Fan District, Richmond

The Fan is the best thing about Richmond! From where we were staying visiting friends, there were over 40 restaurants in walking distance, so no worries about driving after a glass of wine. I was able to drink coffee on a front porch and gaze at the beautiful fall maple trees, and that was heaven! I watched runners, couples and families with babies walk by and enjoy the beautiful day. The architecture is truly amazing, and since my visit included a Sunday, I was able to go in a few open houses to see inside. I saw beautiful stained glass windows and the molding and details in the houses were equisite. Some houses had ample yards and garages while others had street parking and a small patio. There is something for everyone. Even the condos were ideal for a young professional who likes to get out and socialize. Within walking distance was the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Children's Museum and the Science Museum. There were charming gourmet and grocery shops we explored. The amazing thing was this could all be done on foot. Unlike those planned "walking communities" that try to imitate this lifestyle, we weren't stuck in a parking lot off of a busy street, the whole city was ours if we wanted to walk! In the Fan there are art galleries galore and we also walked to a wonderful charming shopping area called Carytown. Restaurants nearby we especially enjoyed were Verbena, Can Can, Three Monkeys, Acacia Midtown, Weezies and Mom's Siam. There is absolutely no reason to cook when in the fan- though some of the kitchens we saw at the open houses were truly awesome. But back to the restaurants, there were outdoor patios galore, with wonderful views- no suburban parking lots here! However, a very short drive took us to Maymont Park- not to be missed! We also drove to Belle Isle, an island in the middle of the James River (you have to walk across a bridge to get there) and had a wonderful time hiking and sunning ourselves on the rocks there. My husband and I are hoping to move to Richmond someday, and it will definitely be to the Fan!

The fan is full of charm. The houses are built at the turn of the century, the streets are lined with trees, each house has character... no cookie cutter houses here! There are excellent resaurants, coffee shops and music venues. It's elegant yet artistic. It's a haven for artists and musicians alike. I can't wait to move there!!!