vol. 292 / Tinsel UntangledExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 292 / TINSEL UNTANGLED
With the holiday season in full swing, we’re here to help keep your tinsel from getting in a tangle. Richmond knows how to do this time of year right — bright lights, big hearts, and plenty of hometown magic. Ahead, we’ve gathered festive ways to savor the season: a husky-powered hotline to Santa, a river parade worth bundling up for, mobile sauna sessions, and local gifts you’ll actually feel good giving. Take a breather, grab something warm, and let’s make this week merry and meltdown-free.
Saber the Elf Husky
In Richmond, Santa always writes back, thanks to a holiday helper with paws. Tucked into the magical Woodland Heights neighborhood, Saber the Elf Husky stands guard beside a bright red mailbox with a direct line to the jolly old elf himself. Kids and anyone with holiday spirit are invited to stop by, jot down their wishes, and share the kindnesses they've spread this year. Each letter heads straight to the North Pole, and Santa is known for replying quickly, often within a day or two, sometimes with a small treat from his workshop. Saber’s mission is simple: celebrate the kindness you have given all year long and share your hopes for the season ahead.
Look for the Saber husky statue and the mailbox on 29th Street, where creator Emily McMillen, who is also the powerhouse behind the Tiny Porch Concert series, keeps the festive stationery stocked and the communication line with Santa running strong.
Vitals:
Look for Saber’s post on 29th St. in Woodland Heights / Follow Saber here / Bring your best elf energy
Boat Parade of Lights
In the River City, the best kind of parades are the ones found on the water. This weekend, skip the tacky lights tour on land and head straight to the James to cheer on a lineup of lighted boats as they jingle their way down the river. A Richmond tradition, this annual parade sees boaters compete for the most festive vessel as they cruise from Rocketts Landing at sunset and make their way to The Lilly Pad.
You can catch the parade from several viewing spots, but one of our favorite ways to enjoy the show is with a hot cocoa or cocktail in hand at The Lilly Pad. There is a $10 admission fee during the parade and kids under 10 get in free. Private waterfront viewing upgrades are available too. Or, if you prefer to take it all in for free, Osborne Boat Landing offers great views from the shoreline.
After the snowy week we have all enjoyed, it is time to get toasty. Richmonders Josh Crowley and Liz Bowden have launched Sauna Plunge RVA, a team passionate about bringing relaxation and rejuvenation wherever you are. Their mobile experience comes complete with a wood-fired sauna and cold plunges.
Whether it is a family celebration, a corporate team-building event, or any gathering looking to create lasting memories, they will deliver a unique mobile spa experience that elevates any occasion. You can choose a simple drop-off and pickup, or they can stay on-site to handle everything from setup to cleanup. A Party Leader can also guide guests through the contrast therapy circuit for those who want coaching through their first plunge.
You will also spot Sauna Plunge RVA partnering with local yoga studios, gyms, and community businesses to give Richmonders a chance to enjoy the sauna around town on a regular basis. They provide the ice for the plunges and the wood for the sauna. Sauna Plunge RVA offers one or two 8-person wood-fired saunas and two or four cold plunges. Each sauna fits up to six people comfortably at a time. All you need is a sidewalk, driveway, or backyard entrance that can accommodate the sauna setup.
Support local makers this holiday season and score some of the most unique gifts of the year, like this Francine action figure, at the Winter Market by Studio Two Three. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm through Tuesday, December 23. The market, filled with handmade treasures from 200 local artists, is located in two spots this year, so be sure to visit both: Studio Two Three at 109 W 15th Street and Shop Two Three at 1437 Hull Street.
For this week’s issue of Here, we’re bringing you a special Snow Day Edition — because the first Richmond snowfall is kind of magic. It’s the city we love, suddenly hushed and sparkling, and we think it deserves its own moment in the spotlight.
Whether you’re making the first footprints on your block while playing hooky from work, challenging a neighbor to a snowball duel, or leaning into a little daytime tippling, we’ve got a few ideas to help you soak in the wonder.
