Monument Avenue

Sunday was a beautiful winter day, blue skies, sun shining, and invigorating with a brisk wind. Herman and I decided to drive over to Monument Avenue, in Richmond, and take a walk. It was a perfect day to wrap a scarf around your neck and pull your gloves on and step it out. Only one problem, I forgot my gloves, but I didn't forget my camera.

Monument Avenue is considered one of the most beautiful boulevards in America. Lined with century old trees, it's the only street in the United States that can boast the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. It runs through the heart of Richmond's historic Fan District. The architecture is as beautiful as it is varied, ranging from English Tudor, Colonial, Georgian, Spanish Jacobean to Italianate. These beautifully kept homes stretch down the avenue on both sides, secret little alley ways between their massive three and four story facades, with a wide median in the center of the avenue.

In just a few weeks tender spring foliage will begin to sprout on those ancient oaks, and dogwoods will be blooming once again as spring returns to Virginia, and she always puts her best foot forward when her dogwoods decide to show off. Monument Avenue will be even more beautiful then, but I was there Sunday, and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures.