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Twin Hickory 社区

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Twin Hickory是一个整体规划的开放式社区,以居住用途为主。Twin Hickory位于里士满市郊的Glen Allen区域,离市中心大约18分钟的车程。社区包含了超过1400座房屋*,18个小区*,一个小型购物区,一个YMCA中心,一所高中(Deep Run High School),几所小学,以及数个社区公园。Twin Hickory坐落在Short Pump购物中心,和Nuckols Road之间,沿着I-295高速和Twin Hickory Road分布。社区可以通过I-64高速的178A出口,以及I-295高速的51A/B出口到达。Twin Hickory社区是Short Pump一带最大的居住社区之一,拥有包括独栋家庭房屋、排房以及公寓这三种房屋类型。

Twin Hickory社区会所,以及会所的游泳池。

社区由Twin Hickory业主委员会(Twin Hickory Homeowners’ Association,同时是物业公司)管理,社区拥有出色的设施,景观设计,以及建筑整体性。HOA的专业服务帮助提升了该区域的物业价值。社区设施的亮点部分是位于4601 Hickory Lake Drive的社区会所。会所拥有一系列大小、深浅不一的游泳池,包括了标准池,跳水池,水上滑道区,嬉水池等,另所有年龄段的人都有能够安心畅玩的地方*。游泳池在每年的Memorial Day(五月最后一个星期一)到Labor Day(九月的第一个星期一)之间开放。在会所的旁边还有儿童娱乐场,网球场,以及步行道。Twin Hickory社区的步行道全长超过8英里,连接了区内的主要公共空间和设施,包括了学校,教堂,购物区,YMCA,以及Twin Hickory社区公共活动中心(Park and Recreation Center)。

Henrico公共图书馆(Henrico Public Library),位于Twin Hickory社区公共活动中心内。

Twin Hickory社区公共活动中心内坐落了Henrico公共图书馆,同时这里也是很多社娱乐动和夏季活动举办的地方。RLRVA编辑参观这里的时候,已经时近初秋,活动中心已经稍微显得宁静。不过,这里的居民仍然对先前的社区活动的回忆津津乐道。这些精彩的活动包括了去年的经典大众甲壳虫展,以及今年夏季的儿童嬉戏喷泉。现在,和暖的秋日阳光意味着这是读书和冥想的好时候。Henrico公共图书馆聚集了不少的附近居民,包括了来自其他社区的人。图书馆全年免费向公众开放,工作日期间开放时间为早上9点到晚上9点,周末的开放时间为早上9点到下午6点。图书馆同时还有一个驶入式的服务窗口,可以借还书。Twin Hickory社区公共活动中心大大地丰富了这里的生活。

Deep Run高中。

坐落在4801 Twin Hickory Road 的 Deep Run高中(Deep Run High School)是Henrico行政区内的一所主要公立高中。这所高中以Henrico行政区的第一所学校Deep Run命名。高中包含了超过1700名学生,110名教师,以及大量杰出校友。Deep Run高中在2016年被U.S. News & World Report列为弗吉尼亚顶级高中的第八名,同时在全美高中内排名278**。Deep Run高中,还有附近的小学,以及市中心的两所大学(弗吉尼亚联邦大学/VCU;和里士满大学/UR),构成了Twin Hickory社区优异的教育资源背景。

YMCA中心,以及Twin Hickory购物区域。

Shady Grove YMCA家庭中心(Shady Grove Family YMCA)*** 位于Nuckols Road和Twin Hickory Road的交界之处。中心为不同年龄段的人提供了健康训练项目和其他服务,月会员费为$20到$40不等。这一YMCA中心拥有相当高的群众评分(4.5 out of 5, via Google),从1995年开始,就为(当时还没完全建成的)Twin Hickory社区和其他社区的家庭提供健身和健康服务。YMCA家庭中心同时提供瑜伽和游泳等课程。它和里士满区内的另外16个YMCA中心一道,为这里居民的健康身心提供了坚实的保障。

一般来说,在Twin Hickory社区,业主自己维护物业内的行车道和房屋。不过Twin Hickory社区内也有一些带有统一管理的公寓式住宅,以及对应的小区。这些小区包括Bellingham,Belmont Park,Holly Glen,Jamerson Park,以及Park Commons。Twin Hickory社区拥有一个小型的购物中心,中心内有商店,饭店,一个食品超市(Food Lion),以及一些便利店(如CVS药房)。Twin Hickory同时离区域内的购物热点很近,包括了Short Pump购物中心和West Broad Village。

Twin Hickory的一些房屋:

想在这里买房吗?感兴趣的话您可以通过下面链接查询当前该社区是否有房屋出售:

http://www.greatrichmond.com/listings.asp?view=active


* Twin Hickory HOA网站: https://community.associawebsites.com/sites/TwinHickory/Pages/AcwDefault.aspx

** Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Run_High_School

*** Young Men’s Christian Association,面向社区的非营利机构,提供健身和健康生活服务,在美国YMCA也简称 “the Y”。


位置:
Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Access via Exit 178A of I-64, or Exit 51 of I-295.

HOA网站:
https://community.associawebsites.com/sites/TwinHickory/Pages/AcwDefault.aspx

 

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Twin Hickory

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Twin Hickory is a planned community located in Glen Allen, VA, near Richmond city. It consists of over 1,400 homes*, 18 neighborhoods*, a shopping area, a YMCA facility, a high school (Deep Run High School), several smaller schools, and several parks. It is located between Short Pump Town Center and Nuckols Road, alongside I-295 and Twin Hickory Road. The community can be accessed through Exit 178A of I-64 and Exit 51A/B of I-295. Twin Hickory is one of the biggest communities in Short Pump area, with a selection of homes including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominium homes. 