Bundle up, take it slow, and get out there to explore and celebrate this place we all love to call home — rain, snow, or shine.
Snow Day
Art Crawl
Sankofa Community Orchard is a thriving green space in Richmond’s Southside, grounded in food justice and climate resiliency. In recent years, it has grown into a powerful symbol of community strength and neighborhood beautification. Across the orchard you will find more than a dozen murals created by local Black artists that honor innovators, community builders, and freedom fighters. While the orchard is worth a visit and your support any time of year, the first snowfall brings a whole new kind of experience. A quiet layer of snow turns each mural into a calm moment for reflection. It encourages us to slow down, notice the change in texture and brightness, and appreciate how the environment shapes art and community. Even under snow, Sankofa continues to grow what matters most.
There's always a surprise waiting when Forest Hill Park fills with fresh snow and neighbors gather to play. Last year, Richmond firefighters from Fire Station 20 stopped by after a training session with their paddle raft in tow. The enthusiastic crew invited kids on the hill to hop in, giving bobsled-like rides down this classic Richmond spot know for snow day escapades. Moments like this are what make Forest Hill a beloved snow day destination.
As evening falls, you might even spot someone launching a canoe or two for a moonlight glide down the hill to keep the fun going. While sledding is the main attraction, the real treasure lies deeper in the park. Forest Hill’s granite walkways and old stone walls feel even more inviting under snow, and those who know the park well head straight to the section of Reedy Creek above the lake. The rocky creek bed here hides a picturesque waterfall right in the middle of the city. When heavy rains replace snowfall, the very same spot becomes a favorite challenge for thrill seekers as the creek swells into a rare chance to paddleboard or kayak through the woods.
No matter the time of year, a visit to Forest Hill Park is never complete without stopping by nearby Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream. Choose a toasty drink or a local craft beer to celebrate a snow day well spent.
Give some love to the James River Park System, shout out the people who care for it, or leave a few hopeful words for your neighbors inside Richmond Grid’s Dear Richmond community journal. The journal is tucked inside a hidden green mailbox along a quiet side trail near the park headquarters. At first glance it blends into the landscape, but inside is something very Richmond: handwritten reflections from people who took a moment to pause, breathe, and connect.
Created in collaboration with the James River Park System, this special Richmond Grid project has captured thousands of entries since the early days of the pandemic. It has grown into a beloved ritual for park-goers, where strangers offer encouragement, share stories, sketch the scenery, or reflect on the beauty around them.
The journal has weathered storms and changed locations, yet it continues to fill with voices from across the city. Every entry is a reminder that even when we walk different paths, we share a common home and a deep love for the James. If you have not discovered the mailbox yet, consider making it part of your snow day adventure. Find it, read a few pages, leave your own mark, and become part of this living love letter to Richmond.
A snowy day in Richmond is a great time to spread a little warmth. Consider stopping by one of the many RVA Community Fridges around town. This neighborhood-driven initiative is all about neighbors helping neighbors. It's a simple way to share what we can and ensure that everyone has what they need. You can support RVA Community Fridges by dropping off food, volunteering, spreading the word, giving financially, or partnering as a business.
vol. 290 / Black SupermanExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 290 / Black Superman
Meet this week’s guest editor, Ishmael Sandiford, an electrical engineer, fitness trainer, and founder of the Fit X Experience. He’s become Richmond’s most-followed trainer on Instagram, known for his high-energy, motivational workouts, mid-range pushups, mind-body coaching, and his “Black Superman” persona.
A chess fan and VCU graduate, Ishmael likes to say that engineering is his passion, but fitness is his lifestyle. He developed a love for exercise early in life, inspired by watching his father run miles in combat boots and train with discipline and persistence. By age 8, Ishmael became a calisthenics advocate, setting goals to perform hundreds of reps every day.
