re: #8 Barefoot Grin

Heh, I took my child to a birthday party at the Dave and Busters in Short Pump one time. Was not impressed with the pseudo-Tuscan village development it was in.

Hah!

Here’s what a poster said about the naming of “Short Pump”:

What used to be farmlands and a quaint little town a few years ago, is now one of the busiest areas of the Richmond Metropolitan area. This spot on the map got its name in 1853 from the short-handled pump under the porch of the town’s tavern. Not the most creative naming strategy, to be sure, but I guess it’s a good thing they didn’t notice the outhouse out back first.

My favorite is “You wouldn’t know my girlfriend, she’s Canadian” type story about Bumpass:

This community in Louisa County actually got it’s name from the Bumpass Family, prominent citizens in the 1800s. Their name comes from the MUCH more elegant French “bon pas”, meaning “good step.”