Twin Hickory Clubhouse, and pools.

Managed by The Twin Hickory Homeowners’ Association, Inc., the community is famous for its amenities, landscape design, and architectural integrity. The profession of HOA services has contributed to the properties’ growing values in the area. The highlight of the amenities is the clubhouse area at 4601 Hickory Lake Drive. The clubhouse has a selection of pools, with a lap pool, dive pool, water-slide, and toddler wading pool, everyone can find a place to enjoy*. The pools are opened from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year. A children’s playground, several tennis courts, and pedestrian sidewalks are located near the clubhouse, sprawling around the roadside lakes. The sidewalks spawns more that 8 miles in the community, connecting the major public spaces and amenities in the area, including schools, churches, the town center, YMCA, and Twin Hickory Park and Recreation Center.

Henrico Public Library, located in the park and recreation center.

The park and recreation center is where the Henrico County Public Library locates, as well as a place for community get togethers and summer activities. During early autumn, the place is already a little quiet as RLRVA editor visits, but folks nearby have really good memories about it, they still talked about the Volkswagen Beetle show happened last year, and the children’s water playground installed this summer. The warm autumn sun means now the place is a good spot for reading and meditation. The Henrico Public Library, as people gathers, provides service for residents within and beyond Twin Hickory. The library is free to the public, it opens yearly from 9 am to 9 pm during weekdays, and 9 am to 6 pm during weekends. The library also features a drive-in service window where people can loan and return books, making life in Twin Hickory more convenient.

Deep Run Hight School

Located in 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Deep Run High School is a magnet public high school in Henrico County, Virginia. It is named after one of Henrico County's first schools: Deep Run School. With over 1700 students, 110 teachers, and a history of alumni excellence, Deep Run High School is ranked as the 8th "Top School" in Virginia and the 278th best high school in the United States by U.S. News & World Report**. Combining other elementary schools in the community, as well as the two universities downtown (Virginia Commonwealth university, and University of Richmond), Twin Hickory provides education for families with quality and convenience.

YMCA center and town center in Twin Hickory.

Shady Grove Family YMCA*** center is located in the intersection of Nuckols Road and Twin Hickory Road. The center provides programs and services for all ages, ranging from $20 to $40 per person per month. The center is highly rated (4.5 out of 5, via Google) by residents in Twin Hickory, and has become a community place for connecting people and building healthier life since 1995. The center also provides various fitting and training lessons, such as yoga and swimming. The center, alongside with 16 other YMCA centers in Greater Richmond area, is indeed a place that keeps the kids, the families, and the community strong.

Overall, in Twin Hickory homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of their own lots and homes, with the exception of some neighborhoods that are maintenance free. They include Bellingham, Belmont Park, Holly Glen, Jamerson Park & Park Commons, where sub-associations of Twin Hickory HOA provide additional assessments and services. The community has its own small town center, with shops, restaurants, a grocery store (Food Lion), and other conveniences such as CVS Pharmacy. Twin Hickory is also conveniently located near many local major shopping spots, including Short Pump Town Center and West Broad Village.

Homes in Twin Hickory community:

Looking for a home here? There might be one for sale now! Check the link below:

http://www.greatrichmond.com/listings.asp?view=active


* Twin Hickory HOA website: https://community.associawebsites.com/sites/TwinHickory/Pages/AcwDefault.aspx

** Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Run_High_School

*** Young Men’s Christian Association, a community focused nonprofit providing recreational programs, short for “the Y” in the U.S..


Location:
Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Access via Exit 178A of I-64, or Exit 51 of I-295.

HOA Website:
https://community.associawebsites.com/sites/TwinHickory/Pages/AcwDefault.aspx

 

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Virginia Commonwealth University and Monroe Park Campus

VCU Monroe park Campus, near the Compass plaza.

VCU Monroe park Campus, near the Compass plaza.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university founded in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College. The college became the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1854. In 1968, the Virginia General Assembly merged MCV with the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), to create what is today's Virginia Commonwealth University. This history is embedded into VCU’s seal, which consists of the iconic Egyptian building and the two schools’ names.

Today VCU consists of 13 schools and one college, and The VCU Health System supports the university's health care education, research and patient care. VCU also has an independent campus in Doha, Qatar, mainly hosting art and design bachelor degree educations.

VCU provides degrees for more than 31,000 students. Around 85% of the students are in-state, 9% are out-of state, and 6% are international. VCU is one of the public universities to have the highest percentage of non-White students in the United states. Demographically, other than international students, the student body is 51% white, 15% African American, 12% Asian, and 7% Hispanic. Recent years have also seen an increase in the number of Chinese international students, as the university is actively expanding the enrollment to east Asia, and setting up exclusive staffs for Asian international student affairs. There are around 400 Chinese students and visiting scholars at the university as of 2016.

VCU Student Commons building.

VCU Student Commons building.

VCU is designated as "R1: Doctoral University - Highest Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. According to the 2016 U.S. News & World Report, VCU is classified as a Tier 1 University with an overall national rank of No. 156, and No. 84 among all public colleges and universities. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) is ranked as the No. 1 public university school of arts and design in the country (and tied as No. 2 among public & private institutions) by U.S. News & World Report in 2017. The VCU Brandcenter (the School of Business' graduate program) in advertising has also been ranked first in the nation by Creativity Magazine. VCU's Masters of Science in Health Administration program was ranked second by Modern Healthcare. The University's Health System has twice been named one of the Solucient Top 100 Hospitals in the United States by Solucient Corporation. VCU's athletic teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are collectively known as the VCU Rams. They are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference.

VCU has two main campuses in Richmond: the Monroe Park Campus, located west of downtown Richmond, and the MCV Campus in the urban center. VCU campuses take up a significant part of Richmond city, and the students make up around 15 percent of the city’s population.

