Where Richmond Teachers Score Freebies, Deals & Perks This Week & Beyond
BY PAIGE ROEMER
As a teacher, I admit I get excited for Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a nice boost of morale at a time of year when many teachers, including myself, are in the home stretch of state testing, end-of-year festivities, and finalizing grades before summer. While corporations flood teachers’ social media feeds with the latest Teacher Appreciation Week deals, this guide highlights the many local Richmond businesses that offer discounts and more now and (or!) year round.
Food & drink
Image Source: Gelati Celesti
Gelati Celesti
This deal only happens during Teacher Appreciation Week, and it’s a sweet one! From May 4 through 8, all Gelati Celesti locations are giving teachers and school staff a free scoop of ice cream with a school ID. The real cherry on top though? Folks can nominate a teacher for the chance to win a $100 Gelati Celesti gift card until May 8!
Auntie Ning’s
Auntie Ning’s, a food truck turned restaurant in Brookland Park, serves the best authentic Filipino food in RVA! Coming from a military family, co-owner Kristin said it was important to their team to honor those who choose to serve others — which is exactly why they offer a Heroes Discount to teachers, military, first responders, and more for 10% off your entire order.
Buskey Cider
Shout out to a two-year-old Reddit comment for this tip! Buskey Cider offers $1 off pints for teachers year round. Also worth noting: Last year, Buskey doubled down on discounts during an end-of-school-year event in late May, so they must know how much teachers like apples! Keep your eyes peeled for a similar celebration.
Fine Creek Brewing
This one is worth the drive to Powhatan. Nothing screams “school’s out” like sitting on the patio drinking a crisp beer (or glass of wine) and sharing a cheeseboard with your teacher bestie. Last year, Fine Creek hosted Teacher Appreciation Weekend to kick off summer break, where educators received 15% off their tabs when they present a school ID. No official date has been set for this year, but look out for a post from their social media.
Jardin
Last year, Jardin kicked off summer for teachers by offering half off corkage when you present a public school badge or ID. They have said they will be hosting another teacher appreciation event again, likely around that same time, so check out their Instagram for updates.
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
Tucked away in Bon Air, Perk! offers a wide selection of coffee and tea sourced from local favorites like Blanchard’s Coffee, Afterglow Coffee Cooperative, and Rostov’s Coffee & Tea. Their treats are made locally too, with a wide rotating selection every day! Perk offers a 10% discount off your order year round for all teachers, so why not grab a yummy treat with your morning coffee or matcha?
Strangeways Brewing
After a long day of hearing your name five thousand times, it’s nice to relax and enjoy an after-school beverage. Every Tuesday, teachers can enjoy 20% off their tabs at both Strangeways Brewing locations with a valid school ID. Can’t make it on a Tuesday? No problem. Teacher Tuesday is double their daily teacher discount, so no matter what day of the week you go, you can always treat yourself!
Shopping & other experiences
Image Source: VMFA
Book People
If you are someone who winds down after a long day with a good book, Book People has got you covered! This book store tucked away in Henrico offers a 20% discount for K-12 teachers and school librarians when you show your school ID or pay stub. Unlike some of the big chain stores, Book People will allow you to use the discount on books for yourself, not just your classroom.
PR Run & Walk
One aspect of teaching is constantly being on your feet, so it’s important to have comfortable shoes. PR Run & Walk has a wide selection of comfy shoes from many well-known brands including Hoka, Brooks, On Cloud, and Birkenstock. They offer a Heroes Discount for teachers, military, and first responders to receive 15% off their purchases. When you present a valid school ID, they will set you up with an account, so your discount sticks with you for future in-store purchases.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Whether you are visiting with a school or on your own, Lewis Ginter has a deal for teachers! Full-time educators receive a $20 discount on all general membership levels, which means plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses! Lewis Ginter also offers teacher workshops for schools to incorporate into their professional development days as a way to help bring nature into the classroom.
Science Museum of Virginia
Teachers are constantly learning, just like their students, and what better place to learn than at the science museum? Teachers receive free general admission entry when they present a valid school ID in person to Guest Services. (FYI, this does exclude special events, Dome features, and touring exhibitions.) As a science teacher, I can’t believe I have gone so long without knowing about this discount!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
If your type of museum is more of the art kind, then this discount is for you! The VMFA offers free admission to their rotating exhibits when you present a school ID at Guest Services. In other words, past exhibits, such as the stunning Samurai Armor and Frida Kahlo exhibits, were free to view for teachers. Teachers can also receive $10 off any membership level (except the Student level).
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Located in the Museum District, right next to VMFA, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers a variety of exhibits and features to truly get a breadth of what Virginia is all about. Educators receive a $2 discount on daily admission and discounted individual memberships.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Long-time reader, first-time writer. Paige is a public high school science teacher who is passionate about supporting local businesses. After moving to Richmond in 2019, she worked as a child care director for a year before landing her dream teaching job. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Paige shopping at local markets, eating sushi at RVA Katana, or at Perk! every Friday morning.
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