Ed 391: Slow Snow Clearing, Valentine Celebrations, RVA Pro Wrestling
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Hello there!
I’m known — by my nearest and dearest family and friends — to belt out a nice, long scream into a pillow when things get stressful, and MAN, these first few weeks of 2026 are doing a number on my mental stability, let me tell ya. My pillows can’t catch a break! If the general state of *quite a bit* is giving you the urge to pillow-scream, too, just let it rip.
Once or twice oughta do it, and then something like a chatty ep of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, a steaming-hot mug of peppermint tea, or a brisk walk around the block should give you a fair enough reset for the remainder of this week’s to-dos, like making dinner plans, grabbing a drink, and contributing to the community’s overall well-being. Lucky for you, we’ve got ways for how you can do all three.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a James Beard Award semifinalist, VMFA’s (soon-to-be) new look, a country-gas-station-meets-dive-bar, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly cloudy; high of 34°, low of 11°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 31°, low of 13°
Friday: Mostly cloudy; high of 30°, low of 14°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 7 - 11:30 pm: CENTERSTAGE KARAOKE
Thursday, 7 - 9 pm: TRIVIA NIGHT
Friday, 8 - 8:30 pm: HEATED RIVALRY RAVE
CITY GUIDES
1. HOW TO PLAN THE BEST GIRLS’ DAY (& NIGHT!) OUT IN RVA
2. YOUR GUIDE TO G/VALENTINE’S DAY IN RICHMOND
3. THE BEST RESTAURANTS & BARS IN RICHMOND TO CATCH THE GAME
Image Source: VMHC
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Ellen Glasgow: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and we stumbled upon a story from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture about Ellen Glasgow’s broken heart — a fitting read for anyone perhaps feeling not so lovey-dovey this season. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Richmond novelist and Henry Watkins Anderson, a corporate attorney turned Red Cross colonel during World War I, were secretly engaged in 1917 when Henry headed to the Balkans. Things quickly went off the rails, though, after he struck up a little somethin’-somethin’ with Queen Marie of Romania while overseas. Ellen endured long stretches of ghosting — including over Valentine’s Day 1918 — followed by an especially crushing reunion, when Henry returned home and was all, “Queen Marie this” and “Queen Marie that.” Yet, in true literary-legend fashion, Ellen channeled heartbreak into the creative spark behind some of her greatest work.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: The Roosevelt
Image Source: The Hive Wedding Collective
Image Source: RVA Pro Wrestling
Image Source: VMFA
SOCIAL NEWS
Watch your step. The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works says that clearing snow and ice from city streets after the weekend’s winter storm is taking longer than usual because crews are dealing with a combo of snow, ice, and black ice coupled with record-low temps (hello, today’s 28° high) that reduce the effectiveness of salt and sand treatments. Rest assured, crews are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts with about 240 employees and 75 trucks treating and plowing approximately 1,800 lane miles. The focus so far has been on primary and secondary roads, with neighborhood plowing expected to begin tonight and go into early tomorrow, once major routes are cleared. Richmond officials suggest residents stay home if possible and, when street parking is necessary, to park on the same side of the road as already-parked cars to help plows get through more easily. (WTVR)
While you’re brainstorming ideas for Valentine’s Day, Harry’s at Hofheimer is rolling out its Celebrate Love campaign for the first half of February, featuring a two-week series of events running February 1 to 15, designed to honor all forms of love — romantic relationships, friendships, chosen family, and self-love. There will be themed brunches, live music date nights, creative workshops, cocktail and food pairing experiences, Galentine’s celebrations, and ticketed nightlife events folks can look forward to. By offering experiences for couples, singles, friends, and groups, Harry’s at Hofheimer is emphasizing its focus on inclusivity, community connection, and showcasing local artists and collaborators. (Harry’s at Hofheimer)
1115 Mobile Kitchen fans, rejoice! After five years operating the 1115 Mobile Kitchen food truck, owner Henry Fletcher is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Hank’s Fried Chicken, this fall in the Fan. The new spot will serve as both a permanent home for customers who regularly track down the truck at ticketed events and a prep kitchen to support expanded catering operations. Nodding to Henry’s late grandmother, Hank’s reflects her welcoming, feed-everyone spirit and will offer both traditional and vegan fried chicken, with nearly the entire menu available in plant-based form. The restaurant’s spread will also have sides, rotating monthly specials, desserts, a kids’ menu, and a small bar program focused on simple cocktails and mainstream beers. Vibe-wise, things’ll be cozy, eclectic, country-gas-station-meets-dive-bar-esque with skate culture influences, emphasizing affordability, in-house preparation, and fair wages for staff. (Richmond magazine)
