Meet Soongyi Chung, this week's guest editor! Soongyi is the founder of RVA Girls Who Walk, a popular walking club that brings women in Richmond together to make friends and explore the city. Her goal is to offer a safe space to get in a mental health walk while meeting new people. Soongyi, a proud VCU alum, recently moved back to Richmond after a stint in Atlanta because the River City kept calling her name. When she's not orchestrating RVA Girls Who Walk, you can find her at Tiny House Marketing working as a digital marketing analyst. Look for her leading RVA Girls Who Walk as the crew explores city streets, parks, and green spaces this summer. Take it away, Soongyi ...
Get Outside
The walk from the Pipeline onto the Canal Walk to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge is the reason I fell in love with Richmond. Having access to the history of Richmond, the river, the view of the skyline and the art in between, you’re able to experience something different in each area but all on one path. I used to walk this every day when I lived downtown – it kept me grounded especially during quarantine. When not walking the Pipeline, and exploring the rocks and sandy beaches along the way, I make my way to VMFA to enjoy hanging out on the lawn. Nothing makes me happier than setting up a picnic and having happy hour with my boyfriend and friends there!
As a Scott’s Addition resident, I’m a regular at En Su Boca and Fighting Fish! Literally everything is delicious at both of these local gems. My favorite dish at En Su Bocais the Chicken Tinga Burrito paired with the Skinny Margarita and of course we always get the chips with salsa and guac – love their super generous portions. At Fighting Fish, my go-to meal is the poke bowl. They have arguably the freshest fish in RVA! And on Fridays, my boyfriend and I have a tradition we like to call "Take-Out Friday" where we pick a new, local restaurant each week to enjoy at our apartment. Some of our recent orders have been fromFire and Hops, The Eatery, and Tulsi. All delicious and should be on every reader's list! And when it comes time for cocktails, The Jasper is my go-to happy hour spot. I’m a creature of habit but this is one place I will try something different every time! I recommend the “Soup” Du Jour (not soup) which is their drink of the day - I haven’t been disappointed yet!
When it comes time to shopping, support Richmond's many local business owners found in every neighborhood around the city. Mod & Soul is a recent favorite that I discovered while scrambling last minute to find a dress for a wedding. This local boutique in Richmond's historic art district has the most convenient online shop and in-store pickup. They have the most gorgeous selection of dresses and accessories, and I can't stop recommending this place to all my friends! And in Carytown, I always head to Mongrel – THE cutest novelty shop in Richmond. I always get my cards and local gifts here for holidays, birthdays, and just for fun!
Get your mental health walk on while making new friends! Walks are hosted every Sunday at 2 PM (sometimes 10 AM). Locations are posted on @rvagirlswhowalk every Wednesday.
