the public. The city-owned slips, meanwhile, will immediately be open to the public, allowing boaters to tie up their rigs and enjoy area shops.

Vickers-Smith said he expects all of the slips to be used by Rocketts Landing residents after about five years.

Most of the slips will be used for recreational vessels (as opposed to live-aboards), and all will be able to handle boats 30 feet and longer.

After about five years, Vickers-Smith expects all the slips to be used by Rocketts Landing residents. Rocketts Landing is even in discussions to partner with the boat manufacturer Sea Ray.

And just as the port served as a transition from boat to or boat to canal-going keelboats, the new marina will allow mariners to dock, walk up a few steps, and start jogging or biking into Richmond along the Capital Trail.

Christening the Blog

Rocketts Landing — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

What a terrible time to come down with writer's block. Maybe it's the pressure of Rocketts Landing's first blog post. So many words to choose from. So many items to link to and discuss. So many adoring fans demanding insightful news and witty features.

Well, maybe not that last one. At least not yet.

The blog is a chance for me, an independent journalist who writes about real estate, business and travel, to share news about Rocketts Landing and Richmond's East End waterfront.

In the future you'll read about how Rocketts Landing is turning a former industrial wasteland into a village. I'll explore the history of the area and delve into stories of the "how-the-heck-do-they-do-that" variety.

Posts will include the latest news of restaurants and retail shops who've signed leases, progress reports on construction and occasional profiles on the people who are moving in.

If you have story ideas or want to share your thoughts, please email me here.

Let there be lights

Rocketts Landing — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000