vol. 269 / Penny'sExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 269 / PENNY'S
This week's guest editor, Kristen Gardner Beal, co-founded Penny's Wine Shop in Richmond's Jackson Ward, specializing in clean farmed wines and locally sourced food. She's also behind RichWine, a monthly wine club offering curated selections with personalized tasting notes. By day, she consults on business strategy and organizational design. UVA grad, class of 2012.
Her wine journey began during a transformative 2014 trip to South Africa's wine-lands, following stints at the Department of State in Peru and a decade in New York finance as a hedge fund relationship manager. She now shares her passion through customized wine tastings for companies and private gatherings.
When not immersed in the wine world, Kristen is an avid traveler, reader, and enjoys coffee dates and dining experiences with loved ones.
Take it away, Kristen ...
Afterglow Coffee
This worker-owned roaster and café is committed to resource redistribution and mutual aid while serving some of the best coffee in Richmond. I truly believe their vanilla lattes are perfect, and they offer what might be the best matcha on the East Coast. A must-visit for ethical coffee enthusiasts!
Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market offers a wide selection of local produce and handmade goods every Saturday. My perfect weekend morning ritual—grab fresh beets, treat myself to a cronut, enjoy a sausage biscuit, and pick up beautiful flowers for my home!
Vitals:
RVA Big Market / Saturday, May 24 / 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road
Odd Bird
Need a thoughtful gift or just a little treat for yourself? Odd Bird has you covered. Every item feels personal, intentional, and full of character. I love swinging by Odd Bird to treat myself to a delicious candle, imported chocolate, and a new home good to brighten up my living space.
Vitals:
Odd Bird / Open Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM / 320 Brook Road
More From Kristen.
As we round out spring and welcome summer, there's no better time to explore something new in Richmond's wine scene. At Penny's Wine Shop, our new seasonal menu is turning heads—and it's not just the food. We've launched exciting private event packages perfect for engagement parties, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or even your next corporate holiday party. Join us Wednesday through Saturday for dinner or stop by on Saturdays for a daytime wine tasting to see what’s new by the glass!
Looking to bring the wine experience home? RichWine RVA has you covered with our monthly Wine Club! Get four hand-selected bottles delivered to your doorstep every month—each with tasting notes, pairing ideas, and the story behind the wine. It’s the perfect way to sip, learn, and discover new favorites from the comfort of your home.
Whether you're dining out or cozying up in, Richmond has your next great glass of wine waiting. Cheers!
This week, we’re honored to welcome guest editor Kristin Harris, founder and CEO of Cancer Retreat Centers.
Pink ribbons have been a thread throughout Kristin’s story since childhood. Her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Kristin was just four years old, and at age 24, she took on the role of caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with terminal metastatic disease. Just a few years later, Kristin herself became the fourth generation in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer—followed by a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer a few years after that.
Channeling both her personal and professional experiences, Kristin served as Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Central & Eastern Virginia before taking on her current leadership role at Cancer Retreat Centers. When she’s not working to create a new model of integrative cancer care, you’ll often find Kristin in one of Richmond’s beautiful parks or indulging in her latest hobby (or obsession): backyard gardening.
Known for her deep commitment to local nonprofits and community causes, Kristin brings that same spirit to Here this week, sharing her favorite ways to explore and celebrate the city we all love to call home.
Take it away, Kristin …
St. Patrick's Day in RVA
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in RVA with all your favorite leprechauns and fairies! Join us for the Church Hill Irish Festival this Saturday, 3/15, and Sunday, 3/16, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the corner of 25th Street and Broad in historic Church Hill for live local music, food vendors, craftspeople, Irish beverages, kids' games, Irish and Highland dance, and of course, bagpipers! A suggested donation of $5 will help support St. Patrick's Church and other local organizations, including ChildSavers, Richmond Hill, the Church Hill Association, Fulton Neighborhood Resource Center, St. John's Church, Chimborazo School, Bellevue School, Church Hill Boys and Girls Club, Saint Francis Home, Sandston USO, and the McShin Foundation. Don't forget to register for The Hill Topper 5K on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., with a scenic route through Libby Hill, Chimborazo, and Jefferson Parks. Sláinte!
With warmer weather and longer days comes the promise of spring flowers and summer gardens. Rediscover some of Richmond's most beloved public parks and gardens with a stroll through beautiful Byrd Park, Bryan Park, a Garden History Tour at Agecroft Hall, or even an adult Night Hike at Maymont (Fri, 3/14) to soak in the early sights and sounds of spring. Or step up your gardening game this season with one of these fun instructional classes at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: "Creating a Kitchen Garden" (Sat, 3/15), "Beginning Native Perennials for the Home Garden" (Sat, 3/15), or "Butterflies 101" (Sun, 3/16).
