Ed 363: July 4th Plans, Matchmaking Event Series, Nordic-Inspired Women's Boutique
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Happy holiday week!
I’m writing this to you as it’s thunder-storming outside, and while that’s always a vibe, I’m hoping the power can keep it together. After my little beach getaway a couple weeks ago, I came home to 80° temps inside and realized a storm earlier that week tripped the AC. Ever since, I’ve been side-eyeing the thermostat to make sure she’s feeling okay. “I just don’t think at this [point in the summer], I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life.”
Luckily, things have cooled down just a touch since last week, and the long weekend ahead looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous one. Stay hydrated, stay safe, and… stay reading along with us here; we’ve got a few more things to cover before it’s *really* OOO o’clock.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including must-try Filipino food; a chemical-free, eco-friendly gardening biz; where to see your next movie; and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Storms likely; high of 81°, low of 73°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 89°, low of 70°
Friday: Sunny; high of 88°, low of 71°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 am - 4 pm: HILL OF HEROES FLAG DISPLAY
Thursday, 6:35 - 9 pm: RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS VS CHESAPEAKE BAYSOX
Friday, 12 - 10 pm: LET LAGERS RING
CITY GUIDES
1. 6 OF THE BEST LOCAL BAGEL SHOPS TO TRY
Image Source: Virginia War Memorial
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Virginia War Memorial: This Downtown landmark honors and remembers thousands of Virginians killed in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, and America’s 21st century conflicts. Right now, the space is paying homage to these fallen service members with Hill of Heroes, a display of nearly 12,000 miniature American flags, which will remain up through July 11.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Auntie Ning’s
Image Source: Echelon Wine Bar
Image Source: @bloomistry.garden
Image Source: @hissoffrva
SOCIAL NEWS
Love this for us: After years of challenges operating his Filipino food business, Auntie Ning’s, Frederico Enriquez is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Northside this July, thanks to a partnership with friends Rodney and Kristin Hobday. Previously running as a food truck and through shared kitchens, Frederico faced many setbacks but stayed committed to sharing his culture through food. The new spot will serve familiar Filipino favorites and expanded vegan options, with plans for Filipino breakfasts and community outreach, too, including regular free meals for the unhoused. Rooted in faith, friendship, and a passion for cooking, Enriquez sees this new chapter as his true calling. (Richmond magazine)
When you’re figuring out dinner plans before or after an upcoming show (plus), Daisy’s at Tredegar, a new riverfront restaurant, is set to open soon next to the Allianz Amphitheater. The concept comes from Richmond restaurant vets Matt Kirwan and Rawleigh Easley, with support from Annie Hazelgrove of NewMarket Corp., which owns the property. Named after Annie’s golden retriever, Daisy’s will offer indoor and outdoor seating for about 100 diners and be open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu will feature items like chicken biscuits, açaí bowls, burgers, salads, and Northeastern-style chicken cutlet sandwiches, aiming to serve concertgoers, downtown workers, and riverfront visitors alike, with extended hours on weekends and during events. (Richmond BizSense)
Summer Supper Somm is back! Barbara and David Hunsaker of Village Garden have launched the fourth season of their fan-fave dinner series, celebrating Virginia’s heirloom tomatoes and expanding their winery partnerships with support from the Virginia Wine Board. Formerly centered around Barboursville Vineyards, the series now features a broader range of Virginia wines and venues, including restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia. This year’s events include collabs with top wineries and acclaimed chefs, and proceeds will support Greater Richmond SCAN. With over 400 tomato varieties growing strong, the duo is enthusiastic about their best season yet. And notes Style Weekly, “The full schedule is here (and reads like a ‘Best Virginia Restaurants’ list).” (Style Weekly)
Attn, film buffs: Movieland at Boulevard Square recently held a grand re-opening, unveiling several new features for Richmond moviegoers. Highlights include the new Playland Arcade with games for all ages, an expanded concession menu with items like cheesesteaks and chicken tenders, and a bar and lounge area that includes duckpin bowling. The theater also introduced two new BTX Premium Large Format auditoriums with larger screens, Dolby Atmos sound, and luxury recliners throughout. How’s that for your M3GAN 2.0 viewing plans? (WRIC)
What’re friends for anyway? Exactly this: Pitch-A-Friend, a popular event series that reimagines matchmaking through fun and friendship, is expanding to the River City after major success in Philly. At these events, friends give short slide presentations to highlight their single friends in a social setting like bars or breweries, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere for meeting new people. The concept has gone viral, with over 2.5 million views on Instagram, and has built a strong following and waitlist of venues in Philadelphia. Founders Melissa Schipke and Ariana Brogan, along with Richmond organizer Rebecca Phillips, are excited to bring the experience to a new audience. Learn more here! (Press Release)
We thought you might like to know more about this new-to-us biz we read about in our inbox: Bloomistry is a local regenerative fine gardening company founded by VCU alum Conner Parrish. Specializing in chemical-free, eco-friendly gardening, Bloomistry offers consulting, workshops, and botanical art classes ideal for home gardeners, sustainable living enthusiasts, and DIY brides. Conner also teaches at spots like Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. As interest in organic gardening grows in the area, Bloomistry serves as a valuable resource for those looking to garden sustainably. (Press Release, Bloomistry)
Hiss Off. No, not you; that’s the name of the new goth and Harajuku-inspired clothing and vintage décor store that opened at the start of this week in Carytown. Founded by Sophie Smith, a Radford University alum and graphic designer, the 750-square-foot shop features bold hot pink walls, eclectic fashion, and unique vintage home goods. Inspired by alternative styles, '90s/Y2K fashion, and Japanese streetwear, Hiss Off will carry brands like The Ragged Priest, Fiorucci, Juicy Couture, and local artist creations. Smith aims to fill a gap in Richmond's vintage scene by offering hard-to-find goth and alternative pieces. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🦫Buc-ee’s officially opened its first Virginia location, a couple hours down the road, right off I-81 in Rockingham County. (WHSV)
🛍️Church Hill just welcomed Dottir to the neighborhood. The “Nordic-inspired women’s boutique featuring mindfully curated collections of apparel and accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and Scandi-style gifts” lives at 2509 E Broad St. (Instagram)
Image Source: @threenotchd
Weekly Giveaway
Three Notch’d Rocket Pop
We’re suckers for festive drops, and the packaging for this craft cocktail is as good as its classic summer popsicle flavor.
This week, we’re giving away a four-pack of Rocket Pop just in time for the long holiday weekend! A few things to note: You must be 21+ to win and have a valid ID handy at pick-up. We’ll select the winner by 12 pm on July 3 so you can collect your prize at the Scott’s Addition taproom before your Friday barbecue (or whatev).
To enter, tell us: What are your long-weekend plans?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Lauren G., for winning the EFM Waxing giveaway!
Image Source: Sandy Feet Photography
Member Perks
Sandy Feet Photography
We love that Featured Image of the Week up top, but Sandy Feet Photography offers way more where that came from. The local photog captures everything from wildlife to moments between loved ones.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get:
25% off Sandy Feet Photography regular photography sessions
BOGO booking on Sandy Feet Photography’s Airbnb photography session
Just tell them when you book you’re a member!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 13 new members this week: Clifford S., Priscilla C., Susan R., Evelyn R., Alicia S., Sarah F., Barbara C., Erima F., Kara D., Tiffanie F., Jane S., Jennifer P., and Corrine 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 363 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a happy and safe Fourth!🎆
- The Richmond Experience
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