What's on your summer bucket list?

VOL. 33  /  SAVOR You’ve likely heard of creating a bucket list – all the big things you want to do over your lifetime. This weekend, give some thought to your summer bucket list. What do you want to explore, and who do you want to spend time with? We’re compiling some ideas of our own, and we promise to keep you inspired all year long. Get ready and go! Beautiful Blooms Wedding and graduation season is coming faster than you can say “here.” Flowers are a tried-and-true, beautiful gift, but they wilt as quickly as they bloom. Carrie Walters of Paper Rose Co. has a solution – she crafts stunning handmade paper blooms that last, and goodness, do they look like the real thing! We love these arrangements as outright gifts and may also try them as a wrapping paper topper. If you’re still looking for a way to celebrate mom, swing by Paper Rose’s pop-up at Madewell in Short Pump this Saturday to snag a last-minute gift.   Vitals: paperose.co Pizza Crawl Has the temperature spike left you craving a crisp PBR? Us too. Except we’re craving the crispy crunch of a pie from the soon-to-open Pizza & Beer of Richmond – yes, PBR. A number of new pizza joints just opened in the Fan, and we want to try them all. Why not grab a slice at each, since they’re all in walking distance? After PBR, The Hop Craft Pizza & Beer for your choice of over 300 beers and an American-Sicilian fusion pizza with made-in-house crust. To end your trek, head to Pupatella for a wood-fired Neapolitan slice. What more could you want?   Vitals: instagram.com/pizzabeerrva hopcraftrva.com pupatella.com Futures: Served & Serving You know a charity’s doing it right when it hosts an event so compelling that you’d go even if it weren’t for a good cause. The ChildSavers’ Supper at Sunset is just that – an epic four-course dinner served al fresco with a spectacular view of downtown Richmond. But let's not forget the charity we’re supporting. Local non-profit ChildSavers is doing important work to support the mental health and developmental needs of children who have endured traumas. We attended last year’s event, and the emotional presentation of their mission was at once smart and moving. Dinner is the least we can do.   Vitals: Thursday, May 24 / 6pm childsavers.org/events/supper

Our guide to First Fridays, downtown Richmond's signature monthly art walk.

VOL. 32  / FIRST FRIDAYS First Fridays, downtown Richmond’s signature monthly art walk, is a must-attend, at least yearly. But with our “let’s wing it” approach, we never quite felt like we knew where to go. So for tomorrow night's First Friday, we’ve done the research and devoted a whole newsletter to guiding you through it all: the art, the food and the extras. This evergreen guide serves whenever you go, with a few May-specific events sprinkled in. Step 1: check out the map. Then read on for our recs! Unrelated P.S.: Boho Cycle and Health Warrior are celebrating National Fitness Day this Saturday with a killer workout we want to try. The Art First Fridays is all about the art, of course. Instead of vaguely walking the streets wondering where the action is, walk with purpose to this short list of galleries. Extensive & coordinated / Gallery 5 throws a First Fridays shindig every month, complementing their current exhibits with food and music. Candela Books & Gallery and 1708 Gallery are both opening new exhibits Friday and are always a good stop. And definitely hit ADA! Under-the-radar & intimate / Middle of Broad is a studio partnership between three VCU departments, and we're sure it will show us something we've not seen before. Valet also has a new exhibit opening, and Endeavor screams cool.   The Food The walk in “art walk” works up a bit of an appetite, as if we needed an excuse to explore some new restaurants. Loved standbys Comfort and Saison are always yummy, but have you been to Mahogany Sweets? Read more about their story and then go try their baked goods before they close to the public and shift to a wholesale bakery at the end of May! Last week, we covered breakfast and lunch joint Salt & Forge, and this week, they’re staying open late for First Friday. (Side note: anyone else dying over their biscuit pics on Instagram!?)   Vitals: mahoganysweets.com saltandforge.com The Extras The magic of First Fridays lies in the unexpected adventure of the night. There's a lot more beyond the art! Steady Sounds, Black Iris and 9WG Studios add a musical element to your night. The Broad also opens its doors to the public every month, giving us a glimpse at their gallery - right now it features work by local Virginia women. This Friday, our extra pick is definitely the Latin Ballet of Virginia's performance featuring the music and dance of Cuba. Bring your dancing shoes, because we hear participation is highly encouraged!   Vitals: facebook.com/events/1012856138853015

 One weekly email. Three must-do ideas. Infinite potential.

VOL. 31  /  CRISP The plethora of exciting things to do and adventures to be had continues this week. We've been digging April, and we're pumped to see what May brings next week - ideally more blooms and less pollen. Let's go! Rooftop Guide We’re just going to optimistically say that rooftop season has officially arrived. We’ve scouted the prospects for you, so all you have to do is pick your favorite and order a drink. We’re partial to the Graduate’s Byrd House, which just opened this season. It now claims the title of highest rooftop bar in the city. Worth the wait! (P.S. Check out the rooftop yoga.) Nearby, Quirk’s rooftop is just as stunning and intimate. Kabana is larger and a little bit more wild, but has killer views. And there’s always the Hof for a more casual vibe. Cheers!   Vitals: graduatehotels.com/richmond/restaurant/byrd-house destinationhotels.com/quirk-hotel/q-rooftop-bar kabanarooftop.com thehofgarden.com Homemade in Jackson Ward Salt & Forge is a welcome addition to the neighborhood in Jackson Ward. The menu at the newly-opened breakfast and lunch spot expertly couples made-from-scratch, yet innovative elements. Example: bread from Idle Hands Bread Company sandwiches turkey, brie, blackberry jam and crispy shallots, while the lentil soup is finished with fresh tomatoes and kale. The food is lovingly and promptly served in a stunner of a space with tons of natural light. We’ve tried it for lunch, and we're dying to return for breakfast - mostly to hang with owner David Hahn, who's got the gracious host thing down.   Vitals: Monday-Friday / 7am-4pm Saturday / 9am-4pm saltandforge.com Futures: Trevor Noah Tickets Trevor Noah was just named one of the TIME 100 Most Influential People this year - making his live show in Richmond a must-see. His visit to the Altria Theater was announced way back in February, but lucky for you, we noticed there are still a few tickets left. Now’s the time to grab them - they won’t last much longer now with the bump of press from the Time honor. Our plan: grab an early dinner down the street at Dinamo, and then follow up the show with a rooftop stop or two!   Vitals: Saturday, May 5 / 7pm etix.com/ticket/p/8680862 Spring Green We chose the color of our Rep. t-shirts carefully. An army green works with just about everything. And pairs well with florals. Groundbreaking. SHOP NOW