What to do at the Zoo

• Meet 1,700+ animals along a five-mile walking trail
• Feed a giraffe at eye level
• Take a spin on the endangered species carousel
• Join a Zoofari to see animals like rhinoceroses, ostriches, and exotic antelope up-close from an open-air vehicle
• Dine at unique dining spots like the Farm-to-Table Cafe
• Tackle kids and adults ropes courses
• Discover exotic and native butterflies in the walk-through butterfly garden, opening this May

More to do in Randolph County

• Kick-start your day with a caffeine boost and pastry from The Table.
• Explore zoo-themed public art in Downtown Asheboro.
• Add laser tag, zip line rides, axe throwing, and other attractions at Kersey Valley to your day of adventure.
• Enjoy Southern cuisine at Magnolia 23, voted one of “America‘s 75 Best Fried Chicken Spots” by Daily Meal.
• Cheer on the Asheboro ZooKeepers, a collegiate wooden bat team, at the newly renovated historic McCrary Park.
• Visit Richard Petty Tribute Park in Randleman, home of the “King of NASCAR.”

• Virginia History Book Group | Tuesday, March 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This month, the Library of Virginia group will discuss “The First Emancipator: Slavery, Religion, and the Quiet Revolution of Robert Carter” by Andrew Levy.
• “Common Ground” Premiere | Tuesday, March 19 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $20 | Stick around after the film for a moderated Q+A.
• Charles Owens Trio on Shockoe Sessions Live! | Tuesday, March 19 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios, 1813 E. Broad St., Richmond | $0-$15 | Get tickets to see this master tenor saxophonist in person or stream the show on YouTube.

• “Stoke” and “Tea” | Wednesday, March 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Artspace Gallery, 2833-A Hathaway Rd., Richmond | Free | Enjoy two new exhibitions at Artspace in conjunction with the Coalescence ceramics conference.
• The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band | Wednesday, March 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | $15-$30 | Stomp your feet at this night of front-porch blues with Nat Myers.

• Matisyahu | Thursday, March 21 | 7:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $29 | One dollar of every ticket sold at this concert will be donated to the Last Prisoner Project.

• A combination bookstore-coffeehouse is coming to Cary Street. Expect Abi’s Books & Brews to open in the spring with coffee, breakfast and lunch offerings, and thousands of books that customers will be welcome to read in-store and purchase to take home. (Richmond BizSense)

• Charlottesville-based Gearharts Fine Chocolates is back in Richmond at a new Short Pump location near Trader Joe’s. The chocolatier closed its Libbie Avenue store in early 2023. Stop by for coffee, baked goods, and chocolate Monday through Saturday. (The Daily Progress)

• The second location of ML Steak is now open at Chesterfield Towne Center. The Lindsey Food Group restaurant had a soft opening over the weekend. Bonus: The rooftop will open once the weather gets warmer.

• UR women’s basketball will face Duke this Friday, March 22 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The game tips off at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNEWS. The Spiders enter the contest as a 10 seed after winning the A10 Championship in Henrico.

• Monica Murray, principal of John Marshall High School, has received the R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. Murray was recognized for her ability to establish a positive school culture and provide a strong foundation for students and staff.

• Huff, a local perfume sampling series, is having its first official event at Sub Rosa on Sunday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets to try out niche and independent fragrances, plus enjoy snacks and wine.

• Easter on Parade will return on Sunday, March 31 from 1 to 5 p.m. The free event takes over Monument Avenue from Davis to North Allen with live music, crafts, vendors, and plenty of bonnets. Bonus: Get your festival fill with our handy guide.

• In yesterday’s newsletter, we inadvertently included two outcomes for the Kickers’ season opener against Spokane Velocity FC. The Roos lost 2-1. You can still cheer them on at home this Saturday, March 23 against South Georgia Tormenta FC.