vol. 271 / Why RichmondExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 271 / WHY RICHMOND
This week, we're honored to welcome Jennifer Wakefield, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP), as guest editor. In her role at GRP, Jennifer helps answer the question — Why Richmond?
At the helm of the region’s lead economic development organization—serving the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico—Jennifer spends her days recruiting companies from around the globe to bring employment opportunities and taxable capital investment to our local communities. Her goal is to make Greater Richmond the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for business investment.
In her 20+ year career, she has built an impressive reputation in strategic planning, marketing and communications, operations, and organizational leadership—and is recognized as a national thought leader in economic development strategy.
She’s also a self-professed Star Wars nerd who can often be found exploring Greater Richmond with her husband, son, and miniature poodle. She’s here this week to share a few recommendations for making the most of the start of summer in the place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Jennifer…
From Carytown to The Fan
This is the first full week of summer for the kiddos, so I’d encourage everyone to go outside and spend time in the sunshine and hit the pools (as a native Floridian, I still can’t believe pools aren’t open 365)! My favorite place to take out-of-towners is Carytown and the Fan. It’s such a vibe and unlike anything else in the region. My personal fave is Can Can Brasserie (recently named one of the Richmond's best restaurants) for a meal; For the Love of Chocolate for sugary treats (like candy cigarettes!) and their new gift boxes; and then Lou Lou Boutiques for accessories and local Richmond artisan jewelry. Then stroll down the avenue to shop some more, check out the art welcome walls and unique architecture before driving down Arthur Ashe Boulevard to show off the VMFA, which is currently hosting its After 5 Fridays series with a dynamic rotation of categories: First Friday, Taste of Art, and Dance After Work, as well as Summer Breeze.
Draftcade and Summer Music at Short Pump Town Center
And speaking of shopping, I spend more time than I should at Short Pump Town Center, which is just down the road from my house. Lots of great shops, restaurants, and the Draftcade, where I hold the high score on Galaga—my favorite Atari game from the ’80s. The Summer Concert Series kicks off June 12 (Love Story: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute), followed by June 26 (The Deloreans), and July 24 (Dalton Dover). Along with live bands, there will be exciting giveaways and a Wine Garden, with tickets directly benefiting Henrico CASA.
As for a favorite place to take a client: the LEGO Visitor Center! A great example of collaboration and Greater Richmond’s can-do attitude is the LEGO Group’s $1 billion manufacturing facility. While we’re eagerly awaiting the 1.7 million-square-foot facility to open, the Danish manufacturer has installed a visitor center in the shape of one of its bricks. Inside, you’ll find a model of the upcoming factory and playful videos about the company’s history. It’s open to the public and located at 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester.
Vitals:
LEGO Group / 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester
More about Greater Richmond Partnership.
The Greater Richmond Partnership is the lead economic development organization for the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico. The public-private nonprofit provides four key activities toward economic prosperity: business attraction, regional marketing, research and analysis, as well as global competitiveness. The 30-year-old organization recently released its five-year strategic plan with a focus on growing Greater Richmond’s vision of being the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for companies to invest.
vol. 270 / PORTALExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 270 / PORTAL
Elise Kindya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who runs PORTAL Therapy from her Museum District office, operating on the belief that the only way out is through. She's passionate about helping clients reclaim their lives from trauma by holding safe therapeutic spaces. When she's not in session, you can find her snuggling her dogs on the couch, walking through Byrd Park checking out baby geese and turtles, or taking a well-deserved self-care day.
Her therapeutic approach blends EMDR, IFS, mindfulness, and her Master Reiki Practitioner training with sound baths in experiential sessions. Holistic healing has transformed her own life—seeing herself as part of nature has been deeply healing, which she brings into her work at PORTAL's healing groups and classes. You can also find her on Instagram @elisekindya and hosting her podcast "Returning Home." Her husband Daniel owns Crewel & Unusual, where he embroiders cute and quirky original art on wearable items.
Take it away, Elise ...
