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On Sunday, Feb. 1, a group of venerable Buddhist monks crossed an icy threshold into Richmond, Virginia.
Their welcome was anything but cold, as “hundreds, if not thousands” of residents and nearby visitors lined the streets to hand the monks flowers and pay respects.
What is the Walk for Peace?
If you’re not familiar, the Walk for Peace is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage undertaken by the Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya to promote mindfulness, unity, and compassion.
The monks are now a mere week away from concluding their journey, which first began in Texas in October. As they head into the final stretch, Richmond serves as a milestone. Why?
Reaching Day 100
Yesterday, Feb. 2, marked the group’s 100th day of travel. To commemorate the visit, the Walk for Peace invited the public to join the monks on a walk to City Hall for a peace gathering, which drew thousands, including Governor Abigail Spanberger and Mayor Danny Avula. Watch the livestream.
Mayor Danny Avula lifted the city’s second weather-related State of Emergency yesterday, Feb. 2, but street plowing is still underway in some parts of the city. If you’re planning an errand, the city has a map of two priority plow routes, which the city says are 100% complete.
Try This
Attend a play in a local record store. Plan 9 Music will host nine performances of “Love and Vinyl” Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 22. The intimate narrative is led by a cast of three. Read the play summary.
Announced
The doors may be open at Mama J’s Market, but the ceremonial ribbon is yet to be cut. The new grab-and-go shop postponed its grand opening, originally set for last weekend. As we wait for a new date, catch a glimpse of the new mural and market space in Jackson Ward.
Deal
The Great Big Greenhouse, a local plant paradise since 1977, will offer free repotting throughout the month. The deal includes two plant repottings per customer, per day. Fees may apply if you need help with a few extra pots.
Today Is
The midpoint of winter. We are exactly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, meaning the days are getting longer, and our streets’ cherry blossoms and magnoliaswill bloom before we know it. We already know the perfect spot to scout the spring colors. (Farmer’s Almanac)
Watch
Forget the Olympics; we have curling at home. At least, these Richmonders made it work in their iced-out backyard. Take a look. By the way, did you know we have a curling club in Richmond? I didn’t, but I went ahead and threw the stone over to our ever-expanding guide to social clubs in RVA.
Community
Shout-out to Richmond ToolBank for its efforts in supplying Richmonders with the (literal) tools to survive last week’s egregious ice storm. If you borrowed any gear from the facility, don’t forget to return it when the drive is safe. My friends and I will be returning a few pickaxes and shovels that were put to good use.
Shop
Meet the intimacy gummy: Camino Wild Cherry, the ultimate edible for date night. Heighten sensory experiences and ignite that special spark with a THC gummy that fits seamlessly into your Valentine’s Day plans — without the hangover or bloat of alcohol. Get 20% off a full-size tin with code 6AM20.†*
The 2026 Grammy Awards took place this past weekend, and the 804 shone brightly. Richmond native Mad Skillz won his first Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word/Poetry album. The award show also included a tribute to the late D’Angelo, who grew up in South Richmond. Watch the tribute, performed by Ms. Lauryn Hill.
⚔️ What film is RVA Ren Faire screening at The Byrd in February?
Whether you remember reading about this event in a past newsletter or just have a medieval intuition, 57% of readers proved their local event savvy. RVA Renaissance Faire will host a screening of “The Princess Bride” at The Byrd this Saturday, Feb. 7, and there’s some extra fun in store.
What if I just start plugging this photo of Bowtie Bill at the end of every newsletter? Punxutawny Phil may have predicted more winter yesterday, but the jury’s still out on Virginia’s prophetic prediction.
Bowtie Bill, Virginia’s groundhog-puppet prognosticator (and my newfound personal hero), had to postpone his prophecy in the Northern Valley... due to winter weather... but hey, anything can happen.
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