vol. 271 / Why RichmondExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 271 / WHY RICHMOND
This week, we're honored to welcome Jennifer Wakefield, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP), as guest editor. In her role at GRP, Jennifer helps answer the question — Why Richmond?
At the helm of the region’s lead economic development organization—serving the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico—Jennifer spends her days recruiting companies from around the globe to bring employment opportunities and taxable capital investment to our local communities. Her goal is to make Greater Richmond the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for business investment.
In her 20+ year career, she has built an impressive reputation in strategic planning, marketing and communications, operations, and organizational leadership—and is recognized as a national thought leader in economic development strategy.
She’s also a self-professed Star Wars nerd who can often be found exploring Greater Richmond with her husband, son, and miniature poodle. She’s here this week to share a few recommendations for making the most of the start of summer in the place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Jennifer…
From Carytown to The Fan
This is the first full week of summer for the kiddos, so I’d encourage everyone to go outside and spend time in the sunshine and hit the pools (as a native Floridian, I still can’t believe pools aren’t open 365)! My favorite place to take out-of-towners is Carytown and the Fan. It’s such a vibe and unlike anything else in the region. My personal fave is Can Can Brasserie (recently named one of the Richmond's best restaurants) for a meal; For the Love of Chocolate for sugary treats (like candy cigarettes!) and their new gift boxes; and then Lou Lou Boutiques for accessories and local Richmond artisan jewelry. Then stroll down the avenue to shop some more, check out the art welcome walls and unique architecture before driving down Arthur Ashe Boulevard to show off the VMFA, which is currently hosting its After 5 Fridays series with a dynamic rotation of categories: First Friday, Taste of Art, and Dance After Work, as well as Summer Breeze.
Draftcade and Summer Music at Short Pump Town Center
And speaking of shopping, I spend more time than I should at Short Pump Town Center, which is just down the road from my house. Lots of great shops, restaurants, and the Draftcade, where I hold the high score on Galaga—my favorite Atari game from the ’80s. The Summer Concert Series kicks off June 12 (Love Story: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute), followed by June 26 (The Deloreans), and July 24 (Dalton Dover). Along with live bands, there will be exciting giveaways and a Wine Garden, with tickets directly benefiting Henrico CASA.
As for a favorite place to take a client: the LEGO Visitor Center! A great example of collaboration and Greater Richmond’s can-do attitude is the LEGO Group’s $1 billion manufacturing facility. While we’re eagerly awaiting the 1.7 million-square-foot facility to open, the Danish manufacturer has installed a visitor center in the shape of one of its bricks. Inside, you’ll find a model of the upcoming factory and playful videos about the company’s history. It’s open to the public and located at 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester.
Vitals:
LEGO Group / 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester
More about Greater Richmond Partnership.
The Greater Richmond Partnership is the lead economic development organization for the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico. The public-private nonprofit provides four key activities toward economic prosperity: business attraction, regional marketing, research and analysis, as well as global competitiveness. The 30-year-old organization recently released its five-year strategic plan with a focus on growing Greater Richmond’s vision of being the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for companies to invest.
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!
vol. 268 / SlowdowwwnExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 268 / SLOWDOWWWN
This week's guest editor, Brandon Lewis brings over a decade of experience as a design leader who transforms digital complexity into elegant, scalable systems. At the intersection of brand identity, product function, and systems thinking, he guides cross-functional teams through the creative wilderness with strategic clarity and purpose. His portfolio spans diverse territories—from philanthropy and fintech regulation to wellness platforms and health tech innovation—where he builds design operations that not only drive business growth but deepen human connection. Whether working with startups, agencies, government initiatives, or global enterprises, Brandon unifies marketing, product, and brand under a vision rooted in equity and genuine care. Brandon is also preparing to launch Slowdowwwn Café, a soulful new space coming to the heart of Richmond—a coffee shop and café nestled within a vibrant community hub and social club.
Beyond his professional life, Brandon finds joy in exploring cities on foot or by bike, discovering hidden corners with good light, and believes we notice more magic when we slow down. Insatiably curious about the human experience as it surfaces in art, grief, creativity, and play, he's raising three wildly imaginative kids who remind him daily to pause, be present, stay soft, and laugh maniacally often – reinforcing his belief that to create is to be alive.
Take it away, Brandon ...
SwapMeetRVA
Shop vintage fashion, sneakers, candles, jewelry, home décor, and more at SwapMeetRVA—Richmond’s hub for Black and brown creatives, queer makers, and sustainable style. Set against the backdrop of Main Street Station, this community market celebrates slow fashion, self-expression, and the art of intention over trend.
Vitals:
SwapMeetRVA at Main Street Station / Saturday, May 18 / 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM / FREE / Main Street Station, 1500 E Main Street
Poetry Open Mic Night @ KavaClub
Step up to the mic or just soak it all in—KavaClub’s Poetry Open Mic Night is an open invitation to share truth through words. Whether you're a seasoned poet or trying it for the first time, this is a space for vulnerability, creativity, and radical self-expression.
Vitals:
Poetry Open Mic Night @ KavaClub / Wednesday, May 15 / KavaClub, 1529 West Main Street
Park Chan-wook Screening @ Studio Two Three
Experience the haunting beauty and emotional depth of Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook at this special screening hosted by Studio Two Three. Known for works like Oldboy, his films explore grief, intimacy, and transformation with unmatched visual storytelling. Studio Two Three continues to champion inclusive, accessible art—and this is one more reason to show up.
Vitals:
Park Chan-wook Screening @ Studio Two Three / Monday, May 20 / 7:00 PM / FREE / Studio Two Three, 3300 W Clay Street
More From Brandon.
Slowdowwwn is in the making.
We're shaping it with care: a cozy café and book bar by day, a soulful lounge by night. A space that invites us to breathe, to be, and to belong. It’s designed for curiosity and connection. For gathering without performance. For joy, grief, and rest to sit side by side.
But this isn’t just our dream. It’s a collaborative pursuit to walk alongside others already doing the work of healing, hospitality, and justice in Richmond. We’re not here to reinvent the wheel. We’re here to contribute to the ecosystem with care and intention. We’re hosting a press release gathering on May 18th at Black Iris.
If you’re curious, come meet us. Ask questions. Share your vision. See how you might fit into this growing thing.
Give us a follow on Instagram and click to RSVP below.
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