Sacred Candlelit Fridays: BREATH
Unwind from the week and reset your nervous system at Sacred Candlelit Fridays: BREATH—an intimate, trauma-informed breathwork session at PORTAL. Guided through somatic practices in a cozy, sober space (max 8 participants), you'll reconnect with your body and breath, cultivating presence, balance, and self-compassion. Whether you're new or experienced, this is a powerful way to come home to yourself.
Tell your story through collage and creativity at SoulCollage® with Cheryl Groce-Wright at The Innerwork Center. This reflective, intuitive process invites you to cut, glue, and arrange images into personal art cards that hold deep meaning. It’s accessible to everyone—no experience needed—and offers a profound way to tap into your inner wisdom. Think: tarot meets art therapy. I took this class years ago and still reflect on what I made.
Slow down and restore your nervous system at The Art of Restoring Us—a sliding scale class at TAOU Studio. This gentle, trauma-informed practice is designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and replenish energy in a welcoming, intentional space. I’m a huge fan of slower yoga. The pace allows for deeper self-connection, and TAOU always delivers—beautiful vibes, supportive people, and unmatched energy.
PORTAL Therapy is a trauma-focused mental health practice where we believe that the only way out is through. Our team of experienced, trauma-informed therapists creates a safe space for healing and self-discovery using an integrative approach tailored to each individual's unique needs.
We work with people of all backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive care for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Our practice is built on collaboration, empathy, integrity, holistic healing, and safety—creating a "portal" for clients to move toward personal empowerment and fulfillment.
vol. 269 / Penny'sExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 269 / PENNY'S
This week's guest editor, Kristen Gardner Beal, co-founded Penny's Wine Shop in Richmond's Jackson Ward, specializing in clean farmed wines and locally sourced food. She's also behind RichWine, a monthly wine club offering curated selections with personalized tasting notes. By day, she consults on business strategy and organizational design. UVA grad, class of 2012.
Her wine journey began during a transformative 2014 trip to South Africa's wine-lands, following stints at the Department of State in Peru and a decade in New York finance as a hedge fund relationship manager. She now shares her passion through customized wine tastings for companies and private gatherings.
When not immersed in the wine world, Kristen is an avid traveler, reader, and enjoys coffee dates and dining experiences with loved ones.
Take it away, Kristen ...
Afterglow Coffee
This worker-owned roaster and café is committed to resource redistribution and mutual aid while serving some of the best coffee in Richmond. I truly believe their vanilla lattes are perfect, and they offer what might be the best matcha on the East Coast. A must-visit for ethical coffee enthusiasts!
Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market offers a wide selection of local produce and handmade goods every Saturday. My perfect weekend morning ritual—grab fresh beets, treat myself to a cronut, enjoy a sausage biscuit, and pick up beautiful flowers for my home!
Vitals:
RVA Big Market / Saturday, May 24 / 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road
Odd Bird
Need a thoughtful gift or just a little treat for yourself? Odd Bird has you covered. Every item feels personal, intentional, and full of character. I love swinging by Odd Bird to treat myself to a delicious candle, imported chocolate, and a new home good to brighten up my living space.
Vitals:
Odd Bird / Open Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM / 320 Brook Road
More From Kristen.
As we round out spring and welcome summer, there's no better time to explore something new in Richmond's wine scene. At Penny's Wine Shop, our new seasonal menu is turning heads—and it's not just the food. We've launched exciting private event packages perfect for engagement parties, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or even your next corporate holiday party. Join us Wednesday through Saturday for dinner or stop by on Saturdays for a daytime wine tasting to see what’s new by the glass!
Looking to bring the wine experience home? RichWine RVA has you covered with our monthly Wine Club! Get four hand-selected bottles delivered to your doorstep every month—each with tasting notes, pairing ideas, and the story behind the wine. It’s the perfect way to sip, learn, and discover new favorites from the comfort of your home.
Whether you're dining out or cozying up in, Richmond has your next great glass of wine waiting. Cheers!
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