Ed 258: New Mural, Smash Burgers, Gold-Medal Beer
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Hi!
In case you didn’t realize – I didn’t! – May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now, there’s only a little over a week left in May, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s too late to take a beat and get your mind right.
One thing that’s soothed my soul recently? Music, Rhymes & Wiggle Time through Henrico County Public Library. I took my little ones to a sesh a week or so ago, and the librarian running the show was so calming, I think everyone in attendance felt like they’d just experienced meditation for babies. It was perfect, and naptime at our house later that aft was a breeze.
Sure, this particular local offering is for 24- to 36-month-old Richmonders, but the idea of shaking your wiggles out and just generally enjoying some time for yourself can be done all kinds of ways around RVA. Here are two of our other favorites that don’t (necessarily) involve belting out I’m a Little Teapot:
RVA Girls Who Walk: This walk club is all about mental health, and when you join one of its (free!) walks, you can focus on that while exercising and making friends, too.
Feel Good RVA: This online community fancies itself The Self-Love Club, and they’re our go-to platform for that plus mental health awareness, environmental efforts, and more.
So, consider one of those options for your brain balance this month, remember to drink your water, and take care of yourself as we head into the long holiday weekend (and always!).
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including European and American cheeses, a free author talk, four new Carytown restaurants, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly sunny; high of 80°, low of 51°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 74°, low of 55°
Friday: Cloudy; high of 74°, low of 52°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6:30 - 7:30 pm: NATIONAL SCAVENGER HUNT DAY
Thursday, 6 - 9 pm: MAY 2023 UNHAPPY HOUR
Friday, 6 - 8 pm: 4TH FRIDAY ART SHOWS
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR GUIDE TO BIKING IN RICHMOND
2. YOUR GUIDE TO MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN RICHMOND
3. 8 LOCAL GIFTS FOR THE RECENT (OR SOON-TO-BE) GRADUATE IN YOUR LIFE
Image: AiRVA Photography
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Chris Anton: He’s the sole photog behind AiRVA Photography, a local biz that highlights city spaces and landscapes from above. Chris studied computer engineering at the University of Virginia, where he was exposed to robotics and other tech, like drones and their apps. Between that and flying RC helicopters and other remote-controlled devices when he was younger, becoming an aerial photographer was practically a natural fit.
THE LATEST:
Image: @theslayburgers
Image: Virginia Repertory Theatre)
Image: @trucklecheesemongers
Image: @kelseyheintzistyping
SOCIAL NEWS
Ham it up: A new burger spot opened its doors over the weekend. Slay Burgers popped up in Brookland Park, slinging patties “smashed to perfection.” They’re all about the quick-and-fresh bite, so keep them in mind the next time you’re in a time crunch and want something incredibly delish. In addition to burgers, they dole out fried chicken sammies, too. (Instagram)
We’ll do it LIVE!: The Virginia Repertory Theatre announced its 2023/2024 season at the November Theatre, Hanover Tavern, and new Children’s Theatre. Enjoy productions like The Silver Belles, 9 to 5: The Musical, and Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, along with a whole host of other magical theater experiences. (Virginia Repertory Theatre)
Cheese and thank you: Truckle Cheesemongers is hosting three tasty-looking cheese classes in the coming months, one of which happens today, May 24. Maker to Monger and cheese maker Shelburne Farms will be in the house, and in June and July, you can sit in on pairing workshops of the European and American varieties. (Instagram)
Fresh paint: Sir James Thornhill’s mural of John R. Lewis will be unveiled this Friday, May 26, at 5 pm. The piece covers a wall at Sankofa Community Orchard – “a five-acre green space dedicated to food justice and climate resiliency [and] consisting of over 80 fruit trees in the Southside of Richmond,Virginia.” (Instagram)
In book news: The Library of Virginia is hosting its 2023 Carole Weinstein Author Series, and Richmond author Sadeqa Johnson is set to give a free talk on Thursday, June 8. Sadeqa, who wrote Yellow Wife, released The House of Eve in February – “a daring and redemptive novel set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.” She’ll be discussing her new book and signing copies afterward. (RVAHub)
Eatin’ good in the [Carytown] neighborhood: The former Rocket Fizz spot in Carytown has found a new resident. Importante Bodega Bar is in the works now, with its plans including space for a bar and table seating, and its menu featuring tapas, some paella, and more. In good company, the spot will open when a slew of other must-try neighbors are set to move in nearby, too: Anthony’s Pizza, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Dumpling & Noodle Cart. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🥇Basic City Beer Co. scored gold for its Basic Ought lager at last week's World Beer Cup Awards. (American Craft Beer)
🎨USA Today readers nominated Richmond in the pub’s Best City for Street Art category. (Instagram)
💔After about a year in biz, Biscuits & Gravy closed up shop over the weekend. (Instagram)
🌿Willie Nelson is playing in Richmond on Wednesday, August 9. (CBS6)
Image: EFM Waxing
Weekly Giveaway
EFM Waxing
Whether you’d like a little refresh in the form of facial waxing, Brazilian waxing, or full-body waxing as we head into a new season, EFM Waxing has the hook-up. The Short Pump spot uses the highest quality products to deliver the smoothest results.
This week, we’re teaming up with the org to give away a free waxing service of your choice! (Note: This excludes a full leg wax.)
To enter, tell us: What was the most-streamed song on Spotify in the U.S. during the summer of 2022? (And, just for fun, which one can’t you stop streaming as we head into this summer? We need recs!)
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winners, Madison S., Blakely B., Caroline V., and Jennifer R., for winning The National giveaway!
Image: EFM Waxing
Member Perks
EFM Waxing
Don’t want to wait for the giveaway winner reveal? We’ve got a perk for that!
Members of The Richmond Experience receive 50% off your first wax (excluding a full leg wax) when you mention The Richmond Experience at booking!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 13 new members this week: Christopher A., Paige G., Damian M., Leti B., Erin C., Mason A., Anya S., Amy K., Gabs R., Gretchen G., Michelle I., Hannah C., and Erin B., 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 258 of The Weekly Insider.
C u l8er!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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