If you live and die by Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies, you know there are some River City traditions others just don’t understand. We asked our readers to share Richmond’s unwritten rules on Instagram, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.
You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community. If you’re not from Richmond, these might be a little difficult to explain...
Some things never change
- “Tattoos are almost mandatory.” – @amberkconnor
- “Drink PBR on rock.” – @gardnertabb
- “We will call things their names from 20, 30, 40+ years ago forever.” – @er__yn
- “Skeletons are an all-season, all-holiday decoration.” – @k_3_n_n_3_d_y
- “Everyone has at least one piece of furniture they found in an alleyway or on the sidewalk.” – @sarahesallee23
- “Mourn Ukrop’s” - @gardnertabb
All things James
- “Don’t go in the river if it’s been raining.” – Everyone
- “The walk to Belle Isle is always longer than you think it will be.” – Lindsey S.
Stuck in our heads
- “[You] must know all the words to the Agee’s song.” – @WhiskeeHound
- “When seeing a movie at the Byrd, you absolutely MUST recite all of the lines in the “Litter in the Aisles” promo, especially the lines “Sick!’, “Somebody needs parental guidance,” and “Or anywhere else!!!!”" – Dave G.
Furry deities
- “You have to love opossums and craft beer.” – @seanmullicanphoto
- “You must pat the iron dog on the head when visiting Hollywood Cemetery.” – @upallnightbaking
- “Stray cats (and store cats) are the backbone of this city” – Editor Elise
If you’re from Richmond, you know Francine, and if you don’t know her, she has a Wikipedia page.
Photo by @securecap6661, via Reddit
The streets teach
- “When you trip on a brick or cracked sidewalk, play it off like nothing happened.” – @kob59
- “It’s better to have an EZ pass and not use it than to not have an EZ pass and need it.” – @omgocps
- “You must give directions by saying where things used to be.” – @RVAblues
- “There will be at least one destructive pothole on any drive through the city…" – @kcookz
- “Never drive in the right-hand lane on Hull Street between JD & Belt unless you want to get an alignment and new axle.” – @eazy_804
Food for thought
- “Tomato sandwiches must be eaten over the sink.” – @rvamoonmarket
- “You don’t have to be a fan of the band Gwar to like going to GWARbar.” – @r.c.rebel
- “Wawa is the bodega! – @ampllifywithnicole
- “Joe’s Inn baked spaghetti is a rite of passage if you move here.” – @dwest7884
Weather normalities
- “If they are calling for a dusting of snow, prepare by buying all the bread and milk you can find in the store.” – @kannr13
- “If it’s the weekend, it is raining.” – @dinna.abouibrahim
- “We know a thing or two about a water crisis.” – Editor Elise
A half inch of snow in the forecast? We’re running to the grocery store, sorry.
Photo by @sonyasfoodforthought
Community love
- “If we get a particularly nice day, every picnic blanket, dog, and baby will be in the VMFA sculpture garden.” – @le_miller
- “If it is a good show, good-show Steve will be there.” – @rvamoonmarket
- “Y’all means all.” – @rvamoonmarket
What did we miss? Toss us any more unwritten rules to help out Richmond rookies.
