Turn off the cell. Burn the map. Get lost. This week we're encouraging you to wander and ramble east on foot, bike, or boat. See ya out there!
Richmond's
Low Line
Wandering east on your way out of Richmond, look for the Low Line Gardens, a linear park that transformed a neglected stretch of weeds into a bustling garden path along the Kanawha Canal. Inspired by New York City’s High Line, the Low Line is the brainchild of Capital Trees, a Richmond nonprofit that aims to create beautiful and environmentally sound public landscapes. The group relies on public-private partnerships to deliver urban green spaces that build community and improve the health and wellbeing of those who use them. Here, native plantings bring life and beauty to what had been a pocket of blight, and now attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, pets, and children to the restored outdoor space. Underway now is phase two of the project, known as the Low Line Green, that will extend the restoration of the five-and-a-half-acre corridor between Great Shiplock Park and the floodwall at 17th Street.
Head east on Route 5 and along the riverbank you’ll find Ron Blaha, the last of the old time riverboat captains still plying the James and Appomattox Rivers. At 79, Captain Ron will dazzle you with stories about adventures on the James in a turn-of-the-century wooden tugboat, his years sailing a 41' Formosa Ketch along the East Coast, and living off the grid in the Bahamas. He’ll even sprinkle in a few side stories of sailing off the coast of Mexico, two of the Great Lakes, and the Adriatic Sea between Italy and the Czech Republic. But each tale always leads Ron back to the beautiful James River where he has lovingly rebuilt and re-furbished two houseboats at the Richmond Yacht Basin (Virginia’s oldest marina) that are for rent through Airbnb, VRBO, and Homeaway. When booking a night on one of these charming boats, you’ll also want to save time to hop over to the Lilly Pad for burgers, oysters, and beer served dockside. And before you leave in the morning, make sure to ask Ron to sign a copy of one his books so you can bring home some of his adventurous spirit with you.
Hop on your bike, hit the Virginia Capital Trail, and simply follow your nose! You’ll soon find yourself at a small outpost at 2097 New Market Road that is home to the best Southern-style ribs in all the land. Behind the smoker, you’ll meet the father-son duo, Ronnie and Darrell Logan. These Varina natives once worked a slower cooker in a lot near Millie’s Diner that became so legendary that the pit masters opened their own permanent digs just east of town. A hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts and BBQ purists alike, The Original Ronnie’s BBQ is the perfect reward (and fuel) after exploring the Virginia Capital Trail. And don’t stop just for the ribs, make sure to try Ronnie’s fish, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken wings. Most of all though, spend a little extra time listening to Ronnie and Darrell’s stories, learn about the area, and get inspired by their family-run business before wandering back to RVA.
Represent Richmond well in 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 wandering Route 5, hitting the trail, exploring traveling the world, or simply enjoying a lazy day. Trust us — it's so super soft, you'll be wearing it everywhere.
Chance is in charge this week! Chauncey Jenkins, who performs live under the stage name Chance Fischer, is the General Manager of Lemaire Restaurant at the Jefferson Hotel. When he's not running the show at one of the area's most celebrated restaurants, you can catch him on stage throughout the region. He's a Richmond native that loves bringing people together from diverse backgrounds to enhance the meaning of community. As our guest editor, he's changing things up a bit by focusing on Monday tips!
Monday can be the most loathed day of the week for some. But for those in my industry, it's known as the second day of the "bartender’s weekend.” For me, it's a day of reflection and restoration. I clean the apartment, read, and write songs to reenergize myself. I’ve also made it my duty to never be bored on a Monday evening. Here's how ...
Stoplight
Gelato
Nestled on Brook Road across from Gallery5 is the best gelato shop in all of Richmond––Stoplight Gelato! It’s cozy with a little bit of outdoor seating, and perfect to start off your Monday. I was first awestruck by a black pepper and ash sorbet, but recently their pizzas have been my love affair. Paul Winston, alum of Sub Rosa and Dutch & Co, has rolled out some sensational classics at Stoplight Gelato. A personal favorite is the asparagus pizza, which comes fully outfitted with goat cheese, basil, and garlic. It's clean, herbaceous, savory, and elicits an immediate grin. All of the pizzas at Stoplight have a soft crunch, gentle dough, light char, and demonstrate an understanding of how to let ingredients speak for themselves through simplicity and harmony. Finish your time off at Stoplight with an affogato––gelato drowned in espresso made to drown out your worries.
