VOL. 34  /  CRUISE With Memorial Day fast approaching, we’ve been daydreaming of all the outdoor fun to ensue. This week’s happenings will make you want to get out and stay out – outdoors, that is. Race 'ya! Cruise  & Views The sunsets here have been captivating us lately, and we’ve found the ideal way to enjoy them – on a bike. Richmond Rides is offering leisurely Twilight Tours of Richmond on Friday and Saturday evenings for a limited time in May. These tours explore your favorites: the Capitol, Jackson Ward and the Fan. Comfy cruiser bike, helmet and a surprise food tasting are all included. And, as a reward for your calorie burn, there’s a gelato tasting at the end. Sign us up! Can’t make it this month? Richmond Rides offers Church Hill tours, foodie tours and others throughout the year.   Vitals: richmondrides.net   River Adventures Dominion Energy Riverrock has been a staple in spring plans for years. Here's how we do it... Start your Riverrock weekend early with the 5PT Film Festival  tonight at The Broadberry, featuring 12-15 short films all about adventure. Sure there’ll be music and beer each night, but why not set your alarm for Saturday morning to give kayaking the canal a try? Waking up is worth it once you get to see dogs fly in the Ultimate Air Dogs Competition. Catch top pro climbers at Boulder Bash, then test your own strength at the bouldering cave.   Vitals: riverrockrva.com Carefree Boat Club We are *most* excited to share this idea with you. It's such a genius way to transform your weekends all summer. Cap your weekend outdoors the carefree way – on a boat. Oh, you don't own a boat? You don't need to. Join the Carefree Boat Club and gain unlimited access to pontoon, fishing, watersport, cruising, and family boats for any vibe you’re feeling this weekend. Set sail from Rocketts Landing Marina to navigate Richmond via water. Once a member, all you have to do is reserve your boat online, and their team will teach you how to be your own captain. So easy!   Vitals: carefreeboats.com

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