Monroe Park Campus, blended into the city blocks.

Monroe Park Campus, blended into the city blocks.

Named after the city park, the 90.6-acre Monroe Park Campus houses most of VCU's general education facilities, and is situated on the eastern end of the Fan district. Prior to the merger of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia, the campus was the home to the entire Richmond Professional Institute. The campus has a mix of modern and vintage buildings, with over 40 structures built before 1900.

Franklin Street VCU section. Including Office of The Vice President.

For sightseeing visitors and the aesthetic eyes, The VCU section of Franklin Street can provide a scenic walk. The section begins at the intersection of Franklin Street and Belvedere Street, and ends at the intersection of Franklin Street and North Harrison Street. It connects to the beginning of Monument Avenue. The half-mile walk features Monroe Park, garden landscapes, trees, historic and stylish buildings, churches, the House of the University President, and the Anderson Gallery. Anderson Gallery hosts student and faculty shows year round, including the VCUarts’ thesis exhibitions. It is one of the best place to experience the highlights of VCUarts.

Pollak building, a rare Blutalist example in Richmond.

The Pollak Building, located on North Harrison Street, was named for VCUarts founder Theresa Pollak in 1971. It hosts the headquarter of VCUarts, and several design programs. Pollak Building is one of the hidden architectural gems in Richmond, being one of the few Brutalist buildings in the city. Pollak building also has a rooftop garden where visitors can enjoy the surroundings of sunshines, vegetations, and the panoramic view of Monroe Park Campus.

ICA under construction in 2017.
First image shows ICA office alongside with the Depot, a building converted from a train station.

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA), build by Steven Holl and associates, is planned to open in 2017. ICA is located at an important crossroads corner location of Belvidere Street and Broad Street, leading the city’s Art District area development. Aimed as the city’s most significant noncollecting contemporary art museum with an international reputation, ICA will not only boosts VCU’s, but also Richmond’s reputation in contemporary art exhibitions. It is also a symbolic link between Monroe Park Campus with MCV Campus.

VCU James Branch Cabell Library. A building influenced by Neoclassical architecture (before renovation).

After the 2016 renovation, James Branch Cabell Library becomes one of the largest libraries in Virginia. The library has extensive and comprehensive collections in art, science, business, editorials, local documents, and many other fields. It has one of the largest book art collections and the fifth largest graphic novel and comic book collections in the United States. The libraries hosts 2.16 million visitors each year, it is also open to public during daytime hours.

Monroe Park before renovation.

Monroe Park before renovation.

Monroe Park itself is the oldest city park in Richmond city, founded in 1851. It marks the east end of the historical Fan district — a historic, late 19th-century neighborhood adjacent to downtown Richmond. Monroe Park is a 7.5 acres park in pentagonal shape, surrounded by VCU residence halls, VCU da Vinci center, Altria Theatre, and several churches. The park is currently under renovation, to improve its lighting and other public facilities. It is planned to reopen in 2018.

The exotic Altria theatre.

Altria theatre is located next to Monroe Park. Originally built for Shriners of the Acca Temple Shrine in 1927, the building stands itself out from the surroundings with the exotic, castle-like middle-east architecture style, and luxury decorations. It was acquired by Richmond city in the 1940s, and became a theatre in 1995. Other than hosting musicals, concerts and comedies, the theatre also hosts various VCU events including graduation ceremonies.

The Fine Arts Building, located in Broad Street, is a massive building hosting the departments of Craft and Material Studies, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, and Sculpture and Extended Media. It frequently features public large-scale installations, live musics, seminars and conferences from students, faculties and visiting artists.

The Stuart C. Siegel Center, also in Broad Street, is the home court of the VCU basketball teams.The 7500-seat arena was opened in 1999, and has witnessed a 85 percent home court winning. The NCAA basketball games are popular local events, while the site is also used for volleyball games and concerts.


Additional Gallery

 

Location:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia 23284
VCU Student Commons:
907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284

Contact:
(804) 828-0100

Website:
http://www.vcu.edu

 

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弗吉尼亚联邦大学(VCU)

VCU Monroe Park Campus(门罗公园校区),Compass广场附近区域。

VCU Monroe Park Campus(门罗公园校区),Compass广场附近区域。

弗吉尼亚联邦大学(Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU)是一所公立的研究性大学,并坐落在里士满市区内。VCU建立于1838年,最初是汉普顿—悉尼(Hampden–Sydney)学院的医学分部。该学院在1854年成为了弗吉尼亚医科学院(MCV)。在1968年,弗吉尼亚议会决定将MCV和里士满职业技术学院(RPI)合并,建立了如今的弗吉尼亚联邦大学。这一段历史被整合到了VCU的校徽之中,两所前身学院的名字并列在学校标志性的埃及大楼的图案上下。

如今的VCU包括了13个院系和一所学院。同时,VCU健康系统支撑着学校的健康教育,研究以及疾病治疗。VCU在卡塔尔首都多哈也有一个独立的校区,主要提供艺术和设计类的本科教育。

VCU拥有超过31,000名学生。大概85%的学生来自弗吉尼亚州内,9%来自美国其他地区,6%是国际学生。VCU是美国境内公立大学里面少数族裔学生比例最高的高校之一。在人口上,除了国际学生外,VCU的学生里面51%为白人,15%为黑人,7%为拉丁美洲裔。近年来,来自中国的国际学生数量持续上升,VCU也不遗余力地在东亚地区展开招生,并且设置了专门处理亚洲学生事物的职员。2016年,VCU大概有400名来自中国的留学生和访问学者。

