Ed 259: Black Biz Owner Conference, Neon Signs, Top Workplaces 2023
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Hello, hello, hello!
We made it — it’s (basically) summer! There are burgers to be had (I cannot recommend the Elvis at Jack Brown’s enough, okay?), Pride Month is upon us, and the temps are toasty but not so toasty that I’ve yelled a string of curse words after burning my hand on the seat belt when I hop into my car. Yet.
That said, there’s *much* to discuss, so I’m not going to keep you long up here. Since we’re winding down May, we’ve got another round of our favorite things to share and loads more.
SO!
Keep scrolling for that and RVA’s latest social news, including a new community green-space, a tropical destination on Church Hill, a local lottery winner, and more.
THINGS WE’RE *WAY* LOVING THIS MONTH
Paige:
Starting Space: A Love Letter to the Creative Process: I am loving the new mural by Emily Herr of HerrSuite on the side of the Otis building in Scott's Addition. The 4,000-square-foot piece pays tribute to the creative community of the neighborhood. We are lucky to have so many amazing artists in Richmond, and I have been fortunate to pass Emily’s mural on my daily walks and watch its whole process.
Grit Coffee: Speaking of the Otis building, Grit Coffee recently opened a second Richmond location in Scott’s Addition. The ample space offers plenty of coworking spots, and the Honey Bear latte is my new fav coffee drink. (Peep our Weekly Giveaway for a taste of what I mean!)
Kelsey:
Fountain Bookstore: I’m really never not way loving this spot, but for Mother’s Day, I treated myself to a solo trip to their shelves, and it was truly as relaxing (if not moreso) than a trip to the spa. Friendly reminder to stack your summer TBR with lots of picks from this local bookstore (and/or others around town)!
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly sunny; high of 79°, low of 56°
Thursday: Cloudy; high of 80°, low of 62°
Friday: Sunny; high of 86°, low of 61°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9:30 am - 5 pm: SPACE: AN OUT-OF-GRAVITY EXPERIENCE
Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm: RICHMOND GREEK FESTIVAL KICK-OFF
Friday, 5 - 8 pm: FIRST FRIDAYS AT VMHC
CITY GUIDES
1. PRIDE MONTH EVENTS HAPPENING IN RVA THIS JUNE (& MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY!)
2. ADD THESE BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS TO YOUR KIDS' SUMMER READING LISTS
Image: @uptownneonrva
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Chloe Kottwitz: She’s the (new!) owner of Uptown Neon — a v unique spot on Cary St that creates and sells bent neon work, including custom pieces (think: Paix’s cart sign). Visit her at the studio (2629 W Cary St) and chat sign ideas — noon to 5 pm, Mondays through Saturdays.
THE LATEST:
Image: @sciencemuseumofvirginia
Image: @emeraldloungerva
Image: @thevalentinerva
Image: @rooseveltrva
SOCIAL NEWS
It’s giving the green light: The Green at the Science Museum of Virginia is officially open to the public. Complete with native vegetation and Cosmic Perception — a STEM-inspired art installation — the community space has brought the museum one step closer to its goal of offering more than 20 acres of green space around its campus. We’ve already checked it out twice (once when we visited the new Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience) and can confirm it’s a must-see. Maybe even bring lunch and stay a while? (Instagram)
Make the whole place shimmer: Highllly anticipated cocktail bar The Emerald Lounge (subtly) opened its doors last week. The tropical destination on Church Hill is another concept from the brains behind The Jasper and sits right near Slurp! Ramen (another just-opened spot in the neighborhood, ICYMI). Snag your ticket to paradise and sip on some rum-, agave-, and brandy-focused drinks paired with the equally delish eats (yes, as a matter of fact, we ARE drooling over the shrimp ceviche — lime, avocado, pickled pineapple, house crackers). (Instagram)
Now this is how you celebrate retirement: Midlo teacher Joanne Stanley won the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher contest. Joanne taught English and gifted education classes at Swift Creek Elementary School and was awarded the prize on her last day before retiring. She’ll now enjoy a much-deserved Virginia-themed winery and brewery vacation or a health and wellness vacation, and Swift Creek Middle School will also receive $2,500 worth of school supplies as part of her winnings. (ABC8 News)
Hot dog!: Memorial Day Weekend officially kicked off grilling szn, and Richmond magazine recently published some major cookout inspo: Hot Diggity Dog. The pub notes the summer staple’s resurgence and makes a great case for adding some local meats to the barbie the next time you’re firing it up. Belmont Butchery, Autumn Olive Farms, and The Mayor offer localized hot dogs, so add a line (or three) to your grocery shopping list this summer. (Richmond magazine)
It opened up my eyes: Over the long weekend, The Valentine debuted its latest exhibit, Sign Spotting. Running through May 2024, the set-up offers visitors a look at RVA’s iconic signage history, including vintage neon signs, public facility signs from the Jim Crow era, and local advocacy signs, highlighting how it’s “been used to inform, advertise, and persuade.” Admission to the museum is 10 bucks (for adults) — but for a limited time, it’s free every Thursday! (The Valentine)
Where to learn and grow: The BLCK Street Conference returns to Richmond this August. Aspiring and current Black entrepreneurs are invited to attend and “gain the tools and be inspired to learn, grow, and own your business.” The conference kicks off with a rest retreat and walking tour, then features a full agenda of workshops, cultural experiences, and much more. Registration and vendor applications are open now. (BLCK Street Conference)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🌈RVA Mag published a must-read interview with James Millner, Program Director at Diversity Richmond, who is at the helm of managing the Virginia Pride program. (RVA Mag)
🧑💼The Richmond Times-Dispatch released its Top Workplaces 2023 list. (Top Workplaces)
🇬🇷Richmond Greek Festival starts this Thursday, June 1, and runs through the weekend. (Richmond Greek Festival)
🍽Deb Freeman, a local food writer (with a focus on African American culinary history), is hosting a Juneteenth Dinner at The Roosevelt on Monday, June 19. Tix are (of course) sold out, BUT you can get yourself on the waitlist by emailing info@rooseveltrva.com. (The Roosevelt)
Image: @gritcoffee
Weekly Giveaway
Grit Coffee
As you undoubtedly saw (like... you consume everything we write, right?! 😏), Grit Coffee opened another location — in Scott's Addition, to be exact. The cafe serves caffeinated drinks, breakfast sammies, baked goods, and more, and we're tempted to make it our new WFH spot. Wave if you see us!
This week, we're giving away a $10 gift card to Grit Coffee! ICYMI on Insta, when she last visited, Paige ordered an iced Honey Bear — espresso, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk — and rated it 10/10.
To enter, tell us: What show features the longest-running queer character in TV history?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Rachel S., for winning the EFM Waxing giveaway!
Image: AiRVA Photography
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome ALL our new members this week. 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 259 of The Weekly Insider.
Until next time!
- The Richmond Experience
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