We hear it, see it and read it all of the time. "Mechanicsville is boring." I get it, small town with seemingly nothing to do. However, if you peel back the outer layer and really analyze the town of Mechanicsville, you'll come to find out that it may be the greatest small town ever. Granted, there are no skyscrapers, mountains, fancy monuments or famous destinations, but those are not necessities for a great place. Now, let me tell you why this town in Central Virginia is so incredible.
1. Sno Shack.
Tiger's Blood, Little Mermaid, even the classic Blue Raspberry is mouth-watering. You may have to travel to the parking lot of a slightly worn antique store to get this rocking shaved ice, but boy is it worth it.
2. The beautiful back roads.
Back roads are common throughout Virginia, but maybe it's my home-town bias that leads me to believe that Mechanicsville's are some of the most beautiful. Nothing is better than having your windows down, jamming to your favorite song and feeling the vibrant, green farmland by your side as you drive down the road.
3. The new Cookout Restaurant.
The reckless teens who are out half of the night don't have to resort to gas station food anymore; they can get the high quality stuff now. This late night fast food restaurant is truly a victory for the party crazed millennials and of course, the introverted night owls. The Cookout tray is the best deal ever by the way; you cannot beat it.
4. Beaverdam.
Why? Snow days. The beloved Beaverdam area is the source of every kid's hope for a school cancellation during the snow. We aren't really sure if this place is real or just a magical territory that either makes or breaks a fifth grader's snow day.
5. Richmond
The fact that when strangers ask "Where are you from?" you can easily say "Richmond" without hesitation. It's so much easier than explaining where on Earth Mechanicsville lies. We're far enough away from the city that we don't have to deal with it, but close enough that we can claim it.
6. The people.
Forget the great food, the familiarity of living in a small town and the reasons I listed above. The people in Mechanicsville are truly the reason that it is the least bit boring. Generosity is never boring and there is never a shortage of it in "the 'ville". The people of the 'ville take this for granted and yes, I am definitely one of them.
This town is relentlessly loving and I am a witness to it. This past spring, my hometown was struck with tragedy when we lost two young men in a horrible car accident. Never before have I seen such an out-pour of love and compassion from people who had little to no idea who these two people were. All they knew was that they were a part of the Mechanicsville community and that was all that mattered. Sure, it would be nice to have a few really fancy restaurants and maybe a theme park of some sort, but I wouldn't trade growing up in Mechanicsville for anything. The 'ville is truly one of a kind, a great place to call home and dare I say fun. I may bid farewell to this wonderful place in the future, but I am so grateful to have grown up in a not-so-boring town. Mechanicsville, you're wonderful, and as a famous song artist once said, "I'm Yours". Yes, those are Jason Mraz lyrics and yes, he was born and bred in Mechanicsville. Now how boring is that?
