10.06.2023

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.

🍁 Catch some leaves in Richmond

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.

🍂 Stay in the city

Monument Avenue is one of Richmond’s most scenic pedestrian-friendly roads, and the stretch from Interstate 195 down Franklin to Monroe Park is particularly beautiful in the fall. Areas like the Fan, Ginter Park, and the University of Richmond are also hotspots for fall colors. You can also wander through Byrd, Bryan, or Forest Hill Park, or set up a picnic at Maymont.

🍂 Hit the river

There are plenty of chances to enjoy the autumn leaves from along the James. Walk or run along the trails that make up the James River Park System, take a bike ride on the Capital Trail, or visit Hollywood Cemetery or the Oregon Hill Overlook for a view from above.

An aerial shot of fall foliage in the fan — The leaves are expected to turn around mid-October this year.
|
Photo by @takeone.aerial

🍂 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 some of the most scenic views Virginia has to offer. There’s also York River State Park and 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, Damascus, 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.

Events

Friday, Oct. 6

Richmond Zine Fest | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 7 | Times vary | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Enjoy a variety of workshops on Friday and peruse work by exhibitors on Saturday.
Manchester Manifest First Fridays | Friday, Oct. 6 | 5-11:59 p.m. | Hull Street, 11th-14th Streets, Richmond | Free entry | Head to Manchester for the last monthly vendor fair of the season.
Artspace RVA Exhibit Opening | Friday, Oct. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Artspace Gallery, 2833-A Hathaway Rd., Richmond | Free | Check out new exhibitions including painting, photography, and mixed media works.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Mozart Festival | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Historic St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Join Classical Revolution RVA for a day of celebrating and contextualizing Mozart at events around Church Hill.
Church Hill Vintage Bazaar | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Eric Schindler Gallery, 2305 E. Broad St., Richmond | Free entry | Shop from 15+ vendors selling decor, art, clothing, furniture, ceramics, and ephemera.
Family Fall Fest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Triple Crossing Beer Midlothian, 1101 Winterfield Crossing, Midlothian | Free entry | Bring the family for pumpkin painting, games, a photobooth, and local artists selling handmade décor, art, jewelry + apparel.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Costume Plant Swap | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 1-4 p.m. | The Answer Brewpub, 6008 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Bring your A-game for the costume contest, peruse rare and unusual plants, and enjoy brews and bites.
“House on Haunted Hill” | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 2 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | Spend your afternoon with five strangers invited to the party of a lifetime in this 1959 horror film.

More October events

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News Notes

Civic

In an effort to increase protections for unhoused Richmonders, the city is looking at a potential new shelter site at 10 E. Belt Blvd. The currently empty warehouse would provide 50 beds for homeless families beginning Dec. 1 and 50 for single adults starting next May. (Richmond BizSense)

Drink

Hatch Local’s Hatchtoberfest is today. Head to the Manchester food hall between 4 and 8 p.m. for food, games, and 32 oz steins of local beer for $8.

Family

Every Friday in October starting tonight, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is hosting Flashlight Fridays, a kid-friendly scavenger hunt to find all five “Incanto” sculptures. Follow the clues for potential prizes and lots of fun along the way.

Shop

Main Street mainstay Helen’s is hosting a pop-up market on Monday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 10 p.m. Expect vintage clothing, crafts, candles, and tarot readings — costumes are encouraged.

Holiday

Looking for Halloweekend fun? Check out the Richmond Zombie Walk on Saturday, Oct. 28. Participating zombies meet at Byrd Park and trudge down Carytown to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Community

Your RICtoday Editors here. We care about Richmond. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news stories about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news by joining our RICtoday membership club.

Cause

Support Virginia Physicians for Women’s multiple Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities (think: donations, a 5K, wearing pink and hashtagging #MammogramsSaveLives on social) and be entered to win great prizes with their Pink Purse Raffle. See events + win.*

Seasonal

You don’t have to leave VA for your next getaway. Enter: Prince George County, just a ~40-minute drive from Richmond. Whether you’re a solo outdoor enthusiast or traveling with friends or family, the area is filled with fun, fall day trip activities. Check out our sample itinerary.*

Active

Fall means perfect biking weather — and studies have shown that e-bike riders typically ride more often (and for longer distances) than traditional bike riders. This brand carries new and certified pre-owned e-bikes at up to 60% off retail; delivering them 99% assembled to your doorstep. Use code RUN for $100 off.*

Travel

Weekend road trip here you come. We’ve got all the recs you need to plan a trip to Johnston County, NC (known by locals as JoCo). From fun activities to outdoor adventures to a craft Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail, see our roundup of the best things to do in JoCo this fall.*

Biz

Dominion stares straight into the sun

Dominion plans to expand River City solar power

A field of Dominion solar panels surrounded by sheep tending to the grass.

The grass surrounding Dominion’s solar panels is, on occasion, tended to by sheep — otherwise known as “lambscapers.” | Photo courtesy of Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy’s plan to expand its solar capabilities would bring solar power plants to Powhatan and Hanover and produce enough energy to power 200,000 homes.

The company is asking the State Corporation Commission for approval on six projects and 13 agreements to purchase power from independent solar facilities. If those are approved, Dominion would be able to provide 4,600+ megawatts of solar energy — that’s enough to power more than 1.1 million homes.

The proposed projects include a 5 megawatt facility on Peppertown Road in Hanover and a 350-acre solar plant in Powhatan off Cartersville Road. Other projects include facilities in Danville, Brunswick County, and the Northern Neck.

Dominion estimates construction will employ 1,600+ people statewide and generate more than $570 million for Virginia’s economy.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

My favorite way to check out fall foliage? I like to park at Pony Pasture and go for a scenic run along Riverside Drive.

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