Ishmael’s late older brother, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, lived to 17, far beyond doctors’ expectations. Ishmael credits that journey to his family’s holistic approach to health, and it helped him understand the impact of lifestyle, peace, and fitness on quality of life. He also believes fitness should be sustainable, fun, and built on community, which inspired him to introduce Richmond to the party-style boot camps surging in popularity.
Ishmael has developed a network of expert trainers across the East Coast and learned what makes the boot camp trend so powerful from the Atlanta fitness community. His first class here in February drew 13 people. It caught fire quickly and now sells out at 10 times that attendance. He has served as a featured trainer in D.C., Virginia Beach, Charlotte, and Atlanta, took Fit X to Dogwood Dell this summer, and is planning a full lineup for 2026.
You can still get in on the fun before the year’s out. The next two classes are Nov. 22 and Dec. 13. Details below.
Take it away, Ishmael ...
Art That Stays With You
The new “Giants” exhibit at VMFA is moving, captivating, and something I’m still thinking about. I had the opportunity to hear an inspiring message from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz at the preview opening party this week. The collection they’ve shared features all kinds of inspiring work from 40 Black artists. As someone who’s boxed and helped train a few boxers, I was especially struck by Gordon Parks’ 1966 photos of Muhammad Ali, and an interpretation of his Sonny Liston knockout in an oil painting by Titus Kaphar. The energy at the party was incredible, with all kinds of Richmonders vibing to the DJ. Everyone will move to music! And I was lucky enough to get some career advice from actress and former model Daphne Maxwell Reid — yes, the Fresh Prince’s mom herself.
True, it’s turkey season. You might think I’m all in as someone born on Thanksgiving. But I’ve never eaten poultry or meat, so I’m not the one to ask for recommendations. Fish? I’m your guy. I recently discovered the Ca Chien Xao Mang at Mekong. It’s crispy rainbow trout that melts in your mouth. Comfort food on a cold night, and sautéed with all the good stuff — onions, peppers and mushrooms. For the soul food version, it’s hard to beat the famous fish at Croaker’s Spot. By the way, you can order a Thanksgiving Holiday Pack that features a whole, herb-roasted salmon filet. My favorite. Plus, get those omega-3s! And if you still need that turkey, Croaker’s other choice is a deep-fried turkey.
A quote that serves as personal inspiration comes from Nelson Mandela: “As we let our light shine, we give other people permission to do the same.” We tend to reflect more on joy, unity, and giving this time of year. And you can get into the spirit with the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, which opened this week to an “Elements” theme — fire, earth, air, water, and a bonus one, love. You can add music at Jazz Night there Nov. 25, 6–8 p.m., with Lucy Kilpatrick and Ken Kellner.
For another holiday warmup — and I’m not sure if my roller-skating will translate — a 2,000-square-foot rink is taking shape for Winter Wonderland at the new Conex RVA. It’s being built by my fitness trainer colleague Brandon Garner and his team. Can’t wait to strap on the skates!
One of my goals when I founded Fit X Experience was to open our doors to nurses and first responders in the community, who can attend free as a small way of saying thanks. We’ve also worked to raise money for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and help students at Barack Obama Elementary School. If you’re looking for a few ways to give, here are three:
The Giving Heart Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast, Nov. 27 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It’s a free meal for anyone who wants to come. Simply show up to commune with others and show support.
The Giving Wall. A constantly evolving list where you can help vetted people in need with specific items — an urgent phone bill, a household item, a car insurance payment.
For a holiday event that showcases Richmond musicians and raises money for Richmond Triangle Players, consider “A Shockoe Sessions Live! Christmas.” The show features everything from blues to opera, pop, rock, and techno. At The Hippodrome on Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Ishmael invites you to the biggest boot camp in Richmond. It’s for all fitness levels, packed with community, networking, vendors, motivation, and great energy from start to finish. Our year-end finale is Dec. 13, but the next one is on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Iron Legend Gym, 3310 Rosedale Ave., Unit B, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Teachers, nurses, college students, and first responders enter free. Expect top-tier trainers, DJs, and a community that pushes each other to win! Click to see what the boot camp looks like.
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