Good ole Mechanicsville, Virginia: not quite Richmond, not quite Goochland, but something in between. If you were raised in Mechanicsville, you know that there are some things you just can't find anywhere else in the country. Here are nine signs you grew up in the small town that Jason Mraz made semi-famous.
1. Outsiders ask us if everyone is a mechanic.
No, and the joke is old.
2. The windmill is the biggest landmark we have.
Everyone knows that the huge windmill is the staple of Mechanicsville. Has anyone ever actually gone inside this building, though?
3. Carter's Pigpen BBQ is another landmark of ours.
Not all Mechanicsville natives have eaten here before, but the blue building with the pig painted on top is arguably the major landmark second to the windmill.
4. Richmond is the only place to do anything.
When you have nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon, Richmond is the place to go. Typical spots include, but are not limited to, Belle Isle, Carytown and The National (for all the concertgoers).
5. Everyone loves the VCC Chipotle.
Want to grab a bite to eat after school? Need to make lunch plans with friends? Want to run into literally everyone from your high school? Go to the VCC Chipotle. (And never forget that time someone drove their car through the front window.)
6. Everyone loves the VCC Panera.
Not feeling Chipotle? The VCC Panera is your next best bet. Just like Chipotle, you're pretty much guaranteed to run into someone from your high school or your church. Even though Chipotle and Panera are technically located in Henrico, they're hot spots for those of us from Mechanicsville. It seems like all we ever do is go out to eat.
7. You've always thought that the Polegreen Church (Hanover Meeting House) was beautiful.
8. You always remind people that Jason Mraz is from Mechanicsville. (Bonus points if you went to Chickahominy.)
"You're from Mechanicsville? What's that?"
"Oh, just home to musical legend Jason Mraz."
9. Everyone says they want to leave, but they always find their way back home.
All we really have to do in Mechanicsville is go out to eat and drive to Richmond. Sure, it can get boring sometimes, but there's no denying that belonging to a tight-knit community has its perks. We always talk about how we're going to leave and move onto bigger and better things -- and sometimes, we do. However, Mechanicsville will always hold a special place in our hearts. Cheers to our hometown.