VCU Student Commons Building/学生办事中心。

VCU Student Commons Building/学生办事中心。

VCU被卡内基高校机构分类认定为“R1:博士级研究型大学”。根据2016年的美国及世界新闻网(U.S. News & World Report)排行榜,VCU被划定为第一梯队的大学,VCU在美国境内综合排名156名,并且在公立学院中排行84名。2017年,弗吉尼亚联邦大学艺术学院(VCUarts)是美国境内排名第一的公立艺术学院,并且在全美所有艺术学院里面排名并列第二。VCU Brandcenter 的广告专业(VCU商学院的研究生专业之一)被创意杂志(Creativity Magazine)列为全美第一。医学院的健康管理研究生被当代医学(Modern Healthcare)列为全美第二。VCU的医院及健康管理系统两度被Solucient公司列为全美最好的100所医院之一。VCU的篮球队,VCU Rams,是NCAA美国高校联盟里面的第一梯队,并且是大西洋顶尖十名的成员之一。

VCU在里士满有两个校区:位于市区西部的门罗公园校区(Monroe Park Campus),以及位于市中心的MCV校区。VCU的校区占据了相当显著的里士满市区比例,其学生数量也占据了市区内15%的人口。

与里士满市区融为一体的校园建筑。

与里士满市区融为一体的校园建筑。

由城市的门罗公园(Monroe Park)命名,占地90.6英亩的门罗公园校区坐落在Fan居住区的东部,包括了VCU多数的普通教育学院。在里士满职业技术学院(RPI)和MCV合并之前,门罗公园校区包括了整个RPI校园。如今的门罗公园校区包含了历史和现代的建筑,超过40栋建筑修建于1900年之前。

富兰克林街(Franklin Street)VCU段。包括副校长办公室楼。

对于观光者和带有审美眼光的人来说,富兰克林街(Franklin Street)的VCU段提供了一段景色秀丽的道路。这一个区段从Franklin Street和Belvedere Street交汇的路口开始,到Franklin Street和North Harrison Street交汇的路口结速,并连通纪念大道(Monument Avenue)。这一段半英里的路程包括了门罗公园以及数个花园,同时还包括了大量的行道树,历史性的精致建筑,教堂,校长办公室,以及安德逊艺术馆(Anderson Gallery)。Anderson Gallery常年展览来自VCUarts的教师和学生作品,包括了研究生毕业展。这个艺术馆是了解VCUarts的亮点作品的最佳通道之一。

Pollak大楼,拥有在里士满市区内罕见的粗野主义建筑风格。

落成于1971年的Pollak(不是波洛克/Pollock!)大楼(Pollak Building)坐落在North Harrison街上,并以VCUarts的创办人Theresa Pollak命名。这是VCU艺术学院的总部,并且是数个设计学院所在之地。Pollak大楼是里士满市内的隐藏建筑宝藏之一,是该地区内为数不多的粗野主义(Brutalism)风格建筑,受到来自柯布西耶建筑风格的影响。大楼还有一个屋顶花园,可以观赏门罗公园校区的全景。

正在建造中的ICA,拍摄于2017年。ICA办公室在the Depot旁边,一栋由旧火车站改建的楼房。

VCU当代艺术中心(The Institute for Contemporary Art, ICA)由史提芬·霍尔(Steven Holl)建筑事务所设计,计划在2017年落成。ICA坐落在Belvidere Street和Broad Street交界之处,引领着里士满城市艺术区的发展。ICA的目标是成为作为州内,乃至国际知名的非永久藏品艺术馆。该中心不仅能大幅提高VCU,乃至整个里士满在当代艺展上的地位,同时也是一个连接门罗公园校区和MCV校区的象征性节点。

James Branch Cabell图书馆。一座带有新古典主义风格的建筑(在改建之前)。

在2016年的扩建完成后,James Branch Cabell图书馆成为了弗吉尼亚州内最大的图书馆之一。这个图书馆有全面而深入的藏书类别,包括了科学,艺术,商科,期刊,本地文献等众多类别。图书馆拥有北美地区最大的艺术图书收藏之一,并且拥有全美第五大漫画和漫画小说收藏。James Branch Cabell图书馆每年的访问人数超过200万,而且图书馆在白天也向公众开放。

改建之前的门罗公园。

改建之前的门罗公园。

门罗公园本身是里士满市区内最古老的城市公园,建立于1851年。这个公园是里士满历史悠久的Fan居住区的东部起点,占地7.5英亩。公园周围是VCU的学生宿舍,达芬奇中心(VCU da Vinci center),Altria剧院,以及数个教堂。门罗公园现正处于翻修改造过程之中,旨在改善公园的灯光及其他公共设施。公园计划在2018年重新开放。

风格独特的Altria剧院。

Altria剧院位于门罗公园旁边。该建筑落成于1927年,最初为阿卡寺神社成员(Shriners of the Acca Temple Shrine,一个社会组织)的活动中心。正因如此,该建筑的风格和周边楼房明显不同,它是一座城堡一样的大楼,并大有明显的阿拉伯建筑风格和豪华的外部装横。里士满市政府在20世纪40年代购置了该建筑,并且在1995年将它改造成为了如今的Altria剧院。除了举办音乐会和歌剧外,该剧院也频繁举办VCU的活动,包括毕业典礼等。

坐落在Broad Street街上的艺术系大楼(Fine Arts Building)是一动庞大的建筑,里面有艺术学院的雕塑系,绘画系,动态影像系,以及工艺材料系等。大楼频繁举办向大众开放的大型装置展览,音乐会,研讨会和艺术峰会,由艺术系的老师,学生和访问艺术家提供内容。