Tea for two (or more)? If you haven’t yet visited Floris, the newest tearoom at VMFA, to experience this delightful, decadent tea service, don’t wait another minute to make your reservation!
On Saturdays through Wednesdays, Floris’s robust, rotating menu—steeped in inspirations from VMFA’s collections as well as various tea-centric regions—features globally inspired dishes, freshly baked breads, and curated Virginia teas.
Take a midday escape and indulge in savory and sweet pleasures for the palate, including expertly crafted blends from guest tea makers. Chef Chainey Kuykendall’s use of fresh ingredients from local vendors and importers further enhances Floris’s celebration of cultures and community.
Vitals:
Floris at VMFA / Saturday–Wednesday, Signature tea service 11:30 AM–2:30 PM /
Á la carte 2:30–4 PM / 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
More about Cancer Retreat Centers.
Something magical is happening here in Richmond. Over the past year, thanks to the support of many generous community sponsors and in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities, we have begun renovating the beloved 1920s historic mansion known as Blanton House, adjacent to beautiful Byrd Park, for use by our growing nonprofit, Cancer Retreat Centers.
Here, local cancer patients, survivors, their families, and caregivers can now find hope, healing, and a shared home—and members of our greater Richmond community can join in for CRC Community Wellness Retreats, designed for better health and chronic disease prevention—all at no cost to our participants. While the long-term goal of Cancer Retreat Centers is to build a network of facilities in multiple diverse venues, Blanton House is our first permanent location, offering convenient onsite parking and a large, open side yard—perfect for community-building activities and hosting weekly CRC Programs.
Visit CRC's website to learn more about Weekly Programs at Blanton House, including Mindfulness, Walking Groups, Music Therapy, Lunch Bunch Meetups, Book Club, Supper Club, and more! Follow along with the renovation and get all the latest CRC updates on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Meet this week's guest editor, Ricky Parker! An accomplished educator, creative professional, and social impact advocate, Ricky is the Vice President at JPMorgan Chase. He leads community engagement efforts to foster relationships with local leaders and drive positive change. A co-founder of Shockoe Wine, Ricky understands the challenges small business owners face and champions continuous education and innovation. With extensive experience across educational and professional settings, he brings a unique perspective on the value of embracing diverse ideas.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ricky is the Founding Director of the Hip Hop Studies Program at Virginia Union University. An avid collector of fine art and rare Hip Hop memorabilia, he also enjoys hiking in his free time.
Take it away, Ricky ...
Celebratory Bubbles for New Year's Tasting
Raise a glass to the New Year at Echelon Wine Bar’s exclusive sparkling wine and champagne tasting! Enjoy six effervescent selections perfect for your year-end celebration. Take advantage of special pricing to stock up for your party, and toast to 2025 in style.
Celebrate the holidays in style with the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at RVA’s premier holiday party. Kappa Khristmas Kocktails ‘24 will feature great music, festive vibes, and holiday cheer at the iconic Main Street Station. Don’t miss this unforgettable night!
Vitals:
Kappa Khristmas Kocktails / Saturday, December 21, 7:00 - 11:00 pm / $55 per person / Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street
Holiday Toy Drive
Spread joy this holiday season with the Dreamers Academy Foundation! Drop off a toy at Red Hibachi or Pig & Brew to help brighten a child’s Christmas. Together, let’s make the season magical for local families in need.
Vitals:
Holiday Toy Drive / Monday, December 23, 12:00 - 5:00 pm / Toy Donations / Drop off at Red Hibachi (1011 Hull Street) or Pig & Brew (1313 Hull Street)
Last Minute Holiday Shopping?
Shop Local.
MADE HERE.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Ricky serves as the Advisor for 1223 Potomac Gallery, a cutting-edge contemporary art space located in the heart of Georgetown, DC. Under his guidance, the gallery has become a key player in the local art scene, fostering emerging talent and promoting artistic innovation. Currently, the gallery’s artist-in-residence is Corey Ramon Gibson, a celebrated visual artist who was recently honored during Miami Art Week for his outstanding contributions to the DC art movement. Gibson’s work, which explores the intersection of cultural identity and contemporary expression, continues to captivate audiences and elevate the gallery’s reputation as a hub for transformative art.
Through Ricky's leadership, 1223 Potomac Gallery remains at the forefront of showcasing exceptional talent and supporting the creative community.
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