Dear His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge,
Welcome to the world, George Alexander Louis! You probably don’t know this yet, but lots of people all over the world are thrilled that you’ve finally arrived—even those of us “across the pond”, as they say.
While we know you’ll be quite busy over the next several months eating, sleeping, and filling diapers (royal though they may be), it’s only a matter of time before your princely duties kick in. With that in mind, we’d like to take this opportunity to officially extend an invitation for you to make Richmond, Virginia the destination of your first trip abroad.
I know, I know, exotic places like Paris or Dubai or perhaps any one of those countries making up that whole Commonwealth over which you’ll one day reign seem like obvious choices, but hear me out. After all, our little part of the Commonwealth (we’re one too!) of Virginia has a long-standing tradition of English visitors*; in fact, your own Great-Grandmother spent some time here six years ago to commemorate the founding of Jamestown. What’s more, we’ve got plenty to keep you and those lovely parents of yours entertained while you’re here. Take a look, if you please, at the examples below. I think you’ll find that these activities and sights will both appeal to your “veddy British” sensibilities and give you the true Richmond experience.
Afternoon Tea at The Jefferson
Enjoy a delightful selection of scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches under the stunning Tiffany glass ceiling in the Palm Court of one of Richmond’s most beloved landmarks. Sure, it’s named after the guy who penned the document that initiated our countries’ somewhat tense “break up” (yeah, let’s just call it that), but let’s let bygones be bygones, shall we? Besides the atmosphere at the Jefferson is as posh as you can get in this town.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
I’m sure what you’ve got at Buckingham Palace is lovely, but we consider this spot one of our city’s treasures. With over 50 acres of cultivated landscape featuring more than 7,500 unique genera, species, and cultivar from around the world, the beauty and richness of Lewis Ginter is hard to beat any time of the year. Plus, does Great-Grandmother’s garden include a tree house and water play area? Doubtful.
World of Mirth
Open since 1993, World of Mirth has made it its business to stock items you can’t find in any old toy store. This should come in handy for your family members who are surely asking themselves, “What do you get a future king who has everything?” on a daily basis. Allow me to suggest a thumb wrestling ring? A set of fake mustaches? What about your very own horse head mask? All of these (and so, so, SO much more!) can be found at Richmond’s quirkiest and most beloved toy store, located in the heart of Carytown.
Children’s Farm and Virginia Wildlife Exhibit at Maymont
Royal or not, no kid-friendly visit to Richmond would be complete without a visit to Maymont to feed the baby goats, say hello to the donkey, and an attempt at spotting our ever-elusive pair of black bears. After a picnic on the lawn, be sure to head over to the Japanese and Italian Gardens, the site of many romantic Richmond weddings. Gross, I know, but your parents will like it.
Penny Lane Pub
Speaking of Mum and Dad, we’ve got just the spot for them to kick back once you’ve been tucked in for the night. Located just a few blocks from Capitol Square downtown, Penny Lane Pub offers the true English Pub experience—“A Touch of Liverpool in Richmond” as the proprietors put it. They can throw back a few pints, commune with local soccer (sorry, “football”) fans, and gnosh on traditional British faire like Cottage Pie, Fish ‘n’ Chips, and Bangers ‘n’ Mash—a picture perfect way for them to unwind after a fun and exciting visit to our beloved capital city before heading back to yours.
Thank you in advance for considering our invitation. We hope to see you soon!
(And just try to let us know ahead of time if you’re interested in that tea at The Jefferson because reservations tend to go quickly. They might make an exception for you, but I can’t promise anything.)
*OK, 400ish years might seem like nothing to the British, but it’s a pretty big deal for us kids over here in the States.
Valerie Catrow is the former editor of RVANews and a current contributor to their parenting column, Raising Richmond. A Richmonder through-and-through, she grew up in Midlothian, graduated from the University of Richmond, and currently lives on the city’s Northside with her husband, Ross, and their son, JR. You can see what she’s up to on a day-to-day basis via Twitter and Instagram.
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