With a city that ranks No. 27 on Livability’s list of Best Places to Live in America in 2021, it’s no surprise ~226,610 people call Richmond home. With a population like that, where do all of these Richmonders eat, drink, play, and live?
We are setting out to answer that with RICtoday’s Neighborhood Guides. Much like our past guides to Jackson Ward, Church Hill, Shockoe Slip, and Manchester, this ongoing series will take you on an exploration of the communities that make Richmond feel like home.
We’ll dive into history, things to do and discover, places to park, where to live, and more to showcase some of the best qualities our unique neighborhoods have to offer.
The Sauer’s Vanilla sign welcomes Broad Street drivers just North of the Fan. | Photo by @takeone.aerial
So, what do we define as a “neighborhood”?
While we love suburbs like Glen Allen + Bon Air, these guides will focus on small communities within our city (think: Carver and Forest Hill). These small but mighty parts of the River City typically feature restaurants, parks, living spaces, festivals, events, and more, and span one to a handful of blocks.
How will we choose what neighborhoods to cover?
This is where you come in. We are asking you to rave about all of your favorite neighborhood communities in the 804 — whether it’s one you call home, always stop by with out-of-town visitors, or daydream about moving to.
Main Street Station is a fixture of Shockoe. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
Are you intrigued by Shockoe Bottom’s history? Do you love being able to walk from a Carytown coffee shop to a clothing store in a matter of minutes? Ever wonder why Scott’s Addition gained popularity so quickly? We want to hear all about it + share the inside scoop with our readers.
Head to the button below to point us in the direction of some of the best neighborhoods around town — from areas with rich history and unique architecture to the best places to retire or purchase your first home.
Oceans of Possibilities | Wed., Aug. 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 102 E. Franklin St. | Free, RSVP | ART 180 artist Joy McMillan will teach attendees how to mold clay sculptures.
Dominion Energy Jazz Café | Wed., Aug. 3 | 6-8 p.m. | VMFA | Free | Alfredo & Friends Latin Jazz Ensemble will take the stage at this weekly groove session. 🎺
Thursday
Salute to Service: US Coast Guard | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 10:30-3 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Join the VA War Memorial in celebrating the Coast Guard’s 232nd Birthday + hear firsthand accounts from those who took the oath of enlistment. 🇺🇸
Russell Lacy | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Brambly Park, 1708 Belleville St. | Free | Grab a seat, a glass + relax to live folk music. 🍷
Friday
RVA First Fridays | Fri., Aug. 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Arts District | Free entry | Stop by galleries, shops, restaurants, non-profits, and community organizations all along Broad Street. 🛍
Science After Dark: Wildlife Wonders | Fri., Aug. 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia | $14+ | Learn about creatures in the Animal Lab, watch a flower dissection, see an astronomy show, or check out “Planet Shark” for an additional fee. 🦈
Saturday
1st Drafts and Bagels | Sat., Aug. 6 | 12-2 p.m. | Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad St. | Free | Join in the playmaking process featuring “The Game Show” writer Maggie Higgenbotham. 🎭
Kickers vs. FC Tucson | Sat., Aug. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | City Stadium | $10+ | Up the Roos with the whole crew at Family Night. ⚽️
Sunday
Artisan Market | Sun., Aug. 7 | 1-5 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Browse the collections of local artisans at this open-air, pet-friendly market and enjoy craft beer, live music + food trucks. 🍻
HearRVA Music Mixer & Fundraiser | Sun., Aug. 7 | 5-9 p.m. | The HofGarden, 2818 W. Broad St. | $20+ | Mingle with members of the Richmond music scene while raising money for Rise for Youth. 🎶
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A warning for Interstate drivers: The ramp from I-95 South to Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Exit 78)will be closed tonight + tomorrow from 8:30 p.m.-6 a.m. for maintenance. VDOT recommends Belvidere Street (Exit 76B) as the best detour route. 🚗
Civic
The Richmond Office of Elections says it will send out postcards to every registered voter to let them know their new legislative districts. If applicable, the card will also mark a new council district or voting precinct. Voters should expect these in their mailbox by late September, early October. Pro tip: Election Day is Tues., Nov. 8. 🗳
Open
Richmond businesswoman Diane Yane opened a center for seniors — Elder Pep Day Club & Spa — last month. Anyone ages 55+ can get spa treatments or enjoy group activities such as Spanish classes, chair yoga, bowling + craft beer making. (Richmond Magazine)
A new RVA Bike Share station is now active at Fairmont Pool(2000 U St.). The new set-up was created in partnership with the Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities so it could be close to local parks, bike lanes + the pool. 🚲
Coming Soon
Chesterfield County could soon see a new upscale waterfront restaurant at the Swift Creek Reservoir. The Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning case for a plot on Genito + Woolridge Roads for a 6,000 sqft commercial space with outdoor music and a dock. 🧱 (ABC8 News)
Sports
The Rams have a new head baseball coach in Bradley LeCroy. VCU announced the news yesterday. Bradley worked as an assistant coach + recruiting coordinator at Clemson, his alma mater. Bonus: Season tickets for VCU Baseball’s 2023 season are on sale now. ⚾️
Concert
Local post-hardcore rock band City of Caterpillar will take the stage at Richmond Music Hall on Fri., Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. They will be joined by two more local rockers: Loud Night + Dorthia Cortrell. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. 🎸
Biz
Startup Virginia is about to kick off another 8-week Idea Factory program. Entrepreneurs looking to test, improve + finalize their business ideas have until Sun., Aug. 28 to apply. The fall session will run from Sept. 26-Nov. 14. 💡
Shop
PopUp RVA is bringing back its Sip & Shop Market at Stony Point Fashion Park this fall. Thelocal artisan and craft fair will run on weekends from Black Fridaythrough Sun., Dec., 18. 🍻
Asked
Tomorrow is August 4, which means it’s“804 Day.” We’re asking readers: Do you know any special deals or events going on to celebrate our area code awesomeness? Drop us a line.
Cause
The RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion is returning to Brown’s Island on Sat., Aug. 20. Event proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Central Virginia + the local autistic community.Purchase your duck online or at the festival — several will be chosen for prizes. 🐤
History
Two burial ledgers of Hollywood Cemetery — believed to be lost to time — were both found by a Virginia resident late last year. The records are believed to outline the genealogy and identities of the thousands of Confederate soldiers buried at Hollywood. Read more about the ledgers’ future in the cemetery’s spring newsletter. 🪦
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Editor’s pick: We’re 10 days from another local culinary celebration ― the Carytown Watermelon Festival. Point me in the direction of a watermelon Sour Gose. 🍉
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