Ed 191: Paradise at Rocketts Landing, A Coffee Co-Op, Post-Workout Go-Tos
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Hey, y’all! 👋
We've been scrolling for the latest and greatest RVA news with ice-cold fingers over here, but it's the end(ish) of January, and the first day of spring is just under eight weeks away. We can do this, folks! In the meantime, peep that beautiful feature photo above, which is giving warm and sunny float-on-the-James vibes.
Now, we can't exactly help you with today's Wordle, but we do have five letters that might interest you: ICYMI. We announced on Instagram last week that we're looking for a creative, organized, and detail-oriented managing editor to join our growing team! If you think you would be a fit, let us know. We're reviewing applications now and can't wait to hear from you.
Okay, on to other fun updates you'll want to know as we close out the month.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 37°, low of 16°
Thursday: Sunny again (!!); high of 40°, low of 26°
Friday: A few showers; high of 43°, low of 25°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm: Wednesday Trivia Night at Tabol Brewing
Thursday, 6 - 10 pm: All Starr Smash Tourney w/DawnStar Video Games
Friday, 6 - 9 pm: Richmond Reframed: RVA Photographers Exhibition
CITY GUIDES
1. 19 SPOTS TO GRAB A POST-WORKOUT MEAL
2. A ROMANTIC, WINE-FILLED WEEKEND GETAWAY IN ESMONT, VA
3. 9 MEMBERSHIPS THAT BEAT THE GYM
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Brian Bell: If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of during these colder months, it’s coziness, and the founder of Keep Virginia Cozy knows a thing or two about that. His nonprofit organization is dedicated to “conserving Virginia’s natural landscape through outreach, restoration, and research.” According to its website, these Virginia-loving efforts have already removed more than 65,500 pounds of litter and recycling from public land. Heck, we’ll take that kind of coziness all year long!
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a mini revival of a Richmond favorite, the new whiskey and cigar lounge coming to town, a date night idea you ~wood~ love, and more.
THE LATEST:
ON THE MENU
Pop over to The Black Sheep pop-up: “What ever happened to The Black Sheep?” and like comments on the RVA Dine & Drink Facebook group were part of the inspo behind the beloved sandwich shop’s upcoming resurrection. Former Black Sheep line cook and current Can Can Brasserie co-owner had also noticed a lot of food waste as he reopened the French-inspired restaurant for takeout in the summer of 2020. Baatta-bing, baatta-boom: the pop-up concept was born. (Richmond magazine)
Scott’s Addition gets a radiant update: Afterglow Coffee Cooperative plans to start roasting beans at its very own retail shop and café, opening soon in the Lamplighter Coffee Roasters former location on Summit Ave. The operation is owned by five previous Lamplighter employees, who saw an opportunity to “try something different” when COVID hit. Before the store officially gets up and running, you can find your Afterglow caffeine fix there from 8 am - 2 pm during the co-op’s back alley pop-up this Friday and Saturday, January 28 and 29. (Style Weekly)
Here’s lookin’ at you, patio szn: Rocketts Landing will get a taste of paradise when popular Chesterfield Towne Center spot Island Shrimp Co. opens a second location in the downtown area. The fish-fan favorite will take over Conch Republic’s former digs in March, offering diners a famously beautiful view to pair with their hot crab dip and flaming Top Notch Volcano drinks (among other best-loved menu items). (Venture Richmond)
That’s the spirit: Caribbean-inspired eats, live music, cigars, and whiskey lay the foundation for Brun, the classy lounge coming to the Fan next month. The concept for the swanky spot is a silver (or amber and smoky?) lining that resulted from the pandemic, when friends Charles Wilson and Adam Evans grew closer and realized their “similar energies and passions.” Lucky for us Richmonders, those energies and passions will build out the new space in the former Poor Boys location, giving us wraparound couches to kick back and relax on—cigar and drink in hand. (Instagram)
THINGS TO DO & SEE
It bears repeating: We mentioned this on Instagram last week, but it’s a need-to-know for all you fashion lovers out there—online retailer Erma Jean is opening a store in Short Pump! Celebrate with the owners at the grand opening this Saturday, January 29. There will be a ribbon cutting, a $100 giveaway, and lots of must-have things to add to your shopping bag. I mean, these new arrivals? Come on! (Richmond BizSense)
Picture-perfect plans: Gain a different perspective of our beautiful city through the lenses of more than a dozen local photogs. “Richmond Reframed” is Art Works gallery’s latest exhibit, showcasing pieces from the RVA Photographers Collective. The display starts this Friday (January 28) and runs through Saturday, February 19. (Facebook)
You better Workbench: Public woodworking shop Workbench RVA just dropped its February class offerings. Book now to learn from skilled artisans how to create custom wall text, a jewelry box, and much more. The space even offers a Date Night Cutting Board class, if you and your loved one are feeling crafty for Valentine’s Day (or any other night of the month). (Instagram)
Ticket, “dark sense of humor,” and “open mind” required for entry: The Last Podcast on the Left stops by The National this Thursday, January 27. Hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski will bring the comic relief as they talk true crime and all (terrifying) things related. (Richmond magazine)
Weekly Giveaway
The Hill Café
Winter has us craving homemade goodness, and we know we can always find that at The Hill Café. Cozy booths paired with fried green tomatoes, Blue Plate specials, and cold drinks? Don’t mind if we do!
This week, we’re giving away $15 toward your tab at The Hill Café. That just about covers their chicken fried steak with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans, but we recommend giving the whole menu a run-through before you place your order. You’ll definitely need a minute to decide.
To enter to win: Tell us your favorite homemade meal!
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winner, Madison S., for winning our Taste giveaway!
Member Perks
EmmiClaire Photography
Planning a summer wedding? Looking to spruce up your headshots? Book a session with EmmiClaire Photography!
Members of The Richmond Experience save 15% on wedding, branding, portrait, and drone sessions, or on drone prints. To redeem, let her know you’re a member when you schedule or make a purchase!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 34 new members this week: Nicole C., Sara A., Sophia K., Seth K., Ellen F., Rhonda W., Sunny G., Lisa G., Emma G., Anna G., Isabel L., Tony C., Halle K., Tyrik R., Alita R., Sandi C., Rachael R., Hillary A., Justin B., Bradley E., Caroline R., Kathy L., Shaina S., Michael P., Julia D., Sheri R., Sarah W., Shelby S., Jared W., Micah S., Devrielle S., Elizabeth W., Sahana T., and Alisson 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 191 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Restore Hyper Wellness for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!