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City Guide
15+ gardens and one secret spy
See how Richmond’s neighborhoods grow and flourish. | Photo by RICtoday
Spring is underway, and we’re here to herb your enthusiasm with a roundup of community gardens to help cultivate your green thumb and nurture a sense of neighborly love.
Plus, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re starting with a notably named spotlight.
The Adams-Van Lew House and Elizabeth Van Lew.
Photos via Library of Congress + National Parks Service; edit via Unique Coloring
Van Lew Community Garden, Church Hill
This garden, located behind Bellevue Elementary, is named after abolitionist and Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew. Learn her story.
From hands-on experiences to engaging programs, no two days are the same. Explore the full calendar to find the perfect fit for your schedule — and make it a break to remember.
Studio Ghibli Fest will return to the Byrd Theater Monday, April 6 through Sunday, April 12. See the schedule, which features animated favorites like “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” Editor Elise: This one’s my personal favorite.
The Word
Escarole – “It’s fun to say,” said Taran Shivkumar, winner of the 52nd Annual Richmond Regional Spelling Bee. The Moody Middle School student won the bee earlier this week and got to spell one of his favorite words along the way. Shivkumar’s next spelling quest: the Scripps National Bee in May. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Community
Did you notice a new name in our community gardens guide?Volunteers with Southside ReLeaf have been literally laying the groundwork for Blackwell Park’s new community garden on East 15th Street. This Saturday, March 28, marks its official activation. Psst… there might be a volunteer spot open.
Tech
Longstanding Henrico sub shop Bernie’s has been cash-only for 50+ years, but a new era begins. The old-school dive is now accepting credit and debit cards. Owner Susan Crownes sits down in “Susan’s Seat” to share her rather reluctant feelings about the change. “One guy said it was sacrilegious,” she said. (WTVR)
Sports
Play ball. CarMax Park has been heavy in the spotlight lately, but did you know Richmond Public Schools just kicked off its first-ever baseball league for elementary students? The Flying Squirrels actually pitched in to help assemble the 120-player league. (WTVR)
Arts
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will host a “mini Folk Festival” of sorts this Saturday, March 28. Aligned with the museum’s new exhibit, the event aims to honor the cultural traditions of immigrants and refugees in Virginia. See the list of performances. (Style Weekly)
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Idle Hands Bread Co. is back up and running after a swift move from Strawberry Street to North Robinson Street in the Fan. Take a closer look to see how things shaped up.
New deals on best-selling apparel, top-rated home appliances, beauty must-haves, and more drop every day until Tuesday, March 31, thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. These are our top five for today:
🫧 Stock up on Olaplex’s weightless dry shampoo while it’s on sale for the lowest price yet this year.
🍚 Make the perfect rice every time thanks to the discount on this top-rated rice cooker.
👠 Hurry — the deal on these date night-ready heeled sandals is only available until this afternoon.
🏓 Also only available until this afternoon is the deal on this 4.7-star rated pickleball set that features lightweight paddles, balls, and a case.
🧴 Take 50% off Neutrogena’s rapid wrinkle repair moisturizer that boosts skin elasticity + reduces fine lines.
If you’re like me and have a hard time remembering street names, here’s a little extra context about Idle Hands’ relocation.
Most importantly, is the new space still close to Scuffletown Park? Idle Hands moved just three blocks westward in the Fan (across from Athens Tavern). The park is still in arm’s reach — about a five-minute walk.
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