Visiting soon; what should we be sure to see?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Richmond
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<p>I am taking my D (a senior and a Richmond Scholar semifinalist) to see the University of Richmond soon. If she moves on to the finalist round, she'll get to see the campus again--but given time constraints and other plans, this is my only chance to see it before May !!</p>

<p>We plan to take the tour and go to an information session. We usually try to eat a cafeteria meal. This question is for those of you who already know and love the University of Richmond: what should we be sure to see before we leave?</p>

<p>Thanks very much!</p>

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<p>I have a question. If I am picked to be a finalist (I am an international student), who will pay my transportation fee to visit Richmond? The college or my family?</p>

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<p>Definitely do the tour and information session, and then get a campus map and visit the places not covered on the tour. Be sure and see the new international center and the Robins Business School. And definitely eat at the dining room (it’s awesome). Walk around the lake, see the new football stadium, go to the student center and chat with some students (they are always manning a table - or several - for events etc). As for getting into downtown Richmond, not sure that is something I would add on in one day. It is about 10 miles away (or less) but unless you know what you want to see downtown, it could be disappointing. We’ve done fun things there but our D takes us … last visit we went to Belle Isle and walked the James River trail (nice). Carytown near the University is a fun area with lots of shops and restaurants and we’ve eaten there several times. But, if it were me, I would spend all my time on campus. I am assuming your D will go to a class or two (that was “it” for our D!). Have fun!</p>

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<p>Schokolade, investor covered a lot of great things. Perhaps the only other items I would be sure to cover (not sure where tours take you these days) is to poke your head inside the gym facilities and the Chapel. The stain-glass windows on the sides of the chapel are very unique to UR, and have fantastic details. There is a pamphlet you can pick up just inside the doors to explain the windows. The Rose window at the front of the chapel is also beautiful. </p>

<p>Be sure to ask the tough questions, and talk with students to get their thoughts on UR.</p>

<p>As for visiting Greater Richmond, I agree, I wouldn’t even try to do it in the same day. If you’re looking for a place to eat though, I would strongly suggest trying something in the Fan, so that you can eat at a locally owned place, and see a different part of town.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the good information about visiting! This is one of my daughter’s favorite colleges at the moment, and I’d like to make sure that we make the most of our limited time!</p>

<p>Spiders05–what do you mean by the Fan?</p>

<p>babyboom–I’m almost sure that the University would pay your transportation costs. You might get more answers by either starting a new thread with your specific question (by clicking “new thread” at the bottom of the University of Richmond forum page) or reading Richmond Scholar threads from previous years (by clicking on the button at the bottom of the UR forum page to bring up threads “from the beginning” instead of just the most recent ones.)</p>

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<p>The Fan
[Fan</a> district](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_district]Fan”>Fan District - Wikipedia)</p>

<p>A couple of recommendations - Edo Squid (Italian) [Edo</a> Squid](<a href=“Google Maps”>Google Maps)</p>

<p>Kuba Kuba (Cuban) [Welcome</a> to Kuba Kuba](<a href=“http://kubakuba.info/]Welcome”>http://kubakuba.info/)</p>

<p>Joe’s Inn (huge spaghetti portions that are delicious) <a href=“http://www.joesinn.com/Fan/[/url]”>http://www.joesinn.com/Fan/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Baccus (Mediterranean) <a href=“http://www.bacchusonmain.com/[/url]”>http://www.bacchusonmain.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Acacia Mid-town (more upscale) [ACACIA</a> mid-town Restaurant - Richmond, Virginia - Serving regional favorites by Chef Dale Reitzer](<a href=“http://www.acaciarestaurant.com/]ACACIA”>http://www.acaciarestaurant.com/)</p>

<p>Stuzzi (Neapolitan pizza) [Stuzzi</a> Restaurant](<a href=“Google Maps”>Google Maps)</p>

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<p>To add to what Spider05 was telling you…</p>

<p>The tours / talks basically take 3 hours - the campus is a bit hilly, so you are pooped by the end of the day. And, that does not count any classes your D sits in on -or- dropping by the bookstore to pick up some goodies! the best advice I give everyone is to just sit and watch the students coming and going…Can she imagine herself mingling amongst them? When my niece was looking at schools, many of her original top choices on paper were quickly ruled out by unkempt dressed students, all bottled blonds, etc! She ended up at Richmond -and- adored it.</p>

