Ed 219: Mediterranean Restaurant, Modern Spa, Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Powered by James River Cellars Winery — enjoy this weekend’s gorg weather with a glass or two on their patio.
Hiiiii, readers! 👋
We’ve been having a pretty good week; HBU?
For starters, ICYMI, The Richmond Experience was named Best Local Instagram Account (AND runner-up for Best Local Email Newsletter — a new category this year!) in Richmond magazine's annual "Best & Worst" issue, which hit newsstands last week. THANK YOU SO MUCH for voting for us; we’re truly honored!
And speaking of you, we’re going to be in party mode all month. Did you catch our Member Happy Hour invite? We sent it out earlier this week, but if you missed it in your inbox, here are all the deets. See you there? We’ll chat over some slices of the Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza?
And speaking of you still (you’re not rereading the same paragraph; we just can’t stop fangirling over here), The Richmond Experience donates a portion of each annual membership purchased to rotating nonprofits every month, and the Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center was on the calendar for our July donation. Because of you, our members, we were able to support the org’s mission to provide free and confidential services to Spanish-speaking victims of violence in the entire state via their 24/7 hotline number – 888-969-1825 – regardless of immigration status, gender, or age. Thank you so much AGAIN!
Okay, phew. We’ve collected ourselves. We think we’re ready to move on:
WEATHER
Wednesday: Afternoon thunderstorms; high of 92°, low of 72°
Thursday: Morning thunderstorms; high of 83°, low of 67°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 80°, low of 60°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:30 pm: Wine + Wood Wednesday
Thursday, 7 - 9 pm: Trivia Night at Tang & Biscuit
Friday, 12 - 11 pm: Three Notch’d Brewing RVA Grand Opening
CITY GUIDES
1. 11 NEARBY FARMS WHERE YOU CAN PICK YOUR OWN PRODUCE
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Giles Garrison: She’s the newest Superintendent of the James River Park System! Said Friends of James River Park (when Giles stepped into the posish earlier this year): “From growing up in the shadow of Forest Hill Park and digging for treasure at Reedy Creek to devoting her professional career to the preservation of our natural and historic assets, Giles brings a love of the Park and an impressive skill set to her new role.”
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including where to party with NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, how to get a head-start on Spooky Szn, where to get a fresh pair of sneaks, and more.
THE LATEST:
EAT, DRINK & BE SCARY (~PLUS~)
Running Richmond: A new (to the Richmond area) footwear-plus shop for runners and walkers alike opened recently. The spot has nine locations in Northern Virginia, but the new RVA location is ~run~ by Midlo marathoner Keira D’Amato. Whether you’re a running guru or a new runner or walker, this shop is the place for all your must-have footwear, apparel, and more. (Instagram)
Party on a Thursday: NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace is hosting a free block party this Thursday, August 11. Make your way to the Richmond Raceway from 4 pm to 8 pm for live music and pit stops, food trucks serving up local eats, activities for the kids, and more. (WRIC)
Get your freak(y) on: If you’re ready to get out of this summer heat and get an early start on Spooky Szn, head to the Greater Richmond Convention Center this Saturday, August 13. The Oddities & Curiosities Expo will be in town, showcasing “all things weird,” including “taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror-/Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls/bones, funeral collectibles, and much more.” (ShowPass)
The skinny on a new spa: We’ve been excited for this one since we heard about it in April. Skin. by Holy Chic is a new modern spa, social club, and wellness space in the Fan, and it hosted an official launch party earlier this month. The new spot offers esthetic and body treatments inspired by wellness practices from all over the globe and features Lolo’s Bar, “an intimate cafe named in honor of the founder’s late father — where Skin. clientele can indulge in seasonal cafe drinks, snacks, smoothies, wine, and beer.” (Instagram)
Vodka with a twist: Cirrus Vodka is setting the stage for Wette Midler to begin hosting a series of drag shows, starting Monday, August 22. Every fourth Monday of the month, head to the tasting room for specialty cocktails and performances. August’s tickets are $7 now (or $10 at the door), and the show starts at 7 pm. (Instagram)
Olive us love olive this: We sadly bid adieu to Richmond staple Secco in Ed 203. The spot’s owners had been in the wine biz for more than 25 years and were ready to take a well-deserved break to “travel, visit family, rekindle long-dormant hobbies, and figure out [the] next chapter.” While we miss the Fan’s beloved wine bar, we’re excited to hear that a Mediterranean restaurant is filling its former space. “The yet-to-be-named restaurant will open in October,” and the owners have plans to offer coffee and Italian breakfast sandwiches by day and a delish dinner menu by night. (Axios Richmond)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🐩OuRVA Collective is throwing a give-back night at Ruff Canine Club today, August 10. (Instagram)
🗑Keep Virginia Cozy is hosting a Northside cleanup this Sunday, August 14. (Instagram)
🎅The Santa Spot is up and running for all your holiday-planning needs. (Instagram)
🌥Brenner Pass recently added some nice-and-shady coverage to its outdoor patio. (Instagram)
Weekly Giveaway
Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond
One of our fave new places in the city is the Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. The Celery Seasoning Sea Salt? Used it with din last night. The Mango Tango Herbal Tea, cold-brewed? Crisp af. The in-store tea bar? We think about it weekly.
This week, we’re teaming up with the must-viz spot to give away a summer-inspired basket of goodies from their shop.
To enter, tell us: What’s your favorite useless fact?
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winner, Kayla P., for winning our Sun & Selene giveaway!
Member Perks
K|LA Boutique
Did you catch Paige’s visit to Westhampton’s new K|LA Boutique on Insta last week? She picked up some v cute things for an upcoming trip — and snagged you a new perk, too.
Members of The Richmond Experience get 20% off in-store purchases when you spend $100 or more. Just tell them you’re a member when you check out!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 23 new members this week: Leigh P., Patricia S., Jamar T., Rosa M., Tunstall W., Jessica M., Awista B., Kathryn H., Cory S., Celeste C., Amanda Q., Amy K., Anna Z., Mariah M., Rachael T., Mary P., Victoria H., Melissa D., Anna P., Lee B., Safia N., Laura R., and Catherine N., 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 219 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to James River Cellars Winery for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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