Ed 382: Merch Shop, K-9 Association, Daily Menu Reopening
Powered by Ashton Creek Vineyard — this Saturday, November 15, enjoy delish food, wine, and live music, and raise a glass to nine years. Get all the need-to-know celebration deets here!
Good morning!
I’ve got just a little extra pep in my step today because we recently gave our merch shop a zhuzh, and personally, I’m obsessed with the results. I mean, was I the only one who couldn’t find a “River City” tee anywhere out there for the life of me?? We decided to take matters into our own hands — and carts — and now we’ve got lots of new threads to shop. They’re perfect for you to scoop up for yourself or, say, for another Richmond lover on your holiday shopping list. I’ll leave you to it.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a film festival, pizzeria expansion plans, bridge reconstruction, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 63°, low of 40°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 62°, low of 32°
Friday: Mostly sunny; high of 64°, low of 40°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 5 - 8 pm: HOLIDAY WINE TASTING & SALE
Thursday, 6 - 8 pm: F*CKED UP FAIRY TALES WITH LIZ GOTAUCO
Friday, 6 - 9 pm: PINBALL TOURNAMENT
CITY GUIDES
1. THE TRENDSPOTTER: NOVEMBER 2025
2. 11 DIRTY MARTINIS TO TRY IN RICHMOND
3. RICHMOND SPOTS THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH THANKSGIVING DIN THIS YEAR
Image Source: Virginia Police K-9 Association
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Virginia Police K-9 Association: As always, we *love* when our readers reach out with info they think we should know, and this time around, Meg C. gave us the scoop on this org. Founded in 2019 in partnership with the Chesterfield County Police Department, the Virginia Police K-9 Association was created to help cover catastrophic medical expenses for retired police dogs, and in 2022, it expanded its support to include all retired law enforcement K-9s across Virginia. The organization works to ensure these dogs receive the care they deserve in retirement — providing food, medication, and veterinary services at no cost when possible — so no handler faces financial hardship or otherwise. Funded by donations, the association honors the service of these dogs, who play vital roles in law enforcement and community safety.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Daily Menu Restaurant
Image Source: Zorch
Image Source: Friends of the James River Park
Image Source: LEGO
SOCIAL NEWS
We love this to pieces: The LEGO store has officially opened at Short Pump Town Center, marking the first location for the block shop in Central Virginia. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off a weekend celebration featuring giveaways and free gifts. The store includes a pick-and-build wall for selecting individual pieces and brick specialists to assist customers with their selects. Its debut coincides with ongoing construction of a LEGO manufacturing facility in Chesterfield. (12 On Your Side)
The 9th Annual Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival will be held next week, November 20 through 23, at VMFA and VMHC. Featuring more than 50 films, the event celebrates Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous cultures, languages, and storytelling through cinema. Alongside film screenings, special events will highlight Indigenous perspectives and experiences. Tix must be purchased online at pocahontasreframed.com, with options including a $125 VIP Pass (or $100 with discounts) for full access to all films, activities, and the Filmmakers Reception, and a $30 Weekend Pass (or $25 with discounts) for general admission. (Press Release)
Also next week, on November 22, The Hippodrome Theater will host RVA Heroes: A Geek Chic Gala, an annual event presented by Geek Wellness Education, a local nonprofit that uses pop culture to promote mental health awareness. Now in its fourth year, the gala brings together business leaders, fashion enthusiasts, and sci-fi fans to celebrate community “heroes,” including journalist Rachel DePompa, crisis worker Lynn Vannoy, mental health educator Catie-Regan King, and organ donation advocate Tara Gambino. Hosted by actress Christina Masterson, the evening will feature a keynote from The Walking Dead’s IronE Singleton, a performance by musician Tim Capello, a collectibles talk by Filthy Fortunes’ Mike Kelleher, and a Geek Chic Fashion Show inspired by pop culture favorites like Jurassic Park and Sailor Moon. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet and desserts from River City Chocolate. (Press Release)
Beach plans are in our future. After more than three years of limited access, repairs are finally underway on the pedestrian truss bridge that connects to Texas Beach along the North Bank Trail. The bridge, closed since failing a 2022 safety inspection, suffered decades of weather-related damage to its steel supports, though the concrete deck remained intact. Reconstruction will replace the steel I-beams and concrete deck with reinforced steel and aluminum. Funded by $2 mil from the American Rescue Plan Act, the project must be completed by the end of 2026, though officials expect it to reopen sooner. The bridge’s return will restore safe access to the popular James River spot, which many have reached in… more creative ways since its closure. (Richmond magazine)
The Giver City: As the government shutdown disrupts SNAP benefits, Richmond restaurants, markets, and nonprofits are stepping up to support those in need. Philly Vegan continues its pay-what-you-can meals, while Shalom Farms has quadrupled its food distribution and donates surplus to RVA Community Fridges and local pantries. Birdhouse Farmers Market is running a SNAP donation campaign, and Ripple Ray’s in Carytown is offering free meals for kids and collecting food donations. RVA Community Fridges, Richmond Food Not Bombs, Golden Hour Richmond, and Fonticello Food Forest are also providing free food, hosting drives, and organizing volunteer opp to keep the community fed during the crisis. We quite literally love this city. (Style Weekly)
Get your piece of the pie. Zorch Pizza has announced plans to renovate and expand its Carytown location to meet growing demand after years of outgrowing its current space. The upgrades will include a redesigned layout with a revamped bar, expanded kitchen, additional pizza oven, a soft-serve machine, and more, all aimed at increasing capacity and enhancing the dining experience. To fund the project, Zorch has launched an investment campaign through Honeycomb Credit, inviting the community to invest and help build the future of the beloved pizza place. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍔ICYMI, Daily Menu is back up and running again. (Instagram)
✨Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights starts up at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Monday, November 17. (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden)
🍕Pizza Delores is officially opening in 2026; the owners just secured the keys last week. (Instagram)
Image Source: Bonfire
Weekly Giveaway
RVAx Merch
We truly can’t stop 😍 over our new swag, and if you’re feeling the same way, too, we want to send you some fresh threads.
This week, we’re giving away a tee, sweatshirt, or tote bag from our merch shop! You pick the item, we order up.
To enter, tell us: Do marshmallows belong on sweet potato casserole or not?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winners, Amanda G. and Sheetal M., for winning the Molly Reeder giveaway!
Image Source: Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Member Perks
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Need to get the kiddos in for a quick refresh before Thanksgiving? Sharkey’s creates an entertaining experience for little ones by providing a superior haircut with warm, experienced stylists in a meticulously clean and sanitized place filled with fun you won’t find in other kids salons.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 20% off any service! Use code The Richmond Experience when you check out.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 18 new members this week: Lizzy H., Nicole P., Hannah T., Elana S., Ryan D., Evan C., Brittany T., Stef B., Lucia S., Megan M., Chelsey N., Eric G., Jayme S., Taylor S., Rebekah M., Maxine T., Claire P., and Anita F., 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 382 of The Weekly Insider.
Ta ta for now!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Ashton Creek Vineyard for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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