Guest editors... weekend getaway at Cape Charles... yes please!

VOL. 39  /  GUEST EDITOR There's no question that we love it here, but everyone needs a vacation every now and then, right? This week's newsletter will take you to a nearby beach town with lots to explore. We stuck with guest-editor tradition and asked these fellow Here. readers to take you on this out-of-town adventure.  It's our distinct pleasure this week to not only spark your next weekend getaway plans, but also introduce our guest editors, John and Sherry Petersik. You probably know this local married couple from Young House Love, their mega-popular and oh-so-informative home improvement and design blog that's spawned books, product collections, and even a podcast. Over the course of renovating properties in Cape Charles, John and Sherry have learned just where to go in this this super-quaint bay town. Grab your bags and read on! Modern Bay Retreat While Cape Charles is home to lots of charming bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals, Hotel Cape Charles is one of our favorite places for short stays. Located right along Mason Avenue (the town’s main street, full of shopping and dining), the 100-year-old hotel building was relaunched in 2009 as a boutique hotel with a zen-like feel. From the exposed brick to the handcrafted furniture in each room, it’s comfortable as well as beautiful. Book a room overlooking the harbor or one that opens right onto a private balcony. If that’s all booked, try the new “retro chic” boutique hotel called The Northampton, which just opened down the street in May.   Vitals: hotelcapecharles.com thenorthampton.com bayhaveninnbnb.com Get Crabby You’ll find several options for grabbing a meal right along Mason Ave., like great pizza at Deadrise Pies or cool treats at Brown Dog Ice Cream. But for a truly Cape Charles experience, take your car (or golf cart!) to the marina for lunch, dinner, or drinks at The Shanty. With a good mix of seafood and non-seafood items on the menu, there’s something for everyone (even the kids!) at this popular waterfront restaurant. During the summer, there will be live music and cornhole on the outdoor patio, so call ahead or just enjoy an excuse to watch the sun set over the water while you wait.   Vitals: shantyseafood.com deadrisepies.com browndogicecream.com Beach Easy There’s plenty to uncover in Cape Charles, but the beach is the town’s true star. The calm Chesapeake Bay waters and uncrowded sands make it a welcome relief from your typical summer beach spot. Most days you can even find plenty of free (!) parking right along the beachfront. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for parking your beach chair and watching the kids play (minus the fear that a big wave is moments away). You can typically find hermit crabs and sea snails, which can add hours of entertainment for the little ones.

Giveaways and feel-good vibes. It's going to be a great weekend!

VOL. 38  /  CAPTIVATE Members, get ready for a feel-good weekend from start to finish. Read on for some uplifting ideas and a super exciting giveaway. It’s your lucky week! Brewer's Ball The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual Brewer’s Ball is a must-attend. Break out your colorful cocktail attire to try local beers from 14 breweries and small plates from 10 Richmond restaurants, as well as Belle Isle Moonshine cocktails. On top of all that, it’s for a good cause. Sold. Buy your ticket on the website from one of the 20 honorees to support their fundraising efforts; you’re sure to know at least one of them! Pro Tip: use code CFFBREWERS for 20% off your Lyft rides to and from the event! GIVEAWAY: To win two tickets to Brewer’s Ball, 1) forward this newsletter to a friend and 2) comment on today's Instagram post  with your favorite spot in Richmond!    Vitals: Thursday, June 21 / 7-11pm brewersballfinestrva.com Fresh Flowers There’s a new flower vendor in town that we love, and it can be found at one of your most frequented spots: the South of the James Farmers Market. Fourteen Acres Flower Farm is a small farm located in Rockett’s Landing. It is dedicated to growing fresh blooms for take-home bouquets to brighten up any home, or for floral decorations at big events. From ranunculus to peonies to dahlias, these blooms have certainly captivated our attention. Look at those colors!   Vitals: instagram.com/fourteenacres facebook.com/fourteenacres Futures: Johnnyswim & Drew Holcomb For your calendar: Johnnyswim and Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors are playing the Carpenter Theater on July 7. You will likely recognize Johnnyswim’s Home from Fixer Upper’s theme song, although we've long been fans of the duo. These two bands are touring to support their new album, Goodbye Road, which was crafted in the wake of an emotional year, and features hopeful and resilient tunes. Penny & Sparrow (also on the album) will be there as special guests. It’s sure to be a fantastic live show; getting tickets ahead of time is a safe bet. P.S. We just noticed that none other than Ludacris is coming to Innsbrook on June 30. We've seen him live before. The non-stop throwback hits will make for a night of nostalgia and fun.   Vitals: Johnnyswim + Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Saturday, July 7 / 8pm dominionenergycenter.com/tickets  Ludacris Saturday, June 30 / 6pm innsbrookafterhours.com/ludacris

VOL. 37  /  POWER PLAY Thanks to our members who joined us at Meadow Park on Saturday! It was a treat to catch some rays and enjoy our favorites from Garnett's with you. We are stacking the deck with events and giveaways this summer. It's going to be good! Read on for a clutch discount just in time for Father's Day shopping. Concerts on Concerts Amp up your plans with a concert, or two. The X Ambassadors come to Innsbrook tomorrow night (you know “Unsteady” and “Renegades”). We love this high-energy trio, and they put on an incredible live show. Plus, Mikky Ekko is opening! See you there! Then on the same night, it's our must-attend Friday Cheers, thanks to its Richmond theme. Part of the Festival of the River, banjoist and folk star Rhiannon Giddens is headlining, and you’ll also get a taste of No BS! Brass Band and the Richmond Symphony. Music to our ears.   Vitals: Friday, June 8 / 6pm innsbrookafterhours.com  Friday, June 8 / 6-9:30pm venturerichmond.com/cheers Emperor's New Brew A low-key afternoon spent inside is crucial now and then. This Saturday, The VMFA premieres its riveting exhibit Napoleon: Power and Splendor, encompassing an impressive 200+ works of art (many brand new to the U.S.) that illustrate the importance of his reign. Bring your history-buff friends, or make it a Father’s Day outing, and spend a few peaceful hours at the museum. We got a sneak preview, and trust us, you don't want to miss it. Finish your chill day with a brew from Väsen Brewing Co., recently named one of the “50 of the Best New Breweries in the U.S." *Ahh*   Vitals: June 9 - September 3 vmfa.museum/napoleon-power-splendor vasenbrewing.com Gifted RVA Check off Father’s Day shopping with one of our go-tos. Gifted RVA creates pre-designed gift boxes for dads, baby showers, birthdays, housewarmings, weddings… basically anything you could need. You can even create your own box to fit your needs. Why Gifted RVA is special: gifts are made locally and distributed nationwide. If you didn't know by now, we love spreading that Richmond love. We love how the items in these gifts paint a scene: you can picture yourself grilling with Dad or brightening his morning shave. Your Member Bonus: use the code hereweekly for 10% off your order! Vitals: giftedrva.com Hometown Comfort Take a piece of home wherever you go this summer. Somewhere warm...somewhere cool... our Rep t-shirt packs easy. All the warm and fuzzies that come with Richmond pride. Now that's comfort. SHOP NOW