Ed 101: Pizza Crawl, Herbs, Pay It Forward

Hey there!

RVA Bike Month is officially underway, and there is plenty to do from your home base. This week also marks Earth Day and National Picnic Day, so basically, we are saying it’s time to get outside! Find out which business launched amid the pandemic, get more cocktail resources, and check out a special drive-through market this weekend. Plus, discover Richmond with our giveaway and score some ‘za with a tasty member perk. Onward…

THE LATEST:

SOCIAL NEWS

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which is being celebrated quite differently this year! Traditionally, you would see volunteer groups going out to plant trees, live talks about living a more sustainable lifestyle, organized clean-up efforts, and more. Though we are quarantined at home, all is not lost! Keep Virginia Cozy, a local nonprofit with a mission to protect the wilderness and inspire all Virginians to care for our wild places, has organized a litter pick-up from afar. This Saturday beginning at 11am, grab some trash bags and head out to wherever you’d like and collect litter and recycling! By now, we should all be familiar with social distancing protocols. The weather looks great for the first half of the day on Saturday, so get out there, have fun, be kind, smile at strangers, pick up litter, and Keep Virginia Cozy!

If you’d prefer to plant something new, and move towards a more sustainable lifestyle, then head over to Maymont this Saturday for their drive-through herb sale! Over 30 types of herbs are available, including basil, parsley, rosemary, and mint, along with some more unique herbs like stevia, fennel, and lemongrass. Fill out this order form ahead of your visit to select the herbs you’d like to purchase. All herbs are $3 with a minimum purchase of $15 and inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maymont will be hosting the drive-through from 8am to noon (or until stock runs out).

Tomorrow, April 23 is National Picnic Day so explore 9 Picnic Spots Around the City and make plans!

Richmond’s 7th annual bike month is kicking off this week through May 29. Organized by Sports Backers, we love this month-long event that encourages folks to get outside and bike. Check out the full calendar of events, including a deconstructed pizza crawl and solo ride on May 22! If you have a bike that needs a tune-up, check out Carytown Bikes or Riverside Cycling. You can also rent a bike starting at $44 per day or purchase a refurbished bike from Riverside Cycling. Agee’s Bicycles offers refurbished bikes, and Carytown Bikes has new bikes available. If you’re interested in heading out on the Capital Trail, a popular bike and walking trail that begins at Rockett’s Landing, check out this post from The West End Mom with tips for navigating!

Last week the cocktail flood gates opened when state laws granted restaurants (and us) the gift of cocktails to-go. Eileen Mellon over at Richmond Mag put together a handy article offering recommendations based on your moods and preferences along with some food pairings. She covers everything from boozy milkshakes and tiki drinks to wine and margaritas. While I haven’t had the pleasure of personally exploring this new convenience, I’d certainly put these adult Capri-Sun-style cocktails on my “to try” list.

One boozy-related thing we have done is contribute to Starr Hill’s new Pour It Forward program. Designed to celebrate our first responders and healthcare heroes post crisis, the program allows folks to purchase a pint (or ten) which a health care worker and first responder can then redeem once Starr Hill safely reopens. All they have to do is present their work ID badge, and their beer is free! This reminds me of the suspended coffee movement, which originated in Naples, Italy. The idea is to pay for your cup of coffee and pay for an additional cup that can be given to someone else, typically someone who otherwise may not be able to afford it. Folks can stop into a coffee shop and ask if there are any suspended coffees available, and they are provided with a cup for free. Such a beautiful and simple act of kindness! Let’s collectively say “cheers” to those working on the frontlines of this virus while also supporting a local business!

Crazy Rooster Brewing Co. opened this past weekend in Powhatan. This grateful dead-inspired brewery joins Fine Creek Brewing as the second brewery in the area, and according to this Instagram post, the people showed up to give their support! @virginiabeerlovers said it took three hours to snag a four-pack through their curbside pick-up. This makes my heart swell as I think about everyone that poured their passion, hope, and financial resources into a project that was ready to release into the world during a crazy pandemic. I can’t imagine the angst they must have felt to launch a brand new business under these circumstances. Way to go, Richmonders! If you are feeling antsy to get out of the house this weekend, consider taking a drive out to Powhatan to explore a new brewery (responsibly, of course).

‘RONA RESOURCES

In the event of a public health emergency (see: current life) the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, a state-organized volunteer force, is activated to volunteer their skills, expertise, and time to support public health initiatives and assist during times of crisis. The force is comprised of medical and public health professionals along with interested community members with a variety of abilities. If you have extra time on your hands and you’re looking for ways to get involved, they are seeking volunteers (upwards of 30,000 according to Governor Northam). Learn more and apply here.

The City of Richmond launched a program to support local restaurants and feed first responders, talk about a win-win! “Through the program, first responders on duty will be given options to order a meal from different local restaurants each day, ensuring that small businesses are given the first chance to meet a clear need: nourishing the hardworking essential employees that protect civilians and organize emergency response every day,” reads the city’s website. Own a restaurant? You can apply to join the program here.

Navigating COVID-19 in Richmond

updates on current COVID-19 orders
local produce info and national grocery hours
restaurants offering takeout/delivery
breweries offering takeout/delivery
coffee shops & bakeries offering takeout/delivery
community needs and reminders

>> Read it here <<

Weekly Giveaway

Discover Richmond Box

curated by River City Food Tours

Discover the best of Richmond’s food makers, delivered! River City Food Tours created the Discover Richmond Box, a collection of food items from your favorite Richmond makers! Every week, they’ll feature a mix of food vendors, giving you a taste of what Richmond has to offer! Each box comes with a variety of savory, sweet, and hearty items, as well as a bag of coffee or tea. You’ll find items like pasta and bread, hot sauce and honey, chocolates and cookies, and so much more! Follow them on Instagram to find out what’s inside the box each week!

TO ENTER: Tell us the first place you will go in Richmond when the time comes! Random winner will be chosen by 9pm on Friday, April 24. With your entry, please include the best address for delivery on Sunday, April 26.

Last week: Allison C. nominated her sister Beth, a nurse at St. Mary’s designated to float to different floors to care for patients being tested for COVID-19. Congratulations on being our random giveaway winner of the week! We hope your sister loves The Staycation Box by Gifted RVA!

Member Perks

Pupatella

Where can you get Neapolitan Pizza certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana? At Pupatella! Their sister location in Arlington, VA ranked in USA Today’s 10 best pizza places in the US and it’s no wonder why. Their ingredients are top notch, their crust is perfect, and you can’t beat the price. Right now, get $10 off any bottle of wine and any of their canned or bottled beers for just $3. During these quarantine times, their Fan location is open Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm. Call 804-355-3135 to place your order for pickup! Check out their menu here.

Members get 10% off all day, every day. Just tell them you’re a member!

VIEW ALL MEMBER PERKS

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Hey new members!

We'd like to welcome 37 new members: Emmie L., Chelsea S., Erica N., Merritt C., Danielle L., Hailey Y., Laura B., Alex E., Heather S., Julie D., Ashley J., Cathy C., Veronika O., Meredith H., Maitlin S., Laura H., Claudia A., Katy S., Leigh P., Allison C., Emily B., Amy B., Alicia D., Kimberly H., Carrie M., Laura P., Caitlin A., Danielle S., Terri M., Amelia G., Hannah S., Johanna C., Caitie S., Jessica N., Caroline B., Jessica C., and Candice G., we're so glad you're here!

It takes a village so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 101 of the Weekly Insider.

Stay well friends,
Sam & Sean

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