Head to North Avenue to check out the atmosphere at The Smoky Mug’s new location. | Photo by RICtoday
Summer has been the season of the cafe, with numerous new or relocated coffee joints popping up across RVA. Consider this your cue to treat yourself to a few lattes.
Now open
Coalescence Coffee Co., Arts District
Located on the West Broad strip, this new coffee hub curates an outgoing, social atmosphere.
Janet’s Café + Bakery, Forest Hill
It’s a one-stop shop for fresh-baked pastries, sourdough, and specialty coffee. eclectic collectibles decorating the scene.
It’s all about the details at Janet’s, from delicate coffee craft to homey collectibles and decor.
The Smoky Mug (new location), Northside
This cafe and barbecue joint has already made its mark as a Northside staple, but the team just moved to a larger location down the block.
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at the Garden | 3-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Price of purchase | The Wienermobile is rolling into the gardens, followed by live music and the unofficial puppy fest Fidos After Five.
Haunted Hanover Tavern Tour | 8-9 p.m. | Hanover Tavern, Hanover | $12 | Creep through the shadows of a centuries-old building on an evening walking tour.
Friday, Aug. 22
Fridays at the Pavilion | 6-9 p.m. | James River Cellars Winery, Glen Allen | Free | Welcome in a starry sky with live music, wine, and local food trucks.
Ready or Not: A Tribute to Lauryn Hill | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Uptown Alley, Midlothian | $20+ | “Everything is Everything,” and tickets are still available for this songwriter tribute at Midlo’s busiest sports bar.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Ashland Half-Marathon + 5K | 7 a.m. | Downtown Ashland | $30+ | You can still sign up to run or craft a motivational sign for this weekend’s races.
ICA Full House | 1-6 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art | Free, RSVP | This West Broad museum is celebrating several new exhibits with an afternoon of panel discussions, make-and-take crafts, and art-sphere networking.
Farm to Table Dinner | 5-9 p.m. | Celeste Farms | $130 | Join Richmond’s Vegan Club for a four-course dinner paired with mocktails by Point 5 — friends, couples, and single diners all welcome.
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
The building blocks are in place. Richmond’s incoming LEGO store is setting up shop at Short Pump Town Center, occupying the former Fink’s Jewelers space at the western end of the mall. An official opening date is still pending, but the construction barricades are up. (CBS 6)
Civic
Have you noticed the new curb extensions on Main and Cary streets? There are plenty more on the way. Costing around $1 million, the federal project aims to slow traffic and decrease dangerous incidents with ~50 curb additions, slated for completion by spring of 2026. Plus, they’re getting flowers. (12 On Your Side)
Volunteer
Richmond VegFest is coming up on Sunday, Sept. 28, and the crew’s seeking some helping hands. Available volunteer roles include site maintenance, youth activity assistance, parking, and main stage help. Surely it’ll come from the goodness of your heart, but the free volunteer T-shirt and festival-use “veggie bucks” add to the noble appeal.
Asked
Earlier this week, we dove into the revival of postcards at local restaurants with special thanks to readers Ashley G. F., Stephanie H., Anne-Stuart T., Marney T., and Sarah S. for helping us scout out the spots. Any more postcard-repping businesses? Let us know.
Job
King’s Dominion is hosting open auditions for scare actors, makeup artists, sound + lighting technicians, and costumers — the essential roles of Halloween Haunt. Auditions will be held Friday, Aug. 22 + Sunday, Aug. 29, from 6-8 p.m., but you can apply ahead of time.
Stat
Phew, mugginess is on the rise across parts of the US. In Richmond, a record-breaking 88% of the days in June + July were considered muggy due to their high humidity. If you’re looking for ways to cool off, we recommend taking a dip at one of Richmond’s public pools. (AP News)
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Health
What really causes mastitis — and what actually helps?New ABM research has flipped old guidelines on their head. Dr. Amy Demarchi, OB/GYN at Virginia Physicians for Women, shares the latest on spotting symptoms, treating them fast, and preventing future flare-ups. Learn more.*
A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
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.
You may have already noticed, but our daily sunsets are creeping forward, inching out a few minutes of daylight each day. Before I get too gloomy, let’s remember the obvious silver lining —fall is on the way.
What fall-themed features do you want to see this season? Costume recs? Yard decorations? Fall foliage day-trips? Help us build our autumn calendar with your suggestions.
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