Ed 99: Chocolate, Cocktails, Cycling

Hey there!

With the weather warming up, and the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to get some exercise by walking or biking! Residents in the Fan are making this experience a little more exciting by placing stuffed animals in their yards, gardens, and even perched in trees, as if folks passing by are on a safari ride. Need a bike? We’ve got more on that below.

This week we’ve got contactless outdoor adventures, a few more closures, chocolate, and cocktails to go!? Plus free concert tickets and a giveaway perfect for your next happy hour. Onward…

THE LATEST:

Image Source: @lewisginter // Image Credit: Tom Hennessy

SOCIAL NEWS

Contactless bike rentals are still pedaling at Riverside Outfitters! The timing could not have been better to launch Riverside Cycling, an extension of RO, offering bike rentals, repairs, sales of refurbished bikes, and guided tours (which are currently on-hold). Starting at just $44 for a weekday rental, you choose your bike online and pick it up at the RO basecamp located at 6836 Old Westham Road on Richmond's south side off of Forest Hill Ave. Rentals are available from 11am to 6pm daily with discounts available for multi-day rental use. Mountain bikes and road bikes are both available in a variety of sizes. It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air during these quarantine times!

In addition to cycling, Riverside Outfitters is selling firewood, and they are also a pick-up location for fresh produce provided by Manakintowne Specialty Growers. Order fresh produce and pick-up on Tuesdays at Riverside Outfitters 3pm-6pm, Wednesdays at Coalfield Station Antiques 3pm-5pm, Thursdays at Huguenot Springs 3pm-6pm, and Thursdays at People's Pie in Scott's Addition 3pm-6pm.

If you're on the hunt for chocolate, whether it be for Easter, Passover, or simply for #quarantinesnacks, check out Miss Maudes, Chocolates by Kelly, or Kilwins. All are offering delivery!

Another permanent closure was announced this past week, following Greenleaf Pool Room and Citizen, Billy Jack's Shack in Shockoe Bottom will not return. Billy Jack's was a sister restaurant to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, initially out of Charlottesville, with a location at Libbie and Grove. Jack Brown's appears to be thriving, so we don't expect to see them close.

Meanwhile, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens made the difficult decision to reduce their staff of 107 down to 18, according to Jack Jacobs over at Richmond BizSense. It seems this move was necessary to keep the garden afloat during this time. Some of our favorite programming in the city comes from Lewis Ginter, including their Butterflies LIVE! exhibit and their summer concert series, Flowers After 5. If you feel called to help, the garden suggests keeping in touch by signing up for their newsletter, offering to volunteer at the garden once it is safe to do so, joining their membership program, and donating to their annual fund.

Lastly, you might be able to order cocktails with your to-go food as early as this Friday! We happened to catch a Facebook post by Karri Peifer, Richmond Times-Dispatch’s features and dining editor, and according to her and her colleague, Justin Mattingly, Governor Northam has told ABC that mixed drinks cans be sold via restaurant takeout effective Friday, April 10. Keep an eye on the headlines over at RTD News for confirmation and keep it in mind if you are thinking about ordering out on Friday, cheers!

‘RONA RESOURCES

Community clothiers really stepped up to help healthcare workers in need! Ledbury & Shockoe Atelier both shifted their production from clothes to medical supplies to help fulfill local hospital and healthcare needs. If you’re interested in helping, Studio Two Three is seeking volunteers for the same cause!

“Richmond is a resilient city. We will get through this together” reads the headline on a new city-run website, RVAstrong.org. The goal is to centralize support for neighbors and local businesses in need and community members or businesses who are able to give. You can also contribute to the site by adding information about a fund, service, or organization.

Navigating COVID-19 in Richmond

The times are weird and there is so much information flying from every direction. Here we try to pull together everything you need to know to navigate Richmond. Let us know if we can add useful information or update any information currently listed. Check back often as we’ll be continuously updating and adding to this guide. A very special thank you to our local Richmond 50 partners and RVAx members for helping to make this guide possible.

>> Read it here <<

Weekly Giveaway

Cirrus Vodka

Let us help stock-up for your next at-home happy hour with Cirrus Vodka! Their premium, triple-distilled vodka is made locally using 100% American-grown russet potatoes, giving it depth and flavor that’s perfect for mixing or sipping. Right now, Cirrus is delivering within a 30 mile radius of their tasting room at 1603 Ownby Lane and every effort is made to deliver same-day for orders placed before 5:30pm. For orders 20-30 miles away they require a minimum of $75 (including shipping). You can order online here.

*Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Valid, government-issued ID must be presented upon delivery. Winner will be contacted with a delivery window via text following placement of order on Wednesday, April 15.

TO ENTER: Tell us which House you would choose for your Cirrus Vodka happy hour! Sean said he would choose House #1 and I would personally head over to House #5. Can’t wait to hear what you think, we’ve heard some hysterical responses from friends! Shout out to RVAx member Anne W. for sharing this meme with us.

Last week: Congratulations to Amber L. for being our giveaway winner of the week! Enjoy the Reginald’s Homemade gift box which includes four 9oz jars in varying flavors!

Member Perks

The National

Party like it’s 1999 with FREE TICKETS to Saved by the 90s, a live 90s cover band that puts on parties across the nation! This stellar show was postponed to July 18 and we are keeping our fingers crossed that it is totally safe to party on! But hey, in case it’s not, the tickets are free and the show would most likely be rescheduled again so what have you got to lose?

Members get FREE TICKETS to this show, plus discounts to other shows at both The National and VACU LIVE! Check it out here.

VIEW ALL MEMBER PERKS

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Hey new members!

We'd like to welcome eight new members: Elena J., Caroline C., Mia L., Kadie E., Caroline P., Caitlin Z., Stephanie S., and Katie G., 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 99 of the Weekly Insider.

Stay well friends,
Sam & Sean

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