Garden Glow runs now through Sunday, Nov. 9. | Photo by RICtoday
Maymont is in the midst of its annual Garden Glow season, a festival of lights starting at Robins Nature Center and journeying through the Japanese Garden.
I had the chance to visit Garden Glow for the first time last week — super cool. It somehow balances the vibes of a family-friendly rave party (central event hub) and a tranquil walk through a fantasy realm (Japanese Garden).
Standard ticket prices is $25 for adults and $21 for children ages 1-16, but there are plenty of value nights priced respectively at $20 and $16. If you want to see it for yourself, pick a date + time frame, and reserve your visit.
Putting community first: Highlights from DECC 2025
Presented by Dominion Energy
Did you know? The PGA TOUR depends on 100,000+ volunteers annually — you’re invited to join the 1,000+ who help make this event possible. | Photo provided by Dominion Energy
Love hitting the course or going for a run? In Richmond, these favorite pastimes just raised thousands for veterans and local nonprofits.
That was the impact of the 2025 Dominion Energy Charity Classic (DECC): A multi-day event blending fun, fundraising, and community pride. This year, proceeds supported veterans and their families through nonprofits like Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and Richmond Fisher House.
One major driver? The Birdies for Charity program, which ran from May through October and engaged 150+ nonprofits, receiving a 10% bonus on charitable contributions.
The DECC 5K at Hardywood brought hundreds of runners together, raising $40,000+ for 80+ participating charities in a single day.
Beyond fundraising, DECC honored military members and welcomed their families with free admission and kid-friendly fun.
Looking ahead, Dominion Energy remains committed to giving back by honoring veterans and supporting nonprofits through DECC and beyond.
Hanover Avenue doesn’t play around when it comes to Halloween, but these skeletons do.
Photo by RICtoday
Holiday
This week kicks off a busy schedule of Halloween happenings. To help keep up with the ghoulish spirit, we’ve been scouting out photo-worthy decorations around the city. Today’s pick: Hanover Avenue. Stay tuned for a new spotlight every day this week, or send in a photo of your own.
Asked
After sharing the State of the James report, a few readers reached out to ask, “How is 68% graded as a B?” Fair question. The James’ report card is a little complex — 18 mini tests, each individually compared to quantitative benchmarks set by the state or specific authorities.
Mansion Monday
All we’re asking for is one dinner party invite. This 2.6-acre Spanish-style estate just hit the market in North Chesterfield. Cocktail hour by the lake or pool? Take the party inside, and some features might surprise you… just wait until you find the star-spangled ceiling.
Active
An 80-year-old recently became the oldest woman to cross the finish line at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Natalie Grabow completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile run in just under 17 hours. Inspired to to hit the gym? (NPR)
Arts
Swifties are flocking to see Ophelia. Friedrich Heyser’s artistic depiction of Shakespeare’s tragic character is helping fill the halls of Germany’s Museum Wiesbaden following Swift’s recent single, “The Fate of Ophelia.” If you want to see Shakespeare come to life in RVA, reserve tickets to see “Witch” at Virginia Rep Theatre. (The Guardian)
Number
29.2. That’s the average age of newlyweds in Virginia, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you’re planning to tie the knot in Richmond, here’s our gift to you: a list of the prettiest places to say “I do” around town. (Newsweek)
Tech
Netflix, DoorDash, Snapchat, Spotify, and Fortnite were among the services impacted by last week’s major Amazon Web Services outage, and not for the first time. The next time doom-scrolling isn’t available, we recommend spending some time in Richmond’s beautiful outdoors. (Reuters)
Plan Ahead
Make it a spontaneous month
There’s always something to look forward to in Richmond. | Photo by @stabomediaphotography
Try something new next month. We pulled a few upcoming November events that could add some spontaneity to your calendar.
The Big LeBYRDski Fest | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 6 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $20 | When’s the last time you joined a bathrobe bar crawl?
Haunted Hanover Tavern Tour | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 8-9 p.m. | Hanover Tavern | $12 | The paranormal adventures don’t have to end after Halloween.
Adult Night Hike (21+) | Friday, Nov. 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Maymont | $40 | Inspire your inner social butterfly, and Maymont’s wildlife will welcome you along.
A set of hydrating, plumping lip oils perfect for winter — and a fuller pout. Read The Buy Editor Sarah’s full review of tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Oil Set and why she’ll be wearing them all season long (hint: it’s to heal chapped lips).
Bonus: Use code WELCOME2025 to save $15 on your first HSN order of $35+ and snag the lip set for yourself.
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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