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If you live and die by Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies, you know there are River City traditions others just don’t understand. Whether you’re a native of the 804 or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Richmonder understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Richmond’s unwritten rules, 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 — and if you’re not from Richmond, these might be a little difficult to explain.
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.
Some things never change
- “We will call things their names from 20, 30, 40+ years ago forever.” – @er__yn
- “Tattoos are almost mandatory.” – @amberkconnor
- “Drink PBR on rock.” – @gardnertabb
- “Skeletons are an all-season, all-holiday decoration.” – @k_3_n_n_3_d_y
This is stuck in your head
- “[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.
Richmond’s 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
The streets taught us...
- “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
We are normal about the weather
- “If they say the word “s-n-o-w” RUN IMMEDIATELY to the grocery store and buy milk and bread! 🍞 + 🥛 = ❄️" – @justjonnie
- “If it’s the weekend, it is raining.” – @dinna.abouibrahim
We love community
- “If we get a particularly nice weather day every picnic blanket, dog and baby will be in the VMFA sculpture garden.” – @le_miller
- “Y’all means all.” – @rvamoonmarket
What did we miss? Toss us any more unwritten rules to help out Richmond rookies.
