Originally published August 19, 2010
Guess what Richmond, VCU freshmen are moving in this weekend. You know what that means - school is about to start and the lower Fan is going to become a no-man’s land of jay-walking, double parking, crossing against the light, and freshly tattooed freshmen flinging themselves into traffic in their quest for that elusive Hibbs building.
I kid VCU freshmen. Stay in Richmond long enough and chances are you’re bound to end up married to, dating, or best friends with a former Ram (if you’re not one yourself).
But stay in Richmond long enough and you’ll quickly figure out that driving through parts of campus while school’s in session can up to triple your commute time anywhere in the city, if it doesn’t cause a complete emotional breakdown first.
Of course, there are back roads and cut-arounds and surprisingly clear alleys that locals learn to use, and I’d share them with you, except … well, I live here and have to drive from downtown to the Fan and back again all the time. I’m not giving up my shortcuts to anyone.
Instead I offer you five things you must do before classes officially start next Thursday, at which point parts of Richmond, VA turn into a parking lot.
Happy Hour at Ipanema Cafe
Happy hour at Ipanema is awesome – great drink specials (including wine), food deals and a fabulous patio … get it while you can, Richmond.
Get a Tattoo
If you’ve been thinking about getting at tattoo from Salvation, Main Tattoo or Absolute Art you better get in while the getting is good. VCU freshmen don’t come tattooed and they can’t very well tattoo themselves. But they must, of course, be sporting some ink by October.
Park at Chipotle or Panera Bread
I don’t normally endorse chain restaurants, but as of last year the lower Fan has both, complete with a For-Customers-Only parking lot. Haven’t been? That’s because For Customers Only means "friends or lovers of the employees" but now’s your chance to chow down on burritos and sandwiches without feeding the meter.
Lunch at 821 Cafe
In their new location, too! Yummy breakfast till five, great sandwiches and all the fabulous hipsters … don’t miss your chance.
Time It
Just for fun, some time in the next few days try to drive on Main, starting at the east side of Belvidere and making a straight shot to Lombardy – or even Harrison. And time it. Wait a week until classes start and try it again. For best results, try it around 5:15 p.m., but any time should do the trick.
Editor’s note: Don’t let VCU students discourage you – you can check out any of these places any time of year … provided you don’t mind reducing a 17-year-old coed to tears after her third pass at parallel parking.
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