Ed 412: Flint Hill Getaway, Sesame Street, Stay-Cool Tips

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BY KELSEY HEINTZ

Image Source: Derrick Brooks via Unsplash

Happy JULY 🎆

Heading into the long weekend, we’re way looking forward to a little extra time to slow down, enjoy a burger and cold beer, and say to anyone within earshot while we’re watching the fireworks, “Oo, the ones that end with a sparkly burst are my faaavorite.” However you’re spending the big 2-5-0, we hope you have a safe, restful, and happy holiday. We’ll see you back here next week with more updates and plans to carry through the rest of the month — and, ofc, beyond.

Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Carolina-style Bird Dogs, larger-than-life sculptures, summer-long celebration of the Hof, and more.

PODCAST

WEATHER

Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 96°, low of 74°

Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 100°, low of 77°

Friday: Mostly sunny high of 103° (?!), low of 78°

HAPPENINGS

Wednesday, 6 - 9 pm: RESERVOIR DISTILLERY OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, 10 am - 5 pm: AMERICANA KICKOFF

Friday, 7 - 10 pm: A HENRICO FOURTH: DOREY PARK

CITY GUIDES

1. YOUR GUIDE TO FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND IN RICHMOND

2. WHERE TO CATCH FIREWORKS ON FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

3. 24 HOURS IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Image Source: Main Line Brewery

RICHMONDER TO KNOW

Main Line Brewery: There’s truly no shortage of happenings for the holiday weekend, but one of our favorites every year is the shindig that goes down at Main Line Brewery. There are cold beers, live bands, and firework sightings galore. Wave when you see us, Misty Mountain Hop in hand.

THE LATEST

Image Source: Kings Dominion

Image Source: Richmond International Airport

Image Source: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Image Source: The Hof

SOCIAL NEWS

Rachel Beanland is at it again. The Richmond-based author is back with her third novel, The Half Life, and this one takes a turn into sweeping romance and Cold War tension. Set on the Italian island of La Maddalena — home to a US Navy submarine base in the 1970s — it follows 23-year-old Eileen O’Malley as her new marriage pulls her into questions about military life, nuclear safety, and the unrest simmering just beneath the island’s surface. Rachel draws from her own family’s time there, weaving in real historical threads like anti-American protests and submarine-related nuclear concerns. The book releases July 14, with a launch event hosted by Fountain Bookstore at VCU’s James Branch Cabell Library. (Richmond magazine)

How to (kinda) get to Sesame Street. There’s a new RVA Community Fridge outside Studio Two Three’s Manchester space, and it’s already becoming part of the neighborhood rhythm. The nonprofit has been part of the mutual-aid fridge network since 2021, and this new setup leans more accessible and welcoming — with a refreshed design inspired by Mr. Hooper’s Store from Sesame Street. The idea is simple: free food, 24/7, no questions asked, all supported by neighbors helping neighbors. Studio Two Three says hydration items are especially needed right now, but donations, cleaning help, and general support all go a long way. (Style Weekly)

Cicada’s coming to Shockoe Slip. Shockoe Slip is getting a new neighbor this July: Cicada’s, opening in the old City Dogs spot that’s already seen a few quick turnarounds. Three local restaurant vets are behind the project, and they’re aiming for something familiar in the best way — affordable, unfussy, and welcoming. Think sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, plus Carolina-style Bird Dogs and options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners. The goal is simple: a solid meal and a drink that won’t run you much more than about $20, and a place that feels like it belongs in the neighborhood. (Richmond BizSense)

Stay cool. With Central Virginia sliding into a serious heat wave, experts are reminding folks to make sure their cooling systems are actually doing their job before things get worse. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recommends simple upgrades like weather stripping and window sealing, which can make a noticeable difference in keeping heat out. They also point to awnings or louvers, which can block a surprising amount of outdoor heat from creeping inside. Fans, meanwhile, aren’t enough on their own — they move air, but don’t actually cool the body down. For anyone struggling with costs, programs like LIHEAP and weatherization assistance may be able to help with repairs or efficiency upgrades. (WRIC)

