Ed 422: Chilled Coffee Cans, Beautification Projects, Drum Shed
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Hello again!
Whew, we made it to the other side of summer. I, for one, have already partaken in some pumpkin-beer sipping, but don’t fret — I’m also still enjoying some salt water taffy, so it all comes out in the wash, I’d say. And right on cue, Mother Nature seems to be leaning into classic September vibes, with her AC-blasting temps one day and windows-down temps the next. Whether you’re heading full fall ahead or lingering in summertime until September 22, I think we can all agree that a short week is all the better for doing either.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a cowboy boots shop, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strike details, fall reading, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 88°, low of 69°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 93°, low of 70°
Friday: Mostly cloudy; high of 84°, low of 66°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm: PRIDE HONORS
Thursday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm: LAURA LEE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION NIGHT MARKET
Friday, 11 am - 10 pm: LEBANESE FOOD FESTIVAL KICKOFF
CITY GUIDES
1. WHERE TO CATCH THE GAME IN RICHMOND
Image Source: Bliss Cafe
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Bliss Cafe: Add this spot to your caffeine rotation this fall. Bliss just opened in Forest Hill and is serving up matcha, coffee, gelato, donuts, and cozy vibes. Stop in for something delish anytime before 7 pm today, Wednesday — or, you know, whenev works for you.
THE LATEST
Image Source: Shydigz Market
Image Source: Recluse Roasting Project
Image Source: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Image Source: X
SOCIAL NEWS
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. In collab with Richmond Economic Development Authority, Richmond City has 25 projects for activation and beautification in the (conditional) works. The inaugural Activation & Beautification CARE (ABC) Grant Program, a pilot initiative aimed at bringing visible investments to Richmond neighborhoods, includes projects focused on public art and murals, façade and building improvements, landscaping, creative lighting, parklets, vacant storefront activations, pop-up public spaces, and other public-facing improvements spanning commercial areas in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th City Council districts, including Downtown, Jackson Ward, Brookland Park, Fulton, and Hull St. (Richmond City)
Seed money. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden employees have gone on strike after rejecting management's offer of a 3% raise, saying it isn't enough after two years without a pay increase. Members of LGBG Workers United had originally sought a $3.50-per-hour raise before lowering their request to $2, while the garden says an immediate wage increase of more than 11% for unionized staff isn't sustainable. Workers say they'll continue striking daily until management returns to the negotiating table, while Lewis Ginter says it remains open and operating normally. As you may have seen in recent weeks, the strike has also prompted several musicians scheduled to perform at the garden to cancel their concerts in solidarity with the workers. (WTVR)
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are one of two Virginia full-season minor league baseball teams to qualify for the 2026 playoffs, joining the Fredericksburg Nationals. The home team earned their spot by winning the Eastern League's first half, having not won an Eastern League championship since the franchise moved to the city in 2010. CarMax Park is scheduled to host a playoff game on September 17. (Daily Signal)
I like the beat. RVA Drum Shed is a monthly community percussion event where drummers of all ages and skill levels can get on a drum kit and play with another drummer in three-minute, open-ended rounds. The event was started by Richmond drummers Matt Wild and Hunter Johnson after they connected over the idea of debuting a communal drum shed concept, and it has grown from gatherings in Matt’s East End front yard to events at places including Gallery5, The Camel, and Rag & Bones Bicycle Cooperative. The gatherings have also become community events, with potlucks and a deliberately sober environment. FYI, the next one happens this Sunday, September 13, from 6 to 9 pm at Rag & Bones Bicycle Cooperative. (Style Weekly)
You know we love to talk books over here. Richmond magazine recently put out a fall literary preview highlighting several Richmond and Virginia-connected authors with new books coming out this season. David Baldacci's Strangers in Time is a finalist for the Library of Virginia’s People’s Choice Awards, while Clay Blancett's Whiteboy: A Road Story, Tony Gentry's dystopian novel Covenant City, and Ebony Walden's debut Where I'm From: A Poetic Journey Across Five Continents are also featured. Kevin Powers has a new epic, Children of the Wild. Safe to say we’ve got plenty of opts to add to your TBR. (Richmond magazine)
Equestrian is in. Austin-based Western-wear brand Tecovas has opened its first Richmond-area store at Short Pump Town Center. The company sells cowboy boots along with hats, shirts, belts, and other accessories. Related: The Park hosts line dancing every other Wednesday. (Axios Richmond)
Top Stitch Mending has moved to a larger space in Manchester after outgrowing its previous spot in Church Hill. Owner Lisa Hutchinson said the smaller space made it impossible to mend clothing and hold a class at the same time. ICYDK, she hosts group classes and 1:1 lessons for all skill levels. (Richmond BizSense)
Image Source: Tee Box
Weekly Giveaway
Tee Box
Tee Box is Richmond’s go-to 24/7 indoor golf performance training facility, combining pro coaching, cutting-edge technology, fitness, club fitting, and more to help golfers of all ages and skill levels improve their game. Start with a FREE Box Assessment, which includes a facility tour, TrackMan swing analysis, golf movement screening, and a one-on-one conversation with a coach about your goals and personalized recommendations. Tee Box also offers complimentary club fittings, trial memberships, and limited-time membership discounts.
This week, we’re giving teaming up with Tee Box to give away two lessons with Tee Box’s head golf pro! A great way to head into fall, by par.
To enter, tell us: What to-do is at the top of your fall bucket list?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Nani M, for winning the Pizza & Beer of Richmond giveaway!
Image Source: The Aesthetic Era
Member Perks
The Aesthetic Era
It’s officially the end of summer break, and between the pool parties and beach trips and other outings in the sun, your skin’s probably been through it. Let The Aesthetic Era give it some TLC.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get a complimentary anti-aging skincare kit with your first Botox treatment, a complimentary medical-grade skincare product with your first facial, or a complimentary skin consultation and personalized treatment plan! Just tell them when you book you’re an RVAx member.
What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 9 new members this week: Paige C, Lindsay D, Julian N, Caitlin P, Brooke K, Denise K, Christine W, Courtney K, and Maggy 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 422 of The Weekly Insider.
Piping-hot regards 🔥
- The Richmond Experience
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