There's still time this summer for a road trip, with a twist. Whether you're seeking mountains or sea, Richmond sits in close proximity to some the best day trips in all the land. We recommend picking a spot with Richmond roots. To get you started, we've rounded up three unique destinations just out of town that were inspired by fellow Richmonders.
Windswept Experience & Supply Co.
Many Richmonders know Craig Dodson, the former executive director of Richmond Cycling Corps, for operating the nation’s only competitive cycling program for youth living in public housing and his dedication to breaking young people free from the cycle of systematic poverty. Today, Craig can be found in Irvington where he has channeled his love for bikes, adventure, and community into Windswept Experience & Supply Co. He recently revamped an old garage into a one-of-kind space for curated apparel, bicycle sales and rentals, bike service, paddle-board sales and rentals, long board skate sales, vintage accessories, and more. We recommend making the short drive from Richmond to check out Craig’s new venture, rent a bike or paddle board, and explore the bay, river and creeks. Irvington has two nationally recognized inns, beautiful creekside rentals, gorgeous sunsets, and some of the best eats around at nearby Adrift.
In 2015, Richmonders Ted and Katie Ukrop opened Quirk Hotel, a 74-room boutique hotel (plus art gallery, restaurant, and rooftop bar), in downtown Richmond in an Italian Renaissance building that once was a department store. Today, they’ve expanded their concept to Charlottesville, just an hour drive from RVA, where Quirk occupies a space built around two historic homes on West Main St in the downtown area. Just like the Richmond flagship, Quirk Charlottesville is styled in minimalist contemporary design and art from local artists can be easily spotted around the hotel’s pristine grounds. And like its sister property, the Cville version of Quirk boast an impressive rooftop bar and lounge. Not to mention an expansive barrel aged spirits bar, Bobboo, featuring private reserve and locally distilled whiskeys and spirits. Schedule a stay, stroll the nearby Downtown Mall, rent a kayak from Rivanna River Company, and get inspired at Ix Art Park.
Skip the crowded beaches and head straight to charming Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore where Richmond’s very own local entrepreneur David Gammino, along with co-owner Kathryn Gammino, has lovingly renovated a historic building within walking distance of Cape Charles Beach into what is today known as Hotel Cape Charles. Chesapeake-facing Cape Charles is ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace, small-town vibes, and coastal beauty. We suggest booking a room facing the courtyard at Gammino’s boutique hotel and renting an electric golf cart form the front desk (the entire town is golf cart friendly) right away! Once you’ve settled in, consider an eco-tour to the wildlife refuge just a few minutes away, grab some freshly baked goods and sandwiches to-go from Coastal Baking Co, or take your cart for a spin to Cape Charles Brewing Company where you can sit outside sipping on local brew while enjoying live music.
Represent Richmond when you're on the road with our comfy cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a hand-drawn design. Yes, that's Richmond's airport code. We consider this tee perfect attire for traveling over the holiday weekend or enjoying a lazy day off. Trust us — it's so super soft, you'll be wearing it everywhere.
One weekly email. Three must-do ideas. Infinite potential.
VOL. 127 / COHESION
Here’s to cohesion and forming a united whole in this place we call home. We've rounded up three tips this week to get you thinking about connection points and celebrating a cohesive Richmond. Let's get to it ...
Cohesion Beer Release
Capsoul was founded last year by Richmonders Eric Jackson and Ty Murdaugh with the goal of energizing and diversifying local taprooms. This week, Capsoul is releasing a collaborative beer with Scott’s Addition based Väsen Brewing called Cohesion. This tasty collaboration was brought about after a conversation between Capsoul and Tony Giordano, head brewer of Väsen, about racial injustice. As part of the conversation, they decided to brew a beer together to celebrate unity while raising money to give back to the community. Local artist Marlon Diggs joined in by creating the label for Cohesion to highlight the Richmond art community while showing how distorted, torn and broken pieces can come together to create something beautiful. On Friday, there will be a pre-release party at Chilalay from 6 pm – 9 pm followed by an official release party at Väsen on Saturday. The crew will round things out on Sunday with a VIP Tasting Event in Väsen's private barrel room. The new release features African Queen and Southern Passion hops from South Africa, Azacca cryo hops as well as Norwegian Kveik yeast creating a hazy, citrusy and juicy NE-Style DIPA. Cohesion will be available in 4-packs at Väsen and other local retailers.
