Meet this week's guest editor, Elaine Digges! Elaine is a small business hype woman and the creator behind @miss_elaine_neous, who has called Richmond home for nearly a decade. Believing that "making friends shouldn't be that hard," she founded a new weekly social group called Let's Hang (@letshangrva).
After experiencing firsthand the benefits of community connection, Elaine decided to pivot and help others find that same sense of belonging in Richmond. Following two years of exploring the city, she realized it was time to create a social group for like-minded Richmond enthusiasts and those looking to make new friends. Elaine believes there's a real synergy in wanting to explore Richmond and build friendships simultaneously. That’s why she’s excited to introduce Let's Hang, a new weekly social group designed to bring people together and foster connections.
Take it away, Elaine ...
Community Walk at Maymont
Join us for a community walk at Maymont! Please arrive 10 minutes early—look for the green signs held by the Let's Hang team at the 1700 Hampton Street entrance. Give yourself extra time to find parking. We'll walk together along the paved path around the park, and hydration will be provided.
Vitals:
Community Walk at Maymont / Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / Free / 1700 Hampton Street.
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief
Who doesn’t love a local, educational wine tasting? Join us at Barrel Thief for a private wine tasting featuring four 2oz pours and light snacks—all for just $10! Don’t miss the chance to make new friends and savor some great wine. RSVP information will be released Aug 10th.
Vitals:
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief / Wednesday, August 21st, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / $10 / 5805 Patterson Avenue.
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D
To celebrate our first full month of connecting Richmonders and supporting local businesses, we're hosting a BIG (21+) social hour at The Workshop by T&D in Scott's Addition! Enjoy local drinks and desserts from The Veil, Buskey, and Jiji's Frozen Custard. Everyone is welcome to join and meet new people in the city. Please note that parking is limited, so we recommend ridesharing, walking, or carpooling.
Vitals:
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D/ Thursday, August 29th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm / Not ticketed / 1400 Mactavish Avenue.
More from Elaine.
Richmond’s interest groups, niche communities, and events can sometimes be hard to find. Explore the city and make new friends with Let's Hang! This group is open to everyone and will evolve as it grows.
The best way to get involved is through Discord or by following @letshangrva on Instagram. Enjoy a variety of events, from happy hours to specialty gatherings, all while keeping costs low. Need a +1 for an event? Looking for a buddy for the farmers market? Discord offers a public chat with sub-channels where you can create your own meetups and build community at your own pace. Whether you prefer organized weekly events or connecting through activities that interest you, Let’s Hang is your opportunity to meet fellow Richmonders.
Meet this week's guest editor, Victoria Bateman, the talented social media manager behind Secret Supper Society and other local businesses. With a passion for helping brands stand out in the digital world, Victoria creates social media strategies that connect to business goals while captivating audiences. Her approach is rooted in the belief that you attract what you feel. She is known for prioritizing brand storytelling that evokes emotion, authentic messaging, and compelling visuals. And as a result, her work helps local businesses, particularly in the food and beverage industry, create a standout social media presence and meaningful connections with their audience.
Victoria is also a devoted wife and mother to two amazing children, a 13-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. She has a passion for all things wellness, and is a self-proclaimed foodie and thoroughly enjoys experiencing the new restaurants our city has to offer.
Take it away, Victoria ...
RVA Black Bar Crawl
Richmond's favorite Juneteenth celebration returns on Saturday, June 22nd, with the RVA Black Bar Crawl. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slavery, and this bar crawl celebrates it by supporting local minority-owned businesses. Starting at Main Street Steakhouse, participants pick up $15 wristbands, granting exclusive access and discounts at over eight popular bars and restaurants, plus a 10% discount on tattoos at Misfit Tattoo Society. Last year’s crawl introduced us to new favorite spots, and we're excited to discover more this year. Participating venues include:
Main Street Steakhouse (1112 E Main St) - Pick up bands (first 1000 get a free commemorative T-shirt)
Misfit Tattoo Society (105 N 17th St) - 10% discount
I'm excited to attend an exclusive Rosé Tasting at The Bordeaux at Marylou's on Wednesday, June 26th at 5:30 pm. Curated by sommelier Chauncey Jenkins, this event offers an evening of fine wines, gourmet pairings, and great ambiance for just $25. Participants will enjoy four rosé tastings (both still and sparkling) paired with delicious small bites, while DJ J. Frvncis provides the music. It's a perfect opportunity to explore new wines, enjoy great food, and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting. If you're looking for a unique Wednesday night, join me at Marylou's for this Rhythm and Rosé Tasting.