You might want to pin these plans down. RVA Pro Wrestling blends athletic competition, theatrical storytelling, and community-centered entertainment, and it’s quickly become a major local draw. Hosting near-monthly, often sold-out shows — primarily at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — the promotion features a roster of about 20 independent wrestlers who balance day jobs with rigorous training, regional travel, and character-driven performances. With strong fan loyalty, expanding regional recognition, and plans for continued high-energy events in 2026, RVA Pro Wrestling has reestablished the city as a vibrant hub for live professional wrestling. (Richmond magazine)
Upgrades incoming. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced new architectural renderings for the largest expansion and reno project in its history, revealing plans for a 173,000-square-foot McGlothlin Wing II that will significantly extend gallery space, visitor amenities, and programming. The project will add new and enhanced galleries for African, American, Indigenous American, contemporary, European, and photographic art, along with spaces for special exhibitions, events, a café and bar, and a fifth floor, allowing the museum to display more of its permanent collection and elevate its national standing. Designed by SmithGroup and shaped by extensive community input, the expansion emphasizes openness, accessibility, and stronger connections between indoor and outdoor spaces through features such as expansive windows, suspended staircases, and light-responsive exterior surfaces. Groundbreaking is expected for this summer, and VMFA will remain open during construction, which is set to fully wrap in 2029. (VMFA)
It’s about damn time! Virginia chef Leah Branch (The Roosevelt) was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category, which covers Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Leah grew up in Chesterfield County and studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University before returning to Richmond after the pandemic to lead The Roosevelt’s kitchen. She describes cooking as a way to communicate and connect with people, and at the Church Hill staple, Chef has put her own creative spin on Southern cuisine, blending familiar and unexpected elements (like grilled bok choy Caesar salad and chicken-fried pig ear). The nom marks an end to a period without Richmond area recognition at the James Beard Awards. (WTVR)
Break out the champagne. The Hive Wedding Collective, a wedding planning biz originally founded in 2011 by Christine Haines Greenberg, has been sold to longtime employee Anne Michelle Forbes, who now serves as the company’s owner and creative director. Originally launched as Wood Grain & Lace Events and rebranded in 2018, The Hive plans weddings primarily across Virginia, DC, and Maryland, with a strong focus on LGBTQ+ and multicultural weddings, while also handling corporate and birthday events. Christine — who also owns Urban Set Bride in Church Hill — decided to step back from Hive leadership after shifting her focus to operations and balancing multiple ventures, motherhood, and consulting work. She’ll remain involved as a mentor and occasional planner, while Anne plans to guide the company forward, keep the existing team in place, respond to changing wedding trends, and potentially hire additional planners in the coming years. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🧘 3S Yoga is hosting a silent, candlelit walk for peace, loving kindness, and compassion. (Instagram)
🗓️ The Junior League of Richmond has moved its Centennial Gala at Main Street Station to February 20. (Press Release)
🗣️ Hanover supervisors are meeting this Wednesday, January 28, with a closed session at 3 pm, and a 6 pm regular meeting, to discuss the recently announced plans for a 43-acre property in Ashland that would support ICE operations. (Richmond BizSense)
Image Source: Stir Crazy Cafe
Weekly Giveaway
Coffee on us!
If you were slip-sliding on your way out the door today and shuddered at this weekend’s forecast for more snow, you could probably use a pick-me-up — let us pick up your coffee tab.
This week, we’re giving THREE of you 10 bucks each for a local latte! Or whatever fills your cup.
To enter, tell us: What’s making you laugh these days?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Amber F, for winning the Project Hail Mary book giveaway!
Image Source: Bubbly Event Co
Member Perks
Bubbly Event Co
February is the eighth most common birthday month, and if you’re planning something special for an Aquarian or Piscean rarity, Bubbly Event Co can help set the vibe. From all-inclusive event planning to design to rental services, the org has everything you need for celebrating.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 15% off grab-and-go garlands! Use code RVAX15 at checkout.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 4 new members this week: Katie A., Nina M., Madelyne B., and Michael C., 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 391 of The Weekly Insider.
Take care of yourselves + your neighbors!
-The Richmond Experience
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