Ed 341: Stargazing Spot, Free Boot Camp, Sandwich Shoppe
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Hello there!
We can’t stop saying and thinking it over here: January has been long as hell. But thankfully, she’s wrapping things up this week, and we’ll have a new month to shiver through before we’re that much closer to longer and sunnier days.
In the meantime, we’re keeping ourselves busy by checking out new spaces and places in the area (but of course). My husband and I had a li’l date night at a new-to-me bar last week, and I’m writing up my thoughts on the whole experience (review of the loaded tots, to boot) for a new City Guide drop this week. Look for that soon, and while you wait, let us get you acquainted with some other happenings around town.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including plans for 8 ½’s former digs; a hip hop and R&B infused pizzeria; Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival; and more.
THINGS WE’RE *WAY* LOVING THIS MONTH
Paige:
Maven Made Facial Serum: I stopped by Maven Theory to pick up gifts over the holiday season and grabbed a mini Maven Made Facial Serum to try myself. WOW, I can’t believe I waited this long! It’s a game-changer for cold winter days, keeping my skin perfectly moisturized. If you’re refreshing your skincare routine for 2025, consider making this a staple.
Kelsey:
Taylor Farm Park: It’s, of course, been BRISK recently, but on days when the temps inch above 40(ish) degrees in the wintertime, I like to try my best to get my fam outside. Recently, we made another visit to Taylor Farm Park. After about an hour of running around the *very huge* play area (zip lines included), we were plenty warmed up.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 59°, low of 36°
Thursday: Partly sunny; high of 51°, low of 30°
Friday: Rain likely; high of 58°, low of 42°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: DOMINION ENERGY JAZZ CAFE
Thursday, 6 - 8 pm: DRAG BINGO
Friday, 5:30 - 6:30 pm: CANDLE-MAKING WORKSHOP
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR GUIDE TO G/VALENTINE’S DAY IN RICHMOND
2. 10 LOCAL DATE SPECIALS TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SOMEONE SPECIAL
Image Source: Keeble Observatory
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Keeble Observatory: Every semester, the teaching laboratory of Randolph-Macon College's Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astrophysics offers regular public viewings. This year’s spring semester kicks off on February 10, and you can keep an eye on Instagram, or the school’s site here, for upcoming stargazing opps. We’ve put the experience on our bucket list for this year and thought you might like to, too. The Weather Channel says winter is the best time for stargazing, after all.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: @spottydogrva
Image Source: @mainstreetstation
Image Source: @tacovegana
Image Source: @kelseyheintzistyping
SOCIAL NEWS
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day happens this Saturday, February 1! Coco + Hazel, Gelati Celesti, jiji Frozen Custard, Ruby Scoops, and Scoop are just a few of the spots that have announced their plans to participate, but keep an eye out as the week continues. And while you prep your palate, one of our personal faves, Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co., is dishing out its final scoops of Chocolate Orange for the season. FWIW, that flavor is also one of our personal faves. (Instagram, Instagram, Instagram, Instagram, Instagram, Instagram)
Speaking of deliciousness, the Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival hits Main Street Station next Saturday, February 8. Tickets start at $69 and include chocolate samples; unlimited pours of wine, beer, cider, and whiskey; and lots of other sweet and savory treats. Things kick off at 12:30 pm and wrap up at 9 pm, and you can pick from four different GA or VIP sessions to attend, depending on what you’d like to get out of your experience. (Eventbrite)
Knead-to-know info: The Black Olive Pizzeria is having its soft opening this Friday, January 31. Setting up shop just outside Jackson Ward at 13 W Broad St, the spot comes to us from the folks behind Marylous Soul Dining Experience and fancies itself RVA’s first hip-hop and R&B infused pizzeria, “designed to take you on a journey through food and music.” Its NYE party offered things like Cioppino (cod, mussels, clams, shrimp in a briny seafood broth served with sliced baguette), Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Cream (a moist olive oil cake topped with a whipped citrus mascarpone and pistachios), and craft cocktails, paired with a swanky af atmosphere, so we’re looking forward to lots more of that from this new neighbor. (Instagram)
We loaf this news a lot: Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe is taking over 8 ½’s former digs in the East End. Alex Schuett, who owns Church Hill staples Liberty Public House and Riverbend Roastery, and LPH kitchen manager Austin Curtis, are bringing the plans to life with hopes to open in late February or March. Expect lunch and dinner options, including fresh-baked bread and baguettes, weekly special sandwiches, soups, and sides (see: pasta salad and baked mac and cheese). Also expect us to be drooling over this update until then. (Richmond BizSense)
While we’re talkin’ Church Hill updates, Taco Vegana is getting closer to opening. The 100% plant-based Mexican eatery announced it secured the keys to its storefront last year, and we’ve been excited for things like the breakfast tacos, soyrizo tacos, and vegan carne asada tacos ever since. The spot plans to offer counter service; seating for 25 guests at a time; beer, wine, and spirits; and, potentially, coffee in the future. Look for it before springtime hits. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
👟As we mentioned last week, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k happens Saturday, April 12. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s a price hike comin’ in hot this Saturday, February 1. Make sure you and your crew snag your spot(s) for $35 - $45 before then! (Sports Backers)
🚦Perhaps one of the cutest ways to meet other pet-parent Richmonders is happening this weekend at Ruff Canine Club. Stop by for the annual Stop Light Party, where your furry friend receives a red (taken), green (single), or yellow (it’s complicated) bandana upon entry and can help you meet other ~hoomans~ in the area. (Instagram)
Image Source: Burn Boot Camp
Weekly Giveaway
Burn Boot Camp
Burn Boot Camp is inspiring fitness everywhere — including Libbie Mill! The spot seeks to build confidence, happiness, and disciplines that transcend fitness into communities of mentally, emotionally, and physically strong women.
Join the fam at Libbie Mill, and meet the friendliest gym in RVA with 45-minute trainer-facilitated workouts.
This week, we’re teaming up with Burn Boot Camp to give away free Camp sessions!
To enter: Just show them a copy of this newsletter when you visit 5001 Libbie Mill E Blvd and you win. BTW, entering *also* puts you in the running for a giveaway of a FREE 30-day membership to the gym! (They’ll contact that winner on February 1.)
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Lauryn E., for winning the Foxtail Coffee Co. giveaway!
Image Source: Common House
Member Perks
Common House
If the winter season is giving you cabin fever, switch up your location. Common House is a social club designed for connection, providing an inclusive space to dine, work, and discover.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 50% off initiation fees! Just write “The Richmond Experience” in the Referral Name or Code section of your application.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Traci W., Tiffany M., Colleen D., Cathy H., Olivia M., Kamryn S., Eric F., Kendall T., Yvan D., Sarah P., and Livvy M., 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 341 of The Weekly Insider.
Buh-bye!
- The Richmond Experience
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