同样坐落在Broad Street街上的Stuart C. Siege体育中心是VCU篮球队的主场。场馆落成于1999年,能容纳7500人。VCU篮球队在此的主场胜率达到了 85%,作为美国高校职业篮球联盟的一员,VCU球队的比赛一直是本地的热门活动。Stuart C. Siege体育中心痛死也举办排球赛和演唱会等活动。


更多图片:

 

学校位置:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia 23284
VCU学生事务中心:
907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284

联系电话:
(804) 828-0100

网站:
http://www.vcu.edu

 

CN

Belle Isle 河州公园

Belle Isle 的河岸风光,远处同时有火车通过。

Belle Isle是位于James River下游浅河床上的一个无人岛。在美国内战期间岛上有人居住,并建立了一座战争监狱和一个村庄。在随后的20世纪,这里被用作一个水力发电站场地,直到1963年水电站被废弃。如今,作为一个州政府拥有的地块,Belle Isle成为了一个城市公园。这里拥有优美的风景,清爽的空气,还有各种野生动物以及它们的自然居住场所。公园最引人注目的地方在于,这一切景观离里士满市中心地区仅有数分钟的距离。Belle Isle可以通过一座位于Robert E. Lee大桥下面的悬索桥进入,步行或骑车均可。如果James River(詹姆斯河)的水位不是太高,Belle Isle也可以由河的南岸进入,通过跳石头的方式。在Belle Isle上,人们可以欣赏到Browns Island(布朗岛),Forest Hill(森林山)公园,旧Tredegar铁器厂,以及里士满城市的天际线。Belle Isle有数条徒步或骑车路径,在路径之上,还有很多旧建筑和铁路的遗址可供观赏和体验。

游客通过悬索桥进入Belle Isle。

游客通过悬索桥进入Belle Isle。

水电站旧址。

因为Belle Isle有足够的植被,同时免受频繁的人类活动的干扰,岛上有不少野生动物。这是一个不寻常的城市中心之景。各种鸣鸟,水鸭,鸬鹚和蓝鹭都比较常见,同时,松鼠等小型哺乳动物,以及一些两栖及爬行动物也在岛上居住。Belle Isle是一个周末休闲及户外活动的安全好去处。大人和小朋友都喜欢的热门活动包括路径徒步,在James River上游泳,跳石头,晒太阳,观鸟,划独木舟和小船,以及在石头上野餐 — 同时近距离欣赏数米外的急流。

连接Belle Isle和詹姆斯河的石头河床。

里士满,新旧交融之地。

里士满,新旧交融之地。

Belle Isle入口风光。

Belle Isle同时靠近另一个开放的草地公园—布朗岛(Browns Island)。在布朗岛上人们可以观看城市的工业结构,在James River河床亲水,参观历史场所(旧Tredegar铁器厂,如今弗吉尼亚内战纪念中心),参加徒步路径,以及音乐会等。一年一度的里士满乡村音乐节在此举行。风景优美的T. Tyler Potterfield步行桥连接着布朗岛和James River的南岸。这条步行桥平行着内战期间的Mayo桥的遗址。在水位不是太高的情况下,James River的南岸也可以到达Belle Isle,把两座岛屿和河岸连在一起。这两座岛屿,以及桥梁和历史遗址,共同组成了一个休闲娱乐教育场所。它们是是James River公园系统的一部分,并且是里士满城市的皇冠。

布朗岛风光:

时间:
全年开放。
8:30 am – 9:30 pm (夏季)
8:30 am – 5:30 pm (冬季)

布朗岛地址(可以在此通过悬索桥进入Belle Isle):
S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219

网站:
Bells Isle: http://www.jamesriverpark.org/visit-the-park/getting-there.php
Browns Island: http://www.brownsisland.com/

 

CN

Maymont庄园

English Version

一个维多利亚风格的庄园,园区内有草地,历史豪宅,花园,开放式农场和自然中心等设施。庄园也提供各种体验活动以及场地活动出租等服务。

从自然及游客中心欣赏到的Maymont庄园风光。

从自然及游客中心欣赏到的Maymont庄园风光。

占地100英亩的Maymont庄园是James and Sallie Dooley夫妇送给Richmond公众的礼物。Dooley夫妇于1893年到1925年间居住于此,他们热爱这一片水土优美之地,希望此地能够在他们离世后保留给公众,让后代都能像他们一样享受这个庄园。如今,无论是漫步花园中,参观邸宅,还是欣赏水獭,亲近山羊和草地野餐,Maymont是一个大家都可以欣赏放松的地方。

— maymont.org

Maymont是一个维多利亚风格的庄园,临近William Byrd公园以及Carillon社区。作为弗吉尼亚州里士满市区内保存维护得最好的公共公园之一,Maymont是James River绿色河岸上的一颗明珠。庄园上有历史传承下来大片草地,花园,邸宅和林荫石路。同时,这里也有农场,动物园和自然观光中心等后期追加的景点。除了作为热门的观光和散步之地,庄园也提供场地给婚礼,生日聚会,教学讲解,动物接触及家庭聚会等活动。Maymont是本地居民休闲娱乐的好去处,也是游客不应该错过的地方。

 

日本花园的流水。

日本花园的流水。

Maymont有超过10个不同主题和大小的花园,其中最出名的两个是日本花园和意大利花园。日本花园位于庄园南端的低洼地,坐落在一个瀑布的后面,临近James River。花园建造于1911年,经典日式园林元素,包括瀑布,锦鲤池,小凉亭,石山,水沟和枫树等散步其中。这些元素,和周围的温带阔叶林,竹子以及北美的暖色调阳光融合,营造出一个独特的氛围。铺满落叶的地面,漂浮于水上的石灯笼,平静的水面和锦鲤,以及北美鹅群,构造了一个东西方融合的美感,让这个花园成为了一个优美而宁静的放松和沉思之地。在不远之处,意大利花园坐落在瀑布的上方,眺望James River。意大利花园的建筑和植被都经过精心的设计。玫瑰和藤蔓覆盖的开放长廊融合了罗马花园的风格;而在不同的地表层级上,包括桂花,阔叶松,薰衣潮和铁木等本地及引进的植物共同构筑了丰富多样的季节化纹理。意大利花园是一个举办户外婚礼的热点,同时也是所有游客都喜欢的开放式园林。Maymont还有数个其他风格的小型花园和凉亭,其中一些种植有蔬菜和水果用于儿童娱乐与教育,而另外一些则以蝴蝶,药草和向日葵等为主题。