<p>The Fan is so named because if you look Richmond north of the James River, the streets all basically start at the state capital and “fan” out from each other. The main streets are Just north of the river, there is Canal Street (one way - west). The next street is Cary Street Road (which comes out very to the University) For the downtown section, it is one-way, heading east - the Carytown area has block after block of good restaurants, lots of shops… all independently owned, so they are eclectic and a popular haunt for UR students)…Main Street one-way, heading west…Grove Avenue (two way - - the VA. Museum is running a Picasso exhibit that is on tour to only 7 cities: [VMFA:</a> VMFA Page Not Found Error Page](<a href=“http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Picasso/)…Patterson%5DVMFA:”>http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Picasso/)…Patterson) Avenue (two way)…Monument Avenue (well worth the drive, beautiful homes and Civil War Statues (and the Arthur Ashe monument)…Monument also turns into Franklin Street around the 1900 block and becomes one-way east. You go through the heart of Virginia Commonwealth University, past the Jefferson Hotel (5 star-5 diamond, where they hold the 3rd women’s Ring Dance) and it ends at the Governor’s Mansion and State Capital. Next, there is Grace Street which goes west until you reach the heart of VCU, then it is two way. Last, but not least, there is Broad Street Road…It is your basic 8 lane road that has big box stores and a lot of fast food restaurants. 'Kind of hatefull road, but a necessary evil. It starts in historical Church Hill and follows I-64 all the way to Charlottesville, ending in Staunton, VA. The shopping mall popular with the kids is also ~12 miles west off of this road, in Short Pump. (Nordstrom, J. Crew, Apple Store, Abecrombie, etc.)</p>

<p>I know this is confusing and rather long winded…So, if you feel like driving around, it kind of gives you the lay of the land land around here. It takes the kids a good 2-3 years to even explore the south side of the river, unless the go over on pretty Spring Days and lay out on the rocks, sunning themselves!</p>

<p>P.S. 3Monkeys on Main Street is a very popular haunt for the college set…And, if you just in the mood for really, really good take out, try “Cook Out”…Google it! It opened last month and is causing quite a stir…cars are lined up down the road to get in to the order window!</p>

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<p>P.P.S.: Spring Break is the week of March 7th…It is best to come when school is in session. Otherwise, no students to watch, no classes to attend, no dorm rooms to check out!</p>

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<p>Wow. Thanks for the information! Spiders05, I checked out your restaurant suggestions. My mouth is watering already! aandjaunt, long is good. We’ll be visiting next week (well before spring break), so I hope we’ll get a good idea of what the students are like. It seems as though comfortable shoes will be essential.</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

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<p>I hope you all have a great visit! I agree with all the suggestions and love Spider’s idea to go and eat in the Fan district…our D took us there and we loved it!! Sunday brunch was the best part (we went back for that). Can’t remember where we ate but it was fantastic (and a long wait on a beautiful day). The weather there is really great. She’s been in shorts several times and enjoying 60s and 70s. DO see the Chapel. The walk on campus is not bad at all unless you are a turtle. Have fun!</p>

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<p>For brunch, I only have four suggestions. Really depends on your mood.</p>

<p>First is the formal brunch at the Jefferson Hotel. Top notch in a beautiful location and a good excuse to go into the Jefferson.</p>

<p>Millie’s - Voted best brunch in Richmond. Be prepared for up to an hour wait. Meanwhile, partake in a Mimosa or Bloody Mary. Highly recommend the Devil’s Mess here. Everything but the kitchen sink is thrown together in a plate of deliciousness.</p>

<p>Hill Cafe - Haven’t been here for brunch yet, but every other meal I’ve had has been great. Located in historic Church Hill near downtown. Be sure to stop by Capt. Buzzy Beanery half a block down for coffee.</p>

<p>Sidewalk Cafe - Best place to start Sunday Funday. This is typically a younger crowd drinking $10.50 pitchers of Mimosas. In the heart of the Fan and most customers are wearing what they were the night before. Some colorful servers, and funk music is blasted over the juke box. If you had a rough Saturday, this is the best place to invigorate yourself. </p>

<p>Definitely bring your walking shoes for the tour.</p>

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<p>Thanks again for all the information provided! We ate dinner the night before at Joe’s Inn, and it was delicious; thanks for the tip! We attended the info session and a tour, ate in the cafeteria, and walked around a bit afterwards.</p>

<p>As it turned out, my D didn’t move on to the finalist stage, but received an offer of admission. </p>

<p>We appreciate the information, and perhaps it will be helpful for others as well!</p>

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<p>Schokolade, thanks for the follow up and happy you enjoyed Joe’s. I usually am able to get two hearty meals out of one plate from there. Never left hungry.</p>

<p>Congratulations on your daughter’s admission and best of luck with the selection process.</p>

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<p>I “ditto” Spider05! 'Am glad you had a good visit and hope UR is still in consideration. If so, nothing beats Joe’s Sunday Brunch! Good Luck navigating the admission process; I know she’ll end up at the right school for her. And he is right about the Hill Cafe: Great Food!</p>