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4 reasons to plan your next vacation to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Presented by Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. | Photos provided by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
If you’re anything like us, a quick “micro-cation” is just what you need this winter for a change of pace (and a change of scenery).
The Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge delivers a true metro mountain adventure, with miles of trails and outdoor fun just minutes from the hustle and bustle of vibrant downtowns. Why settle for one when you can have both?
Snap a photo at the iconic Roanoke Star, wander the Taubman Museum of Art’s rotating exhibitions, or check out other family-friendly destinations across the area.
Spring brings the Blue Ridge Marathon and Down by Downtown Music Festival, summer is for the Salem Fair, fall lights up with the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival and Roanoke GO Outside Festival, and winter shines with Illuminights during the holidays.
Our advice? Pack a bag and see how much you can fit into one getaway. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a lot.
Idle Hands Bread Co. is relocating in the Fan, next to Robinson Street Market.
Image via Google Street View
Coming Soon
Idle Hands Bread Co. is moving to a new location — doubled in size — and you won’t have to wait long for a reopening. The bakery will jump from Strawberry Street in the Fan to North Robinson Street, with a Mid-March debut in sight. (WTVR + BizSense)
City
$47.6M. That’s the current total of unpaid utility bills in Richmond. See how the number compares to previous years. In response, Richmond DPU launched the “Back on Track” program, a limited-time opportunity to enroll in past-due payment plans. (The Richmonder)
Edu
Earlier this week, the Richmond School Board approved a ~$550M budget for Richmond Public Schools. Here are some key takeaways of what’s being funded and what’s being cut, including the verdict on the school’s virtual academy. (The Richmonder)
Quoted
“If you have plans on Sunday, March 8, I’m gonna need you to go ahead and cancel them.” The organizer of social club and walking group RVA Baddiez welcomes folks to join an open-invite walk at Chesterfield’s Rockwood Park, starting at 11 a.m. — andanyone can be a baddie.
Seasonal
We’ll be digging into the city’s pothole repair blitz in just a second. First, let’s pay homage to last year’s new inductee to the Richmond Pothole Hall of Fame: the time-warp pothole.
Environment
Planning a spring roadtrip? DC’s iconic cherry blossoms are expected to bloom later than usual this year. Forecasters predict peak bloom will arrive between April 3 and 7, potentially the latest peak since 2018. Will Richmond’s blooms follow suit? (Washington Post)
Health
ReadyRx pairs GLP-1 treatment with structure: physician oversight, lifestyle guidance, and support designed for follow-through. If your BMI is 27+, you may qualify for 24/7 medical access and program support. Check your eligibility and save $100 as a new patient with code HEALTH100.*
Editor’s Pick
How’s your car’s emotional state?
Pothole repair season is underway in Richmond. | Photo via City of Richmond
Has anyone else had their car absolutely rocked by potholes lately? Same. It’s the season, and January’s ice storm was the final push, resulting in 300+ open tickets for pothole repairs, as of last month.
To address the situation, the City of Richmond kicked off its annual Pothole Blitz, a three-week effort to fill the dips and dives rattling our vehicles.
Make a report
This is your cue to report that devastating pothole on your commute or make a car damage claim. Locals can report to 3-1-1 or visit RVA311.com. Find more info.
Here’s a current look at the city’s pothole and road repair requests.
Image via City of Richmond
Folks with reports outside of Richmond can submit to the Virginia Department of Transportation (Chesterfield, Hanover + interstate highways) or report to Henrico County.
Five viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
🛍️ A popular swap for claw clips: these flat hair clips for better comfortability and all-day wear.
🛍️ Owala’s best-selling water bottles, now available in exclusive prints + patterns from Urban Outfitters. Or, you can never go wrong with one of the classic color combos.
🛍️ This practical long-handle wall cleaner easily goes from cleaning baseboards to high areas — no step ladder required.
🛍️ A pair of cloud slides with an ultra-cushioned sole and sleek, durable design.
🛍️ Kasa’s smart lightbulbs that have 16+ million color options + can be controlled from anywhere using a free app.
My simple joy of the week: constantly livestreaming the Richmond Falcon Cam from the corner of my desktop. Here’s a feathered feature I caught yesterday. Personally, I think someone should organize a watch party and subsequent drinking game.
Image via Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
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