6AM City In-house

Can we ask you a question?

23 reader questions for 2023 in Richmond, VA
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We’re looking forward to 2023. | Photo by @takeone.aerial
Happy (almost) New Year, Richmond.

As 2022 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories we followed as well as what could change in 2023.

That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2023 — any piece of Richmond life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning cup of coffee in hand.

Want to know where to get the best ramen? Which concerts are coming into town? The history of a Richmond legend, or a piece of art you walk by every day?

Dream big, and tell us what’s in your heart of hearts, because the questions you asked us last year were some of our favorite topics to cover — like the oldest family-owned businesses in Richmond, our local wildlife, and what major developments are underway.

Submit your question to influence the stories you’ll read next year — it’s our New Year’s resolution to answer 23 of these. Stay tuned in 2023 as we bring you the RIC answers you want most. ✨

What do you want to read about in 2023?
We’ll keep a running list of topics for the new year.
ASK US ANYTHING
Children's Hospital Foundation

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Wednesday, Dec. 21
  • Winter Break Wednesdays | Wednesday, Dec. 21, Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $0-$10 | Bring the kids to make winter-themed crafts, inspect artifacts, and explore Virginia history.
  • Lunch Break Science: “Demythifying Mosquitoes: The Truth Behind the Bite” | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 12-12:45 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Medical entomologist Wes Robertson will reveal the truth about mosquitoes and their bite.
  • Midweek Matinees: “Frozen” | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 2-5 p.m. | RPL West End Branch, 5420 Patterson Ave., Richmond | Free | Do you want to build a snowman — or do you want to watch the Disney musical with snacks provided?
Thursday, Dec. 22
  • Dancin’ Cat Line Dancing | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Hardywood West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr., Richmond | Free | Learn to line dance and enjoy eats from Dominion Dogs food truck.
Friday, Dec. 23
  • “It’s a Wonderful Life” | Friday, Dec. 23-Sunday, Dec. 25 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | The holiday tradition continues with the screening of this 1946 Christmas classic.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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
Chesapeake Banking

Explore the charms of Charleston, SC during this month-long festival 🏘️
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Get an inside look at the iconic homes and gardens that define Charleston — and the history that endures. | Photo provided by Historic Charleston Foundation
We get it, holiday shopping can be tough. This year, shake up those usual stocking stuffers and give the gift of travel (and some pretty incredible memories).

As if exploring Charleston any time of the year isn’t reason enough, next spring’s Festival of Houses and Gardens will unravel all the charms of Charleston in a whole new way. With dozens of events wrapped up in one, the Historic Charleston Foundation’s 76th annual city-highlighting festival, happening March 15-April 16, features:
  • House & Garden Tours: Explore the rich history + architectural beauty of Charleston by touring the epic interiors and private gardens of some of the city’s most famous streets.
  • Live Like a Local Events: From wine tasting to artisan workshops to the new Festival Music Series, experience the best of Charleston’s culture — like a local.
  • Splendor Tours: Tour the city’s most splendorous gardens and architectural wonders.
  • Morning History Walks: Stroll Charleston’s historic districts on these guided walking tours.
  • Food For Thought Luncheon Lectures: Lunch and learn with expert speakers, who will elaborate on a variety of topics.*
SEE MORE EVENTS + SNAG TICKETS

Weather
  • 47º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Closing
  • Fan ramen spot Foo Dog is closing at the end of the month. The restaurant, which is owned by EAT Restaurant Partners, might move to the Scott’s Addition food hall the group is planning at 3013 W. Leigh St. The owners want to open the hall by the end of 2023. 🍜 (Richmond BizSense)
Transit
  • GRTC will receive ~$4 million from the VA Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation to close transit gaps in rural and suburban areas. The money will go towards a three-year pilot program that will establish five microtransit zones in Henrico, Chesterfield, New Kent, Powhatan, and Ashland. 🚌
Community
  • Most city community centers will be closed from Friday, Dec. 23-Monday, Jan. 2 for the holidays. Parks and Recreation offices will remain open.
Eat
  • Charm School is pausing its Study Hall soft serve operations in Forest Hill until the spring. In July, the ice cream shop announced that it was closing its Arts District location and moving to Scott’s Addition to focus on wholesale. 🍦
Number
  • ~$16 million. That’s how much the New York-based Mellon Foundation is giving to six Richmond organizations. The largest sum ($11 million) will go to the city for a planned Shockoe Heritage Campus Interpretive Center. The JXN Project, The Valentine, Cary Forward, Untold RVA, and Reclaiming the Monument will also receive funds. 💸 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Arts
  • Know a street artist? All City Art Club is putting together a show at ART 180 (114 W. Marshall St.) to bridge the divide between street art and the gallery space. “Storm The Gates” will open Friday, Feb. 3. Email local artist Silly Genius for more information. 🎨
Ranked
  • The Altria Theater was ranked No. 24 in Pollstar’s year-end list of top theaters in the United States. It was the highest ranked Virginia theater and 14th in the world for venues under 4,000 seats. Did you know? The Altria is operated by ASM Global, but is owned by the city. 🎭
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. 🤝*
Shop
  • Don’t stress over finding last-minute gifts. Make gifting easy by selecting a gift card to our RICtoday shop, Six & Main. From candles to clothes, there’s something for everyone. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
Learn
  • You know how to order coffee at Lamplighter. But can you order coffee in Italian? Babbel can help RICtoday readers learn how to order coffee (and other beverages) in Italian, so they’ll be ready for their next trip to Italy. Want to try it out? For a limited time, snag 55% off your subscription. ☕ *
Sports
  • Need to know just enough of what happened during the World Cup for your next holiday party? Get The GIST.*
Trending
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Woodfin

Where is the LOVE ❤️

Where to find LOVE signs in Richmond, VA
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Feeling the LOVE at Lewis Ginter. | Photo by @artzkopf
Virginia is for Lovers — of LOVE signs, that is.

There are over 275 “LOVEworks” around the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. They started popping up around 2013 as a social media-friendly way to strengthen the “Virginia is for Lovers” message. Signs are either standard white or can incorporate local and regional themes.

Check out the official map of LOVEworks to start your adventure. We’d recommend kicking off at the Virginia Welcome Center at Main Street Station (1500 E. Main St.) and heading west.

With so many signs in Central VA and beyond, we know our adventurous readers have run into them on their travels. Share your pics on our Instagram by tagging us (@theRICtoday) or using the hashtag #RICtoday. Or, drop them in our inbox — we can’t wait to spread the LOVE.

Click the button below to see the LOVE signs we’ve visited.
LOVE IS ALL AROUND
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: Some of my favorite stories from 2022 came from reader questions. See: The great bagel battle. Whatever you’re wondering about, let us know. 🥯

Missed Monday’s newsletter? Catch up on the greatest Richmond sports moments of the year and vote for the RVA Sports Awards.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Sarah Leonhardt, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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