Here’s what our followers loved in 2022 | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
If you live and die by Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies, you know there are River City traditions others just don’t understand. Whether you’re a native of the 804 or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Richmonder understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Richmond’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.
You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Richmond, these might be a little difficult to explain.
All things James
“Don’t go in the river if it’s been raining.” – Everyone
“The walk to Belle Isle is always longer than you think it will be.” – Lindsey S.
Sorry old-timey postcard, it’s called the Nickel Bridge.
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Photo via VCU Libraries Digital Collections
Some things never change
“We will call things their names from 20, 30, 40+ years ago forever.” – @er__yn
“Tattoos are almost mandatory.” – @amberkconnor
“Drink PBR on rock.” – @gardnertabb
“Skeletons are an all-season, all-holiday decoration.” – @k_3_n_n_3_d_y
This is stuck in your head
“[You] must know all the words to the Agee’s song.” – @WhiskeeHound
“When seeing a movie at the Byrd, you absolutely MUST recite all of the lines in the “Litter in the Aisles” promo, especially the lines “Sick!’, “Somebody needs parental guidance,” and “Or anywhere else!!!!”" – Dave G.
If you’re from Richmond, you know Francine.
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Photo provided
The streets taught us...
“When you trip on a brick or cracked sidewalk, play it off like nothing happened.” – @kob59
“It’s better to have an EZ pass and not use it than to not have an EZ pass and need it.” – @omgocps
“You must give directions by saying where things used to be.” – @RVAblues
Music at Main Street Station | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Main Street Station | Free | Head to the patio to groove with Legacy Band, DJ Danja Mowf, and host Kai Valdez.
Libbie Mill Oktoberfest | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Pier at Libbie Lake | Free entry | Cheers to fall with treats from Yellow Umbrella, First Stop Donuts, and Gelati Celesti, live music from The Sauerkrauts Band, and performances by S.G.T.E.V. Hirschjaeger dancers.
Friday, Sept. 20
Florry | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $15 | Enjoy a night of indie country-rock with Drug Country and Kitty Corner.
Sounds Funny with Micah “Bam Bamm” White | Friday, Sept. 20 | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell | Free | Get your laughs in at this part-music-part-comedy Festival of Arts event.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Richmond Moon Market | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Stone Brewing Company | Free entry | This indoor craft and wellness market will feature local vendors and live music.
Jazz Night | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Pizza Bones | Cost of purchase | Grab a drink, enjoy some pizza, and take in the tunes of the Ben Eisenburg Trio.
“Solitude” | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | You might recognize some local landscapes in this thrilling film, which was partially filmed in the area.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Sunday Bagel Pop-Up | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 10 a.m. | Cobblestore | Cost of purchase | Head to Oregon Hill to try the local bagel pop-up.
A new generation of farming is making it easy to grow fresh produce in a safe, reliable, and convenient way. | Photo provided by Babylon Micro-Farms + Science Museum of Virginia
Did you know most food travels hundreds of miles before it reaches your plate? Now, picture a world where farm-fresh produce isn’t hours away — but just steps.
Starting at 8 a.m., meet Babylon Micro-Farms founder Alexander Olesen and learn how science is revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. During this interactive presentation, attendees will hear about:
How vertical micro-farms are sprouting in urban landscapes like Richmond, turning farm-to-table from a trend to a reality where fresh produce is grown just around the corner
Why vertical farming not only reduces emissions + conserves water, but also delivers tastier, more nutritious produce
Whether you’re a foodie, a sustainability advocate, or just curious, this talk is sure to grow on you.
GRTC is starting a series of construction projects at Pulse stops, which may result in some temporary station closures. Crews will be installing modifications so that GRTC can introduce 60-foot, articulated buses for the BRT line. The new buses will accommodate more riders and allow for faster boarding.
Open
The Scott’s Walk development across the street from the Diamond has welcomed its newest tenant. Toast New American Gastropub opened last week. It is the third location for the local restaurant, which offers brunch, lunch, and dinner. (Richmond BizSense)
Development
Henrico’s Planning Commission recently approved a land rezoning, clearing the way for an upcoming mixed-use project at the intersection of Broad Street and Forest Avenue. The plans for the Reynolds Crossing development include 1,500 residential units, 31,000 sqft of commercial space, office space, and a hotel. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
History
There’s still time to register for the fourth annual Intersecting History Museum Crawl this Sunday, Sept. 22. The free event takes attendees to nine local museums, free of charge. Charter buses will be on-hand to take visitors to sites including the VMFA, VMHC, Black History Museum, and Valentine.
Arts
If you’re strolling through Carytown, look out for some new work from Naomi McCavitt adorning Burtons Grill. The artist also worked on murals for the restaurant’s locations in Boston. Each one features native birds and plants.
Holiday
Riverfront Canal Cruises will bring back its Eerie Canal Tours for one weekend this October. This year’s theme is Edgar Allan Poe’s Nightmares. The narrated cruises are around 20 minutes long and best for ages seven and up. $6 tickets go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Cause
Support the Capital Region Land Conservancy at its annual fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Maymont. The Fields, Forests + Streams Celebration will feature food, drinks, a silent auction, and live jazz music from Django Tango. Get tickets now.
Arts
The Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Henrico High School’s Center for the Arts. Young creatives ages 3-18 can participate in free visual and performing arts workshops + experience performances by local arts groups. Learn more + register.*
Trending
Nike just dropped the all-new Pegasus 41. Engineered for runners who demand more, this shoe offers unparalleled comfort + responsiveness on the road. Shop it and unlock speed.*
Opening
🛍️ A new shop for local art
Studio Two Three opening storefront on Hull Street
Studio Two Three is also hosting a fall market Sept. 21-29 at its 15th Street location. | Photo by RICtoday
Local nonprofit Studio Two Three is expanding its footprint south of the river. The community art space — which moved from Scott’s Addition to the former Dogtown Dance building in Manchester last year — will open a Hull Street storefront today.
Shop Two Three will be a retail store as well as having class and event space.
Want to check out the space? Head to the grand opening celebration tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Expect merch, drinks, and prints by local artist Amos Paul Kennedy.
Tomorrow, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m., Kennedy will be present at Shop Two Three for an artist talk and book signing. You can reserve a copy of “Citizen Printer” in advance of the event.
The Buy
The Buy 9.19.24 (Affiliate)
L.L. Bean’s customer-favorite flannel blanket — perfect for camping trips, picnics, and staying cozy this autumn.
We asked you what’s first on your list for the fall.
Your ultimate guide to Richmond festivals
Our readers love a fall festival — it came in first with around 59% of votes. Pumpkin patch was second at ~31%. Check out our autumn activities article for all kinds of fall fare.
Good news: Our ultimate festival guide has the biggest parties in Richmond, all in one place. Hit the button below and bookmark the article so you never miss a fest.
I’ve been known to shamelessly gawk at fancy houses and I love “Project Runway,” so this Architectural Digest feature on fashion designer Christian Siriano’s renovation of a Monument Avenue mansion for his mom was basically made for me.
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