Ed 81: Festivus, Barrio, & Lights
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Hey there!
Thanksgiving is practically here and in true Richmond fashion most news this week skips right over the food-coma inducing holiday and straight to festivus. But before we get to that, we wanted to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are to connect with you, the RVAx community, and for sharing in our enthusiasm and curiosity of all things Richmond. We hope this week is everything you want it to be. For us, that means lots of stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, puppy snuggles, naps, and family time. Thank you for being here.
THE LATEST:
Image Credit: @miraclerva
Image Credit: @rappahannockrva
Image Credit: @sarahchoi.rocks
Image Credit: Barrio Taqueria & Tequila / Facebook
SOCIAL NEWS
Miracle on Cary Street opened Monday and it’s got all the festive vibes! This is the second year The Jasper is hosting their holiday bar pop-up featuring a fully decorated interior space with holiday lights, Christmas trees, snow, garland, and of course themed cocktails! If you attended (or attempted to attend) last year then you know it stays packed all season long. Doors open at 5pm so plan to get in line around 4:45pm so you can get in! Once the place fills up, which happens quickly, the wait can be long. Cheers!
The halls have been decked at Rapp Session and doors open on Friday! Back for their third year, Rapp Session hosts their #TisTheSession holiday pop-up. New this year is the festive photo booth plus they’ll be hosting a 12 days of Christmas raffle. Their themed cocktail menu includes Christmas Jell-O shots and the holiday music will be bumping all night long. If you haven’t been, Rapp Session is connected to the more formal Rappahannock Restaurant known for their oysters and seafood. Think of Rapp like the younger, cooler sibling. Don’t miss this pop-up!
You can DIY your own tacky light tour! Maybe you’ve got friends or family coming to town, or maybe you and a friend just want to get into the holiday spirit — hop in your car and take a tour of your own! Each year Richmond Times-Dispatch puts together the list of homes you must see. Our suggestion: head out for a tacky light tour and then hit up Shyndigz for a sweet treat and nightcap or opt for a cup of their decadent hot chocolate!
In food news, the new concept for the former Pearl Raw Bar, owned and managed by Richmond Restaurant Group, has officially been announced! Barrio Taqueria + Tequila will take over the space at 2229 W Main St in The Fan. Pearl closed at the end of the Summer after six years in business. We don’t know much yet about Barrio but look for this to open over the winter. You can sign-up for their newsletter for a chance to attend their private soft opening event.
Have you been to Carmela’s yet? If you’re like us and it’s still “on the list” then maybe give this food review a read. Laura Sant of Richmond Mag describes the spot, the food, and her experience and it’s made us officially bump it up on the list. If you’ve been, we’d love to hear what you ordered and what you think! Carmela’s opened in late June and sits facing the newly renovated 17th St Farmers Market downtown. BRB while we drool over The Carmela pie.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Four U.S. Hotels Known for Their Amazing Holiday Displays includes The Jefferson Hotel! Marthastewart.com included our hometown lodging among some seriously beautiful and festive places to stay throughout the country during the holidays. See what they have to say about The Jefferson and bookmark the others for future holiday travel plans! PS: The 33rd Annual Tree Lighting inside The Jefferson takes place this upcoming Monday, December 2 at 5:00 PM. If you can make it, go!
Currently hosting their 16th annual holiday market, Chop Suey Books was named one of the 10 Best Book Stores in the Southern United States by Thetravel.com. “The fun and colorful interior design along with its unique inventory is what has attracted many locals and tourists over the years” writes author, Bianca Mercuri.
Weekly Giveaway
Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights
Last year Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights was voted in the Top 5 holiday garden light displays in the country and they’re nominated again this year! Every night the garden comes to life with twinkling lights, live music, treats, and more — it such a special experience! The annual tradition is happening now and runs through January 6. This week we’re giving away two tickets!
TO ENTER: Approximately how many lights are used to light up Lewis Ginter for the GardenFest of Lights? We’ll randomly select a winner from those who answer correctly!
Last week: The “Bach” in Burger Bach is pronounced “BATCH”! If you answered “bock” you were part of the nearly 30% of members who also thought the same so don’t feel bad! Congratulations to Steven C. for getting it right and being our random giveaway winner of the week!
Member Perks
mod & soul
Located in Richmond’s historical Arts District, mod & soul is a trendy boutique with a carefully curated selection of tops, dresses, skirts, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and more! Members get $20 off when they spend $100 or more! Use code: RVAX20OFF100
SAVE THE DATE
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Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 37 new members: Megan B., Molly A., Cole W., Rhee M., Chad W., Cyndi B., Josh M., Zach C., Abbey D., Rachel R., Danielle K., Colin H., Brandi A., Steven K., Scott H., Turner C., Molly ., Lindsay D., Ryan C., Kent H., Alexandra E., Ben H., Sarah P., Ryan B., Lauren C., Adam H., Ashley M., Chelsea P., S. Preston D., Christopher M., Gage M., Julie L., Kyle H., Lauren R., Patricia M., Heather I., Seth R., 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 81 of the Weekly Insider.
With gratitude,
Sam & Sean
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