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Top Stories
Outdoor concert season in RVA | Grab the camping chair and insect spray — music is returning to Richmond’s great outdoors. Find out which artists are bringing their talents to the River City’s plethora of venues this summer.
Tudor Revival architecture in Richmond | Have you ever wondered where RVA’s cross gables, half-timbering, prominent chimneys, and patterned brickwork come from? Us too, so we investigated.
The beginner’s guide to composting in Richmond | If you’re looking to dip your hands into composting, we’re here to help. Learn the rules, regulations, and some tips + tricks to starting on your journey in RVA.
Asked
Asked
Which one of these can you NOT compost?
A. Dryer lint B. Nut shells C. Human hair D. Animal bones
Pick Your Own Flowers and Farmers Market | 4-7 p.m. | The Freckled Flower Farm, Montpelier | Free entry, pay what you pick | Enjoy fun for the whole family, as the weekend starts here with flower picking, picnics, lawn games, and a fish pond — plus, it’s BYOB.
Chesterfield Towne Center Carnival | Friday, April 25-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Chesterfield Towne Center | $5 | Follow the colorful carnival lights and join this family-friendly festival with games, fair foods, and a 110-ft Ferris wheel.
Special Focus Tour: Dining with Shakespeare | 6-7:30 p.m. | Agecroft Hall | $12+ | Learn about the culinary world of Elizabethan England, from medlars to lamb’s wool, at this guided discussion and museum tour.
Saturday, April 26
Environmental Justice Tour | 9-11 a.m. | Jackson Ward | Free with reservation | Join RVA’s Office of Sustainability on a guided tour exploring climate, equity, and resilience in one of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods.
Only You: True Love in the Bird World | 9-11 a.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $40+ | Explore the lives and habitats of the bird species who share their life with a single partner.
Richmond Dance Festival | 2 p.m., 6 p.m. | Grace Street Theater | $15+ | Experience exceptional local and regional dancers, screenings of dance on film, and a wide variety of genres.
Legends on Grace: 70s Pop Night! | 8-10 p.m. | Bob & Sally Mooney Hall | $27+ | Groove to a night of ‘70s bubblegum pop with The Super Sugar Beats, featuring covers of hits by The Monkees, The Partridge Family, The Banana Splits, Bobby Sherman, The Brady Bunch, and more.*
Sunday, April 27
Spring Market | 12-5 p.m. | Pizza Bones | Price of purchase | Head to Church Hill to peruse local vendors with vintage wear, crafts, and artisan goods.
Charcuterie Board Workshop | 2-4 p.m. | James River Cellars, Glen Allen | $85 | Come hungry and leave with a charcuterie board of your own making, led by an instructor offering tips + tricks to elevate your amuse-bouches.
The historic Hotel Roanoke is within walking distance to downtown favorites like the Taubman Museum of Art. | Photo provided by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Looking for an affordable summer vacation that combines adventure and relaxation in a picture-perfect setting? Enter: A road trip to Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
This mountainous region (less than three hours from Richmond) includes Roanoke, Virginia, and its surrounding areas. If we only had a weekend, here’s what we’d do:
Friday
Check in at Fire Station One, a historic firehouse-turned-boutique hotel in downtown Roanoke.
Walk to Sidecar for craft cocktails and European fare.
96 million. That’s how many Americans are bird watchers, according to a survey from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Check out the NYT’s birdwatching tips before heading out on a local hiking trail known for bird sightings. (New York Times)
Travel
Good news, travelers: The costs you see when eyeing that gorgeous Airbnb will now include all fees, meaning you won’t be hit with a $300 cleaning fee after going to check out. Explore local Airbnbs with our guide to unique places to stay in Richmond. (CNN)
Tech
A new study suggests that adults over 50 who use smartphones may experience lower rates of cognitive decline. Yet another reason to subscribe to RICtoday. (The Guardian)
Eat
Strawberry + Cream Pebbles. That’s the new cereal flavor from Post, the brand behind Fruity Pebbles. You can look for it on grocery store shelves, but if you’re in a berry mood, you can see what’s in season at a local farmers market.
Family
Bring your kids to the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s Chesterfield location on Saturday, April 26 for a free, non-invasive eye exam courtesy of MedRVA. Plus, your child can dive into the museum’s interactive exhibits right after. Plan your visit.*
Community
Wednesday, April 30 is National Denim Day, and Virginia Physicians for Women is wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote respect in all relationships. Learn more about healthy vs. unhealthy sexual behavior in Dr. Lois A. Davis’ Guide to Sexual Health and Wellness.*
I’m launching an unofficial RICtoday photo contest. Don’t tell my boss.
The theme: RVA nature. Send us your best snaps of local flora, fauna, and wildlife, and we’ll feature the best in a future newsletter. Here’s our entry, courtesy of City Editor Elise:
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