Ed 274: Mental Health, The Ultimate RVA Restaurant Guide, Breakfast for Dinner
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Dear reader,
I’m just gonna come right out and say it: September is Suicide Prevention Month. So, your brain is on the brain, and we want to check in on you.
As an SSRI girlie myself, I know the downs of life’s ups and downs can be, well… downers, so I’m here to serve as a reminder for you to take care of yourself — take your meds, take a sip of water, take a walk. Do whatever you need to feel your best at this moment; it ebbs and flows, you know?
And if you’re feeling a-okay but you know someone who isn’t, remind her/him/them you’re in tow. Sometimes that’s the biggest help of all: a quick text, a phone call, something kinda funny.
Of course, sometimes, we need some bigger help. For you other moms out there, I’ve had great experience with VCU’s Postpartum Support resource and would highly recommend it. Or, if you’re not necessarily looking for pp-centric support, I’ve also found amazing local therapists through Psychology Today.
What’re some of *your* favorite ways (local orgs or otherwise!) to get in some TLC for your mental health? Email me — I’ll make you a nice li’l City Guide roundup!
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including an ice cream bar for dogs, toll rate info, where to get your next margarita, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly cloudy; high of 83°, low of 69°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 80°, low of 64°
Friday: Sunny again (!!); high of 78°, low of 58°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 10 - 11:20 am: HOMESCHOOL DAYS: JAMES RIVER WEEK
Thursday, 8 am - 10 pm: SEAFOOD FOR THE JAMES
Friday, 6:30 - 8 pm: SCREENING OF A STURGEON STORY
CITY GUIDES
1. THE ULTIMATE RVA RESTAURANT GUIDE
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Community Transportation: This org partners with the City of Richmond and Virginia Transit Association to offer free rides to work for folks who receive or are eligible for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. CBS6 just covered the “Divas” in pearls and pink tees, who work for Community Transportation and give people a lift throughout the workweek — in more ways than one, no doubt.
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
This deserves a round of a-paws: RVA’s first for-the-dogs ice cream bar is now open. Salty Paws serves lactose-free, dog-friendly ice cream flavored like bacon, cheddar cheese, peanut butter, and then some, and topped with (if your pup so chooses) dehydrated chicken, beef, and then some more. A pup cup runs anywhere between $5 and $7 (with $1 toppings to add), and we don’t even know your good boy or girl but we know they need a treat right damn now. Head to the new spot in the West Broad Village in Glen Allen ASAP! (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Friendly reminder: In May, the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) Board of Directors voted to adjust toll pricing along the RMTA Expressway System, hiking riding costs for Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway. The change went into effect at the beginning of this month (September 1, literally), with rates for all two-axle vehicles increasing from $0.70 to $0.90 for E-ZPass customers and $1 for drivers paying with cash. (ABC8 News)
Breakfast for dinner: McLean’s Restaurant launched dinner service hours this month. The country-style fixture on Broad St has been serving breakfast and lunch for close to 60 years, and just recently, the spot’s owner, Dionna Kelleher, has begun passing the torch to her son, Trent Kelleher, and taking a much-deserved break. Having managed McLean’s for a few years now, Trent decided that adding dinner service to the well-oiled machine was the way to go. So, now you can grab breakfast anytime between 6 am and 9 pm, along with some weekly specials. (Style Weekly)
It’s bussin’: Over the weekend, Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) opened a new downtown pick-up spot for bus riders. The $2.2 million facility features displays for bus arrivals at each bay and sheltered waiting areas with USB charging ports. Along with this change, GRTC also adjusted Pulse Saturday service to run every 15 minutes, rather than every 30 minutes, along with a few other service improvements. (Axios Richmond)
Take this with a rim of salt: Lalo’s Margaritas Mexican Grill is coming to the former The Wooden Spoon digs at 5714 Patterson Ave. Owner Eduardo “Lalo” Macias is behind the good news, along with six other restaurants in the area — both Lalo’s Cocina locations, Chicano’s Cocina Bar & Grill, Monterrey Burrito Co., The Patron, and both Two Compadre’s Taqueria locations. Look out for the new space in about a month and its menu of nachos, fajitas, and other Lalo-signature classics. (Richmond BizSense)
And the winner is: Well, we’re not sure, yet. But Richmond BizSense has announced its list of businesses that made the cut for the RVA 25 Class of 2023. The annual list and award ceremony (in its 11th year) recognizes the fastest-growing organizations in the area. Scents of Serenity Organic Spa is included, along with 24 other companies, who are also privately-held, headquartered in the Richmond region, have been in business since 2020, and earned at least $500,000 in annual revenue in 2022. Catch the winner on Monday, November 6, at the awards ceremony at Hardywood West Creek. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍽We’re in the River City indeed — yet another (!!) oyster spot (!!) is coming to the area this (!!) fall (!!). (Instagram)
Image: Sticky Rice
Weekly Giveaway
Sticky Rice
Sure, RTD recently published its list of five must-visit dive bars, but did you check out our suggestions?
This week, we’re giving away $10 to Sticky Rice! First round’s on us — and don’t forget to order a Bucket of Tots, too.
To enter, tell us: What’s your favorite dive bar in the city?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Kerri A., for winning the Movies in the Outfield giveaway!
Image: A Taste of New Kent
Member Perks
A Taste of New Kent
The 14th annual A Taste of New Kent will be held at Colonial Downs Racetrack (in the parking lot before Rosie's Gaming Emporium!) on Saturday, October 14. Bring your lawn chair and snag a spot for a day of winery and brewery tents, food trucks, vendors, and live music.
Members of The Richmond Experience can use code RVAx23 for $5 off their tickets.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 17 new members this week: Carlie C., Catherine U., Vincent G., Rania Y., Mary G., Mado L., Kirstyn C., Julie S., Jordan C., Emma M., Giovanna B., Rachel M., Janine T., Susan S., Taylor J., Caroline B., and Ciara S., 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 274 of The Weekly Insider.
See you at book club!
- The Richmond Experience
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