Ed 203: Bubbles & Blooms, Maymont Concert Series, Northern Neck Guide
Powered by Beauvine Burger — offering artisan burgers, handcrafted milkshakes, and a full cocktail bar for outdoor dining, take-out, delivery, and curbside pick-up. Plan your next meal here.
Hi there! 👋
Yes. As I (Kelsey) write this, I am listening to The Book of Cold Cases — this month’s RVAx book club pick, which we meet to discuss to 👏 night 👏 members 👏
… Why am I clapping at you for emphasis? I’m the one behind!
Anyway. I promised Social Media Manager Paige Poprocky that I’d finish the read, and I’m doubling down on that here (Hi, Paige!), so… if you love seeing a suspenseful cliffhanger resolved, come hang with us this eve! All the deets for tonight’s members-only meeting are here.
But if you can’t swing that, never fear; this week is loaded with lots of other fun things to do, from Bubbles & Blooms to Jurassic Quest to Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K.
So, enough of my gabbin’, huh? Let’s talk about what’s what in Richmond these next few days. (And seriously, this Beth Greer. Did she or didn’t she?)
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 64°, low of 42°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 73°, low of 50°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 80°, low of 53°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: RVAx Members Book Club - April
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: Spring Fling at Brambly Park Winery
Friday, 6 - 8 pm: Earth Day with Seasonal Roots (Free Online Class)
CITY GUIDES
1. A WEEKEND TRIP TO THE NORTHERN NECK: WHAT TO EAT, DRINK, SEE & DO
3. WHERE TO BUY FLOWERS FOR MOTHER'S DAY (OR JUST BECAUSE, TBH)
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Justin Bowers: He’s the man behind the city’s favorite neighborhood giant skeleton, Skelē. As Richmond magazine says in a recent feature of the duo, Justin “wanted to make it look like the skeleton was climbing the house[...]so he learned to weld in order to make a bracket supporting it.” He also taught himself to sew, as a way to keep the $350, towering construction of bones festive for every holiday and season. Head to the corner of Roseneath Rd and Kensington Ave to catch a glimpse of the scaling skeleton yourself.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including the Ukraine-focused educational session at a local brewery, a new NYC-level bagel spot, a coming-soon spice and tea shop, and more.
THE LATEST:
Image: @chewysbagelsrva
Image: @woodandirongameday
Image: @seccowinebar
Image: @spiceandtea.richmond
FOOD & BEV NEWS
Beers and brains: Profs and Pints – a casual-yet-educational org that “brings college faculty members into bars, cafés, company offices, and other off-campus venues to share their knowledge” – is hosting Understanding the War in Ukraine at Triple Crossing Beer - Fulton next Wednesday, April 27. Dr. Allan C. Stam, professor of politics and public policy at the University of Virginia, scholar of armed conflict, defense consultant, and Cold War-era veteran of the US Army Special Forces, will look at the war’s causes and possible outcomes, in an effort to help attendees get a better understanding of what's going on in the minds of world leaders in calculating how to respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Profs and Pints)
Chew on this: Chewy’s Bagels opened in Carytown earlier this month, and the ~hot~ (and slow-proofed, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled) commodities have been flying out of their bagel baskets ever since. One customer even compared them to NYC’s “iconic H&H Bagels,” and considering the drool-worthy menu options (lox and dill for us, plz), we understand why. (Instagram)
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end: One of the Fan’s beloved wine bars, Secco, is permanently closing its doors next week on Friday, April 29. The spot’s owners have been in the wine biz for more than 25 years and are taking a well-deserved break to “travel, visit family, rekindle long-dormant hobbies, and figure out [the] next chapter.” Secco also turns 12 at the end of this month, so make plans to head over there, celebrate, and enjoy a couple more glasses while you still can. (Richmond magazine)
