Meet Rick Hood, this week’s guest editor! Many Richmonders know Rick as the owner of Ellwood Thompson's and as a founding member of Real Local RVA. In 1989, Rick launched City Market as the first in the area to provide access to organic produce and natural products. Several years later, the business leveled up to the intersection of Ellwood Ave. and Thompson St. where it earned its current name and has continued to grow into 20,000-square‐feet of all things healthy and local. Through it all, Rick has remained dedicated to feeding the heart and soul of our community. His store has long supported small local, organic and certified naturally-grown farms as well as recyclable packaging, composting, and water and energy conservation. Trained as an architect, Rick’s influence can be spotted throughout the store's design and re-use of building materials. When he’s not at Ellwood’s, you can spot Rick around town taking a stroll through neighborhoods in RVA with unique architecture as he looks for hidden details and new discoveries. We asked Rick to share his favorite spots to explore in the River City. Take it away, Rick …
Byrd Park Court
A year ago as I explored the east side of Byrd Park, I chanced upon this charming vest pocket grouping of 12 buildings arranged around an inner loop known as Byrd Park Court. Originally designed by well known Richmond architect, Carl Max Lindner, in 1921, the court is home to beautiful entry gates and a noteworthy center fountain. The variety of architectural styles of the day, and its residential court design, makes it truly unique in the City. In 2016, Byrd Park Court was added to the National Register of Historic Places. To explore the tiny court, head east past Byrd Park opposite Swan Lake Drive entrance, and look for the stone Beaux Arts-style gate nestled along the street.
West Avenue is always a favorite stroll any time of year. This cozy, one-way Fan street is just three blocks long and can be explored between the west campus of VCU and Stuart Circle. Among the narrow street, you'll find a solid consistency of modest building scale and a great variety of styles (especially in the westernmost block). The trees along the street form a passageway with nice shade and add to the exceptional pedestrian experience here. An interesting detail is the application of cobblestones at the pedestrian street crossings. Additionally there is a wonderfully designed corner apartment building facing Lombardy whose exterior fits perfectly within this beautiful residential area.
As a longtime fan of Carytown, I always encourage people to explore this unique retail district for an example of historic urban retail at its finest. Nine blocks of originally residential houses directly on the street have been converted over time into some of the area’s best small-scale, local food and business shops. I especially love the Art Deco block (3100 block of W. Cary) that’s anchored by Cary Court, Richmond's first strip mall, that was built in 1938 and recently restored. This block has a great architectural presence made up of several period revival styles that is always a pleasure to stroll. And make sure to support local while you’re there! Stop into unique shops adding energy and style to the 3100 block in Carytown like Can Can, Roan, The Phoenix, For the Love of Chocolate, The Broken Tulip, and so many more!
Vitals:
Carytown / Adjacent to the Museum District and Byrd Park
Real Local RVA.
Real Local RVA is a grassroots group of independent, small grocery stores, farmers, farmer’s markets, value added producers, restaurants, and supporters working to build a more collaborative local food system. If you're passionate about local food and building community, check 'em out.
