Summertime brings out the bright greens of the Blue Ridge. | Photo via @shenandoahnps
It doesn’t quite feel like summer until you’ve made a road trip to Shenandoah National Park. With 93 named mountains, 311 sq miles of scenic trails, and 300+ species of native wildlife, there’s a reason Virginians take pride in this natural haven.
Before you start packing your bags, here are a few tips and recommendations to get you started:
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Avg. number of visitors: ~1.5 million in 2023
Avg. high temp in July: 75°
Entry price: $30/vehicle, $15/hiker, except on these free days
Adventure awaits
Dogo chasing waterfalls, specifically the waterfalls on Dark Hollow Falls Trail. | Photo by RICtoday
Skyline Drive, ~105 mi.
Access countless activities from this scenic highway, including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wine tasting.
Dark Hollow Falls Trail, 1.4 mi.
This out-and-back trail delivers the reward of a 70-ft cascading waterfall.
Post-hike fuel
Big Meadows Wayside, 51 Skyline Dr.
Sit down for lunch and stock up on camping gear at this convenient store + eatery.
Big Fancy on Shockoe Sessions Live | 7:30-9 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios | $15 | Join the audience — up close and personal — to hear this local band bring indie-disco to the studio.
Wednesday, July 23
Library Board of Trustees Meeting | 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. | North Avenue Library | Free | See what’s on the shelf for our local libraries at this public meeting.
Live Music: Corey Wells | 6-8:30 p.m. | Brambly Park | Price of purchase | Order wine + pizza for the table and enjoy the rock serenades of this local guitarist.
Thursday, July 24
Ruined + Refined: Opening Reception | 6-8 p.m. | The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design | Free | Skip the admission fee + experience exhibitions of “ruined” motorcycles and “refined” scooters — open bar + light snacks provided.
UnHappy Hour: Land Poe! | 6-9 p.m. | The Poe Museum | $15 | Dry off your pirate hat, and sail over to Poe’s Enchanted Garden for this themed social soirée.
Lamb of God | 7 p.m. | Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront | $42+ | Richmond’s metal roots will course through the riverside as Lamb of God and opening band GWAR make their homecoming.
Did you know? RVA 311 is here to help with more than you think. Richmond’s non-emergency call center is available for residents to:
1. Request a new City tree to be planted
After city arborists approve the site, they’ll select an appropriate species to be planted during winter.
2. Report mosquitoes on public property
Squash your mosquito concerns by helping the city identify the source of the problem (think: potholes and standing water).
3. Request a new streetlight
Tired of driving in the dark? The city may be able to place a new light on your street.
4. Report trail issues
If you notice a trail issue like a downed tree, damaged bridge, or missing signs, snap a photo and report it here.
5. Request aging and disability support
The Office of Aging and Disability Services connects older adults (55+) and people with disabilities (18+) with programs like meal delivery, transportation, and housing.
Nonprofit Second Serve RVA proposed plans for a $15 million tennis facility near Byrd Park. Proposals include eight indoor courts + a physical location for the Black Tennis Hall of Fame. Second Serve seeks to lease the site from Richmond Public Schools, as well as resurface courts at nine schools throughout the city. (Richmond BizSense)
Community
Last week, Sub Rosa Bakery dismantled its masonry oven, stacking dozens of carefully preserved firebricks outside, free for pickup and gone within the day. It’s the end of an era as Sub Rosa goes electric, but it may be the start of a new era for someone else.
Eat
Surely, you’ve had our Hot Tomato Summer article bookmarked all week for quick reference, but did you notice our newly added photo? We tried Baltik’s Bagels’ “Tom-agel” special and had to give it a spotlight. Duke’s reign continues through Sunday, July 27. Don’t forget to nominate your pick for Richmond’s Golden Tomato Award.
Drink
The sun is shining on Riverbend Roastery’s new summer menu. A few highlights include the Coconut Shaken Espresso, Blueberries + Cream Latte, and Watermelon Matcha Latte. We’ve already expressed our love for a Cherry Coke from Dot’s Back Inn, so we’re understandably excited for Riverbend’s Espresso Cherry Coke Float.
Read
July is Disability Pride Month, and the Richmond Public Library put together a collection of young adult books to help honor diverse voices + stories. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just looking to read for yourself, consider utilizing this thoughtfully curated resource. (The Arc)
Try This
Party with dinosaurs at Science on Tap: Dino Night, a 21+ after-hours event at the Science Museum of Virginia on Thursday, July 24. Come face-to-face with live animals, explore epic exhibits, and channel your inner paleontologist at this dino-themed party. Sounds like a T-Rexcellent time.Snag tix.*
Meet the anywhere, anytime outfit — your go-to look to finish out the summer. Grab the complete outfit below for under $150:
👖 These loose + lightweight wide-leg pants keep you cool and chic.
👚 Pair them with this ribbed knit tank for a sleeveless look that’s still stylish.
🩴 Cushionaire’s No. 1 best-selling cork footbed sandals are comfy and walkable.
💎 These No. 1 best-selling hypoallergenic huggie earrings feature cute gem studs.
👝 Top it all off with a chic woven clutch that works for summer days or nights.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
56.7%: Richmond, VA (guessed by 198 readers) 20.3%: Greenville, SC 18.3%: Charlotte, NC 4.6%: Knoxville, TN
🎉 Correct answer: Greenville, SC
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer may have originated in Richmond in 2021, but the company was first founded in Greenville, SC, circa 1917.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Elise
During my last trip to Shenandoah National Park, I made a pit stop at Big Meadows Wayside and found these awesome trail booklets. Now when I visit, I like to keep them in my car for some extra screen-free guidance.
You can find these booklets online, or you can make the trek to buy them in person. I mean... we’ve already set you up for the journey.
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