February 6, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

47º | Sunny | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.

🌲 All eyes on the Fall Line

Henrico has already broken ground on its portion of the Fall Line Trail. | Photo by RICtoday

The planning of the Fall Line Trail hit another milestone this week with the release of the Fall Line Vision Plan.

The Sports Backers plan goes into the possibilities surrounding the trail in terms of new developments, amenities, and resources for communities.

It also divides the trail into sections based on typologies, since the Fall Line will look different as it goes through downtown areas as opposed to neighborhoods and scenic routes.

When complete, the Fall Line will connect 43 miles from Petersburg to Ashland. Organizers say it’ll be within a ten minute bike ride of 100+ schools and will be in close proximity to 340,000+ people.

At an informational webinar to discuss the plan, Bike Walk RVA Director Brantley Tyndall emphasized the community-oriented aspects of the Fall Line.

Making the trail a way to get to desirable destinations — including public art attractions, playgrounds, bike parks, restaurants, and historic spaces — will be critical to taking full advantage of the scope of the project.

“Success for the Fall Line is not just the pavement,” Tyndall said.

INDYtoday: INDY_Cultural Trail_DEC23 — The vision plan takes inspiration from trails around the country, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
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Photo by @indyculturaltrail

Tyndall compared the possibilities for the Fall Line to the Razorback Regional Greenway in Bentonville, AR and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. He also brought up the different ways communities and localities can embrace the Fall Line, mentioning Ashland’s plan to offer economic incentives to open businesses near the trail.

Henrico broke ground on its portion of the Fall Line in November; Richmond and Petersburg are expected to follow suit within the next year. The 12-mile stretch from Richmond to Ashland is scheduled for completion by 2026.

Want to get involved? Check out your neighborhood’s section in the vision plan to get an idea of what could be in store. You can also sign up to receive email updates from Bike Walk RVA or register to attend a Fall Line-inspired day of service for Celebrate Trails Day on April 27.

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 6

Seasonal Garden Tour | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 10-11 a.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $0-$20 | Come dressed for the weather and enjoy a tour of the winter highlights of the Garden.

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Virginia Opera presents Damien Geter’s “Cotton” | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | See the acclaimed song cycle which brings together music, poetry, and photography in the Gellman Room.
“In the Mood for Love” | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung are captivating in this Wong Kar-wai drama.

Thursday, Feb. 8

“The Colored Museum” | Thursday, Feb. 8-Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Virginia Repertory Theater, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | The Black Virginia Theatre Alliance presents George C. Wolfe’s journey through the heart and soul of the African American experience.

Friday, Feb. 9

After 5 Friday: Moms Night Out | Friday, Feb. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free entry | Unwind with drink specials, meet other moms, and have fun with conversation starter cards.
The Thing | Friday, Feb. 9 | 9 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | $12 | The NYC band will play with Nancy Raygun and Mad Abbey.

Saturday, Feb. 10

Chocolate Fest | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 1-5 p.m. | Center of the Universe Brewing, 11293 Air Park Rd., Ashland | Free entry | Enjoy a limited selection of eight different chocolate beers while shopping for your Valentine in the vendor area.

100+ local events

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Sports

🏈 Super essentials for game day

A rotating gif of Super Bowl game day essentials, including tees that support Taylor and a slow cooker buffet.

It’s Super Bowl LVIII: Taylor’s Version. | Photos via Amazon

Ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Gear up for hosting, snacking, and cheering on ~~Taylor’s boyfriend~~ your favorite team with game day essentials.

Chill drinks in a “Cheers” beverage tub.
These football-themed paper food trays and liner napkins are perfect to serve a crowd.
This triple slow cooker buffet lets you keep multiple dishes warm.
Swifties can sport a best-selling “Go Taylor’s Boyfriend” tee or this “Taylor’s Version” NFL crewneck.
Rooting for the 49ers? Display this 49ers flag.

Shop game day favorites

News Notes

Development

Investment firm Middleburg Communities is building a 260-unit build-to-rent community in Midlothian. The 100-acre plan for Hamlet Falling Creek includes one, two, and three bedroom cottages, duplexes, and townhomes as well as a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood design and shared amenities.

Arts

Virginia Opera has announced its 50th anniversary season alongside a new brand and tagline: “Where Voice Rules.” The season will start with “Twilight of the Gods” — performances in Richmond are in October — followed by “Carmen,” “Così fan tutte,” and the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia.”

Eat

You won’t have to pay an automatic 20% fee at The Boathouse, Island Shrimp Co., and Casa del Barco any longer. The HOUSEpitality restaurant group decided to stop charging the service fee, which it adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Richmonder

Musician and River City native Lucy Dacus is now a 3-time Grammy winner. As part of the group boygenius, Dacus took home Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for “Not Strong Enough” as well as Best Alternative Music Album for “The Record.”

Kids

Students in Virginia’s 4th congressional district — which includes the city and parts of Chesterfield and Henrico — are invited to enter Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan’s Black History Month essay contest. Different prompts are available for middle and high school students. Submissions are due by Monday, Feb. 12.

Feel Good

Do you have a local love story? Submit your memories to our local love map by this Friday, Feb. 9 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter. Psst — putting your love on the map makes a nice surprise for your sweetheart.

Finance

If you’ve been dreaming of a “one-card wallet,” it’s time to wake up and get your hands on this credit card. Not only does it offer 0% APR into 2025, but cardholders can also earn up to 5% cash back — with no annual fee to boot.*

Shop

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Head to Manchester for Studio Two Three’s market. | Photo by RICtoday

The Buy

This set of six colored wine glasses, which remind us of Estelle stemware, only more affordable. The multicolor stemware set is perfect for parties, Galentine’s Day, or girls’ night in.

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The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

Did you know 10 Friday Cheers alumni were collectively nominated for 27 Grammys this past weekend? I’m looking forward to finding out what acts will play the Brown’s Island concert series this season.

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