Local pick: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden membership| $95+ | This membership grants free daily admission to the gardens, various discounts, borrowing privileges from the Lora M. Robine Library, and two free guest passes.
Gifts for students
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | This chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes.
Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges
Local pick: Crescent simple syrup | $15 | Shake up some cocktail + mocktail mixes with Virginia-made syrup flavors like Strawberry Basil, Lime Jalepeño, and Blueberry Lavender.
Frustrated golfer socks | $12.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.
Gifts for people who have everything
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Gifts for book lovers
Local pick: Fountain Bookstore gift card| $20+ | Let the book lover in your life choose their next reads with an all-access pass to the shelves at Fountain, Shockoe Bottom’s charming indie bookstore.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. American | 7 p.m. | Stuart C. Siegel Center | $23+ | Grab tickets to celebrate RAMILY Night and cheer on the VCU Men’s Basketball team as they take on American — you won’t want to miss the energy, excitement, and Ram pride.*
The Virginia Department of Education announced a new system to rank public schools by categories of excellence: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track, and Needs Intensive Support. About 33% of Richmond City schools met or exceeded expectations, while ~67% fell behind the calculated mark. See the rankings for our surrounding counties.
Coming Soon
A new sculpture will make its way to Gilpin Court’s community garden tomorrow, Dec. 13. (Scroll to the bottom for an early look.) In broader construction news, Gilpin Court — Richmond’s largest public housing community — remains in redevelopment limbo following Mayor Avula’s paused endorsement earlier this year.
Development
A vacant 1850s Bank of America building on West Broad has been scooped up by Waukeshaw, a Petersburg-based firm known for out-of-the-box renovation flips — for example. Waukeshaw hasn’t settled on a bank makeover plan yet, but reportedly considered a multifamily development. (Richmond BizSense)
On This Day
46 years ago, Neil Diamond stepped on stage at the Richmond Coliseum for his late 1970s North American tour. Want to see his supposed 30-song setlist?
Pets
It’s time for another edition of “Elise’s Adorable + Adoptable Spotlight,” via Richmond Animal League. Given my latest fish-stocking expedition, I’m reeling in the tiniest, fuzziest Trout... and Guppy. Plus, on theme for the season, give it up for Jack Frost and (keep scrolling for his pal) Eggnog — two bundled-up 10-year-old pups.
Real Estate
The average home price in Richmond is around $358,000. Within that range, you can get this 1936 Cape Cod in Southside. Psst — there’s a tiled bathroom and a backyard deck.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture invites families to celebrate the season with hands-on holiday fun — from 18th-century chocolate making and LEGO workshops to a free Virginia House open house and the Holiday Makers Market. It’s a festive, educational outing for all ages. Plan your holiday visit.*
Older Adults
Are you taking advantage of these stellar senior discounts? From savings with Walgreens to a discounted Amazon Prime membership, we found 20 hacks all older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth.*
Shop
Your glasses called — they’re ready for retirement. Shop Zenni’s durable frames + advanced lenses for an upgrade, with most pairs under $80. Bonus: Take an extra 10% off with code TWW.*
I stopped by Gilpin Court’s community garden to see if I could get a sneak peek at the incoming art installation, but it seems the big reveal has been properly saved for tomorrow. Although, I did manage to get a look at the foundation.
I saw fliers posted all throughout the neighborhood for the sculpture’s unveiling — tomorrow, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m.
An unfinished metal structure forming a gateway at Gilpin Community Farm.
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