 

 

位于Maymont北部入口处的自然及观光中心亦为一个值得参观之处。对于初次来Maymont的人,该中心是庄园的推荐入口,它提供了详细的景点信息和纪念品商店。自然观光中心同时有一个小型然而内容丰富的水族馆。馆内展出了来自James River以及Chesapeake Bay自然生态系统的生物,包含了鱼类,爬行动物,螯足动物,两栖动物以及美国短吻鳄等。水族馆最出彩的部分是水獭池,游客可以一睹美国淡水水獭在水面上下的优雅身姿和令人放松的互动。

小朋友生日派对。

小朋友生日派对。

对于家庭和动物爱好者而言,儿童农场和野生动物展览是除了花园外也值得一去的地方。儿童农场有各类常见的家禽家畜,包括鸡,鸭,兔子,山羊,绵羊,猪,牛,马和驴子等。这些动物受过良好的训练,可让儿童和游客安全接近。野生动物展览区是临近农场的一个封闭区域,安置了一些被救回来的野生动物,包括野牛,黑熊,狐狸和猎鹰等。这个区还有一只被驯化的短尾野猫可供近距离接触,是爱猫人士的福音。

Maymont 儿童农场。

庄园风光


开放时间:
全年开放
四月到九月: 10am-7pm
十月到三月:10am-5pm
免费入场

位置:
Nature and Visitor Center/自然及游客中心
2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA, 23220

网站:
https://maymont.org/

 

 

CN

Shockoe Bottom城市社区

从Church Hill观望的里士满城市天际线,近处为Shockoe Bottom, 远处为市中心。

从Church Hill观望的里士满城市天际线,近处为Shockoe Bottom, 远处为市中心。

Shockoe Bottom是里士满市区内历史最悠久的区域之一,这里的街区肌理仍然在很大程度上保留了陆军上校William Mayo在1737年作的里士满城市规划。Shockoe Bottom在里士满市中心和Church Hill(直译“教堂山”)之间,沿着James River(詹姆斯河)分布。它是一个长条型的城市社区,并且是如今市区内一个富有活力的居住,餐饮和夜生活娱乐中心。

Shockoe Bottom区域内的一个loft工作室/住宅混合体的室内景。

Shockoe Bottom区域内的一个loft工作室/住宅混合体的室内景。

在历史上,Shockoe Bottom是里士满的交通,经济和工业枢纽。随着弗吉尼亚州的州府搬迁至里士满,这一区域在18世纪末期开始发展。很快,这里就变成了一个繁忙的城市交汇之处,融合了来自铁路,运河,城市和旧Mayo马车桥的交通。值得一提的是,旧Mayo马车桥如今仍有桥墩留存。这些桥墩就在现今的14街跨河大桥之下,并且可以在布朗岛(Browns Island)步行桥上观看。18到19世纪的Shockoe Bottom是里士满的烟草业中心,同时这里也在美国历史上的奴隶交易里扮演了重要地位,直到内战结速为止。奴隶贸易带来的利润催生了美国南部的富裕白人阶层,并推动了里士满的经济。在战前,市内的15街被誉为南方的华尔街。

 

和 ShockoeBottom沿河条带并排的铁路桥。

和 ShockoeBottom沿河条带并排的铁路桥。

在Main Street火车站旁边的公路/铁路混合立交桥。

在Main Street火车站旁边的公路/铁路混合立交桥。

然而,在1865年4月,里士满被北方联军收复的前夜,原来的Shockoe Bottom区域被彻底摧毁了。撤退的南方邦联军点燃了这里的烟草仓库,大火从Shockoe Bottom开始蔓延,最终烧毁了当年25%的里士满城区。Shockoe Bottom在战后被迅速重建,建成了大部分保存至今的历史城区。战后的Shockoe Bottom仍然是里士满乃至美国南部的烟草业及交通中心,同时附近的美国联邦政府机构也为这里的商业带来了多样性。在建筑学上说,战后重建的建筑大多数属于英式意大利风格和维多利亚风格的商业变种,进入20世纪初,这里也加入了装饰艺术风格的建筑。Shockoe Bottom的烟草业最终在1960年前后被废弃,社区一度萧条。它的重新激活则发生在1980年之后,由数个艺术馆牵头,包括如今的1708艺术馆和Artspace艺术中心。

 

