Meet this week's guest editor, Anedra Wiseman Bourne. As the deputy executive director at Venture Richmond, Anedra works to enhance the vitality of the Richmond community, in particular downtown. A Maryland transplant who's made the River City her home, Anedra spends her professional and personal time exploring RVA and making the area's resources known far and wide. She's also a serial volunteer and dedicates her time serving on local boards focused on underserved populations of women and children. Take it away, Anedra!
I came to Richmond nearly 18 years ago and I feel fortunate to call RVA home — especially in recent weeks. The age old saying, "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone," has never rang more true than in the past 10 weeks under our stay at home order. Here are three of my favorite parts of RVA now more than ever. Here's to venturing forward!
Local
Coffee Shops
Urban Hang Suite, Brewer’s Café, Lamplighter, Blanchard’s, Lift, Urban Farmhouse – you name it, and I’ll check it out! I enjoy a great, bold coffee. Well, actually, I’m more of an extra shot latte kinda girl (hot or iced!) But, the atmosphere of a local coffee shop – both as a gathering space or as a simple getaway – is one of my guilty pleasures. Locally roasted beans, creative caffeinated beverages, and partnerships with other local businesses (bakeries, breweries, artists) rounds out Richmond's coffeehouse experience for visitors, too, who get a small taste of RVA in one spot!
In nearly 18 years of living in Richmond, I’ve ONLY worked downtown and I can’t imagine working anywhere else! The commute is easy. Downton offers an endless variety of places to host a meeting, restaurants where you can meet a friend or colleague for a meal, or grab a happy hour cocktail after work. It's spectacular that all within reach you can spend your lunchtime enjoying a museum exhibit; taking a walk, run, or bike ride on urban streets; exploring the Canal Walk; or jumping into the wild of the James River Park System.
My career in tourism has afforded me a front row seat for appreciating and promoting Richmond’s complicated history. From Historic Tredegar to Lumpkin’s Jail/Devil’s Half Acre to 2nd Street in Jackson Ward, there are no shortages of places where you can feel the true spirit and soul of those who came before us. Random fun fact, I also love the trains spotted downtown. Whether it’s Main Street Station or elevated along the riverfront, seeing and hearing them regularly has been a treat. Watching people – young and old — wave to the train conductors during events is a simple pleasure. And best of all, working for Venture means having Brown’s Island and the Canal Walk as a “seasonal satellite office.” Whether walking up or down hill, across the footbridge to Belle Isle or catching the river’s breeze from the “T-Pott,” I always notice something new downtown.
While the Riverfront Canal Cruise 2020 season is canceled, you can still enjoy a new virtual 360-degree experience that simulates an actual tour of the canal and Richmond's history that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy!
