Dorey Park’s pond stays stocked with fish year-round. | Photo courtesy of Henrico Recreation & Parks
Our “Know Your City” series takes a closer look at the familiar parks, community hubs, and stories that define everyday life in Richmond. Fall in love with your city all over again, starting with the park that’s got it all.
Dorey Park, opened in 1982, sits just past the eastern edge of the city in Varina. The 400-acre space has just about everything you could want for a day spent outside:
Multipurpose athletic complexes
An 18-hole disc golf course
Forested trail systems
A dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs
Five miles of equestrian trails
A splash pad (for summers like this)
But did you know that Dorey Park roots its history back to an early 20th-century dairy farm?
Henna Tattoo Class | 3-6:30 p.m. | Hilliard Road, Lakeside | $100 | It may be a last-minute purchase, but the experience of learning a new skill lasts... a couple of weeks, if we’re talking about the actual tattoos.
Live Music: Mackenzie Roark | 6-8:30 p.m. | Brambly Park | Free | Blending genres of classic country, 1970s folk, and classic rock, Roark’s storytelling voice makes for a stellar wine pairing.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Tea Culture at the Queen’s Library | 12-2:30 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $62 | Explore distinct teas from around the world, paired with thoughtful foods and hosted in the garden’s elegant library.
Friday, Aug. 22
The Liberty Doll’s “Sentimental Summer” | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hanover Tavern | $25+ | Opt for dinner and a show or just stop by for the tunes, a harmonious collection of 1950s and 1960s melodies.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Sun’s Down Surf’s Up Rodeo | 7 p.m. | Pipeline Trail + Overlook | Free | Kayak or wade over to this rocky riverside spot for an evening of water sports and riverside beats, open to spectators + organized to support improved river access at Pipeline.
RVA Pro Wrestling | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell Amphitheater | Free | Pro wrestling rumbles into the amphitheater, and Shagg Carpet riles up the crowd’s energy with a pre-show music set.
Hurricane Erin is expected to impact coastal Virginia and other east-coast areas with large waves, coastal flooding, hazardous surf zones, and areas of beach erosion. Central Virginia is not currently expected to receive severe winds. Stay up-to-date with forecasts and alerts. (WRIC)
Festival
Richmond Folk Fest announced its second round of performers, including artists + groups like Beat Ya Feet Academy, The Blackbyrds, Melissa Carper, and Villa 5. See the full list, and plan ahead for the weekend of Oct. 10-12.
Richmonder
Ready for fall? So are Rebecca Rabiger and Sara Lahmann, the two entrepreneurs behind Patch to Porch RVA, a pumpkin delivery and styling service. Patch to Porch partners with local farmers, bringing hand-picked pumpkins straight to your doorstep when life gets too busy. (CBS 6)
Civic
The City of Richmond recently allocated $9 million from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support local developments. See all eight funding recipients, including Genesis Properties, Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, and SupportWorks Housing.
Try This
Rug tufting. Richmond’s Rug + Roll hosts a variety of beginner workshops, and the next class is this Saturday, Aug. 23. Learn a new skill and take home a personalized rug for $150, or pair up with a friend for an extra $50. Plus, there’s plenty of inspo to get the ideas flowing.
Number
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Wondering what else is in store for the Sun’s Down Surf’s Up Rodeo this Saturday, Aug. 23? Aside from a community quest to save Pipeline Trail, you can expect the James to ripple with a waterfront DJ set.
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.
Late-night gem of the Fan, Joe’s Inn earned the lead, but let’s give it up for the top three.
🏆 1. Joe’s Inn 2. Garnett’s 3. Chistopher’s Runaway Gourmay
This past weekend, I stopped by Fountain Bookstore’s new location, which is just across the street from its former Shockoe Slip spot. It’s very well-organized, and I highly recommend reading the staff-pick notes, which are flagged along the shelves.
Plus, I noticed these “attic journals” by the checkout, made with recycled vintage covers. Thought it was a neat idea for a gift, even if just to yourself.
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