许多历史上的烟草仓库,包括不少拥有装饰艺术风格的个体,如今被改建成为了loft住宅。

如今,Shockoe Bottom的建筑主要用于饭店,零售商业,办公和居住的用途。近年来区内还增设了一个农贸市场。该区域仍然是里士满的休闲艺术区的一部分,它离现在的艺术中心Plant Zero很近,并且也拥有自己的阁楼式公寓(loft)和工作室式住宅(home studio)。一些旧的闲置烟草仓库仍然屹立在区域内,告诉着过往人流该地乃至整个里士满的多层历史印记。Shockoe Bottom如今有很多酒店式公寓,让其成为了一个便利而设施良好的城市居住区。这里也有不少出名的高品质餐馆,包括拥有河岸餐厅和酒吧的Boathouse at Rocketts Landing。其他出名餐馆包括Havana ‘59,Bottoms Up Pizza,River City Diner,Station 2,和Millie’s Diner等。Shockoe Bottom区域内的公共社区是一个运河公园。在这里,人们可以近距离参观城市的工业结构,尤其是那个火车站附近的著名的Shockoe Bottom五层立交桥 — 三条铁路和两条高速在此层叠,延伸到巨大的防洪墙的内外。新建筑和老建筑,殖民地风格和工业风格,大体量结构和小型空间,这些不同建筑风格的融合打造出Shockoe Bottom独特的空间美感。Shockoe Bottom同时也离Church Hill很近,在那里,人们可以观赏到整个里士满天际线的风光,包括了山上的一个微型自由女神像。

巨大的城市防洪墙,保护了Shockoe Bottom盘地和里士满市区不受詹姆斯河的周期性洪水的侵袭。

 

街区及餐馆照片

 

ENG

Shockoe Bottom

View of Shockoe Bottom and downtown Richmond from Church Hill.

View of Shockoe Bottom and downtown Richmond from Church Hill.

Shockoe Bottom is one of Richmond city’s oldest neighborhoods, as the street blocks and zonings remains largely identical to Colonel William Mayo's initial city plan of Richmond in 1737 . Shockoe Bottom locates between downtown Richmond and Church Hill, along the James River, creating a long slip riverside neighborhood. Today, the area is a bustling hub for city living, cuisine and nightlife.

A loft in Shockoe Bottom.

A loft in Shockoe Bottom.

Historically, Shockoe Bottom was a main transportation hub for Richmond city. The traffics, combining with the location, have established the area as the city's industrial and commercial center. Shockoe Bottom began developing in the late 18th century following the move of the state capital to Richmond. Soon the neighborhood became the busy intersection of railways, river and canal traffics, and city roads, including the old Mayo’s bridge. This wagon and pedestrian bridge was a key feature contributing to the neighborhood's thriving. And today, its remaining piers are still sitting next to the modern 14 Street bridge, which can be observed from Browns Island city park. Shockoe bottom was the center of Richmond’s and southern America's tobacco industry, It also played a major role in slavery in the United States before the end of the Civil War. Profits from the slave trades fueled the creation of wealth for Southern whites and drove the economy in Richmond, leading 15th Street to be known as "Wall Street of the South" before the war.

 

Railway alongside the Shockoe slip.

Railway alongside the Shockoe slip.

The mixed intersection of highways and railways near Main Street Train Station.

The mixed intersection of highways and railways near Main Street Train Station.

However, the original Shockoe Bottom was completely destroyed on the eve of the fall of Richmond to the Union Army in April 1865. The evacuating Confederate forces set fire to the tobacco warehouses. The fire spread from Shockoe Bottom, eventually destroyed 25% of the whole Richmond city. Shockoe Bottom was quickly rebuilt after the war, forming much of its present historic building stock. It was still the center of tobacco industry and railway intersections, while its proximity to many downtown federal government buildings also added diversity to the business. Architecturally, many of the buildings constructed during the rebuilding period are a commercial variant of the Italianate style. Coming to 19th and early 20th century, Art Deco and Victorian style buildings were added. The tobacco industry was eventually abandoned in the 1960s, followed by the decades-long decline of this ares. Shockoe Bottom was revitalization in the 1980s, lead by the stationing of several art galleries—incluidng what would be today’s 1708 Gallery and Artspace.  

 

Many historical tobacco warehouses and Art Deco style buildings are converted to lofts.

Today, the buildings in Shockoe Bottom are primarily restaurants, shops, offices, and apartments. A farmer’s market was also built in recent years. Shockoe Bottom is still part of the city’s recreational and creative area, being closed to Plant Zero—the current art center near downtown across James River. Some old unused tobacco warehouse still remains, reminding the passenger’s about the area’s and Richmond city’s history. Shockoe Bottom now has many high-end lofts, studios, and serviced apartments, making it a convenient and well-developed spot for urban living. This area also hosts several finest restaurants of the city, including the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing—featuring waterfront dinings and bars, as well as Havana ‘59, Bottoms Up Pizza, River City Diner, Station 2, and Millie’s Diner. A canal city park was added in the 1990s after the completion of the city's floor wall. In this highlighted area, people can walk around the old canals and admire the city's industrial and transportation complexes, especially the famous five-deck traffic intersection near the Main Street Train Station, This intersection has three railways and two highways, spreading inside and outside the massive concrete flood walls. The mix between old and new, colonial and industrial, massive and delicate, gives this area a unique architectural aesthetic. Shockoe Bottom is also close to Church Hill, another historical, well-maintained and charming neighbourhood, where one can observe the whole downtown Richmond city alongside with the unique miniature Statue of Liberty.

 

The floor wall that keeps Shockoe Bottom basin and Richmond downtown safe from Jame River's periodical flooding.

 

More Images: Shockoe Bottom streets and restaurants

 

ENG

Maymont

中文版

Victorian Estate with lawns, mansions, gardens, farms and a nature center, also has experiences and event offerings.

Maymont landscape, viewing from Nature and Visitor Center.

Maymont landscape, viewing from Nature and Visitor Center.

“Maymont was given to us by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived here from 1893 through 1925. They wanted Maymont to be preserved so that new generations could enjoy it as much as they did. Whether strolling through the gardens, touring the mansion, watching river otters play, petting a goat or picnicking on the lawn, Maymont is a gift of 100 acres for all to enjoy.”

