Only two original Granite homes are still standing on Southside. | Photo via Granite CommUNITY Foundation
Richmond is filled with places deserving of a historical marker. Here’s what readers chose for our contest.
Winner: Granite Village
The neighborhood’s history dates back to just before the Civil War. Reader Sarah F. had this to say about the close-knit community: “Granite Village was a small predominately African American village located off Forest Hill Avenue near Willow Oaks and Stratford Hills. Many of the residents worked in the granite quarry that is now the country club and the headquarters were located where the granite pool is now.”
In September, former community members hosted the Granite Festival to share the neighborhood’s story. Keep up with events and news by following the Granite CommUNITY Foundation.
It doesn’t stop there — check out the finalists and see a map with all reader submissions at the button below.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | The classic holiday tale gets the Muppets treatment, featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge.
Manic Focus | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry | $20 | Enjoy an evening of rowdy electronic funk with special guest Vincent Antone.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Book Fair and Brews | 12-4 p.m. | Benchtop Brewing | Free entry | Find a gift, get it wrapped, grab a beer, and start your next read with help from Fountain Bookstore.
Richmond Boat Parade of Lights | 5 p.m. | Rocketts Landing – James River | Free | Boats decked out with lights will process down the James, starting at the Intermediate Terminal.
Winter Country Formal | 7-11 p.m. | Gallery5 | $12+ | Arrive in advance for a two-step lesson from Charlie Davis, then enjoy honky tonk tunes by Ramona and the Holy Smokes.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Tacky Sweater Plant Swap & Holiday Market | 12-4 p.m. | The Park RVA | Free entry | Don your tackiest sweater, bring a plant to trade, and find gifts for everyone on your list.
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A mobile coffee business is making the leap to a Scott’s Addition storefront. Get a sneak peak of the Parousia Coffee space at its soft opening today, Dec. 13 from 6:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. It’s located in the VIV at Scott’s Collection building on Clay Street.
Number
10,814,407. That’s how many people rode on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route in 2024, up 18% from last year. The Northeast Regional stops here in Richmond and connects to cities like Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
Fun Fact
Quick — what’s the weirdest thing in our state? Is it the Richmond Gun Hole? That’s pretty strange, but according to FiftyGrande’s list of the “50 Weirdest Roadside Attractions,” the Hugh Mongous statue that towers over Ocean Breeze Water Park in Virginia Beach takes the cake.
Shop
Pro tip for kids gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and get kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
Travel
Experience family-friendly holiday fun at Kersey Valley Christmas in the Heart of NC. This affordable event series features light displays, Santa’s workshop and photos, a Grinch cave, reindeer games, a jumping pillow, a megaslide, and a roasty toasty village. See event FAQs + buy tickets.*
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
There’s a ton of holiday fun on the books for this weekend in Richmond. I’ve got my eye on a screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at the Byrd, but I also plan to hit up a few more holiday markets to snag some gifts.
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