How well do you know Richmond?

25 interesting facts about Richmond

Theatrical_District,_Richmond,_Virginia,_1923

Richmond in the 1920s. | Photo via VCU Libraries Digital Collections

Did you know Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond?

Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around.

Test your knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

1. Canned beer made its debut in Richmond. On Jan. 24, 1935, the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company delivered 2,000 cans of beer and cream ale to the 804.

2. The James is one of the longest rivers in the country that begins and ends in the same state.

3. The Triple Crossing (near the North side of the Mayo Bridge) is one of only two places in North America where three Class I railroads cross at different levels in the same spot. It’s also the namesake of a local brewery.

4. The Wurlitzer Organ at The Byrd Theatre is one of about 40 surviving instruments from the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company. It was installed when the theater was built in 1928.

5. Richmond’s floodwall has 19 gates, but there’s never been a situation where all of them have been closed.

6. Several movies and television shows have been filmed in Richmond, including “Dopesick,” “Homeland,” and “Lincoln.” “My Dinner with Andre” was filmed in the ballroom of the Jefferson Hotel.

7. You probably know that Historic St. John’s Church was the site of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech, but the church was also the first public cemetery in the city.

Your turn. Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.

8 MORE FACTS

Did our fun facts surprise you?

A. Yes, I didn’t know any of these
B. I knew a few but there were still some surprises
C. I know my city well and knew all these already

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Today

First Friday: Portrait Studio with Naima Green | Friday, Nov. 4 | 4-7 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Head to the museum for RVA First Fridays for a portrait studio led in collaboration with photographer Naima Green and VCUarts.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Cinema Saturdays: “Sing” | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 1-3 p.m. | RPL Ginter Park Branch, 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond | Free | Bring the kids to see this animated musical at the library.
Richmond Makers Market | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 12-6 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. Sixth St., Richmond | Free | Head to Manchester to get ahead on holiday shopping at this local artisan market.
Woodland Heights Makers Day | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 611 W. 31st St., Richmond | Free | 50+ local artisans will sell handcrafted goods at this market to benefit the church’s food closet.

Monday, Nov. 7

Oceanator | Monday, Nov. 7 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | The Brooklyn band will play with special guest Queen of Jeans.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Jaylin Brown on Shockoe Sessions Live | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios, 1813 E. Broad St., Richmond | $0-$10 | Get tickets to see this soul and smooth jazz performer in person, or tune in to the livestream on YouTube.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Author Event with Derrick Parker | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | RPL Hull Street Branch, 1400 Hull St., Richmond | Free | The local author will discuss his memoir, “Colorful,” which delves into his addiction and recovery journey.

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.

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Weather

76º | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain

Opening

Local entrepreneur and rapper Will Keck is hosting a grand opening tonight for his retail, creative, and co-working space in the Arts District from 5-10 p.m. CNTR (318 W. Broad St.) is designed to serve as a business incubator, retail shop, and pop-up event space. (RVAHub)

Traffic

Henrico County wants to add an interchange at North Gayton Road and Interstate 64. Residents should look out for an online survey from the county this month to give feedback on the proposal. The project will also need state and federal approval. 🚙 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Arts

A new group exhibition opens at Reynolds Gallery today. “Spiraling” features paintings and mixed media works by 12 artists. There will be a public reception tonight starting at 5 p.m. Catch the show at the Fan location through Friday, Dec. 23. 🖼
Mark your calendar for a solo exhibition at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. “Curtis Patterson: Journey Through” will showcase a selection of bronze and steel abstract sculptures by the Atlanta-based artist. The opening reception and artist talk will take place Friday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Sports

Kickers’ midfielder Ethan Bryant has been named Young Player of the Year by USL League One. The 21-year-old played in his first full season with the Roos this year. He’s the first member of the Kickers to win the award. ⚽️
Do you prefer football or fútbol? We want to make sure we’re on the ball with our sports coverage. Take this quick survey to tell us what kinds of content you want to see in RICtoday.

Theater

You’ve got two weekends left to see “All’s Well That Ends Well,” the seldom-adapted Shakespeare play. Presented by Richmond Shakespeare (formerly Quill Theatre), the show runs at the Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse through Sunday, Nov. 13. Read the Richmond Family Magazine review if you need convincing. 🎭

Cause

Feed More is honoring a 20-year volunteer for its Meals on Wheels program with a year of free vehicle maintenance. Prince George resident Bruce Waymack delivers ~100 meals a week around the Richmond area. Want to get involved? The group is looking for more volunteers. 🍽

Shop

Shockoe Illuminates — a night of music, shopping, and skating — returns this year on Friday, Dec. 2 at 17th Street Market from 5-9 p.m. The organizers are looking for a few more vendors to fill out the market. If you know a local artisan, send them this form. ⛸

Eat

Fan favorite restaurant Joe’s Inn has announced the return of shoestring fries. The eatery had switched to a thicker cut in a controversial move a little over five years ago. That got us thinking — who is serving up the best fries in Richmond? Let us know your pick. 🍟

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Travel

Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottage might just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $299 avg/night. 🌊*

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Thanksgiving eats — early

Satisfy your Thanksgiving cravings at these local restaurants

Order savory and sweet pies online or at Proper Pie’s takeaway window. | Photo by RICtoday

In the spirit of giving thanks and eating good, we’re doing a recurring series in the newsletter to highlight where in Richmond you can satisfy your Thanksgiving cravings before the big feast.

Mains

🍗 Izzy’s Kitchen, 2901 Park Ave.
Try a Turkey Pesto Club or Wild Hokie — or get a platter for a small crowd.

🥪 Perly’s, 111 E. Grace St.
The Rachel has turkey, slaw, russian dressing, and swiss on rye.

🐷 Dot’s Back Inn, 4030 MacArthur Ave.
If the main bird isn’t your thing, savor the seasonal flavors of the Chicken Smithfield with ham, mushrooms, and onions in a cream sauce.

Sides

🍠 Africanne On Main, 1102 W. Main St.
Load up your plate with candied yams, mac and cheese greens, and cornbread.

🧀 Alamo BBQ, 2202 Jefferson Ave.
Get a kick out of their Jalapeno Mac and Cheese.

🥬 Southern Kitchen Restaurant, 541 N. 2nd St.
Sample a Southern Roll, their spin on an egg roll with chicken, collards, and cabbage.

Desserts

🥧 Proper Pie Company, 2505 E. Broad St.
Grab a slice of the Pumpkin & Salted Caramel or the Sweet Potato Pecan Streusel.

🍁 Whisk, 2100 E. Main St.
The Maple Pecan Monkey Bread is available on weekends.

🍎 Sunflower Gardenz, 3436 Parkwood Ave.
Try the Salted Caramel Apple Galette from this all-vegan bakery.

Bonus: If you want an in-store option, Richmond-born Joyebells Sweet Potato Pies are now available in all Food Lions.

Let us know where you’d go to get your Thanksgiving fix early — and look out for our thoughts on the main course later this month.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: I’m excited to get this pre-Thanksgiving series started. I’d love to count down to my favorite holiday by trying out a bunch of local restaurants. 🍽

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