Powhatan State Park’s primitive campsites have no water or electricity, but they’re just 0.2 miles from the nearest parking lot. | Photo by Virginia State Parks
If you’re looking to enjoy the fall colors and tell some eerie campfire tales, Richmond has two state parks within an hour’s drive. Both parks have camping options ranging in intensity, from primitive plots to furnished yurts.
Pocahontas, ~30 minutes
Pocahontas State Park has yurts, cabins, and tent camping options. Campsites feature electric and water hookups, public toilets, grills, picnic tables, hot showers, and lantern holders. See individual pricing for cabins and yurts.
Powhatan, ~40 minutes
Further west, Powhatan State Park has three yurts and 29 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as additional amenities, similar to Pocahontas.
If you’re feeling a bit more hardcore, Powhatan also has nine primitive (canoe-in or hike-in) campgrounds available year-round for $16 a night.
A. SummerWeen — I’m planning by the pool B. As soon as the leaves turn, I’m on it C. Panic season hits with a mid-October scramble D. I’m walking in the day of Halloween to put together a DIY masterpiece
Celebrate a budget-friendly, give-back Halloween with Goodwill
Presented by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Affordable Halloween fun that supports the community? Yes, please. Content Creator/Model: Bea Styled | Photo provided by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Halloween is almost here, and families across Richmond are gearing up for costumes, décor, and festive fun. But celebrating the season doesn’t have to break the bank.
From superhero suits to vintage treasures, Goodwill has costume options for every imagination. DIYers will find fabric, accessories, and supplies perfect for one-of-a-kind creations.
Decorating? Explore seasonal sections filled with budget-friendly props and materials to help set a spooky scene — or get creative with craft materials.
When the festivities are over, donate gently used costumes and decorations to keep the fun going and support Goodwill’s mission: funding job training, career support, and essential community services across the region.
Pro tip: Stay flexible and mix and match for standout looks while shopping.
Make Halloween festive, affordable, and meaningful with help from this local organization.
This week’s Halloween decor spotlight is from one of our very own readers. “We decided to make giant bugs this year for our homemade decorations,” says the Northside resident. We personally think the snail should stay out all year round. Want to submit your own photos? Send ‘em in.
Coming Soon
Introducing (officially)… Mama J’s Market. First revealed in 2022, Mama J’s restaurant in Jackson Ward announced the long-awaited opening of a neighborhood market on North Second Street. The shop will feature grab-and-go staples, cakes, pies, wine, and kitchen items.
Legacy
In Style Weekly, local producer Ohbliv refers to the late D’Angelo as “Richmond’s North Star of Black music.” D’Angelo, a Richmond-born artist known for his innovative sound, died earlier this month at the age of 51. See how other local artists reflect on D’Angelo’s legacy and impact. (Style Weekly)
Development
Will the Richmond Coliseum be demolished or rehabilitated? Earlier this year, the City of Richmond hinted at the possibility of revitalization, but most recently, convention center authorities have begun seeking cost estimates for demolition. The latter plan would include the construction of a mixed-use convention center + hotel. (Richmond BizSense + CBS 6)
Business
Who rose to the top in RTD’s list of the 10 largest employers in Richmond? Taking the No. 1 spot is Capital One with ~14,000 local employees. Following closely behind is VCU Health with ~13,500 employees and HCA Virginia Health at ~11,000. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Shop
From budget-friendly to budget-friendlier. Regional Goodwill stores are offering 50% off costumes, accessories, and decorations now through Thursday, Nov. 6. If your outfit search continues, check out local thrift stores near you. (WRIC)
Cause
The Virginia Lottery’s mission is clear: giving back to Virginia public schools. Since 1999, all Lottery profits — totaling over $17 billion — have gone to support local students and teachers in grades K-12. Follow the money.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
This one’s for the veggie lovers. Stanley’s had a new special, and here’s what’s decking it out: roasted acorn squash, burrata, “the good” arugula, pesto, and pickled onions.
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.
Today’s reader-submitted Halloween house deserves some extra recognition. This handmade snail-friend has stolen my Halloween heart. You can see the full display on Jeter Avenue in Northside, as our reader shared.
Side note: I would vote for this snail as an unofficial neighborhood mascot. Send in photos of your own decorations or your favorite sightings around town.
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