Ed 352: Women’s Football, HistoryFest, Kolaches
Hi!
Katy Perry made it to and from space in one piece, Ms. Rachel welcomed a new bb into her life, and you got your taxes done (and/or filed that extension) on time. When we put it that way, this week really is off to a great start. So, in an effort to keep those good vibes vibin’, we’ll get you straight to the Richmond updates you need to know. You’re gonna need extra time to re-scroll through that Saint Hoax post anyway; generally speaking, we're all Gayle these days, aren’t we?
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including riverfront amphitheater updates, Big Ounce burgers, a new run club to join, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 63°, low of 44°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 64°, low of 40°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 77°, low of 46°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 am - 12 pm: VOLUNTEER WITH RICHMOND TOOLBANK
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: SOBER HAPPY HOUR
Friday, 6:35 - 9:30 pm: CHESAPEAKE BAY SOX VS. RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS
CITY GUIDES
1. ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR DINING EXPERIENCE ON THESE 7 ROOFTOPS
Image Source: @aussiedave via Unsplash
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Women’s Football Players: Richmond magazine recently reported on the thriving women’s tackle football scene in Richmond, and it was an easy “read more” click for us. Evidently, there are three active teams in the area: Richmond Black Widows, River City Sting, and RVA Lady Tomahawks. Not only do these teams offer an outlet for competitive play during the offseason, they also foster community and support among players.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Slay Burgers
Image Source: Na Nin
Image Source: Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Image Source: Metro Richmond Zoo
SOCIAL NEWS
Road work ahead. Last week, the City of Richmond, along with the Richmond Economic Development Authority, Thalhimer Realty Partners, and Diamond District Partners, broke ground on major roadway infrastructure for the Diamond District’s redevelopment. Mayor Danny Avula and Councilmember Katherine Jordan joined developers in celebrating the project’s beginning phase, which covers 18 acres recently transferred to DDP. Generally, the project, funded by a $40 mil public infrastructure bond, will also link Hermitage Rd and Arthur Ashe Blvd to the new CarMax Park, in addition to supporting a public park, mixed-use community, and much more. (Press Release)
The Poppy news keeps coming. This Monday, April 14, the Metro Richmond Zoo unveiled its new Pygmy Hippo Outdoor Experience, which offers guests an immersive encounter with the zoo’s endangered pygmy hippos, Iris and her calf Poppy, in their naturalistic outdoor habitat. As part of the experience — which requires reservations and, with its proceeds, supports pygmy hippo conservation in the wild — visitors can expect a 30-minute BTS tour at Hippo Haven; an up-close viewing of Iris and Poppy from a safe, barrier-protected zone; potential opps to feed the hippos; and educational insights into pygmy hippo behavior and conservation efforts. Metro Richmond Zoo has also updated its popular Poppy Cam to stream live footage of the hippos in their outdoor environment, allowing fans worldwide to observe their activities. (Metro Richmond Zoo)
Name for your order?: Beloved coffee and kolache shop Surrounding Counties has reopened in a new location under new ownership after temporarily closing late last year. The café now operates in a smaller, approximately 600-square-foot(ish) space in the Village Shopping Center and is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. Anticipate the addition of bagels and matcha tea to its offerings in the coming months. (Richmond BizSense)
Calling all history buffs! Virginia Museum of History & Culture is set to host its inaugural HistoryFest next month, on Saturday, May 17. This daylong event will offer a unique blend of festival and conference experiences for history enthusiasts, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in over 20 sensory-rich presentations covering topics such as musical revolutions, American presidents, and pivotal historical events. Some sessions, in partic, that caught our eyes include Food That Changed America, Inside the Mind of Abraham Lincoln, and The Artistic Genius of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The fest starts at 10 am, and folks can attend up to five sessions throughout the day. (VMHC)
Let’s groove. The All White Southern Soul Music Festival is set to return to Altria Theater on Saturday, July 13, marking the event’s fourth annual celebration. Concert-goers are encouraged to wear all-white attire — hence with the festival's theme— and as always, the event promises a night of soulful performances celebrating the rich tradition of Southern soul music. Tickets start at 83 bucks, and folks can expect sensational sounds from King George, Pokey Bear, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, In Gratitude: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, Mr. Campbell, Lamar Brace, Fat Daddy, and Shae Nycole. (WRIC)
Here’s an especially juicy update: Northside’s Slay Burgers, known for its hand-rolled, smash burgers and World of Warcraft-themed menu, is set to open its second location in Chester later this year. Founders Ahmed Maksher and Moe Alradaei, who launched the original Brookland Park location in 2023, are expanding to a 1,600-square-foot dine-in restaurant, which will feature seating for 34 guests and custom artwork reflecting its gaming-inspired vibe. Diners can look forward to a menu of favorites, like the Big Ounce and the Fatty burgers, as well as wings and chicken sandwiches. This development comes as part of the duo’s hopes to open a third location within the next 18 months and 10-year plan to establish 10 restaurants by 2033. (Richmond BizSense)
As if the water crisis wasn’t bad enough: In a recent RVA Magazine column, the pub’s founder, R. Anthony Harris, had some thoughts on the federal government's decision to revoke a $12 million grant intended for essential upgrades to Richmond's water treatment infrastructure. The funding was earmarked for repairs to the Feeder Channel Retaining Wall and Pre-Sedimentation Berm — critical components for ensuring safe drinking water — and its withdrawal comes on the heels of January’s significant outage, which left many Richmonders without access to clean water. R. contends that the grant's cancellation reflects a politicization of basic public services, suggesting that efforts to secure clean water are being dismissed as “woke” initiatives when access to safe drinking water should be regarded as a fundamental human right, transcending political agendas. (RVA Magazine)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🛍️Na Nin’s new storefront is coming together “li’l by li’l,” with a potential opening for next month. (Instagram)
🎶Progress on the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront *also* appears to be coming along swimmingly. (Instagram)
🍔ICYMI, Jack Brown’s now has its own run club, which meets on Mondays at 6 pm. (Instagram)
Image Source: Pinky’s
Weekly Giveaway
Pinky’s
We love a good sesh of sips, snacks, and then some in the sun on a sprawling patio this time of year. Same? Then don’t skip our 20+ recs for just that kinda vibe, and while you wait on the gang to confirm they’re down to clown with you, let us add to your tab funds.
This week, we’re giving away a $25 gift card to Pinky’s! That oughta get you situated with some crispy pork belly for starters.
To enter, tell us: Would you rather get free plane tickets or free accommodations for the rest of your life?
Image Source: RVA Brew Crew
Member Perks
RVA Brew Crew
It’s warm-weather party szn, and if you know someone with an upcoming birthday, bachelor/ette party, anniversary, or other good-time cause, think of RVA Brew Crew for the occasion. They’ll take you wherever you'd like to go — yes, even to Charlottesville for a day of winery hopping! — and you can bring your own (adult) bevs and snacks to enjoy while en route.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 10% off brewery tours! Just use code RVAxMEMBER when you book.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 17 new members this week: Madeleine C., Charmaine C., Dylan C., Patrick C., Melanie W., Anna Z., Jill H., Shannon T., Ally H., Latane G., Leandro M., Carly J., Claire C., Kristen C., Amber F., Melanie M., and Marcail T., 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 352 of The Weekly Insider.
Stay super connected to love!
- The Richmond Experience
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