Hello Friday.
March 29 2024
Now that — fingers crossed — the weather will be cooling down, picnicking is a delightful way to spend the afternoon or evening in Richmond. We’ve put our excursion-expert hats on to think up some ideal spots, matched with area eats + tips for picking the right park.
🧺 Forest Hill Park
For picnickers who also want a bit of outdoor adventure, head to Forest Hill Park south of the river. The park has picnic shelters close to several trails which are perfect for walking, running + biking. Swing by Brewer’s Cafe before you arrive to pick up a refreshing juice and lunch.
🧺 Libby Hill Park
If you want a meal with a view, Libby Hill Park in Church Hill may be the way to go. Ideal for watching the sunset, the park also has picnic table seating, several fountains + space to spread out and relax on a blanket. If you want to get something to eat, Proper Pie, Cobra Burger, and The Hill Café are only a few blocks away.
The Japanese gardens at Maymont. | Photo by Rodney Martin
🧺 Maymont
There’s plenty of space at Maymont to picnic with several scenic options, whether you’re in the mood to sit in the Japanese gardens, on a shady hill, or near the Children’s Farm. Pack a lunch or stock up at Ellwood Thompson’s before you get to the park + make sure to bring a blanket.
🧺 Scuffletown Park
Nestled between Strawberry St. + Stafford Ave. in the Fan, Scuffletown Park is an ideal location for a picnic with a few friends. If you’re headed out in the afternoon, snag a treat from Idle Hands or grab a bite at 8½ if you’re looking for a full meal. Remember a blanket or sit at one of several benches and tables in the area.
🧺 Bryan Park
Located in Northside, Bryan Park is a sprawling area with a playground, picnic shelters, and the 17-acre Azalea Gardens. Get a fresh + local lunch onsite at the RVA BIG Market on Saturday mornings and walk to a more secluded area if you prefer to be away from the market’s hustle and bustle.
There are so many places to picnic in Richmond — we know we left a lot off the list. Tell us where you go to get some fresh air and enjoy a snack.
Use the buttons below to share this story with your picnic pals.
Today
Saturday
- Jaycie Cuprill | Sat., Sept. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free | Enjoy a high-energy acoustic performance. 🎶
- Jackson Ward Clean Up | Sat., Sept. 18 | 5-7 p.m. | Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St. | Free, RSVP | Learn about invasive species removal + put your knowledge into practice.
- Scott’s Addition Pride Crawl 2021 | Sat., Sept. 18 | 12-5 p.m. | Scott’s Addition Historic District | Cost of purchase | Pick up a Pride Crawl Card at a participating location, collect stamps + get entered into a raffle. 🍺
Sunday
- The Avett Brothers | Sun., Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Raceway | $60+ | Folk-rock at Virginia Credit Union Live. 🪕
- Boy Named Banjo | Sun., Sept. 19 | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry | $12+ | Catch the genre-bending Nashville band on their "Where the Night Goes" tour.
Monday
Wednesday
- RVAir: Community Science Findings | Wed., Sept. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Virtual, RSVP | Attend a virtual town hall to learn about local air quality findings. Pro Tip: Registration will close 2 hours prior to the meeting start.
- Moonlight | Wed., Sept. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | Free | See the Oscar-winner on the big screen to benefit Black Pride RVA.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 81º | Showers | 49% chance of rain
-
Yesterday evening, the city saw flash flooding in many areas, including around the VCU campus + on a stretch of I-95 near the Belvidere exit. After rain events, the Virginia Department of Health recommends that people avoid swimming or playing in the James River. (NBC12)
State
- In-person early voting for the 2021 General Election begins today. Any registered voter may vote early by visiting their local registrar’s office or a satellite voting location. For more information, check out the Virginia Department of Elections website. 🗳
Development
- VCU’s vice president and director of athletics gave a presentation with details about the development around Arthur Ashe Blvd. + Hermitage Rd. on Wednesday. The plans, although not finalized, include an Athletics Village and a new ballpark, to be shared by the Flying Squirrels and the school. 🏟 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Health
- Vaccinated individuals who are in the Virginia Immunization Information System — which applies to nearly all people who got their shot in VA — can now prove their vaccination status with a QR code. The Virginia Department of Health launched the free feature, which is available on their website.
Biz
- Green Leaf Medical, the only licensed marijuana dispensary in the region, will expand its offerings and locations. Formerly, the dispensary was only allowed to sell oil-based cannabis products, but sales of smokable marijuana have now begun at its Richmond location. The company plans to expand to Carytown + Short Pump in the coming months. (Richmond BizSense)
Outdoors
- The Fall PlantFest begins today from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and will continue tomorrow from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The plant sale will be held in Parking Lot C at the Garden + is free and open to the public. 🌿
Arts
- South African artist Dineo Seshee Bopape will bring her site-responsive work to Richmond in a new exhibit at the ICA. The show will open with a free celebration on Sept. 24 from 6-10 p.m. and runs through Wed., Dec. 8. (VCU News)
Concert
- The National announced that indie rock artist Snail Mail will play a show at the venue on Nov. 27. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. The show will feature indie musicians Spencer. + Hotline TNT. 🎶
Ranked
- Richmond BizSense will announce their list of the region’s fastest-growing companies to the public on Sept. 28. The RVA 25 list features local firms with the highest average annual revenue growth over the last 3 years. 📈 (Richmond BizSense)
- VCU School of Nursing ranked no. 23 on the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges inaugural undergraduate nursing programs list. The school is in the top 4% of 694 ranked programs. 🐏 (VCU News)
Job
- We’re hiring. If you love sharing snaps from local festivals or are always the first to check out a new business, apply to join our RICtoday team as an intern. Key responsibilities include educating Richmond through our daily newsletter and social platforms. Learn more here.
We heard through the grapevine that it's harvest season. At Blue Bee Cider, an urban cidery located in Scott’s Addition, grape de-stemming is serious business.
Want to get a taste? Blue Bee will participate in the neighborhood’s Pride Crawl tomorrow, along with over 15 other local businesses.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Just use #RICtoday on social media.
Answered: Over half of the readers who took our quiz were able to correctly identify square dancing as the state dance of Virginia. The General Assembly designated it as the official folk dance of Virginia in 1991. We guess the jig is up.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here.
📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here.
Did a friend forward this to you?
It can be in your inbox tomorrow a.m.
|