Each year, Girls For A Change plays host to a "Market Day" featuring girls from its Camp Diva Leadership Academy. Today, the organization kicks off Virtual Market Day: Where Black Girls Create, Make & Innovate in an effort to give girls the experience of making and selling their own products at a market. The Girls For A Change center has been transformed into today's virtual market and everyone is invited to come shop, interact with the girls, and enjoy live entertainment starting at 6 PM. This year’s event is in collaboration with the Richmond Night Market, who has been running its own popular virtual market all summer long. Shoppers can tune into Richmond Night Market’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, or website to watch the virtual market unfold as 15 budding entrepreneurs display and talk about their products virtually. Products will range from homemade sweets to beauty and wellness products to handmade crafts. All products can be purchased from the Girls For A Change Etsy page and proceeds will go to each young entrepreneur. Viewers will also get a taste of the Richmond Night Market experience with a virtual DJ set from Teihyanna Thomas and featured Camp Diva artist Journi Marlow will participate in a live painting demonstration.
An unconventional exhibition called Wind, Waves, and Light at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is designed to stimulate discussion and reflection on how humans are inspired and connected through movement, the shifting elements of the natural world through the seasons and the patterns of migration, pollination and growth. Created by artist and engineer George Sherwood, the exhibit features 12-large scale kinetic sculptures that move and change with the wind – evoking shimmering leaves, flocks of birds, schools of fish, and waves of light and water. The choreography of each piece is governed by a set of basic movements, facilitated by an arrangement of aerodynamic surfaces connected by rotational points. Tickets are included with regular admission.
Launched by Rian L. Moses and Virginia Murphy, Richmond Now is a free coloring/activity book designed to amplify the voices of Richmond’s minority communities in a creative and engaging way. Volume 1 helped raise funds for local organizations like Richmond Community Bail Fund and Richmond For All. Rian and Virginia are currently looking for artists and writers to submit work for Volume 2 focused on “What’s Next.”
Let's shake a leg (outside and with a mask) this weekend. Bring your dancing shoes, positive vibes, and love for this place we call home. Here are three ways to add a little more music to your life in RVA. We could all use it.
Boogie in the Bramble
Like a secret garden hidden in the northwest corner of Scott’s Addition, Brambly Park offers whimsical charm, a park-like oasis, and live music. Situated on almost two acres and surrounded by wild growing bramble bushes, this urban winery and full-service restaurant is this summer’s go-to spot for music, drinks, games, and socializing at a distance. On Saturday, Boogie in the Bramble kicks off with the acoustic stylings of Jonathan Facka at 2:30 PM followed by the phenomenal voice of Ms. Jaylin Brown. Stick around to get loose with DJ Williams & Friends as the sun sets.
Meet the Backyard Violinist. Ellen Cockerham Riccio, who has served as the Principal Second Violin of the Richmond Symphony since 2009, began offering “A Violinist in Your Backyard” earlier this year during quarantine. Since that time she has grown her 45-minute private concert series to front porches, side yards, alleyways, and more. You can choose whether you’d like a serious concert (think Bach), a more light-hearted one (think Kreisler), or background music while you enjoy dinner with the fam. Ellen encourages Richmonders to invite their neighbors to bring a blanket and their mask to enjoy the concert too.
Social distancing is a lot more enjoyable with your own picnic table, a bucket of beers and live music at the The Lilly Pad, Richmond’s only dockside restaurant. The Lilly Pad, which has quietly served Richmond’s boaters since 1958, was revamped this year and now boasts a 6,000-square-foot hardscaped patio, new docks, and a sleek new interior. Don’t worry, they kept their famous mural (misspellings and all). On Saturday, The Lilly Pad kicks off its summer concert series on the water with The Patrick Olivier Band at 8 PM. Check out Live Music at the Lilly Pad every Saturday for patio dining, drinks on the river's edge, and dancing 6’ apart!
Hosted this Saturday at 2 PM, Conversations at the Monument(CAM) will provide an open environment for the community to dialogue with state and local leaders about systemic inequality, police reform, racial injustice, education inequality, voting rights and restoration of rights, criminal injustice reform, and healthcare inequality.
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