Vitals:
Rhythm and Rosé Tasting at The Bordeaux at Marylou's / Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 pm / $25, pay at the door / 1323 W. Main Street
Secret Supper Society
I'm especially excited to announce our upcoming Secret Supper event, "Granny's House," on Sunday, June 30th at 4:00 pm. The Secret Supper Society offers a unique dining experience, and this supper promises to be one of our best. The menu features an elevated take on neo-soul food, crafted to evoke the warm, comforting feelings of dinner at grandma's house. Chef Xavier Beverly will present classic soul food dishes with a modern, refined twist, showcasing the evolution of this beloved cuisine. "Granny's House" will be a heartfelt tribute to family gatherings, offering an innovative and elevated dining experience.
Vitals:
Granny’s House Secret Supper / Sunday, June 30, 4:00 pm / purchase tickets here / Secret location in Richmond, shared only with attendees
More from Victoria and Secret Supper Society...
Secret Supper Society offers a dining experience unlike any other where you're given the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate culinary artistry. Each event unfolds in a new, exciting venue adorned with an awe-inspiring theme and picturesque decor. A different master chef and our house sommelier meticulously curate every course and wine pairing, taking you on an elevated sensory journey that transcends mere dining – it's an unforgettable exploration of taste, culture, and creativity. Every Secret Supper includes up to eight courses with expertly selected wine pairings, ensuring an unparalleled value for food and wine enthusiasts or anyone that enjoys luxury experiences. Suppers are designed to foster meaningful connections among guests while showcasing the artistry and passion of the featured culinary team.
If this sounds like an experience you'd enjoy, reserve your seat at thesecretss.com.
Meet this week's guest editors, Anthony and Sophia Quintana! This Richmond based duo is ready to serve up their recommendations for exploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home. The Quintanas are a spirited, energized couple known for their shared passion for health and wellness. As the proud owners of The DRIPBaR Richmond, they are committed to helping people lead healthier lives. In their free time, they enjoy exploring new restaurants in Richmond, dancing salsa, and supporting local wellness events.
Take it away, Anthony and Sophia...
Make Your Move
Salsa Night
First on the list is something that we are very passionate about, and that's salsa dancing! Did you know that there are dancing events nearly every day of the week in Richmond? We absolutely love it, and when we have the time, you'll find us at any one of these events. Anthony is even on a salsa performance team, Fuego Frio Dance Team (@fuegofriodanceteam), so you know we mean business. Check out the schedule, and come dance the night away with us!
Vitals:
Tuesdays, 7 pm at Uptown Alley- curated by "The Salsa Guy" Ángel Alberto Rodríguez Serrano and DJ "Stop the Madness" William
Wednesdays, 8 pm at Slingshot RVA - curated by DJ Ruddy Rivera, his wife Rachel, and a cast of rotating DJs
Thursdays, 9 pm (or 8 pm for lesson) at Havana 59- curated by Yani Justina and a cast of rotating DJs
Saturdays, 8:30 pm at ALOFT Richmond- curated by Salsa with Boris and DJ Anita
Race, Rally, or Run
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
Next up is the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k, an event that Sophia has participated in a few times in the past. These days, we really enjoy cheering on the runners instead! We'll be at mile marker 3 this year, bringing ALL the cheer and noise. It's a great way to have a good time, support the community, and hang out with friends. Plus, the Massey Challenge will be happening at the same time, which is an important cause for us. As the official charitable partner of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, the Massey Challenge helps work toward a cancer-free future. Runners can dedicate their miles to Massey by supporting the lifesaving cancer research that’s being done right here in RVA.
Finally, we're excited about the opening of The Veil's new taproom and their seven year anniversary block party this weekend! We love The Veil Brewing Co. and we're especially excited about their new in-house restaurant, Nokoribi, featuring a Japanese pub-inspired menu. Plus, during their block party there will be live music and a great atmosphere – what's not to love? The party will include performances from multiple Richmond bands, an indoor menu from Nokoribi, food trucks outside, such as High Roller Lobster Co., Smashed RVA, Young Mother, Gelati Celesti and, of course, beer. West Moore Street will be closed to traffic for the occasion. Noon to midnight at 1509 Belleville St. Free entry, pay as you go.
Together, Anthony and Sophia Quintana aim to help Richmonders live more vital and energized lives through their offerings at The DRIPBaR Richmond, their new business focused on supporting cellular health. Located at 6988 Forest Avenue in the Reynolds Crossing Shopping Center, The DRIPBaR offers IV infusions in a relaxing and spa-like setting with the goal of boosting immune systems, providing headache relief, weight loss, and improving energy. The DRIPBaR is open seven days a week and is currently offering 25 percent off on first-time appointments to introduce IV therapy to the Richmond area.
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