Ed 378: Date Night Specials, Garden Glow Kickoff, Haunted Places
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Hello!
It’s officially cuffing season, and ICYMI, there are a couple new date night specials out there you should know about. I’ll be updating our roundup to include them, but if you need inspo immediately:
🍷Brambly Park = $45 for two entrées, an appetizer or a dessert, and a bottle of Brambly wine for pick-up or dine-in, every day after 7:30 pm
🍔The Mayor = $48 for two smashburgers and a bottle of Cuvée Sara Beth from Ruth Lewandowski Wines, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to close
So, like, call up your someone special and make plans ASAP? And if you want a little festive magic to add to the mix, I drove my kiddos around The Fan and Museum District earlier this week to see how many big-af skeletons we could spot. I’m sure your date would find that just as entertaining. You don’t have to listen to Mickey’s Spooky Night — but you could. It slaps.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including the new entertainment division for the Squirrels, Oktoberfest last call(s), James Beard Foundation noms, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 74°, low of 50°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 68°, low of 43°
Friday: Sunny; high of 65°, low of 46°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 10 pm: GARDEN GLOW KICKOFF
Thursday, 8:30 - 11:30 pm: RIVER CITY ROLL & RAVE
Friday, 2:30 pm - 2 am: RICHMOND TATTOO & ARTS CONVENTION
CITY GUIDES
1. WHICH RICHMOND BAR TO VISIT, BASED ON YOUR FAVORITE TAYLOR SWIFT ERA
Image Source: Google Street View
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Waverly House: Also known historically as Twin Oaks or Oak Grove, this private residence on Monument Ave is rumored to be haunted by at least one spirit — that of Benjamin Green, a former occupant whose rep was tarnished by accusations of bank theft. The property isn’t open to the public, but you can indulge in the reason for the season by visiting rvaghosts.com and learning more.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Sally Bell’s Kitchen
Image Source: Final Gravity
Image Source: Dave Parrish via Maymont
Image Source: Savannah Bananas
SOCIAL NEWS
One of the best of the best fall (and/or annual?) events starts up again today, October 15! Juuust in case you scrolled past the Happenings section up top, Garden Glow runs nightly (except Mondays), now through November 9, transforming Maymont’s gardens and grounds with artistic lighting and immersive installations. Get your steps in with an evening walk after dark, passing through vibrant light displays across paths and historic garden spaces, and stop and “ooo and ahhh” a while in the Glow Village on the Carriage House Lawn, where there’ll be fire pits, glow furniture, refreshments, and interactive fun. The event is always great for all ages, so bring the whole crew (multiple times, even!). (Maymont)
Get to the theater: Since its founding in 2013, 5th Wall Theatre has operated without a home base, staging productions at various venues — until now, that is. Last month, the company moved into its first permanent location: The Basement at 300 E Broad St in the Arts District. The decision was made for both practical and symbolic reasons, as 5th Wall has a longtime history with that space; in the past, theater fans often made their way to the venue with plans to catch a 5th Wall show. After negotiating with the building owner, the group secured a five-year lease and plans to preserve much of the existing venue layout while making improvements such as a new entrance for accessibility. Its next season kicks off this Thursday, October 16, with performances of Our Dear Dead Drug Lord running through November 9, followed by Wolf Play in the spring and Tambo & Bones in the summer, tying together an overall theme of belonging. (Richmond magazine)
Go bananas!: The new home of the Squirrels, CarMax Park, has launched an entertainment division called 804Live to host events throughout the year, set to organize concerts, festivals, weddings, corporate gatherings, and sporting events, transforming the venue into a year-round entertainment destination. With a capacity of over 14,000 people and multiple rentable spaces within the park, the plan is to attract major acts and large crowds, making the park Richmond’s premier entertainment venue. Already for next year, Banana Ball is returning to our area, with games (between the Firefighters and the Indianapolis Clowns) scheduled at the ballpark for May 1 and 2. When the Firefighters played the Texas Tailgaters in Richmond this year, the game drew more than 18,000 fans, so snag tix as soon as you can — the lottery system to save your spot is open through the end of this month. (12 On Your Side, WTVR)
Richmond food lovers have long had a bone to pick with the city’s lack of recognition from the James Beard Foundation. Our only James Beard Award winner to date is Sally Bell’s Kitchen, honored in 2015, and the last River City nominee was back in 2020. (Seriously, tho, how??) But the chance to change that has arrived with the open call for James Beard Award entries and recommendations underway through November 21. To make your voice heard, create an account, review the rules, and submit your noms thoughtfully. FYI, Richmond falls within the Mid-Atlantic region, and the process includes a few short questions to complete. (Richmond magazine)
Khloé Kardashian is keeping up with Richmond, Virginia, apparently. Local mom Susana Berrios, whose son goes to CC Wells Elementary in Chesterfield County, recently took to TikTok to ask Khloé Kardashian if the celeb might donate to the school. And Khloé was all about it; she quickly funded the classroom’s wish list of needed supplies. Susana “didn’t think it was real” when the famous sis agreed to help out, but if we know anything about the Kardashians, we know Khloé is the realest one for sure. (WRIC)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🛍️Curtain Call’s major consignment sale is happening on select dates now through October 26, and just so you know, the lines get lengthy. (Instagram)
🍻It’s the last weekend for Oktoberfests (that we know of); the 55th Annual Oktoberfest and the 8th Annual Oktoberfest at Final Gravity are on the cal. (Richmond Oktoberfest, Instagram)
🏫Don’t forget that Richmond Ed Fund is fundraising for Chimborazo Elementary School’s much-needed playground upgrade. The goal is $250,000, and the community has already brought together $119,000+ for the cause. (CBS6)
Image Source: KD’s Lense
Weekly Giveaway
KD’s Lense
Kaitlin Doherty is the talent behind the camera at KD’s Lense. Whether you’re planning for grad pics, need something for holiday cards this year, or just want some stunning snaps out and about, she’s got your best angles covered.
This week, we’re teaming up with KD’s Lense to give away a photo session! And the style is up to you — family, couple, solo, or portrait works.
To enter, tell us: What’s your Halloween costume this year?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Delis B., for winning the Rest in Pieces giveaway!
Image Source: AiRVA Photography
Member Perks
AiRVA Photography
There are few places more gorg than Monument Ave in the fall, but the fiery foliage is fleeting. Peak colors start to fade October 31, but you can get a permanent view of the reds, oranges, and yellows.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 15% off all prints in the AiRVA Photography online store! Just use code RVAX when you check out.
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SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 15 new members this week: Luke C., Leonardo T., Rachel R., Courtney S., Candice E., Jessie K., Maria U., Kelley W., Hanna M., Mike I., Elizabeth M., Carly G., Amber V., Trevor F., and Angie A., 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 378 of The Weekly Insider.
Witching you a happy midweek!
- The Richmond Experience
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