vol. 22 / staycation
vol. 22 / staycation


VOL. 22  /  STAYCATION

After the holidays, we all need a break, but the last thing we want to do is travel again. So… welcome to the staycation! This is our guide on how to escape - where to stay, where to eat and what to do - all within city limits.

(Unrelated heads-up: Monument Avenue 10K registration fees increase on March 1, so sign up this week!)

Home Away

From Home


First step to the ultimate staycation: book a hotel. One night or two, it's up to you!

Happily, there is a plethora of chic boutique hotels in Richmond from which to choose. Quirk Hotel is a standby, in all its pink-velvet glory. The Graduate is also quickly becoming a player.

But have you heard of the new kid in town? Located across from the Capitol, The Commonwealth just finished almost two years of renovations. Apparently, the names of rooms are tattooed on the doors. Intriguing. It's not so easy to Google (we understand), so the link's below.

After all, personally testing out accommodations is the key to good recs for your out-of-town friends.

 

Vitals:

destinationhotels.com/quirk-hotel
graduatehotels.com/richmond
thecommonwealthsuites.com

Destination

Dinner


We've been low-key saving our rec for Little Nickel until now. What's more fitting for a staycation than vacation cuisine?

Little Nickel is tiki bar meets upscale diner, finished with the Giavos family signature flair. That's fancy speak for it's all excellent: focused concept, creative well-executed food and drink as well as friendly service. This is Stella's heritage.

We'll be stopping in for the spectacle that is the pu-pu platter. Mostly because it's served flaming, but also because they put coconut shrimp and General Tso's wings on one plate. Of the cocktails, hit the Winterspice Painkiller. Also order the nachos. And the halloumi fries. Tell you what, bring friends.

The restaurant's only been open a couple of weeks, and it's already slammed. When you go, be patient. Remember, you're on vacation.
 

Vitals:

Monday - Saturday / 11am-11pm
facebook.com/littlenickelrichmond

Playing

Tourist


As a resident, there are those activities that you never get around to because… you live here. Slow down and play tourist for a day. We've narrowed down the best options for you.

We all have our favorites, but the Richmond Beer Trail includes every brewery in the Richmond region (there are over 30!). Print out your map to be stamped at stops along the way -- five stamps will score you free gear.

RVA Trolley's Landmark tours will take you around town in style and teach you all the history you didn't know about our city.

After you get a close-up look, stop at City Hall for stunning 360-degree views of Richmond from the Observation Deck. It's only open 9am-5pm though, so make this your pre-dinner break.
 

Vitals:

visitrichmondva.com/drink/richmond-beer-trail
rvatrolley.biz

Celebrate Our City

When you do have to leave town, take Richmond with you. Or flaunt your local status on a jog around the neighborhood. No matter how you wear it, our Rep T-Shirt is made for celebrating home.
SHOP NOW
RichmondJennifer Salogo, eat, see
vol. 21 / patron saint
vol. 21 / patron saint



VOL. 21  /  PATRON SAINT

This week: a trio of young talents making their mark. So be a patron and treat yourself to Italian food, classical music and new cookware.

Next week: our long-promised Staycation. One night in a Richmond hotel and then we tourist!

Futures:

Italian Eats


We loved Four Fork's inaugural dessert pop-up a few weeks ago, but pastry chef Jess Widener's hors d'oeuvres revealed she has some serious savory chops as well.

That's why her mid-winter Italian dinner pop-up at The Broken Tulip is a must. Peep the full menu here. Cacio e pepe mezzelune?! Hard yes. We hear tickets for the 5:30pm seating are going fast, with a touch more room at 8pm.

P.S. Later in March, The Broken Tulip is hosting a pho pop-up as well!

 

Vitals:

Wednesday, February 28
5:30pm / eventbrite.com/e/four-forks-the-broken-tulip-530pm
8pm / eventbrite.com/e/four-forks-the-broken-tulip-800pm

Classical

Incarnations


Cavalier 21 is a new string orchestra composed of 21 of the best string players in Chesterfield County under 21. It's a classical group, but its sound is bold and youthful, fittingly. And way better than your high school orchestra.

The group's performance, Classical Incarnations, is at The HofGarden on Sunday, and only the second outing of its inaugural season.
 

Vitals:

Sunday, February 18 / 8-10pm
facebook.com/events/1511

A Well-Appointed

Home


In case you missed it: Accoutre, the specialty cookware and home goods shop, quietly opened in Scott's Addition at the end of 2017. Owner Bobby Bland is a seasoned chef and has curated a stylish but functional selection of goods.

This is not Williams-Sonoma. Think thoughtfully-made, unique pieces that will complete your home and kitchen. The name comes from the French word, accoutrement, or "to outfit," after all.

Heads up: Monday through Wednesday, they're only open by appointment. Best to pop in during their regular hours, Thursday through Sunday.
 

Vitals:

Thursday - Sunday / 11am-6pm
instagram.com/accoutre_richmond

RichmondJennifer Saloeat, see, shop
vol. 20 / well-crafted
vol. 20 / well-crafted


    VOL. 20  /  WELL-CRAFTED

Fun news: your first member discount is in this newsletter! Perks of being a member...

And since you're a member, we know you've got great taste. We want to know your perspective on Richmond. Hit up our Here. Hotline to share your takes and tips on our city.

Scott's Addition

Saturday


Flea market Saturday just got upgraded - and you've got options.

To start, Studio Two Three's Studio Two Flea features more than 50 vendors selling handmade goods, art, housewares and more. Oh, and there will be tarot card readings and a tunnel of love. Normal. Bonus: The event benefits Studio Two Three's darkroom expansion.

Then, take the four-minute walk around the corner to Väsen Brewing, where Riot + Revel paper is wrapping up your choice of Valentine's Day gift at Tapped & Wrapped. Check your V-Day shopping off the list and celebrate with a beer.

 

Vitals:

Saturday, February 10

Studio Two Flea / 10-5pm facebook.com/events/397738660669582/?active_tab=about

Tapped & Wrapped / 12-5pm facebook.com/events/2101145873448793/?active_tab=about

Ultimate

Cocktail Bar


Richmond loves craft breweries, indeed. But what we've long been missing was a bonafide cocktail bar. Well, our prayers have been answered, and then some.

With a dream pedigree that includes The Roosevelt and Heritage, The Jasper, in all its vintage-speakeasy-themed glory, is now open. Try the nitro bourbon and ginger -- it's smooth, blending two bourbons, and finishes with a kick from the ginger.

You'll want to hit this new Carytown addition every weekend, perfect for date night, girls' night, any night.
 

Vitals:

jasperbarrva.com

tread

HAPPY


Loving thy neighbor is cool and all, but selfishly we're pumped to have our own outpost of Charlottesville-based running studio, tread HAPPY, now open in the Fan.

This isn't just a group run. Each class works in interval and strength training to the beat of the music. And they're building a community of Richmond runners through outdoor training sessions and SWEAT meet-ups.

The best part: Here. members (that's you) get an exclusive 30% percent off five classes with code: treadhereRVA. See you there!
 

Vitals:

treadhappy.com/richmond-schedule

RichmondJennifer Salogo, shop, drink