What better way to bridge your Monday afternoon than with competitive games over good drinks at Bingo Beer Co? Play beer pong outside on their patio, or my favorite, Giant Connect 4, on one of the couches. There’s also Skee-Ball, which I have now turned into a competitive game although it really shouldn’t be. While at Bingo, take advantage of the draft Old Fashioned for a proper buzz. The Old Fashioned is a nitrogenated pour coming out silky and pristine. And for beer offerings, Bingo’s Fassionola Gose is a galaxy among stars. Inspired by the dominant ingredient in the Hurricane cocktail, the Fassionola Gose is a tiki drink in a brew, oozing with passionfruit and tropical notes glissading across the palate. A fun note for those whose appetites are just as big as mine: Monday nights are $5 Burger Night at this capital of EATertainment!
Monday evenings in Richmond should be intentional. Plan, plan, plan and start out with an evening destination in mind to avoid couch sitting. I always choose to end my Mondays with live music. In my journey through music, I've met few people as talented and visionary as Calvin Brown, who goes by the stage name Calvin Presents. Every Monday, in The Dark Room at The Hofheimer, Calvin invites a host of musicians for an unrestricted jam session. The Roots Jam Session is a “who’s who” of the burgeoning music scene in RVA where you’re likely to see everyone from touring musicians to sprouting talents getting their first shot at the spotlight. I've fallen in love with a new act every single time and it has become a Monday ritual. Calvin’s glowing soul can make a stadium feel like a living room, and it's the intimacy of Roots that makes it most special. Boasting boundless improvisation, endless reinvention, and eternal self-awareness, Roots is the perfect nightcap. Get there early and pair the soothing sounds of the evening with an Old Forester on the rocks from the bar, or three.
This special collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser etched around the entirety of these stunning double rocks cocktail glasses that are perfect for a locally made beverage of your choice!
Let's get to it. This week, we're talking swimming pools, ice cream sandwiches, bourbon, and more. Here are three ways to jump right into this place we call home.
See you in the city!
River City
Magnolias
The River City Magnolias, Richmond’s very own amateur synchronized swim team, is kicking off summer in RVA and spreading cheer by way of water ballet all over town this Saturday! You can join them on their opening weekend at a handful of pools provided and maintained by Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. The synchronized swimmers will be “pool hopping” in Blackwell Pool, Woodville Pool, and the Randolph Pool at 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM respectively. And make sure to stick around after their performance so you can take a dip and learn some moves with the team!
It really doesn't get much better than this, folks. Hannah Pollack and Xavier Meers, the chefs behind Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, have single-handedly rekindled the love for an old-fashioned childhood treat. But make no mistake, these two masterminds are anything but old-fashioned. The duo has dialed in the perfect ice cream sandwich while practicing the fine art of local collaboration. Since their launch in 2016, Nightingale has been slinging unforgettable flavors made with some of the hottest restaurants, breweries, and distilleries in all the land. Their latest mashup features Reservoir Distillery, an award-winning distillery in Scott’s Addition known for its experimental nature. Together, the two local businesses created the Cherry Manhattan—featuring bourbon whiskey cherry ice cream stuffed between two homemade brown sugar cookies. Pop into Reservoir's tasting room for a crack at the Cherry Manhattan (we recommend pairing it with their new Hunter & Scott Rye) or get your hands on this special flavor at Shield’s Marketin the Fan. To hear more about Nightingale's mashups, listen to their recent interview on Full Disclosure with Roben Farzad!
The annual Pull for Pride fundraiser takes place this Saturday at Triple Crossing in Fulton. This deadlift-only “test of strength” is hosted by Richmond Balance and Cassi Niemann, in partnership with the Women's Strength Coalition, and benefits Diversity Richmond and Side by Side. Hosted in ten cities this month, Pull for Pride is open to all people (trans, cis, intersex, non-binary, women, and men) and experience levels. Cheer on 65 participants who will begin lifting promptly at 9 AM and will finish around 1 PM with a beer in hand! Expect raffles, prizes, live music, new brews (we recommend the Interstellar Burst DIPA), and a lively joint filled with Richmonders doing strong things for a good cause.
Represent Richmond well in 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 exploring your backyard, traveling the world, hitting the gym or enjoying a lazy summer day in Richmond.
Go
