Ed 397: Mysterious Love Notes, Dirty SOdas, Pothole Blitz
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Hi again!
ICYMI, Paige is resetting and refreshing with some well-deserved OOO time in Mexico this week, which means I’m holding down the social media fort. I don’t know if it’s the pollen going straight to my head, but things got off to a wonky start. Here are just a few nuggets I’ve learned during this round of Kelsey’s Instagram Takeover:
Just when you think you’ve proofread a Reel’s text enough, you need to proofread it one more time. I’m going to be thinking about &COCKTSILS for a while.
You def need to make sure you’re logged into the correct Instagram account before you share a giveaway.
Extra time on the internet practically guarantees you won’t miss important breaking news — like the very first trailer for the 20th anniversary special of Hannah Montana.
Suffice it to say, I’ll be due for some app blocker QT when Paige gets back.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including CarMax Park amenities, a hands-on cocktail-making class, Venezuelan roasts, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly cloudy; high of 86°, low of 63°
Thursday: Rain; high of 68°, low of 29°
Friday: Mostly sunny; high of 59°, low of 46°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 - 12 pm: VOLUNTEER OPP WITH RICHMOND TOOLBANK
Thursday, 6:30/8:15 pm showtimes: LASER SHOW: QUEEN
Friday, 6 - 8 pm: SHOCKOE POP-UP GALLERY KICKOFF
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR GUIDE TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2026 IN RICHMOND
2. YOUR SPRING 2026 BUCKET LIST
3. 9 MUST-VISIT GRASSY SPOTS FOR THE ULTIMATE PICNIC EXPERIENCE
Image Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Falcon Cam: With the help of Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Comcast Business, this wholesome tradition is back for 2026, featuring the popular falcon pair 95/AK (female) and 59/BM (male) who are exhibiting courtship behaviors, including prey delivery, nest box invitations, scrape preparation, and mutual bowing, as they aim for their sixth successful nesting season together. 95/AK, first seen on camera as a juvenile in 2019, has produced 16 chicks over her tenure and is identifiable by her larger size, a small white facial spot, and distinctive leg bands. 59/BM, hatched in 2019 in Yorktown and arriving on camera in 2021, has fathered 15 chicks and can be distinguished by his smaller size, whiter breast feathers, and his own leg bands. Falcon Cam invites viewers to follow the season, learn about the birds through its FAQ, and subscribe for updates as the pair prepares to raise another brood in Richmond.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Gather + Hem
Image Source: @keepitchassephotography via Unsplash
Image Source: Richmond Flying Squirrels
Image Source: Allianz Amphitheater
SOCIAL NEWS
Get it fired up in a hurry. Dirty sodas — soft drinks amped up with flavored syrups, creams, and candy add-ins — are part of a playful beverage trend that began in Utah’s Latter-day Saints communities as a fun alternative to alcohol, coffee, and tea, and has since gained national attention amid growing social media buzz. So much so, in fact, that now the trend is coming to Richmond with Sippa, a drive-thru-only custom soda shop opening this spring. Salt Lake City natives Michelle and David Wride, who have lived in Richmond for nearly a decade, founded Sippa, which will offer a base lineup of mainstream sodas and lemonade that customers can customize with Monin syrups, creams, fruit and candy add-ins, all served over pebble ice. (Richmond magazine)
As if the Big Dill Dogs hadn’t stolen our hearts already, the Richmond Flying Squirrels have unveiled several new family-focused amenities at CarMax Park, including an inclusive playground, a family-friendly turf seating area, and a private lactation suite, all made possible through a partnership with Bon Secours, the team’s official healthcare partner. The Bon Secours Base Camp & Lawn will feature a playground designed for children ages 2 to 12, with accessible equipment, while The Lawn offers $10 terraced turf seating that lets families watch the game near the play area. The Bon Secours Nursing Nest will provide a comfy, private space for nursing parents, complete with seating and a diaper changing station, and will be available during all games and events. (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
Claritin clear my schedule. As spring arrives in Richmond, rising temps and breezy, dry conditions are triggering high pollen levels that leave cars coated in yellow dust and allergy sufferers battling itchy eyes and clogged sinuses, among other symptoms. The city’s dense urban tree canopy — particularly juniper, elm, and maple trees releasing pollen in early March — contributes to its rep as one of the worst places in the country for seasonal allergies. In the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2025 Allergy Capitals report, Richmond ranked #8 nationwide, based on pollen levels, medication use, and access to specialists. With forecasts predicting high to very high pollen counts, experts recommend limiting outdoor exposure during peak morning hours, keeping windows closed, showering after time outside, monitoring daily pollen forecasts, and using air purifiers or high-efficiency HVAC filters to reduce indoor pollen as the region moves deeper into allergy season. (RVA Mag)
Richmond has launched a citywide pothole blitz to address the surge of road damage caused by this winter’s snow and thick ice. Beginning last week, Department of Public Works crews started fanning out across neighborhoods with a goal of filling about 200 potholes per day, while also restriping faded crosswalks. Although the blitz is scheduled to run through this Friday, crews will continue working overtime until the backlog shrinks. Since January 1, the city has completed nearly 1,291 pothole service tickets, with 733 still open, as complaints pour in through the city’s 311 system describing deep and dangerous craters across multiple streets. (The Richmonder)
Outdoor concert season is upon us. We’re less than a month out from Allianz Amphitheater’s second season, and the lineup looks as good as the first season’s did. Alabama Shakes kick things off on April 16, then Young the Giant, The Black Keys, Five Seconds of Summer, and Mt Joy are just some of the big names we’ve got our eyes on for tix. (Allianz Amphitheater)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
☕️ Pandora Cafe opened in Scott’s Addition, serving Venezuelan roasts, refreshing smoothies, and more. (Instagram)
📱 This Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Gather + Hem is hosting a hands-on cocktail-making class led by Katie Stuart (Bar Daddy), paired with signature bites from Chef Tia and curated beverage selections — flowing right into a relaxed networking reception. (Gather + Hem)
There’s a mysterious love note situation unfolding in chalk outside of Blue Sage Bridal. (Instagram)
Image Source: Second Arrow
Weekly Giveaway
Second Arrow
This yoga and physical therapy studio’s mission is to educate and support long lasting physical wellness in an artful space that fosters community and healing. What better way to get your Child’s Pose on?
This week, we’re teaming up with Second Arrow to give away a free physical therapy evaluation (a $250 value!) *or* 30 days of unlimited yoga (a $135 value!)! Deep breath in as you make your decision.
To enter, tell us: What country has the largest population of tigers?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Kara W, for winning the Jack Brown’s giveaway!
Image Source: Second Arrow
Member Perks
Second Arrow
Too excited to wait for the giveaway winner reveal? We’ve got a (new 🎉) perk for that!
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get $10 drop-in yoga classes (otherwise, a $15 value)! Use code RVAx when you book.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 7 new members this week: Kate K, Mike F, Shelbie H, Zara S, Vincent G, Jordan S, and Colby T, 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 397 of The Weekly Insider.
TTYL!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to StyleCraft Homes for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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