Where to get your fried goat cheese salad fix: Local sports bar chain Wood & Iron is opening its third location – this time in Short Pump. The new spot’s menu will mimic that of the Midlothian and Scott’s Addition locations, featuring classic and not-so-classic bar food like cheeseburgers, wings, tacos, cheesesteak egg rolls, and fried goat cheese salad. “We try to do things a little bit nicer than a majority are doing right now,” says co-owner Steve Rogge. (Richmond BizSense)
A new place to grab a drink (and then some): Carytown is getting a new spice and tea shop soon. The Spice and Tea Exchange of Richmond recently gave its Instagram followers a sneak peek of the shop’s BTS as it sets up across the street from Ashby. We can’t wait to grab a cuppa the next time we’re strolling through the neighborhood. (Instagram)
BLOSSOMS, BANDS & BRAINSTORMS
Bubbles and blooms: If you can’t stop looking at this edition’s main feature photo up top (SAME), we’ve got the thing for you. Agecroft Hall & Gardens is hosting its Bubbles & Blooms event this Thursday, April 21. Your ticket gets you admission to the 23-acre garden and a drink from Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery. Monique’s Crêpes will also be on site, serving sweet and savory crepes. I.e., solidify your Thursday evening plans here. (Instagram)
One way to kick off the summer season: June 21 is just about two months away (!!), and there’s no shortage of musical lineups to enjoy this summer. Maymont is getting a head-start on Friday, May 6, hosting yacht rock band Three Sheets to the Wind. Concert goers can bring a chair or blanket, spread out on the Carriage House Lawn, and enjoy some tunes as the sun sets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will support Maymont's 100 acres of gardens, wildlife, farm animals, and historic treasures. (Maymont)
Take note(s): Starting at the end of this month, Silent Reading Party founder and Kismet shop and studio owner, Sarah Choi, is teaming up with writer and teacher Kisha Hughes to host a series of write-in sessions. The duo describes the program as “dedicated time” for folks to write in the company of others, fostering community and accountability. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
⛺️Mayo Island is on sale for a cool $19 mil. (But if you’re just in the market for a rental, Sharp’s Island is available on Airbnb.) (Richmond BizSense)
🌳Capital Trees put together this printable “I Spy” game for you and your kids to play on the Low Line. (Instagram)
♣️CluedUpp Games is bringing an immersive Alice in Wonderland experience to the streets of Richmond, VA, this fall. (CluedUpp Games)
Weekly Giveaway
RVA Coffee Stain
Look, we can’t help it – we’re STILL swooning over the artists and pieces we featured in our recent local artists city guide, including Doug Orleski, the talented illustrator behind RVA Coffee Stain. He crafts delightfully whimsical art out of his home studio, such as this recent piece he created for The Monster Project. (Seriously, how, Doug?!)
This week, we’re teaming up with Doug to give away this incredible piece — a vintage-inspired print of the Richmond skyline as seen from the south side of the James.
To enter to win: Tell us your fave coffee shop in RVA and why!
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winners — Britni C. for winning our Jurassic Quest giveaway and Ashley W. for winning our Less Than giveaway! (And pssst, Ashley: Send us an email here to snag your prize.)
Member Perks
Pure Barre
If you’re looking to raise the bar with your workout routine, consider a total-body barre sweat sesh. Inspired by yoga, Pilates, and ballet, Pure Barre transforms you physically and mentally.
Members of The Richmond Experience receive $10 off the following packages at any of the three Richmond area locations. Just use code RVAX when you book.
Single class
8-class pack auto-renew (reoccurring and bills every 30 days)
1 month unlimited auto renew (bills every 30 days)
10-class pack
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 22 new members this week: Olivia M., Courtenay B., Julia R., Alexis C., Justin O., Brittany O., Kathleen C., Melecio S., Margaret W., Jessica F., Faithe Z., Amber D., Brittany W., Danielle B., Anthony B., Cheryle A., Ella F., Ellie W., Amanda M., Sarah S., Natalie D., and Leland D., 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 203 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Beauvine Burger for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
OUR LOCAL PARTNERS
