Meet this week's guest editor, Rebecca Thomas! A former restaurateur, Rebecca empowers people to make real, nourishing food at home without recipes, gadgets, or complicated prep. As the founder of Not Another Diet, she works to end generational diet culture by promoting simple, sustainable approaches to healthy living. With over 30 years of home cooking and 15 years in the restaurant industry, Rebecca created COOK!, a course that teaches intuitive, real-food cooking.
Her philosophy is all about enjoying the process of sourcing, preparing, and sharing food as a cornerstone of a healthy, joyful life. Outside of teaching, Rebecca loves biking, fresh produce, good coffee, and ... our favorite ... an early bedtime!
Take it away, Rebecca ...
GET LOST Touring Presentation with Pat McAleer
Part of a healthy, connected life is getting outside and challenging yourself -- a little or a lot, it all counts. I love hearing stories and practical advice from people who did just that. Come listen to Pat McAleer, a self-proclaimed "average rider" as he shares the highs and lows of his 10-day tour from Asheville to D.C. along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive! This is a great presentation for anyone interested in doing a fun and challenging ride just a few hours from RVA.
Vitals:
GET LOST Touring Presentation: "10 Pictures, A Few Stories and an F-bomb"/ Thursday, December 12, 6:00 pm / FREE / Journeyman's Adventure Co., 115 N 18th Street
Honey Tasting with Dr. Hollee Freeman
Dr. Hollee Freeman is a tireless advocate and educator about all things bees. These little creatures are so important to the health of our environment and the food it produces. The more I learn, the more I want to know! Join her this Saturday for a reading from her book about bees and a honey tasting.
This is my favorite market due to its smaller size and later start time. I love biking here from my home in Church Hill. I fill my bags with seasonal veggies, sourdough rye from Europa Crust, and killer feta from Caromont Farm. I suggest strolling with a coffee, munching on some berries from Agriberry, and go hike through Forest Hill, one of the loveliest city parks, when you're done shopping. A perfect day.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Meet this week's guest editor, Joy Rush! Joy, a Richmond native and certified kids' yoga instructor, is the founder of YOGA JOY, a play-based yoga platform promoting mindfulness, movement, and wellness for children ages 2-12. Her work, including her bestselling book Yoga Fun A-Z, highlights children from a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and representation. Through YOGA JOY, Joy offers accessible and engaging yoga practices, inspiring lifelong wellness for children and families.
Outside of work, Joy loves practicing hot yoga at Humble Haven Yoga, salsa dancing, and traveling with her son to explore new places and cultures.
Take it away, Joy ...
Tacky Lights of Richmond
Last year, local mom Erin Rebmann created a popular Tacky Light Map, featuring both iconic and new holiday light displays all over Richmond. This self-guided tour is a new festive tradition for us; we bring our own hot cocoa and drive around taking in all of the magic! From inflatables to synchronized light shows, the Tacky Lights Tour offers a magical way to celebrate the season!
Get ready to dance the night away with a mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Kizomba at Aloft Short Pump with RVA Dance. Kick off the evening with an introductory lesson from 8:30 to 9:00 pm, then enjoy a night of music, movement, and great holiday fun!
My son and I love to visit Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden every year. We can't wait to explore this year’s theme: Homes & Habitats, A Celebration of Connection, featuring millions of lights showcasing wetlands, forests, deserts, and more!
Our newest YOGA JOY program is Yoga Play! A signature activity from YOGA JOY, Yoga Play combines playful team-building with the transformative benefits of yoga. Designed to awaken the inner child, this engaging experience uses fun, play-based activities and simple yoga techniques to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity. By blending movement, mindfulness, music, and laughter, Yoga Play promotes overall team development in an inspiring and energizing way.
Meet this week's guest editor, Tim Barry! A Richmond native and self-taught musician, Tim is a pioneer of "Folk Rock," celebrated for his authentic and raw sound. Deeply connected to the city's community and natural landscapes, Tim draws inspiration from Richmond’s James River, which he considers an anchor in his life. Whether paddling, fishing, running, or exploring with his family, the river and its surrounding parks continually fuel his creativity and provide a sense of joy and respite.
Surprising to some, Tim is also an avid runner who finds peace and purpose in the rhythm of the trail. Despite his musical success, he cannot read sheet music—a detail that underscores the raw, unfiltered passion behind his craft.
For Tim, Richmond is more than just a home—it’s a close-knit community and a wellspring of inspiration, anchored by the enduring presence of the James River.
Take it away, Tim ...
November Fest: Concerts & Charity Drive at The Camel
November Fest concert tickets have already sold out, but there are other meaningful ways to get involved in the action! All weekend long at The Camel, we will be collecting food donations for Feed More and diaper donations for Little Hands Virginia. You'll find details about both charities in the "More About" section further down in this volume.
Vitals:
November Fest Charity Drive at The Camel / Friday, November 22 - Sunday, November 24 / Bring Donations / The Camel, 1621 West Broad Street
November Fest: James River Park Trail Work
I'm partnering with Keep Virginia Cozy, Friends of James River Park, and James River Park System staff to lead two days of cleanups and trail work during November Fest weekend. Join us in rebuilding a section of trail washed out by erosion. We'll be hauling rocks and filling dirt, so wear sturdy shoes, bring work gloves, and pack water! If you have a bucket or milk crate for carrying rocks, please bring it!
While registration is NOT mandatory, it will help gauge the supplies we will need to provide. Please register here to help us prepare!
Vitals:
James River Park Trail Work / Saturday, November 23, 10:00 am / FREE / W. 22nd St Parking lot of the James River Park System (W. 22nd & Riverside)
November Fest: James River Park River Cleanup
I’m hosting a river clean up on Sunday, November 24 with the same collaborators as Saturday's event; in fact, Keep Virginia Cozy could achieve a mind blowing 1 million pounds of litter removed from our public spaces if we collect enough trash Sunday. So let’s go big! Plus, Hike Hopped Seltzer will be on site providing some cold beverages!
Please visit this link for details, and hit “yes” on the sign up if you are coming. Let’s get off the apps and get outside together!
Vitals:
James River Park - River Clean Up / Sunday, November 24, 11:00 am / FREE / W. 22nd St Parking lot of the James River Park System (W. 22nd & Riverside)
More About the
November Fest Charities
If you are attending any of Tim's Richmond shows this weekend at The Camel, or want to drop by the venue to help out, they'll be collecting food donations for Feed More and diaper donations for Little Hands Virginia. Donations can be dropped off at the door!
Feed More, based in Richmond, is a cornerstone organization in the fight against hunger, providing meals to individuals and families across Central Virginia through its comprehensive network of food banks, kitchens, and delivery programs.
Little Hands Virginia supports children in crisis by providing essential items such as diapers, clothing, and hygiene products.
These organizations create a safety net for vulnerable populations, ensuring children and families in Richmond have access to both nourishment and the essentials needed to thrive.
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