— maymont.org

The Victorian estate Maymont is one of the best preserved and maintained public park complexes in Richmond, Virginia. Located next to William Byrd Park and Carillon Neighborhood, Maymont is one of the jewelries in the green bands of James River running across Richmond City. Maymont has large lawns, mansions, gardens, stone roads and bridges that are preserved from the beginnings. It also hosts wildlife exhibits, a Children’s farm, and a Nature & Visitor center, as the additional attractions built later on. Other than being a popular destination for sightseeing, walking and sitting, Maymont also provides opportunities for outdoor weddings, birthday parties, educational tours, animal encounters and family events. Maymont is a versatile leisure and recreational place for Richmonders, and a must-see for visitors.

 

Japanese garden, rocks and canals,

Japanese garden, rocks and canals,

Maymont has more than 10 themed gardens of varying scales, with the highlight of them being the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden. In the southern lower land of the estate, under a hill waterfall and before James River lies the Japanese garden. Built in 1911, the garden offers classical Japanese elements including a large waterfall, a koi pond, a pergola, rock gardens, small canals and red maple trees. When they are combined with the surrounding temperate broadleaf trees, bamboos and the warm-colored northern American sunlight, a unique aura floats around the place. The leafy grounds, floating stone lanterns, peaceful waters, kois, and American geese are combined to create a scrolling scenery, making the garden a unique mix between East and West in aesthetic. It is a beautiful retreat for meditation and relaxation year round. Connecting the Japanese garden and overlooking James River, the Italian garden locates in the upper side of the waterfall hills. The Italian garden is well-designed both architecturally and botanically. The long pergola covered by roses and vines is shaped after the garden styles of Rome. In different ground levels, domestic and exotic plants are blooming in urns, flower beds and floors, sewing lively and seasonal ground patterns. The exotic plant examples include enkianthus, larches, lavenders and ironwoods. The Italian garden is a hotspot for outdoor wedding, while everyone can enjoy the sunlight and vegetations in this openfield garden. Maymont also have several smaller gardens and gazebos. Some of them grow vegetables and fruits for children to play and learn, and some others are themed after butterflies, herbs and sunflowers.

 

 

The Nature and Visitor Center, located in the north side of Maymont, is the entrance, information center, and gift shop of the estate. It is the recommended entrance for first time visitors. It also hosts a small but robust aquarium exhibiting inhabitants in the waters and lands of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay system. The animals include turtles, fishes, crabs, frogs and alligators, with the highlight of them being the river otters living in the largest tank. The visitors can admire the fluid movements of the otters above and beneath water, with their cute, soothing and relaxing interactions.

 

Birthday party!

Birthday party!

For families and animal lovers, the children’s farm and the wildlife exhibition are exciting attractions, additional to the gardens and plants. The farm host a collection of common poultries and livestock, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, sheeps, pigs, cows, horses, and donkey. They are well-tempered, and close encounters between them and visitors are common. The wildlife exhibition is a nearby enclosed area where the estate settles some rescued animals, including American bisons, black beers, foxes and hawks. For cat lovers, the exhibition also has a tamed bobcat available for close encounters.

Maymont Children's Farm

 

Gallery

 

Hours:
Daily
April-September, 10am-7pm
October-March, 10am-5pm
Free admission

Location:
Nature and Visitor Center
2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA, 23220

Website:
https://maymont.org/

 

 

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Belle Isle

Belle Isle river bank with train passing.

Belle Isle is an uninhabited island on the shallow beds of James River. It hosted a village and a prison during the Civil War, and hosted a hydroelectric power plant in the 20th century until 1963. Now, being owned by the state, Belle Isle serves as a scenic city park with wildlife in its natural habitat, as a location only a few minutes away from the heart of downtown Richmond city. The island is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic via a suspension footbridge that runs under the Robert E. Lee Bridge from the northern shore of the James. Except when the water level of the James River is high, Belle Isle is also reachable by foot from the southern shore via easy boulder-hopping. From Belle Isle, people can observe Browns Island, Hollywood Cemetery, Forest Hill park, the old Tredegar Iron Works, and Richmond City's skyline. Belle Isle has several bike and foot trails around the island, with many old and ruined buildings, among other run-down sites and railways along the trails.

The suspension bridge entrance.

The suspension bridge entrance.

Because Belle Isle contains enough vegetation, without the interference of constant human activities, the island is home to several wildlife, an uncommon presence within the city's borders. Songbirds, ducks, cormorants and blue herons are a common sight. Squirrels, other small mammals, amphibians and reptiles also inhabit the island. Belle Isle is a great place for safe weekend getaways and outdoor adventures. Popular activities of adults and youths alike include walking the trails, swimming in the James River, rock jumping, sunbathing, birdwatching, kayaking and rafting in the James, and boulder-top picnicking only feet away from fierce rapids.

Belle Isle is close to the open, grassy Browns Island as another city park. Browns Island offers industrial structures and waterway views, historical sites (the old Tredegar Iron Works, now Virginia Civil War Center), walking paths, and concerts. The yearly Richmond Folk Music Festival takes places here. The scenic T. Tyler Potterfield Pedestrian Bridge connects Browns Island to the southbank of James River. The pedestrian bridge runs alongside with the remains of the old Mayo bridge from the Civil War era. The southbank of James River also provides connection to Bells Isle when the water level is not high. These two islands, bridges and historical sites function as a recreational and educational complex, as part of the James River Park system, and the crown of Richmond city.

Richmond, old and new.

Richmond, old and new.

Views from Browns Island:

Hours
Open 365 days a year.
8:30 am – 9:30 pm (summer)
8:30 am – 5:30 pm (winter)

Address (Browns Island, access to Belle Isle via suspension bridge)
S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219

Website
Bells Isle: http://www.jamesriverpark.org/visit-the-park/getting-there.php
Browns Island: http://www.brownsisland.com/