This photo speaks a thousand words, and we’re listening intently. | Photo by Secret Squares
Whenever you’re in need of an easy, weeknight dinner, Richmond’s hot with options. Lean into the cravings with our list of 40 local pizza spots you need to know (and a handy map to help you find them).
Pupatella, The Fan
This fan-fave Neopolitan pizzeria offers a variety of red and white pizzas. Try this: the Mimosa white pizza with Italian cream, roasted corn, prosciutto cotto, and fresh mozzarella.
Secret Squares, Church Hill
Evolved from an trendy pop-up, it’s no secret that this pizza is top-notch, and it’s no secret that it’snot, in fact, circular.
Hot For Pizza, Carver
Inspired by the band Van Halen, this characteristic spot specializes in creative combinations with even more creative names.
Fire + Hops Pizza Co., Museum District
Grab pizza on the patio at this Belmont Street establishment with an extensive tap list.
Find your neighborhood pizza shops and use tags to filter vegan + gluten-free options.
Every diaper makes a difference. | Photo provided by Little Hands Virginia
Did you know? One in two families in Richmond struggles to provide enough diapers for their children.
Little Hands Virginia provides essentials to ensure young children in our community are healthy and safe. Last year, they distributed more than 1 million diapers to families in need.
This October, The Big Diaper Drive is back — and they need your help. Here’s how you can get involved:
“This store is permanently closed.” Printed and taped to the front door, that’s how Fan Tastic Thrift Store on Main Street announced its permanent closure. A longstanding staple in cost-friendly shopping, this feels like the end of many locals. (WRIC)
Small Business
Jace Camarillo, owner of The Exit Plan matcha cart poured out an exciting announement — an official exit plan is underway. Camarillo will be moving to Austrialia in February, and subsequently passing on the matcha cart baton to a new owner. Stop by a pop-up or consider donating to help support his journey “from dreamer to exit plan.”
Plan Ahead
A mystifying Renaissance Faire announcement floated into the realm, revealing the next festival dates: April 18 + 19. That may seem far in the future, but weekend passes go on sale Saturday, Nov. 15, followed by single tickets on Monday, Dec. 1.
Open
After a month of take-out operation + weekend trials, Auntie Ning’s in Brookland Park is ready for its official grand opening. You’ll want to be ahead of the crowd for this one as Auntie Ning’s goes from favored pop-up to neighborhood staple. Stop by on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 to 9 p.m.
Development
Construction on Jackson Ward’s 50-unit Ronald McDonald House is expected to begin next fall, with more than half of its $40 million capital campaign raised. Located on West Leigh Street, the building will serve families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, significantly expanding services provided by the current Fan facility. (The Richmonder)
Community
Where is Francine? The question still lingers in the minds of worried Richmonders as our community-loved “Lowes cat” is still missing. The @wheresfrancine task force is working hard to find her. Word is, the story has reached Lowe’s Corporate in an effort to allow more animal control access to the North Caroline search site.
Try This
Spooky Kayaking Tours. RVA Paddle Sports teamed up with a local historian and paranormal researcher to weave together the eeries of local tales, told over the still waters of the Gothic Pumphouse canal. Bookings are ~$60 per person, and you can opt for single or tandem kayaks or stand-up paddles.
The harrowing search for Francine has officially made out-of-state news. CBS 17, a broadcast + media channel for central North Carolina, spotlighted her story on Tuesday.
Aside from relentlessly asking where our dear lass is, we’re also wondering, will Francine’s story make national news by the end of the week?
Your must-have Halloween decor to celebrate the season, ranging from how cute to oh my:
👻 These three ceramic ghost lights are almost too cute to stand (and come with batteries).
🕯️ A No. 1 best-seller, this floating candle set will add flickering, cozy warmth to any Halloween display.
🧹 Floating witch hats show your Halloween spirit and are perfect for a party.
🕸️ The Addams family would approve of this black lace spiderweb cover decking out your mantle.
☠️ Make the neighbors do a double-take with a best-selling hands and skull set popping out of your yard.
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.
A lot of Richmonders have rather adamant opinions about our pizza scene... I’m here to tell you, I am not one of those people.
I’m happy with any cheesy slice in front of me, but as a former Church Hill resident, I’ll always have a place in my heart for Pizza Bones and the neighborhood’s newest take-out resident, Secret Squares.