Posts by Ali Croft
vol. 2 / less but better
vol. 2 / less but better

 

VOL. 2   /  LESS BUT BETTER

We designed Here. to require participation. Think: less reading, more doing. Pick which items appeal to you, then grab eight friends and get out there!

Use these newsletters as inspiration, for now or later. Our site will soon maintain an archive so you can always revisit ideas.

Today's volume contains our first Futures section. In these, we’ll key you into planning moments so you don’t miss a thing.

Live Oaks

& Neon


Not what Sheryl Sandberg had in mind, but the ultimate way to enjoy the State Fair of Virginia is to lean in. Break out your flannel and boots, find a pack of friends, and go whole hog. 

Scatter the group to bring back different plates, aka State Fair tapas. Say yes to pretzel-wrapped bratwurst and fried Oreos. Ride the Ferris Wheel. Pet some baby animals. Watch the Xpogo Stunt Team. The Demo Derby finals are on Sunday. There’s a rodeo every day. Catch acoustic bluegrass. And people watch, obviously.

Cash is king; come prepared.

 

Vitals:

Through Sunday, October 8
statefairva.org

 

Brunch

Market


Before the weather cools, spend your Saturday morning at the South of the James Farmers Market. Arrive before 10am to avoid crowds.

Secretly, the SOJ Market is really the most incredible al fresco brunch spot. There’s always a serious line for Yoder’s Donuts, so check out Alchemy coffee, Kitchenette’s bagels (with the works), Goatocado’s breakfast bowls and Hog Haven breakfast sandwiches. Try tastes of Grammy O’s sticky buns, Reginald’s peanut butter and Goats R Us cheeses.

If you’re after produce, the mid-season transition offers a lot of choice. Enjoy the last of peaches, peppers and tomatoes, while apples, kale and radishes are starting to come in strong.
 

Vitals:

Saturdays in October / 8am-12pm
growrva.com/soj 

Futures: Less Hunt,

More Gather


Tickets to Ledbury’s famed Quail Hunt are almost sold out. Sure, there’s a morning hunt, but we’re all about the afternoon field feast.

Ledbury has the clout to bring in the most exciting chefs, bartenders and partners, so make a point to visit each station. A pig roast, oysters, beer, wine, cocktails, shopping, archery, live music. For all that, tickets are just $60. Wear your field party finest; the fashion does not disappoint.

After you’ve made the rounds, take a seat in the grass — preferably by the bonfire — and just relax in the splendor of the Virginia countryside.
 

Vitals:

Saturday, November 4 / 2-6pm
quailhunt2017.splashthat.com

Richmond, GoochlandAli Croftgo, eat
vol. 1 / start here
vol. 1 / start here

 

VOL. 1   /  START HERE

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Here!

We believe Richmond is a gem, an adventure, our personal playground. We are proud to live and to create here.

Every week, this newsletter will connect you to just a few of the best opportunities to explore our city. We’ll keep it brief, so you have more time to go and do. Let’s go!

Art Collecting

Made Easy


Consider CURRENT Art Fair the CliffsNotes to Richmond’s contemporary art scene. More than a dozen of the city’s best galleries and art spaces will show in one place so you can get a taste of many artists’ work at once.

This isn’t meant to be a polite spectator sport. Make things interesting: chat up an artist. This is the perfect place to start or add to your collection; the show's wide range of price points make it easy. Hit tonight’s preview party for a great show overview, or sit in on Saturday's collector panel to learn about patronage.

 

Vitals:

Thursday, September 28 - Sunday, October 1
currentrichmond.com

Breaking Down

the Capital Trail


The Virginia Capital Trail stretches 52 miles from Richmond to Williamsburg. If that’s a bit ambitious for you (we understand), check out Basket & Bike excursions this weekend. They’ll give you the bike, chic helmet, picnic lunch and mapped-out 14-mile route to Upper Shirley Vineyards. If you don’t want to drop the $125 fee, the model stands. Find a bike, hit the trail, stop to picnic – there’s plenty to explore!
 

Vitals:

basketandbike.com
virginiacapitaltrail.com

The National's

Stacked Line-Up


The National is among our favorite music scenes in Richmond. We like the intimacy of the venue, approachable ticket prices and their absolutely killer line-up. Just this week, you can see: Two Door Cinema Club, NEEDTOBREATHE, Oh Wonder, more. Which night won’t we be there?!

Don’t miss the openers; we think Sigrid might steal the Oh Wonder show. Try Richmond’s new restaurant row on E Grace St for pre-show dinner. Match your show to any of these options: Pop’s Market, Secret Sandwich Society or Pasture.
 

Vitals:

thenationalva.com

RichmondAli Croftsee, go