01.22.2024

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Today’s Forecast

47º | Sunny | 3% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:22 p.m.

City

Know Your City: Lewis G. Larus Park

The view from the Power Line spur trail at Larus Park. | Photo by RICtoday

In the woods behind Stony Point Fashion Park, Lewis G. Larus Park is one of the best-kept secrets of Richmond’s several trail systems.

Multiple miles of well-marked dirt trails wind around the hills of Larus Park, split up into four color-coded loops — red, yellow, blue and green. There is also a short powerline connector trail, the view from which you might recognize from our Instagram.

There are five map kiosks distributed across the trail systems and colorful blazes mark the trees along the path. Rolling hills carry you down towards a stream and up closer to the main roads. The thriving forest includes running cedar moss, loblolly pines, and even the occasional blueberry bush.

A lush park overgrown with flora and fauna — Besides its trails, Larus Park has an incredibly diverse plant populatation.
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Photo via Virginia.org

The trail system is a favorite for runners and walkers — a full tour de Larus lasts about 2.5 miles. It’s dog friendly (with a leash, of course) and accessible via two trailheads. The western entrance is at 3409 Stony Point Rd. and the northern entrance is beside 9013 Old Holly Rd.

The spot is also beloved by local rock climbers. Larus Park has over a dozen established bouldering routes across three boulders — Big Brother, Little Brother, and Redheaded Step Brother. Difficulties range from V0 to V8.

Looking to check out Lewis Larus Park for yourself? Download a trail map and enjoy.

This article is part of our Know Your City series, where we take a closer look at hidden gems around Richmond. We’re always looking for more suggestions for where to explore.

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Events

Monday, Jan. 22

The Toot Sweet Jazz Ensemble | Monday, Jan. 22 | 6-8:15 p.m. | Cameo Cakery And Cafe, 306 Libbie Ave., Richmond | Free entry | Call ahead to enjoy a toasty patio with a great atmosphere, live music, food, and drinks.

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Yoga with Erin Lingo | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond | $0-$20 | Join in for an hour of yoga in the gallery or backyard of the museum.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. Loyola Chicago | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 7 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $25-$30 | The Rams continue conference play against Loyola Chicago.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

“Ran” | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the action drama film from Akira Kurosawa on the big screen.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Transit Talk: Transit App | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Log on for a session with the experts at Transit to see how to best use the app and upgraded service, Transit Royale.

Friday, Jan. 26

Keynote: Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary | Friday, Jan. 26 | 6-7:30 p.m. | VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $15-$20 | Explore the complexities of the Black experience in America with Clint Smith in a talk inspired by “Dawoud Bey: Elegy.”

Dozens more events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

An 85-unit subdivision could be coming to a 30-acre plot off Nine Mile Road, Westover Avenue, and Orams Lane in Henrico. The land is currently under agricultural use; the planning commission will consider the rezoning request in February. (Richmond BizSense)

Civic

Early voting is underway in Virginia for the 2024 presidential primaries and will continue until March 2. Check out our election guide to get all your registration, early voting, and ballot questions answered.

Festival

The Richmond Moon Market is teaming up with Kasama Collective to host a Lunar New Year celebration. Head to Stone Brewery on Feb. 24 from 12 to 6 p.m. for a street food festival with an Asian food truck court, music, dancing, art, and shopping.

Edu

The University of Richmond is turning North Court, a 110-year-old building, into a full residence hall. UR has been splitting the building’s use between academics and residence since 2017. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Holiday

Looking for a Valentine’s gift for the Flying Squirrels fanatic in your life? A Nutzygram comes with ticket vouchers, local cookies, and delivery by either Nutzy or Nutasha.

Answered

❄️ Your ’96 blizzard memories

Your memories of Richmond’s blizzard of 1996

Mary Jane and David D. got married at St. John’s United Church of Christ during the 1996 storm. | Photos courtesy of Cece D.

Earlier this week, we remembered one of Richmond’s most historic snowstorms, the January 1996 blizzard that dropped a foot of snow on the River City. We asked our readers for their memories of the storm and, as usual, you didn’t disappoint.

“I personally don’t have any, but my parents got married in Richmond during the January 1996 blizzard. We can never remember the exact date of the wedding because it had to be moved (it was either the 7th or the 8th), [but] ironically more people from out of town were able to make it because they were staying in nearby hotels, as opposed to their Richmond-area friends, who were snowed in!” — Cece D.

“It was awesome! I was 7 years old. My two older brothers and I were able to go sledding for real. We built a legit igloo that the three of us could sit inside. We played in the snow for a week.” — Caroline A.

The Buy 1.22.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The perfect sauce to celebrate National Hot Sauce Day today: Sobremesa’s Citrus Habanero Hot Sauce. This small-batch mole and salsa company combined ripe citrus with spicy habanero to make a bright, fiery sauce that tingles the taste buds.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I first found out about Larus Park’s trails when my friend Ryan took me on a run there this past summer. We started at Huguenot Flatwater and wound our way up Riverside Drive to the north trailhead — those hills are no joke.

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