Ed 386: Champagne Tasting, Sunrise Socials, Folk Music Scene
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Hello, hello!
We’re nearing the final stretch of the year, which means I’m nearing that point in the month where I’m just giving up on hard pants altogether. If you’re somewhere between “I should probably start wrapping” and “Shoot, I… still have to buy wrapping paper,” you’re not alone — and we’ll make it snappy up top here.
Just so you know, we won’t be in your inbox with the Weekly Insider next week, but we will be back with it on Wednesday, December 31, to get a little mushy, pinch your cheeks, and bid one more adieu before the clock strikes 2026. Until then, look for a couple rounds of the Weekender and a few fresh City Guides, and have yourself a merry little whatever you’d like 💋
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Richmond mag’s best of the best, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, patio upgrades, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy; high of 58°, low of 33°
Thursday: Afternoon showers; high of 59°, low of 51°
Friday: Morning showers; high of 59°, low of 27°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 am - 1 pm: RICHMOND COMMUNITY TOOLBANK VOLUNTEER OPP
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: SOBER HAPPY HOUR
Friday, 6 - 8 pm: AFTER 5 FRIDAYS: DANCE AFTER WORK
CITY GUIDES
1. RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THESE PARTIES & EVENTS IN RVA
Image Source: Sylvia’s Sisters
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Jennifer Taylor: She’s the founder and board president of Sylvia’s Sisters, a nonprofit org working to achieve menstrual equity by providing education, advocacy, and necessary menstrual supplies so that menstruators — both in Central Virginia and abroad — can thrive in school, work, and life. Named after Sylvia Namukasa of rural Uganda, the group has expanded from sewing reusable period kits to distributing millions of period products, partnering with local and international communities, and advancing policy changes. Ultimately, Sylvia’s Sisters envisions affordable access to menstrual health education and quality products for all, plus an end to period stigma.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Slay Burgers
Image Source: Parousia Coffee
Image Source: Metro Richmond Zoo
Image Source: Franco’s Fine Clothier
SOCIAL NEWS
Richmond Supreme. For the first time, Richmond mag has compiled 37 years of its readers’ Best & Worst winners (totaling more than 2,500 champs across 15,000 categories) to pinpoint the services, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options most frequently making the cut. The list includes a mix of longtime favorites and standout newcomers, as well as a range of specific noteworthy spots, events, and general locales, like the Richmond SPCA Dog Jog and The Fan. Together, these consistently celebrated winners represent the best of the best as chosen by RVA’s community over decades. (Richmond magazine)
For your future EBTB runs. Trader Joe’s is planning to open a third Richmond grocery store as part of the Midtown64 redevelopment of the former Genworth Financial campus. The news marks the grocery chain’s continued expansion in the region and would place the store within the large mixed-use project being developed by a Greenberg Gibbons-led group. (Richmond BizSense)
Party pastries for everyone! Sub Rosa Bakery officially reopened this week, more than a year after it closed due to a devastating fire that damaged the building and forced an extended shutdown. The institution in Richmond’s food scene — and a James Beard-nominated gem! — operated out of other kitchens and markets during its repairs. Its restored space marks an especially resilient comeback for the cherished local spot, as this was the second major fire closure it’s suffered in its history. (Style Weekly)
More than juicy burgers, Slay Burgers is expanding its presence by opening a juice shop and seating area across the street from its current location. This development addresses a long-standing need for a place where customers can sit and enjoy their food. The new space will serve both juice customers and people grabbing burgers from the burger shop, creating a more complete experience for patrons, particularly those who want to linger and eat on-site rather than take food to go. (Richmond BizSense)
How to spend some of your upcoming mornings: Coffee Club is a new weekly collab with Parousia Coffee that launched last week, inviting the community to gather every Thursday throughout the winter (except December 25!) from 6:45 to 8 am. The casual morning meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re stopping by briefly or hanging out for a while, and will feature rotating, house-made syrup flavors to go with your coffee talk. (Instagram)
The more you know: Richmond Public Library is preparing for the January closure of Baker & Taylor, a book supplier that has served libraries since 1828 and provided books (often at bulk discounts) to nine local branches. In prep, Library Director Scott Firestine said RPL has already reduced its reliance on Baker & Taylor by shifting orders to Ingram Content Group and adding Brodart as a secondary vendor. He anticipates minimal disruption for patrons, though popular older titles might take longer to source. Scott also explained why digital books aren’t a simple substitute: licensing restrictions often limit checkouts and don’t necessarily save money, and local book purchasing remains funded through the city budget. (The Richmonder)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🪕There’s a grassroots house-show folk music scene brewing in the neighborhood(s). (Instagram)
✨Outdoor Dreams is looking to bring a magical vibe to your back patio this winter. (Richmond magazine)
🦛Poppy just celebrated her first year around the sun. (Metro Richmond Zoo)
Image Source: Stony Point Fashion Park
Weekly Giveaway
Stony Point On Ice
Winter officially starts this weekend, and if you haven’t taken a peek at our recs for how to chill when it’s (really) chilly, let this be your reminder. One thing we suggest is channeling some ~The Rink at Rockefeller Center energy~ at a nearby outdoor ice rink.
This week, we’re giving away two tickets to skate at Stony Point Fashion Park’s rink this Sunday, December 21! That gets you 75 mins *and* skate rentals. (We’ll choose the winner by 5 pm this Thursday, so make sure you enter ASAP!)
To enter, tell us: What else is on YOUR winter bucket list this season?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Elana M., for winning the Sub Rosa giveaway!
Image Source: Busy Bee Play City
Member Perks
Busy Bee Play City
Busy Bee Play City offers imaginative play options for kiddos, encouraging critical thinking, learning how to follow directions, building expressive language, and then some, all against the backdrop of a kid-size city. Little visitors can enjoy “working” at a firehouse, schoolhouse, gas station, and other places of biz.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get $5 off admission! Use code RVAEX at checkout.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 18 new members this week: Tiffany G., Emma R., Kathryn M., Chrissy C., Michael A., Jared S., Erica C., Melissa K., Chad S., Hillary O., Mitchell B., Jay S., Brandi H., Polly W., Jay A., Randee H., Jessica C., and Jennie B., 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 386 of The Weekly Insider.
❤️ With peace and peppermints 🤍
- The Richmond Experience
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