Ed 390: Mahjong, Hopewell Brewery, Bridal Boutique
Powered by VCU Athletics — the Rams take on the Spiders on Sunday, February 1, and *you* get discounted tickets to the showdown. Snag your tix here!
Hi!
Everybody’s sharing their decade-old throwbacks on social media, and it’s looking like the forecast is hopping on the trend — we’re (seemingly) headed for one of Virginia’s biggest snowstorms since January 2016 😱 The thought alone is bone-chilling, considering the Wintry Water Whirlwind of 2025 (a cutesy name I just came up with that in no way reflects the fact that I was looking up cholera and things of the waterborne-like around this time last year). Here’s hoping Saturday only results in multiple days of snowmen, hot cocoa, and movie marathons. But maybe get to the store today for (an appropriate amount of) bottled H₂O, just to be safe?
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including an antiques expo, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a second Sphere nearby, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 46°, low of 35°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 59°, low of 31°
Friday: Mostly cloudy; high of 49°, low of 20°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: VCU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS GEORGE WASHINGTON
Thursday, 6 am - 10 pm: RVA’S 9TH ANNUAL VEGAN FOOD WEEK
Friday, 10 am - 5 pm: THE VIRGINIA ANTIQUES EXPO LAUNCH DAY
CITY GUIDES
1. 13 LOCAL DATE SPECIALS TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SOMEONE SPECIAL
Image Source: Mama J’s
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Mama J’s: Governor Abigail Spanberger hired Mama J’s to cater breakfast for her inauguration last Saturday, so if you need a rec for where to grab your next bite, let this be it. The Jackson Ward staple creates its soul-food menu with tradition in mind, taking inspo from Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house, and you’ll be drooling over the catfish, cobbler, and everything else. Let this *also* be a sign for you to visit just-opened Mama J’s Market, too.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Good Ship Brewing
Image Source: The Virginia Antiques Expo
Image Source: Monster Mini Golf
Image Source: @letsmahjrva
SOCIAL NEWS
Attn, newly engaged girlies! The White Magnolia Bridal Collection, a nationally recognized bridal boutique known for its personalized, appointment-only experience, is opening its first Virginia location in the Fan next month. Founded in 2010, the spot specializes in exclusive designer gowns and private fittings guided by expert bridal stylists, and this fresh store will introduce several designers new to the local market. The Richmond location will also exclusively offer Amborella bridal veils. You can book your appointment(s) online starting now and look forward to an intimate and customized experience shopping. (Press Release)
If you missed clicking around in the Happenings section up top, starting Friday, the Virginia Antiques Expo from East Coast Expositions will ~debut~ at the Old Dominion Building in the Richmond Raceway Complex, bringing together antique and fine-art collectibles from around the world alongside music, magicians, and other live entertainment. The event celebrates history and culture through art while offering chances to meet local artisans and antique dealers. The show runs on Friday and Saturday, and FWIW, purchasing tickets ahead of time saves you a few bucks. (Richmond magazine)
The Junior League of Richmond celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of service since it was founded by 59 young women in 1926. Now an organization of hundreds of women, the org focuses on strengthening the community through programs and partnerships with others like REAL LIFE and the YWCA Sprout School. The centennial celebration includes weekly historical features on social media and a Centennial Gala at Main Street Station on January 24, highlighting the nonprofit’s legacy through stories and photos from past initiatives, including programs for Richmond children and WWII-era soldier dances at The Jefferson. (Press Release)
In more celebration news, Richmond’s branch of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of work toward providing safe, affordable housing in our area. Since May 1986, the nonprofit has built 398 homes and completed 240 home repairs across Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield, while expanding programs, operating two ReStores, engaging thousands of volunteers, and advocating for housing equity. To commemorate the milestone, Richmond Habitat will host several events throughout 2026, including a spring home dedication celebrating the completion of its 400th home, a Week of Building Hope in May aimed at engaging at least 400 volunteers, and a 40th Anniversary Celebration on September 19 honoring Habitat’s past, present, and future impact. (Richmond Family Magazine)
And while we’re toasting, Good Ship Brewing & Eatery is a new craft brewery and restaurant that opened in downtown Hopewell this month, marking the neighboring city’s first brewery after a long-planned effort by local owner Donnie Barber. The spot combines in-house craft beers with a full food menu in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, complete with a beer garden and designed for long hangouts. (Good Ship Brewing, Richmond BizSense)
If you’re looking for a monster-good time, Monster Mini Golf just opened at Regency Mall, bringing a glow-in-the-dark, monster-themed indoor entertainment venue to the area. The space features an 18-hole mini golf course with animatronic creatures, two mini-bowling lanes, arcade games, and party spaces. It’s open daily from noon to 8 pm and 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. (Axios)
It’s not just us — mahjong is having a moment, isn’t it? A reader (S/O Suzanne M!) recently reached out to tell us about Emilie Rabke, founder of Let’s Mahj RVA. She’s formed a community focused on teaching and playing American Mahjong while fostering social connection, particularly among women. The group offers classes, guided play, and social events both in person and online, helping beginners learn the game and more experienced players stay engaged through community-oriented mahjong activities. You can find scheduling updates and more details on Emilie’s various social media channels. (Instagram)
Image Source: Andy Weir
Weekly Giveaway
Project Hail Mary
Our first book club meeting of 2026 happens next week, and we’re reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Whether or not you’re planning to come chit-chat with us, we figure you could always use a bestselling novel to cozy up with. (But, like… come on! Chit-chat with us!)
This week, we’re giving away a copy of Project Hail Mary! Sent straight to you from one of our favorite local bookstores, obvs.
To enter, tell us: What was the original purpose of the tiny pocket in jeans?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Joanna H, for winning the Carytown Teas giveaway!
Image Source: Mix & Match Design Co
Member Perks
Mix & Match Design Co
There’s nothing like giving your place a refresh with the start of a new year, and Mix & Match Design Co can def help you do just that. Founder Chaney Widmer works alongside her clients to help them create warm, functional homes that reflect their personality and style.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 25% off virtual consultation service, Designer on Call! Use code RVAX at checkout.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Heather B., Bria R., Lauren M., Susan G., Brian F., Luke V., Erin M., Erin R., Caroline L., Katie A., and Nick S., 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 390 of The Weekly Insider.
TTYS!
-The Richmond Experience
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