"Welcome to Mechanicsville, VA" a Mechanicsville Travel Page by b1bob

Mechanicsville, Virginia is only 6 miles (10 km.) from the centre of Richmond (a real marker on the State Capitol grounds). When I was much younger, Mechanicsville still had a rural air. There was a small downtown and only one big grocery store. The windmill on the photo is a Mechanicsville landmark for people coming east on route 360.

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When McDonald's opened in 1979, that was the beginning of major development on Mechanicsville Turnpike which brightened the night skies in this part of town ever since. There is a rallying cry to limit the development. Folks from Mechanicsville are fiscal as well as cultural conservatives. They understand the value of the dollar and are supportive of entrepreneurship. However, they oppose overdevelopment of the area that threatens to turn this small town into a large city, like it did Fairfax County a few decades ago. When driving through here, you may see a lot of bumper stickers saying "Keep Hanover Hanover". That simply calls on the powers that be to reduce the rate of development and keep some vestiges of its rural heritage. The eastern and western parts are still very rural in nature and many people in the county want to keep it that way.

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Cedar Creek Restaurant: Gone But Not Forgotten

In April, 2006 I heard a good new restaurant called Cedar Creek Tavern had opened on Route 301 and I wanted to try it out. On walking in, it was reminiscent of a bistro (see the fifth photo). I ended up eating in the bar area of the restaurant. Overall, the restaurant serves decent food and has a certain charm. Later on, they offered a more reasonably-priced menu: 10 items for less than $10.

Favourite Dish: On my first visit, had the chicken and shrimp primavera (tender breast of chicken, jumbo shrimp, diced tomatoes, and flame roasted vegetables sauteed in a white cream sauce over penne pasta, served with a house salad, and a slice of focaccia bread). The house salad was very simple (consisting of only lettuce, grape tomatoes, very mild cheddar cheese, and croutons). The portions were generous and it tasted good. For the dessert, I chose the treble chocolate layer cake presented on a plate with whipped cream, strawberries, and caramel/cream garnish. I came back and took advantage of their "10 for 10" menu. I had the fried shrimp platter with fries and hush puppies. I liked that better than what I had the first time.

It closed sometime during the summer of 2007. As sophisticated as the come-heres like to think they have turned Mechanicsville, it is sadly not yet ready for an upmarket bistro.

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20
Customer Satisfaction: 5/5