The Buy team here. We’re always looking for the best deals — and July is proving to be one of the best months this year for major discounts. Take advantage of these Amazon Prime Day dealsstill on sale:
The Smoky Mug’s new location will be 2930 North Ave. The photo to the right was taken in February 2024, when the owners were first looking into the space. | Photos courtesy of Google Street View and The Smoky Mug
Northside coffee hub The Smoky Mug has a new location in the works, just a block from its former front. A North Avenue opening is near on the horizon, and according to these comments, Northsiders (+ one longing pup) are aching for the return:
@blakeleysisk: “We miss you!! We are lost without a post-gym breakfast, and I don’t know where to walk and get coffee with all my favorite people!”
@ash.aycock: “Ya’ll are the glue that keeps Northside together—can’t wait to see ya’ll again!”
@kelseyfarabaugh: “Shelby 🐾 makes us walk to the old location every day, and I have to take her to the door and show her that you’re closed just so we can continue her walk. She misses you all… and more importantly, her pup cups!”
Events
Events
Thursday, July 24
Flowers After Five | 5-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $20 | Richmond’s rising indie-disco band Big Fancy will serenade the gardens tonight.
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.
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels | Thursday, July 24-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | The Diamond | $13+ | Rep your raddest 1990s outfit for tonight’s Diamond Through the Decades game.
Wine + Party | 7-12 p.m. | Afterglow Coffee Cooperative | Price of purchase | Let the DJ set the mood as you try out Eastern European wines and handmade pierogi by Ryba’s.
Friday, July 25
Vintage Popup: Le Marché du Soleil| Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sefton Coffee | Price of purchase | Editor Elise: An old friend of mine runs this popup, and she’s a vintage-fashion-finding legend; I highly recommend stopping by as a form of self-care.
Saturday, July 26
B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Pocahontas State Park | $10, price of park admission | You and your pup can both get some outdoor social time on this dog-friendly hike — and round out the trip with a DIY bandana craft.
Sunday, July 27
Bingo + Brunch | 12-2 p.m. | Strangeways Brewing | Price of purchase | Bermie’s Fixin’s will cover the kitchen while you cover your Bingo card.
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Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osborne of Black Sabbath died on Tuesday, July 22. See how Richmond’s metal-head restaurant Hot for Pizza honored the music legend yesterday. (Variety)
Watch
PBS dives into the Jameswith a two-part documentary called “Headwaters Down.” The project follows five friends as they paddle 350 miles along the James River. If you don’t have two hours to spare tonight, you can always watch the trailer for a glimpse.
Feel Good
Maymont welcomed two new porcupettes (baby porcupines) to its family, and you can help name one. Anyone who donates to Maymont’s animal care fund can submit a name idea, and the top picks will be revealed for a public vote later in August. You can visit the porcu-pals at Robins Nature Center starting tomorrow, Friday, July 25.
Art
A 24-ft-tall dogwood blossom sculpture — an homage to Virginia’s state flower — is slated to decorate Richmond International Airport in between the North and South daily parking garages. Addition improvement plans include a garden of native plants and an enclosed connector for the rental car garage. (Henrico Citizen)
Award
Nine Richmond businesses received Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards yesterday, a recognition for superb wine lists. Three of those restaurants earned a two-cup ranking, which represents the second highest award. Understandably, we’re adding Buckhead’s, Lehja’s, and Shagbark to our wine + dine bucket list. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
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Keep Rostov’s in mind for a romantic autumn atmosphere. | Photo by Pete Gillis | Photo by Pete Gillis
Who doesn’t love a cozy rom-com date? We can help you make that a reality. Richmond has plenty of roasts to boast, but which local coffee shops serve up the best backdrop for your love life?
The book-lovers date
Abi’s Books and Brews | Browse the shelves together, pointing out what interests you with one hand and holding a coffee in the other.
Pro tip: Book navigation can be substituted for hand-holding.
The artsy date
ICA Café | We recommend exploring the galleries first as a conversation starter — then find a table for coffee, tea, and snacks at the café.
The music-lovers date
Le Cache Dulcet | Flip through hundreds of records, and fuel your shared search with coffee.
The Richmond date
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters | Not to sound lame, but it just has a cool vibe; There’s indoor and outdoor seating, frequently passing pups, and the bagels have edgy names.
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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.
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