Don’t sweat the fall stuff 🍂

Where to see fall foliage around Richmond

A view of the river and colorful fall foliage from a drone south of the river

Autumn in Richmond means some of the best views of the James you’ll get all year. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos

We’re still a few weeks away from peak fall foliage in Virginia, but don’t leaf your planning until its too late. Here’s a guide to where to watch the leaves change based on how close to home you want to stay.

Bonus: Check out this map from Virginia Tourism to learn when fall foliage is expected to peak. For our region, it’s mid October.

🍂 Stay in the city

Take a walk down Monument Avenue, wander through Byrd, Bryan, or Forest Hill Park, or set up a picnic at Maymont. Bike or walk along the Capital Trail or visit Hollywood Cemetery.

More spots: James River Park, University of Richmond, Ginter Park neighborhood

🍂 Down for a day trip

Pocahontas State Park is a quick getaway, just south of the Chesterfield Airport.

Head west to High Bridge Trail State Park (~1 hr drive) or Natural Bridge State Park (~2 hr drive) for scenic views.

More spots: York River State Park, Powhatan State Park

🍂 Camp out

Immerse yourself in autumn by spending a night or two under the stars at Shenandoah National Park (~1.5 hr drive) or book a stay in a small town known for nature like Abingdon, Bedford, or Farmville.

You better be-leaf Virginia Tourism has more recommendations. If you’re an autumn expert, let us know where you go to see the best fall foliage.

Share this article with your friends + family who are in for the long fall.

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Today

First Fall Artisan Market | Mon., Sept. 19 | 1-5 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free entry | Browse local home decor, art + food at this fall artisan market. 🍂

Tuesday

“Mean Girls” | Tues., Sept. 20 - Sun., Sept. 25 | Times vary | Altria Theater | $35+ | This Broadway in Richmond musical will be so fetch.
Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band | Tues., Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Richmond Raceway | Rock out with a Beatle at this Virginia Credit Union Live! show. 🎶
Profs & Pints: All the Light in the Universe | Tues., Sept. 20 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Triple Crossing Fulton, 5203 Hatcher St. | $14+ | Get a crash course on space phenomena from UR professor Jack Singal. 💫

Wednesday

Brandi Carlile | Wed., Sept. 21 | 7 p.m. | Maymont | $75+ | See a special solo performance by the Grammy winner as part of the Music at Maymont series. 🎻
“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” | Wed., Sept. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | The final film in the original trilogy + a pre-showing performance by Bob Gulledge on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. 🍿

Thursday

RVA Rapid Transit Talk | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 12 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Tune in to hear GRTC’s Mike Frontiero and Tim Barham chat about service expansion + the bus operator shortage. 🚌
Ulysses S. Grant: Life and Legacy | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 6 p.m. | The American Civil War Museum, 480 Tredegar St. | $10, members free | Dr. Joan Waugh will discuss how the 18th president’s reputation has changed over time.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Too busy for your Lamplighter pit stop? Try this.

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Weather

90º | Mostly Sunny | 6% chance of rain

Closing

Novelty soda + candy shop Rocket Fizz will close at the end of September. Read the Carytown store’s goodbye sign announcing the news.

Traffic

Watch out for delays near the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue + Lombardy Street starting today through next Fri., Sept. 30. Some lanes will be closed as crews work to upgrade curb ramps and traffic signals. ⚠️

Development

There’s a new mixed-use development in the works in Chesterfield. Midlothian Depot, a $175 million project, would be anchored by a grocery store at the corner of Midlothian Turnpike + Alverser Drive. Plans also include 350 apartments and 30,000 sqft of commercial space. 🛍 (Richmond BizSense)

Sports

The Flying Squirrels start competing for the League Championship tomorrow. They’ll face the second-half division winner in an away game before returning to the Diamond on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. for Game 2. Snag a ticket now. ⚾️
The VCU Athletics Village’s tennis facility received a major gift last week when an anonymous donor pledged $2.5 million towards the project. When completed, the center will have six indoor and 12 outdoor courts for Rams + Richmonders. 🎾

Show

Jerry Seinfeld has added a second show to his stop in Richmond at the Altria Theater on Fri., Dec. 2. Tickets for the late-night performance will go on sale this Fri., Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. 🎟

Festival

The RVA East End Festival is this Sat., Sept. 24 from 12-9 p.m. at Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School. Proceeds from the event will go towards music + arts programs at RPS. Swing by to see performances by the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Urban Dance, and Legacy Band. 🎶

Concert

Doug E. Fresh — the original human beatbox — is set to perform at the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance Annual Gala & Benefit Concert. The event will take place Thurs., Nov. 3 at the Dominion Energy Center. Get a ticket to the full event or just the special show.

Number

15,000. That’s the number of frozen burritos Richmonder Jim Hamilton has donated to feed the hungry since launching his company Sous Casa in 2020. Jim was the personal chef to the band Phish before starting the business. Sous Casa says it donates a burrito for every one sold. 🌯 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
122. That’s how many years Chesapeake Bank has been putting the community (and its customers) first. Here are five ways the local bank goes above and beyond.*

Cause

Richmonders are invited to celebrate the healing power of art by making a donation to the Leave Your Mark project. Local artist Matt Lively is painting a mural at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Wonder Tower. Those who donate could have their idea painted in the mural. 🎨*

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A storied collaboration 🍺

VMFA + Starr Hill team up for special strings brew

Two beer cans on a white background. The left can label reads: "Starr Hill Brewery in Collaboration with VMFA, Storied Strings Lager" and the right can features a 1957 painting of a girl with a guitar.

The painting “Jessie with Guitar” (1957) is featured on the can. | Photo courtesy VMFA

See “Storied Strings” and sip on a lager in its honor starting next month. The VMFA collaborated with Starr Hill Brewery to create a limited-edition beer which will be available on Sat., Oct. 1.

Be among the first to try the brew at the release party, which will take place at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop (3406 W. Leigh St.) from 4:30-9 p.m. The light-bodied beer is said to have notes of biscuit + toffee and a subtle malt sweetness.

The lager release is timed with the Sat., Oct. 8 opening of the VMFA’s new exhibition, “Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art.” The exhibit will feature 125 works of art — including 35 musical instruments — and a fully-functioning recording studio. Get tickets here.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: It was a big festival weekend in the River City. Follow along on our Instagram to see what the RICtoday team got up to. 🎨

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Get involved in the Conservation Games.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Katie Potter, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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