Pick up some sandwiches and sides at Union Market this year. | Photo by RICtoday.
Thanksgiving is just days away, which means groceries are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. If you want to celebrate Turkey Day the Richmond way — or if you’re looking to gobble more locally year-round — we’ve got you covered with a cornucopia of local stores and markets.
The Market at 25th
This spot offers online and delivery options for fruits, veggies, brand name products, not to mention sales for those using EBT/SNAP cards.
Strawberry Street Market
Stock up on wine, growlers, and six-packs at this Fan favorite . Or, stop by the fresh deli section, grab a coffee, or even stock up on household items and school supplies.
Little House Green Grocery
Local foodstuffs, a deli, and a specialty selection of wine, beer and gifts await you at this neighborhood market.
Libbie Market
Formerly Joe’s Market, this shop offers a full grocery experience, as well as a large collection of beer and wine.
Yellow Umbrella Provisions
This market just past Willow Lawn focuses on fresh seafood, deli meats, and special-ordered produce, wine, and baked goods.
Good Foods Grocery
Stop in to grab fresh produce and some household essentials, then duck into Gelati Celesti a few doors down for Thanksgiving dessert.
Stella’s Grocery has six locations, from Scott’s Addition to Manchester.
Stella’s Grocery
Born from the Greek restaurant of the same name on Lafayette Street, all six locations feature made-to-order sandwiches, adult beverages, gifts, and several Richmond-based treats.
The Mantu Market
The West End extension of the Carytown Afghan restaurant The Mantu, this market has Middle Eastern classics, spices, to-go meals, and fresh baked goods.
Union Market
This restaurant also functions as a market with takeaway sandwiches, cheeses, and meats.
Ellwood Thompson’s
This neighborhood market has served the community since 1989. Though it’s no longer locally owned, you can still find organic produce, desserts, or health supplements for when you’ve eaten yourself silly.
Events
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Toy Drive | Tuesday, Nov. 21-Thursday, Nov. 30 | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. | SuperSuds, 5130 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Drop off new, unopened toys at the laundromat.
GardenFest of Lights | Tuesday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Jan. 7 | 5-10 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $0-$17 | Peruse the gardens as they twinkle with millions of lights — plus enjoy botanical decorations, model trains, and hot chocolate.
Wednesday, Nov. 22
Thanksgiving Eve Party with That Dog Bite | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Industrial Taphouse, 10392 Leadbetter Rd., Ashland | Cost of purchase| Kick off holiday festivities with brews and tunes by the rock band.
River City Roll Thanksgiving Eve Bash | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 9-11:59 p.m. | River City Roll, 939 Myers St., Richmond | Free entry | Dan Nicholls Band will rock the house at this pre-Thanksgiving party.
Thursday, Nov. 23
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | John Candy and Steve Martin star in this 1987 comedy.
Saturday, Nov. 25
Small Business Saturday Artisan Market | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 12-5 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond | Free entry | Shop local from artisans selling home décor, art, jewelry, and apparel in the barrel room.
UR Men’s Basketball vs. Queens | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | Robins Center, 365 College Rd., Richmond | $15-$32 | Cheer on the Spiders as they face Queens at home, or stream on ESPN+.
VSU has been chosen to host a general election presidential debate in 2024. The debate, set for Oct. 1, 2024, will make VSU the first HBCU in the country to host a US presidential debate. (NBC12)
Closed
The Circuit, Richmond’s first arcade bar, has closed for good. It announced its immediate shutdown with a note on the door, though no official reason was given for the closure. (Richmond BizSense)
Sports
The Kickers shared their support for PlanRVA’s proposed BikePedRVA 2045 initiative. The plan would make it easier for Richmonders to bike around town, including to City Stadium for games and events.
Edu
Armstrong High School is banning all candy over concerns about edible hemp products. The decision follows an incident in October where four students were found in medical distress after allegedly consuming THC gummies. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
State
Thousands of families could lose child care if funding isn’t brought back to levels of peak pandemic years. Virginia child care is approaching a fiscal cliff as grants from previous years continue to expire. (VPM)
Development
The Hanover Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal for a 55-and-up apartment building. Supervisors voted against the proposed project in a 4-3 decision. (Richmond BizSense)
Shop
Have you heard of the “Target Phenomenon” — why people can’t leave Target without a cartful of goodies? Brad’s Deals explains 11 reasons to love Target.*
Announced
“Super Bowl of Debate” coming to Richmond
National Speech and Debate Tournament coming to Richmond in 2026
The tournament was announced at a press conference on Monday, Nov. 20. | Photo by RICtoday
Richmond will host the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament — an event which will bring ~10,000 students and visitors to the River City.
The tournament was unveiled at a press conference yesterday. The Richmond Forum and Richmond Region Tourism made the announcement alongside Mayor Levar Stoney and representatives from Chesterfield and Henrico Counties.
The Richmond Forum has run its Speech & Debate Initiative since 2018. Bringing the national tournament to Richmond has been a goal for several years. In the five years since its founding, Richmond Forum has helped 1200+ kids get involved in debate. By 2025, it wants to reach every public middle and high school in Henrico, Chesterfield, and Richmond.
National Tournament Director Scott Wunn also expressed excitement that the tournament will take place during the United States’ 250th anniversary. He said the Semiquincentennial theme will continue throughout the tournament, teasing possible partnerships with local history museums and organizations.
The Buy
The Buy 11.21.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
These women’s workout leggings with high waist tummy control — they’re “squat-proof” and 30% off today for Black Friday.
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to catch “Stop Making Sense,” the classic Talking Heads concert film, at the Byrd on Saturday night. Don’t worry — I wrote today’s newsletter in the biggest suit you’ve ever seen.
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