Ed 125: Glowing Gardens, Butterbeer Cakesicles, Gameday Goodies
Image Source: @creativedogmedia
Hey there, Alicia here!
I know that The Richmond Experience typically focuses on social news — things like the newest spots opening around the city, or the most exciting events worth adding to your calendar.
But I just wanted to take a quick moment to acknowledge a few slightly-less-light-and-fun topics that I think we’d be remiss not to address:
1. Early voting is well under way, and your vote counts. Take a look at this helpful guide from the Richmond Times-Dispatch about how, where, and when to cast your vote ahead of the November election, then make your voting plan if you haven’t already. Then go earn that “I Voted” sticker! It’s easy, we promise.
2. We’re still in a pandemic. We hope you’re continuing to keep an eye on our guide to navigating COVID-19 in Richmond for up-to-date information as the commonwealth moves from phase to phase, as well as details about how you can support local businesses facing financial hardships during this crazy time. And of course, keep wearing a mask and washing your hands. We’ll get through this together!
3. You can still enjoy fall fun while social distancing. This year’s been tough, that’s for sure. But you don’t have to miss out on your favorite autumnal activities on top of everything else! Our RVA Fall Bucket List: Socially Distant Edition is here to help you enjoy the best of the season while staying safe and healthy.
There! Now that we’ve discussed all of that, let’s move on to the Harry Potter-themed celebration happening in Carytown this week, the glowing gardens you can visit later this month, the new must-try restaurants opening in The Fan and in Scott’s Addition, and more. Shall we?
THE LATEST:
Image: @carytowncupcakes
Image: @maymont_rva
Image: @lillie.pearl.rva
Image: @woodandirongameday
SOCIAL NEWS
Calling all witches and wizards! Carytown Cupcakes will once again be hosting its annual “Cary Potter” celebration October 5 - 11, albeit with a few changes to account for the pandemic. While the store remains open for walk-in business, they have minimal dine-in seating… And in an effort to decrease time spent in store, they’re keeping their Cary Potter decorations packed up, snug and secure until they can be enjoyed fully by all.
That being said, you can still enjoy special Cary Potter cupcakes in 6 flavors: Sorting Hat, Butterbeer, Gold Snitch, Detention with Umbridge, Aunt Petunia's Pudding, and Dumbledore's Favorite Sherbert Lemon. You can also order house-made Butterbeer soda, as well as special Butterbeer Cakesicles. I’m saying accio to all of it!
Get your tickets ASAP if you want to see the gardens aglow at Maymont. Brighten up your autumn with a visit to Garden Glow, hosted from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 8 from 6 - 10 pm nightly. This year, a new location for the event will showcase the historic architecture and gardens around Maymont Mansion, including dramatic light displays in the Italian Gardens, a shimmering fountain, and more. These breathtaking illuminations are truly magical to behold!
Spend a socially distant evening or two at the Fall Fan Arts Stroll. This Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9 from 4 - 7 pm, peruse and admire works from dozens of local artists (ranging from paintings to ceramics to textiles to metalwork and beyond) displayed on stoops and in front yards, while enjoying porch-adjacent performances by bands like the John Bradberry Trio, Rhythmasters, and more. The Hot Dog Man and Fifty-one Pizza food trucks will provide grab-and-go dinner options, as well. And of course, social distancing and masks are requested!
Grab your tie-dye t-shirts, hop on social media, and get out those wallets, because Woofstock is going virtual. Woofstock is the Richmond Animal League’s largest event of the year and promotes adoption, education, and community involvement — and yes, it's still happening! The 2020 Woofstock Festival will feature, via social media, adoptable pets at RAL and partnering shelters, games and prizes, and culminate in an in-person drive-through event that will feature prizes for all attendees, a photo booth, a stuffed animal adoption clinic, and in-person adoptable pets. Join RAL on Facebook and Instagram Monday, October 12 through Saturday, October 17 for a fun-filled week raising money for animals in need throughout Richmond!
First it was Pasture, then it was Pink Flamingo, and now it’s Lillie Pearl. Mike Platania at Richmond BizSense reported that married couple Mike Lindsey and Kimberly Love-Lindsey will open new restaurant Lillie Pearl (named for Lindsey’s grandmother) at 416 E Grace St downtown. You can look forward to a menu featuring New American fare with West African influence — think Obe Ata lamb shank with jollof rice — along with a full bar and brunch on weekends. The couple hopes to have Lillie Pearl open by November.
We’ve got your game day plans right here. You might already be familiar with Wood & Iron Gameday, a Midlothian tavern offering standard bar grub, plenty of cold beer on tap, and multiple TVs to show off as many teams as possible as they go head to head on game day (the spot’s name makes sense now, huh?). But what you might not know is that Wood & Iron Gameday will soon open a new location in Scott’s Addition! Hickory smoked chicken wings, juicy burgers ground in-house with fresh chuck and brisket, award-winning smoked chili, and more will be calling your name as soon as the restaurant opens up at 1405 Roseneath Rd.
HAPPENINGS
Don’t miss the 2020 Richmond Folk Festival, happening virtually this weekend! Tune in for new musical performances that are exclusive to this festival, highlights of favorite artists from past festivals, cooking demonstrations, a riverfront art installation, fun family activities, and so much more! The show will go on, celebrating the roots, richness, and variety of American culture.
You can find all the details here — and be sure to check out the scavenger hunt and the Hazy Folk IPA, both created specifically for this celebration!
Weekly Giveaway
Maven Made
Since 2014, local queer womxn-owned company Maven Made has been handcrafting plant-based skincare and wellness products here in Richmond, VA.
Within each signature blue bottle, Maven Made uses organic, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and 100% botanical ingredients.
We’re giving away a unisex Gratitude Gift Set from Maven Made featuring Facial Serum (a best-selling moisturizing skin serum), Rosewater Wondermist (a hydrating and toning mist), and Every Body Oil (a luxe, all-over formula with endless uses).
To enter to win: Tell me your favorite essential oil or scent! I’m usually all about lavender, but this time of year I tend to favor clove, cinnamon, and wild orange.
Last week: Congratulations to Allison F. for winning a $50 gift card to Ironclad Coffee Roasters!
Member Perks
Coco + Hazel
No tricks, just treats!
This October, we’re running a special for new member sign-ups — so let your friends and family know that if they join as an RVAx member before October 31, they can get a free specialty shake from Coco + Hazel on us (a $14 value)!
And don’t worry, we’ve got a special treat for existing RVAx members, too. Now through December, you can use code RICHMOND to get 10% off all orders at Coco + Hazel!
That code is good for discounts on way more than just specialty shakes — you can save on Coco + Hazel’s mouthwatering lattes, cookies, ice cream, and more. Don’t sleep on that chipotle chicken biscuit, y’all!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 35 new members this week: Carrie T., Hannah W., Linda H., Mark H., Kimberly N., Barbara Y., Grace A., Raegan A., Brooke W., Beck W., Laura T., Amy O., Katie D., Lauren D., Connie K., Cody Y., Abby S., Katie J., Jane J., Madison A., Thasin S., Holly Z., Jessica R., Katie Y., Andrea P., Emma H., Randy T., Sarah H., Sandra L., Maggie P., Erin E., Emily R., Molly K., Oshua S., and Anna K., 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 125 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
Thank you to The Blowout King for powering this edition of the Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
OUR LOCAL PARTNERS
