Ed 116: Wine Club, New Murals, Dog Fashion
Image Source: @charlotteparrishharney
Hey there 👋 Alicia here!
Anyone else experiencing Richmond weather whiplash after Tropical Storm Isaias tore through town?
We were among the 28,127 in the Richmond metro and Tri-Cities area who reportedly experienced power outages on Tuesday morning after the storm dumped 3-5” of rain and hurled 51 mph winds our way.
And then, poof! Sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s by mid-day.
I’d say it was almost like we all dreamed it, except for the high water and fallen trees still being reported around the city. Stay safe out there!
Now, let’s talk about what’s new in the city this week — like the just-launched wine club subscription out of Church Hill, new murals recently completed in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the local dog starting his own fashion line (yes, you read that correctly), and more.
P.S. Don’t forget, we are putting together the ultimate (free!) newcomers’ guide to Richmond, and we want YOU to tell us which local spots should be included, from dentists to florists to mechanics and beyond. Click here to submit your responses between now and August 15.
THE LATEST:
Image: @lovevolve.love
Image: @grisetterva
Image: @onedropyoga
Image: @bygollymisterollie
SOCIAL NEWS
Exciting news! The Richmond Experience was named Best Local Instagram Account in Richmond Magazine’s annual “Best & Worst” issue, which hit newsstands this week. Thank you so much to those who voted for our account for this honor again this year. We absolutely love sharing all of the best parts of our city with you through social media, here in the Weekly Insider, and on our website — and we’re so grateful that you’re along for the ride! You can check out the full list of all the “Best & Worst” winners in the August 2020 issue of Richmond Magazine here.
No whining, just wine-ing in Church Hill. Richmond BizSense reported that local spot Grisette has kicked off a no-contract monthly wine club program, offering packages ranging from 6 bottles ($90 - $120) to a full case ($168 - $228) to be picked up from the Church Hill restaurant the first week of each month. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your summer wine collection while supporting a local business struggling through the pandemic, this may be it!
Spotted: Two newly completed murals in support of equality and inclusion. The first came from Sunny Goode of LOVEVOLVE, who says she hopes that “positive words hold enough power and energy to help make positive social change.” She also sells products benefiting the One Love Foundation in her online shop, which you can check out here. The second came from JVY Creations, who redesigned the RVA logo and made it into a small sign in front of Lee Statue back in June before painting a mural of it in Scott’s Addition a month later. You can find this new inclusive RVA logo on stickers, shirts, and masks here, benefiting the local nonprofit Art180.
Community yoga has returned to Maymont for its fifth year running. Every Tuesday in August, Michelle Lee Landon of One Drop Yoga will lead an all-levels, family-friendly yoga flow at the Children’s Farm entrance at 6 pm. This spot was specifically chosen due to its size, so that mats could be spread out at least 6 ft. apart from one another, and Michelle will have a microphone so all can hear her instruction. This flow has been free in the past, but is now a “pay-what-you-can” model, and all funds support Michelle and Maymont directly.
The South of the James Farmers Market is staying put for the remainder of the season. GrowRVA announced on Facebook that as much as they miss their traditional Forest Hill location, they will continue to host the market at Bryan Park each week for the safety of both their vendors and community. The transition of the South of the James Farmers Market to setting up north of the James each week has been tough for all involved. Anyone able to support to GrowRVA and their farmers during this tumultuous time is definitely encouraged to do so!
Wait, did we say “dog fashion line” earlier? Why yes, we did. RVA Mag reported that local rescue pup Ollie is collaborating with two dog companies to launch a fashion line for dogs featuring a variety of bow ties and bandanas. This three-month-old Chihuahua miniature Dachsund mix (also called a “dapple Chiweenie”) is better known by his Instagram handle, @bygollymisterollie where his short legs and adorably large ears have already earned him thousands of followers in his quarter-year of existence. We hope his sister Daisy isn’t too jealous!
HAPPENINGS
The virtual Richmond Night Market is back and better than ever! This weekend, you can shop to support independent artists at this online market hosted by co-founders Adrienne and Melody, two black Richmond women who are passionate about “ensuring the arts and culture scene of the city speaks to the diversity of talent and art that it hosts.”
Here, you’ll be able to peruse and purchase items like clothing, jewelry, ceramics, visual art, wellness products, home decor and more.
This virtual experience will also include a creative kids hangout, a main stage with a DJ set and musical performance, a maker space (aka an adult activated space to create), and more!
Join in on the fun this Saturday, August 8 from 5 - 10 pm through their website here, on YouTube here, or via Facebook here.
Weekly Giveaway
The Mad Kitchen Shop
Local artist Madison Pollard (perhaps better known by her Instagram handle, @the_mad_kitchen) began creating Richmond-inspired art prints just as COVID-19 descended upon the city. “All of these places, businesses and historical sites have been affected by the pandemic and I wanted to depict them in their beauty,” she wrote.
Using pen and watercolor, she has created two prints displaying classic Richmond spots and one dedicated specifically to Richmond coffee shops — all of which you can now get in one Variety Pack as postcards with Greetings From The River City! on the back, to send as snail mail or to keep and display in your home.
To enter to win: Tell me how you prefer to sign off in a letter or email! Do you go with “Sincerely” or “Best” or maybe “Warm Regards”? I usually end my communications with “Cheers,” but hey, I’m part English (and I drink a lot of beer).
Last week: Congratulations to Julie M. for being our giveaway winner of the week! We hope you enjoy your gift card to Hardywood.
Member Perks
Common House Richmond
As you may or may not already know, on October 15, Common House Richmond opens at 303 W. Broad Street.
What’s Common House, you ask? It’s a social club with all the amenities you’d want from a curated third space — including a private restaurant and bar, rooftop pool and terrace, and co-working space with phone booths and a podcast room.
Their mission is to create connection amongst members through unique programming, curated amenities, thoughtful design, and intentionally-sourced food and beverage.
RVAx members can use code Sean Kanipe to receive a discounted rate of $99/month for individuals (vs the normal $150/month) or $175/month for couples (vs the normal $225/month). But spots are limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up soon!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 41 new members this week: Amalia S., Alex R., Jasmyn V., Taylor S., Veronica D., Caitlyn M., Kelsey B., Elizabeth H., Alex B., Ann-Robert G., Jacqueline T., Amelia C., Michael C., Jenny S., Malachi H., Jason E., Emily G., Melanie W., Rachel S., Michael H., Patrice W., Allie C., Kelsie U., Yvonne N., Nic D., Haley L., Conor K., Duncan E., Amy M., Melissa F., Natalie R., Allison J., Andrea N., Ru P., Kathryn S., Jesse G., Elise K., Varun V., Ariel P., Austin P., and Jessica A., 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 116 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
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