Plus, Jefferson Avenue improvements start soon
 
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Today’s Forecast

70º | 3% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 6:32 p.m.
 

Where to see fall foliage near Richmond
A view of the river and colorful fall foliage from a drone south of the river
Autumn in Richmond means some of the best views of the James you’ll get all year. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
Want to get a look at the peak fall foliage in Virginia? Leaf your planning to us. Here’s a guide to where to watch the leaves change based on how close to home you want to stay.

Bonus: Check out this map from Virginia Tourism to learn when fall foliage is expected to peak. For our region, it’s mid October.

🍂 Stay in the city

Monument Avenue is one of Richmond’s most scenic pedestrian-friendly roads, and the stretch from I-195 down Franklin to Monroe Park is particularly beautiful in the fall.

Areas like the Fan, Ginter Park, Riverside Drive, and the University of Richmond are also hotspots for fall colors. You can also wander through Byrd, Bryan, or Forest Hill Park, or set up a picnic at Maymont.

🍂 Hit the river

There are plenty of chances to enjoy the autumn leaves from along the James. Walk or run along the trails that make up the James River Park System, take a bike ride on the Capital Trail, cruise along Riverside Drive, or visit Hollywood Cemetery or the Oregon Hill Overlook for a view from above.

An aerial shot of fall foliage in the fan

The Fan turns into an autumnal wonderland every October.

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Photo by @takeone.aerial

🍂 Down for a day trip

Pocahontas State Park is a quick getaway, just south of the Chesterfield Airport. Head west to High Bridge Trail State Park (~1 hr drive) or Natural Bridge State Park (~2 hr drive) for some of the most scenic views Virginia has to offer. There’s also York River State Park and Powhatan State Park.

🍂 Camp out

Immerse yourself in autumn by spending a night or two under the stars at Shenandoah National Park (~1.5 hr drive) or book a stay in a small town known for nature like Abingdon, Damascus, Bedford, or Farmville.

You better be-leaf Virginia Tourism has more recommendations. If you’re an autumn expert, let us know where you go to see the best fall foliage.
 
Visit Fredericksburg
 
Events
Monday, Oct. 14
  • “Herodian Jerusalem” Lecture | Monday, Oct. 14 | 4 p.m. | Congregation Beth Ahabah | Free | Register to learn about the history and archaeology of Jerusalem in the Herodian period either in person or online on Zoom.
  • Glass House | Monday, Oct. 14 | 7 p.m. | The Camel | $10+ | See the Boston rockers backed by local country-rock acts Drunk Mother and Truck Bed.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
  • “Panama Canal Beckons Ships of the World” | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Join Virginia War Memorial Director of Education Jim Triesler to explore the history of the Panama Canal, one of the Man-Made Wonders of the World. Make sure to register ahead of time.
  • Autumnal Cross Stitch | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | RPL Ginter Park Branch | Free | Cross-stitchers ages 10-18 are welcome to this beginner-friendly class featuring apple cider, cozy autumnal ambiance videos, and fall-themed patterns to take home at the end of the night.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
  • Garden Glow | Wednesday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Nov. 10 | Times vary | Maymont | $12+ | Take in the gardens, transformed by color and lighting effects, and explore the Glow Village and light installations by international artists.
Thursday, Oct. 17
  • Flowers After 5 | Thursday, Oct. 17, Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $20 | Enjoy an evening in the Garden with local folk trio Palmyra.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
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Where to find wicked-good Halloween costumes and decor
Costume shopping at Goodwill, including pink and black dresses and shoes.
Try thrifting to find your unique (and budget-friendly) Halloween look this year. | Photos by RICtoday
Nothing’s scarier than a wasteful outfit — especially when it’s an expensive Halloween costume you’ll only wear once. You can keep the environment (and your budget) top-of-mind this season by shopping sustainably at Goodwill, where it’s almost guaranteed that no one will find the exact same costume as you.

We recently visited one of Goodwill’s many local stores (3979 Gay Ave., Henrico) to thrift our vision for not just one, but two popular characters: Glinda and Elphaba from the award-winning musical and soon-to-be-movie “Wicked.”

With the help of Goodwill’s friendly staff (and a few fellow shoppers), we put together four DIY looks. There was an abundance of attire and accessories to choose from, plus, there were plenty of other unique Halloween costumes and decorations to go around — all at affordable prices.

Pro tip: No clue what to dress up as? Go to your nearest Goodwill, ask about the Color of the Week, and let it be your guide.

So, how’d we do?
 
News Notes
Today Is
  • Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Proclaimed in 2019 by Governor Ralph Northam as an observed holiday in VA, this national holiday honors the past, present, and futures of Native people across the US. There will be a celebration today from 1 to 7 p.m. at Powhatan Hill Park.
History
  • A historical marker for the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground was dedicated at a ceremony last Thursday. The site was the city’s first municipal cemetery for Africans and African Americans, founded in 1799. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Coming Soon
  • Barrio Taqueria + Tequila will soon become Memi’s, a Middle Eastern restaurant specializing in Egyptian cuisine. An opening date for the new spot has yet to be announced, but Barrio is still open for a few more weeks.
State
  • As colder weather approaches, there are several options for Virginians in need of assistance paying their heating bills. Both the state and several utility companies are open to applications — see the full list of programs. (Virginia Mercury)
Development
  • At a ceremony celebrating the opening of an apartment complex in Brookland Park, a Baltimore-based firm broke ground on another. Enterprise Community Development has finished construction on Highland Terrace Apartments; now work in underway on Green Park Apartments. (Richmond BizSense)
Stat
  • 22%. That’s how much car insurance prices are expected to increase by the end of the year. The average premium is expected to reach $2,469. Are you prepared? View Money’s “Best Car Insurance” list to shop around + see if you could save.*
Wellness
  • Meet Calmind, a groundbreaking mental wellness app that transforms your phone into a tool for better sleep. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription at 83% off.*
 
City

🚧 Coming soon to Jefferson Ave

Second phase of Jefferson Avenue improvements set to begin
RIC Pizza bones
Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to access businesses along Jefferson Avenue while work continues. | Photo by RICtoday
The Dept. of Public Works is ready to begin the second phase of its improvements on the north side of Jefferson Avenue in Union Hill. Work is planned to start on the stretch between Leigh Street and 25th Street on Monday, Oct. 21.

This phase of construction will improve drainage and install brick sidewalks, accessibility ramps, and landscaping. It will also replace the curb and gutters.

The stretch of road will remain open while it is under construction, but DPW is asking Richmonders to slow down and be mindful of workers when they drive past the project.

Work is expected to be complete in spring 2025.
The Buy
 
The cutest oversized plaid chunky scarf, available in any + every color pattern to complement your fall and winter wardrobe.
 
Answered
 

We quizzed our readers on what the first modern milkshake was called
Around 37% of respondents got it right — created in 1922 by Ivar “Pop” Coulson, the first modern milkshake was called “Horlick’s Malted Milk.” Coulson, working at a Walgreens in Chicago, blended a scoop of ice cream into a glass of malted milk, and the milkshake was born.
 
 
The Wrap
 
David Lefkowitz.png

Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
I spent this past weekend camping in James River State Park, which — according to Virginia Tourism’s map — is at the peak of its fall foliage now. Needless to say, I’m beyond excited for round two here in Richmond over the next few weeks.
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