This holiday, talk Richmond

5 Richmond-themed table topics this holiday season

A collage of a Pulse bus, the Diamond, a container of Meat Juice, compost bins, and the TV Tower.

Get the table talking with these local topics of conversation. | Photos by RICtoday

Dreading the debates and cringe questions that tend to take over holiday meals? Consider employing one of these five table topics — they may just lead to your favorite conversation yet.

Oh, the places The Pulse could go 🚌

There could be a new Pulse-esque bus rapid transit line in the coming years. Where should it go? If you’re really dedicated, pull out the map and compare those possible corridors. Bonus: Several GRTC spots are prepping for a makeover.

Richmond’s unique histories 🍪

Share part of Richmond’s past with your table. Read up on the sweet history of the cookie factory or the savory story behind a local meat juice empire. If your crowd wants facts and figures, introduce them to the Richmond floodwall or the WTVR TV Tower.

Keep everyone com-posted 🌱

Richmond is piloting a citywide composting program. Your aunt who’s always talking about starting a pile would probably love to discuss it. You can also throw in the pro tip that public libraries have resources for gardeners.

Get a development discussion going 🏟

Catch up how the city’s skyline might change in the near future — from the ongoing Diamond District development to the City Center Innovation District and the initiative to reconnect Jackson Ward. Plus, new parks are on the horizon, like the recently acquired land along the Appomattox River in Chesterfield.

Which of Richmond’s Sister Cities would you visit? 🌎

Did you know our city has 5 international pals, which span from Saitama City, Japan to Ségou, Republic of Mali? Our oldest relationship is with our namesake, Richmond upon Thames, England. Check out the full list here and debate which place you most want to visit.

Nederlander National Markets Broadway in Norfolk/Richmond

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Wednesday, Nov. 23

“Rudy” | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | See the 1990s classic starring Sean Astin on the big screen.

Friday, Nov. 25

45th Annual Model Railroad Show | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27 | 9:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad St., Richmond | $10-$16 | You won’t want to miss eight different train displays, a ride on the Teddy Bear Express, or the live steam engine demos.
Christmas Craft Show | Friday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 12-8 p.m. | The Virginia Cliffe Inn, 2900 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen | $5 | For six days, the inn will be filled with a unique collection from over 60 area crafters, artists, and bakers.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Small Business Saturday Artisan Market | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 12-6 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free entry | Shop local, handmade decor, art, jewelry, and apparel at this holiday market.

Sunday, Nov. 27

Black Violin | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $40 | The classically trained string players are on their “Give Thanks” tour.

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

61º | Sunny | 4% chance of rain

Community

The JXN Project has shared renderings of the future Skipwith-Roper Cottage and JXN Haus. The group is in the middle of a capital campaign to reconstruct the historic cottage — once home to the “Founding Father of Jackson Ward,” Abraham Peyton Skipwith — and reestablish it as a national historic landmark.

Transit

GRTC is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss service changes which will take effect in the new year. Head to the Main Library (101 E. Franklin St.) to participate. You can also send comments via email. 🚌

Development

A trio of real estate agents are planning to convert an old nursing home into 19 apartments in Southside. The Manor at Woodland Heights building has been unused for 10+ years. Developers are seeking a special-use permit to go forward with the project. 🏡 (Richmond BizSense)

Sports

The Kickers are helping cheer on the US men’s national soccer team this Friday in the World Cup match against England. Head to Triple Crossing’s Downtown location (113 S. Foushee St.) to join the watch party. Doors open at 11 a.m. for the 2 p.m. game. ⚽️
Level the playing field with this women-led newsletter that provides the sports coverage you need, four times a week. Subscribe.*

Try This

Maymont is looking for volunteers at its Merry Market. Help ring in the holiday season by claiming a shift on Friday, Dec. 2 or Saturday, Dec. 3. Sign up to help set up, work the holiday bar, or supervise the crafts tent. ❄️

Cause

Specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Wonder Tower is a one-of-a-kind hospital where a kid can still feel like a kid — even during some of life’s toughest moments. Construction is nearly complete, but the hospital is still asking for the community’s support to help bring the project fully to life. Donate here. 🤝*

Finance

Today’s market is anything but certain, but Chesapeake Bank asset quality is “as good as it has ever been”, according to Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc., CEO Jeffrey Szyperski. See why.*

The Buy

Want a straighter smile? This company can make it happen in as little as 60 days.*

Drink

If you haven’t made a run to the store for your Thanksgiving Day spirits by now, we’re thinking you already have a million things to do. Enter: Drizly, an online alcohol marketplace that delivers beer, wine, and spirits to your doorstep. Place an order now and it will arrive in under 60 minutes.*

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Get in the zone 🚙

Three proposed zoning changes in Richmond, VA

The Richmond skyline as seen from the James River

The next phase will take the project to City Council. | Photo by @stabomediaphotography

The city’s Dept. of Planning and Development Review is looking for public feedback on three proposed zoning changes. We’re now in Phase 3 of the project, where the city will provide draft recommendations before starting the legislative process. There are three public meetings on the books for December.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 12 p.m. | Microsoft Teams
Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6 p.m. | Microsoft Teams
Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St.

At these meetings, the team will gather feedback on the three changes: revising short-term rental regulations, eliminating parking space minimums, and permitting accessory dwelling units. There may also be an online survey available soon for those who can’t make the meetings.

We wrote about the changes back in August — click the button below to refresh your memory on what could change.

GOING THROUGH CHANGES

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: Writing today’s conversation made me think about how grateful I am to be able to write about Richmond — and to collaborate with writers in other cities. Thanks to Laura in Asheville (hey, AVLtoday 👋) for the inspiration.

Missed Monday’s newsletter? Yes, there are Richmond restaurants open on Mondays — we’ve got the list to prove it.

Connect with us.

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

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