Ed 423: All-Day Happy Hour, Speakeasy Cannabis, Mischief & Magic Fest
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Hey, mems, hey!
Paige is getting ready to sneak in one more beach trip before the (fall) buzzer, which means I’ll be looking for a few particular things to get out and about and do on the ~organic content~ end while she’s away(ish) from her desk. Got any recs for me? A reader recently reminded us about Fairuz Cafe, so that’s on my radar, but otherwise, at times like these, my mind suddenly goes blank under the sheer pressure and excitement of it all! 😅 Tell me where you wanna see us visit later this month, and I’ll add it to my list.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including 65 years of Perly’s, Manchester public park, Miss USA, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 84°, low of 63°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 89°, low of 69°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 89°, low of 68°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS SPINE
Thursday, 5 - 8 pm: APPLES & ALES
Friday, 4 - 11 pm: ST BENEDICT OKTOBERFEST KICKOFF
CITY GUIDES
1. 5 HIDDEN GEMS TO SCOPE OUT IN RICHMOND
Image Source: Lauren Dix
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Lauren Dix: We talked about comfort creators on The Chatter last week and somehow missed the opp to mention one of our local faves?? Consider this our official editor’s note. Lauren focuses on mom style for the 35+ girlies, but personally, we think her recommended fits could have anybody stylin’. Give her a follow on Instagram at @laurenmdix — and yes, definitely get those jeans. You know the ones.
THE LATEST
Image Source: Perly’s
Image Source: RVA Cannabis Company
Image Source: Getty Images North America
Image Source: 804 Live
SOCIAL NEWS
Perly’s is celebrating 65 years in Richmond this month, with owner and chef Kevin Roberts and general manager Danielle Clemens bringing back several popular menu items for the anniversary, including a chazari hotdog, fried pickle, kasha varnishkes, kugels, and a pickled Bloody Mary. (Style Weekly)
Bottoms Up Pizza recently changed ownership, with new owner Tom Schaefer planning about $50,000 in renos and menu updates while keeping the restaurant’s original ’90s pizza recipe intact. He’s also introduced smoked turkey sandwiches and meatball subs, plans to add more specialty pizzas, and will host a “Back to the Bottom” community event Sept. 26–27 as part of an effort to bring new energy to the longtime Shockoe Bottom restaurant. (Richmond BizSense)
No, seriously — stick this in your pipe. RVA Cannabis Company is planning to open a speakeasy-style spot on the Canal Walk, offering THC-infused mocktails, NA wine, edibles, and other cannabis products in a social, bar-like setting. Co-owner Milton Ares says the goal is to create a sophisticated third space for people who enjoy cannabis or don’t drink alcohol, with plans to eventually host events and shows; the company already has a location in Chester with a different, more hometown-oriented aesthetic. The Richmond location is planning a soft opening at the end of September, while Milton and crew navigate the evolving regulations around cannabis hospitality. (RVA Mag)
A public-private effort is taking shape to transform underused land in Manchester into a new roughly half-acre public park and an urban trail connecting the Mayo Bridge area with the planned Fall Line Trail. The project would create a more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, with plantings, seating, and gathering spaces, while the proposed park could eventually include a small concert stage and small-scale businesses. Thalhimer is working with the city, Manchester Alliance, and Venture Richmond on the project and has already begun cleaning up the site, though portions of the plan still require City Council approval. (The Richmonder)
That’s Mrs Miss USA to you. Virginian Justus Kelley made history this year as the first married woman, mother, and woman in her 30s to win Miss USA after a 10-year journey in pageantry. The 31-year-old, who was crowned Miss Virginia in July before winning Miss USA last month, has also built a career around philanthropy and foster care advocacy, including opening her home to five foster children with her husband. Justus says she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness around the foster care system, and she’ll go on to represent the US at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico in November. (WRIC)
For all you Potterheads(ish), our alg intro’d us to Queen City Mischief & Magic, a free, volunteer-run festival nearby in Staunton celebrating magic in all forms and across fandoms, welcoming visitors for a weekend of fun, friendship, mischief and a little bit of wonder. The festival takes over the historic downtown with help from 100–200 local people and organizations, including small businesses and nonprofits, and this year’s happens on September 26 and 27. (Queen City Mischief & Magic, Instagram)
Tickets for WinterWorld are on sale this week. The CarMax Park-hosted holiday extravaganza will run for 40 days from November 18 through January 3, featuring more than 1 million twinkle lights, retail vendors, and festive activities. Tickets go on sale September 16, with prices ranging from about $10 for children to about $25 for adults, plus add-ons for ice skating and Ferris wheel rides. (WWBT)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🌽 Local photog Watt Hamlett noted some silver (*yellow?) linings of July’s corn train derailment. (Instagram)
🤤 Gelati Celesti dropped four little clues about something big happening on October 5. (Instagram)
🏈 Bar Buoy launched Game Day Sundays feat $1 oysters, happy hour all day, and more. (Instagram)
Image Source: Performance Pickleball
Weekly Giveaway
Performance Pickleball
As the weather cools off (soon, hopefully 🥲), you may be looking for more indoor ways to stay active. Performance Pickleball has 12 indoor courts, with six outdoor courts on the way, plus leagues, clinics, instruction, events, and other community programming for players of all ages and skill levels. Its members get perks like priority court access, discounts, and exclusive events, while non-members can still join open play and reserve courts when space is available.
This week, we’re teaming up with Performance Pickleball to give away two free court rentals for a two-hour session! THAT’S a pickle you wanna be in — a $144-per-court value, accommodating up to 12 players and including paddle rentals and pickleballs to use during play *plus* two free appetizers after or during your sesh.
To enter, tell us: If you could only visit one Richmond restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Jess G, for winning the Tee Box giveaway!
Image Source: Alison Travis Photography
Member Perks
Alison Travis Photography
Need to freshen up those headshots for fall? Alison Travis specializes in profesh portraits for individuals or teams, giving you a profile pic that’s as crisp as an early-autumn morn.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 10% off all services! Just tell her 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 13 new members this week: Nicholas D, Kai L, Omer K, Aline R, Elsa R, Tanner B, Claire L, Elena A, Dyvonne K, Patrice H, Chey T, Kate L, and Nicole 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 423 of The Weekly Insider.
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- The Richmond Experience
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