The Japanese gardens at Maymont. | Photo by Rodney Martin
Spring has offcially sprung, RVA. Picnicking is a delightful way to spend a sunny afternoon or a breezy evening. Here’s our go-to list for ideal spots + nearby eats.
Forest Hill Park
If you want a bit of outdoor adventure with your meal, head to Forest Hill Park. Swing byCrossroads before you arrive to pick up a refreshing coffee and lunch — add ice cream if the weather insists.
Oregon Hill Overlook
Bring a blanket, spread out in the shade, and settle in to watch the river flow. Grab a pizza fromPupatella or some donuts fromOh! Mochi and enjoy one of the best views in the River City.
Byrd Park
The lakes of Byrd Park provide another perfect opportunity for a waterside snack. If you’re feeling ambitious, Fountain Lake has public grills on site. Grab a steak fromBelmont Butchery and get in touch with your inner grillmaster — just watch out for hungry geese.
Resistance Through Homespun with Neal Hurst | 6 p.m. | Wilton House Museum | $5+ | Learn about the history of textiles and dress in Revolutionary Virginia at this lecture, available in-person or virtually.
Friday, March 21
Farm and Forest Friend Friday | 9-11 a.m. | Meadow Farm | Free | Open to all ages, hear a story about a farm or forest friend, do a little crafting + explore the grounds for wildlife.
University of Richmond Women’s Tennis vs. Fordham | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Westhampton Tennis Complex | Free | Whether you’re still buzzing over the hit tennis movie “Challengers” or simply enjoy the sport, come out and support UR at this afternoon match.
Chair Build & Beers: A Women Build Fundraiser | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.| Final Gravity Brewing Co. | Free | If you have a knack for woodworking, join a group of volunteers building chairs to sell later in the afternoon for Habitat’s Women Build program.
Model Train Exhibition | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Westchester Commons | Free | Experience the art and tactics behind model-train making at this local exhibition.
Print Run | 12-5 p.m. | Quirk Hotel | Price of purchase | Shop art prints to your heart’s content at this weekend pop-up hosted at the hotel’s gallery shop.
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Is Richmond’s skyline getting a new addition? An unknown New York-based firm is developing plans to construct a multi-story building on the vacant lot at 703 E. Main St. Although the proposal has not yet been submitted, we’re antsy to know what the outcome may be. (Richmond BizSense)
Number
$230 million. That’s the estimated budget that could be used to build two new parking decks at Richmond International Airport. The money would account for one general public garage and another for rentals. Check out our guide to make your next journey smoother through RIC. (Richmond BizSense)
Civic
Small businesses in Richmond can now submit applications for recovery funding in response to January’s water crisis. Financial support is available to business owners who generate less than $3 million in revenue annually. Applications will close on Friday, March 28. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Open
Sweetgreen, a popular chain known for its salads and protein bowls, just opened a location in Carytown, making it the company’s 250th shop. Scope out their menu + head to West Cary Street for a pick-me-up the next time you’re in need.
Today Is
Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day — an opportunity to honor Mister Rogers. Channel his kind + gentle television personality by donning a spring cardigan, checking in on your neighbors, and perhaps revisiting the mysterious and inspiring story of the Mister Rogers payphone altar in Richmond’s Museum District.
Cause
One more sleep ‘til the grown-ups take over. Join the Children’s Museum of Richmond tomorrow, March 21 for “Pretend Again: A Grown-Up Night at the Museum.” From 7 to 10 p.m., enjoy some of RVA’s best bites, an open bar, and chances to win hotel stays, diamonds, and more. Snag tix.*
Sports
Don’t miss the Richmond Kickers’ official home opener this Saturday, March 22, as they take on AV Alta FC. Kick off the 2025 season with $3 Bud Light drafts, $5 Barefoot Wine and more. Pro tip: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Snag tickets.*
Fact or Fiction
Fact: Some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster. (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases.*
Stat
Every six seconds. That’s how often a pet owner spends $1,000+ in unforeseen care costs for their fur baby. Pet insurance could cover up to 90% of these costs — find the right plan.*
Announced
We crunched the numbers and compiled your official RICtoday’s Best nominees. Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Friday, April 25 you can vote for your favorites in each category. Winners will be announced Monday, May 5.
The Buy
The Buy
A highly-rated callus file to remove dead skin and calluses so feet are ready for sandal season.
Regarding our “Asked” question today — my first spring sighting was definitely a colorful bloom. The other signs tend to sneak up on me, but I have to give a special shout-out to the little bunny I saw running through a yard yesterday. That felt like a personal “hello” from spring.
Answered
Answered
What are you doing first at Literature & Her?
33.3%: Looking for the cats 33.3%: Visiting each vendor booth 20%: Sitting in the grass + flipping through a book 13.3%: Making a new friend
🏆 It’s a tie for first!
Making new friends can be daunting — we feel you there — and we’re rooting for you to feel courageous and always be yourself — like many of the greatest women writers, of course.
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