More on Alebrijes at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has gotten a lot more colorful. The garden debuted ALEBRIJES: Creatures of a Dreamworld, a larger-than-life outdoor exhibit inspired by Mexican folk art. These towering, imaginative sculptures blend real and mythical animals into one surreal experience, crafted through the traditional cartonería (papier-mâché) technique. It’s the first time alebrijes have been shown in a botanical garden — and their East Coast debut. Included with admission (and free for members), the exhibit brings a bright, dreamlike twist to a summer stroll. (Press Release)

The Hof’s 10-year glow-up and then some. Hofheimer Building in Scott’s Addition is marking 10 years since its modern revival — and it’s become one of those spaces that’s hard to imagine the neighborhood without. Since its 2016 transformation, it’s hosted everything from weddings and rooftop parties to concerts and fundraisers, evolving right alongside Scott’s Addition’s boom. The building has shifted through different concepts over the years, but its role as a gathering space has stayed constant.

The current home base inside the Hofheimer Harry's at Hofheimer — is leaning all the way into celebration mode for the building’s anniversary. Expect a full summer of events: rooftop parties, live music, DJ nights, brunches, and industry gatherings, all stacked into one of the more active rooftops in the city. It all builds toward a Fourth of July rooftop party and a lineup of local and touring acts, reinforcing its spot as a steady downtown hangout with a view. (Press Release)

Think pink at The Tin Pan. A one-night-only performance is headed to Richmond on July 19, when Stories in Pink takes over The Tin Pan. The show blends cinematic pop and jazz influences — from bossa-inspired rhythms to lush, emotional ballads centered on modern love. Presented with a full band, it’s designed to feel intimate but theatrical, like a concert that knows how to lean into mood. The artist behind it, Corinne, brings a background in jazz performance and international touring, with past appearances at venues like Birdland and City Winery. Dress code suggestion: something pink. (Press Release)

Giveaway alert. Big Bear Coin & Collective is hosting a Treasure Cove event this Friday, July 3, featuring hands-on activities for kids, including digging for gems and coins, tie-dyeing a tote bag, and painting a large seashell. Guests will also receive free nonalcoholic drinks, temporary tattoos, and have access to a themed photo opp. Our friends at Big Bear want to give you two free tickets — email us here to enter! (Big Bear Coin Collective)

MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK

🌳 The Capital Region Land Conservancy and Greater Scott’s Addition Association are working to secure Christie’s Garden as Scott’s Addition’s first permanent public park. (Instagram)

🐰 The good folks at Richmond International Airport are keeping a lost stuffed bunny safe as it awaits the return of its rightful (and probs v distraught) owner. Tell every recent traveler you know. (Instagram)

🎢 If you want to know how to avoid the lines at Kings Dominion this summer, The Richmonder has some tips and tricks. (The Richmonder)

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Image Source: Echelon Wine Bar

Weekly Giveaway

Echelon Wine Bar

If the upcoming sweltering temps have you thinking you’d rather stay inside with the AC blasting, we get it. But why not pair that kind of day with lots of ways to be out and about in the city while also staying cool — like with friends at a cozy wine bar?

This week, we’re giving away a $25 gift card to Echelon Wine Bar! Cheers to chillin’ (literally).

To enter, tell us: What are you doing for the holiday weekend?

Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Kara W, for winning The Mayor giveaway!

Image Source: Richmond Photobooth

Member Perks

Richmond Photobooth

Still tying up some loose ends while you wedding plan? Book Richmond Photobooth ASAP and check off “extremely cutesy idea for my guests to enjoy.”

As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 5% off the most expensive photobooth set-up! Just tell them you’re an RVAx member.

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What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE

Check out The Family Calendar for family-friendly events and happenings!

👋
Hey, new members!

We’d like to welcome 9 new members this week: Khalil A, Hannah B, Jaime G, Angel Rose S, Jessica P, Melissa R, Bailey S, Caroline F, and Allison 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 412 of The Weekly Insider.

Have a safe and festive holiday! 🇺🇸
- The Richmond Experience

Thank you to Penny’s Wine Shop for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!

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