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RVAle: A Collaboration in Hops

Richmond is a city steeped in collaboration. We’ve got murals painted by artists from all over the world on our walls. We’ve got an open source logo that anyone can download, modify and use as their own. Now our breweries are getting into the act with Center of the Universe‘s release of RVAle Summer Belgian Ale.

In January of this year COTU co-founders Phil and Chris Ray invited home brewers to their Ashland brew house. These brewers were able to take home some COTU wort (basically unfermented beer) to add to their own concoctions. Six weeks later, the homebrewers brought their ales back to be judged by COTU, Brown’s Distributing and Caboose Wine and Cheese. Scott Golden’s recipe was the winner and put into production as RVAle by COTU.

RVAle is a light, refreshingly spiced summer Belgian.  It is similar to a saison, but brewed with Belgian yeast, which attributes to a cleaner flavor profile.  The light-bodied beer is bursting with citrus and spice notes and accompanied by traditional Belgian esters, clocking in at 4.5% ABV and 24 IBU’s.

RVAle is available at the COTU tasting room, Capital Ale House, Rappahannock, the Savory Grain and others around the region while supplies last. COTU will be celebrating Oktoberfest with Das Bier Run September 13 starting at 2 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks.

Check out RVACraftBeer.com for all your Richmond Region Craft Beer needs!

Chesterfield County Fair

The Chesterfield County Fair runs until Aug. 30. We swung by and took some photos! Don’t forget to tag your memories and photos with #visitrichmond on Instagram.

As always, visit VisitRichmondVA.com for all your fair fun information and tips!

Five Iced Coffees to Grab Before Summer Ends

Summer is winding down and before we know it visitors to the Richmond Region will be bundled up in cozy sweaters and oohing and ahhing at tacky lights. But, while the weather is still sweltering and the river still running fast with kayakers, rafters and swimmers, we thought we’d give you five iced coffees to grab before the leaves turn.

1. BLACK HAND COFFEE CO. – Despite the imposing name (Black Hand was a secret military society involved in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which basically started WWI), this is a welcoming and friendly shop – that’s one of their baristas in the first image. Black Hand is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on Patterson Ave. and they roast beans from Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Brazil in house each morning. Why not take your iced coffee for a stroll on the grounds of the nearby VMFA?

2. MONUMENT CITY COFFEE AND RECORDS – Monument City is a coffee shop and a record store because that’s how the Richmond Region rolls. This combination of vinyl and coffee is a perfect fit for the shop’s Grace Street outpost. They also happen to make a spectacular Iced Coffee. Their special twist is to make the ice cubes out of coffee the night before, ensuring that your coffee never waters down in the summer humidity.

3. Sefton Coffee Co. – Stepping into Sefton Coffee Co. at 24 N. 8th St. feels like stepping inside a delicious, minty cupcake. The shotgun space, with its high tin ceilings, tasteful appointments and counters handmade by owner Jennie Skinner, is a triumph in comfortable high design. It’s also got some pretty great coffee. Skinner makes all the flavoring, powders and syrups, on site. The shop features a rotating menu of hot and cold drinks (a malted iced coffee was on the menu recently.)

 4. Urban Farmhouse – With three locations in Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom and Midlothian, Urban Farmhouse is easy to pop into and grab an iced coffee no matter where your Richmond Region plans take you. Urban Farmhouse, in addition to serving fair trade iced coffee, stocks a full pantry of local goods from wine to craft beer and local sauces and cider.

5. ROSTOV’S COFFEE & TEA – Rostov’s has been in the coffee, and tea, business for over 35 years. The shop at 1618 West Main St. roasts over 1,500 pounds of coffee on site using a Jabez-Burns roaster from the 1930s. The iced coffee at Rostov’s is cold brewed overnight in a concentrated toddy. You can take a two-week supply with you for about five bucks!

Check out VisitRichmondVA.com for even more caffeinated suggestions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Sharkproof Aquatic Adventures in Richmond

Everybody loves Shark Week on TV. In person, not so much. Thankfully, the Richmond Region has aquatic adventures for the whole family, minus hammerheads and great whites and tiger sharks.

1. KINGS DOMINION WATERWORKS PARK – This 20-acre park will satisfy everyone in the family from the thrill seeker to the beach bum. Whether all 650,000 gallons of Big Wave Bay are your speed or you’d rather float along all day in the Lazy Rider, Waterworks will keep you wet and smiling. Admission to Waterworks is included in every single, affordable admission to Kings Dominion!

 

 

photo courtesy of joepyrek

2. TEXAS BEACH – Park in the lot on Texas Ave. or walk the Northbank Trail out from the city to this secluded, sandy beach along the James River. Adults, and kids, can cool off on the rocks, under the shade of a tree or swing into the river on a rope swing, all for free.

 

 

3. RIVERSIDE OUTFITTERS – Want to go white water rafting, through the city, with the family? Riverside Outfitters has you covered. Want to go on a standup paddleboard trip? They’ve got it. Guided kayaking? Yep. Kayak rentals? You can probably tell where this is going. Riverside Outfitters is your one-stop shop for all manner of James River fun.

 

 

4. HADAD’S LAKE – On the surface, Hadad’s Lake looks like an idyllic midcentury amusement straight out of the resort from “Dirty Dancing.” Of course, that resort didn’t have a BLOB, rope swings or play host each year to the GWAR B-Q.

 

 

5. “GREAT WHITE SHARK” at the SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA – It’s Shark Week. You need sharks, we get it. Check out this film in the museum’s Dome on a giant screen until Aug. 15.

Sign up for our Newsletter to stay on top of aquatic adventures through summer and beyond!

 

Carytown Watermelon Festival

We snapped some photos at the 31st Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival. Keep an eye on VisitRichmondVA.com for upcoming festivals!

Five Richmond Ideas for Fans From Fans

It’s the last weekend of the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Camp in the Richmond Region. We asked some fans what folks should do off the field before the team heads home.

We talked to Tillmon and Ashley first:

1. Carytown: “It has anything for anybody,” Tillmon said. Both praised Galaxy Diner for its array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Tillmon said that One Eyed Jacques, at 3104 West Cary Street, was a required stop for gamers.

 

 

 

Mike, Kim, Moon and Kiersten were full of suggestions for kids, of all ages, coming into town for the last weekend of camp.

2. Kings Dominion: Moon said the rides and roller coasters at Kings Dominion were a favorite local attraction. Kim said the WaterWorks water park was a great way to beat the summer heat. Morgan Moses, a rookie at camp this year, recommended Kings Dominion in our last post!

3. Canal Walk/River Walk: Kim said the canal and river walks, running from Shockoe Bottom up to Belle Isle along the picturesque James River, were relaxing spots for a stroll no matter the time of day.

4. Bottoms Up Pizza: Everyone agreed that Bottoms Up Pizza, at 1700 Dock Street in Shockoe Bottom, was a favorite place to grab a slice.

5. Metro Richmond Zoo: The zoo made a big splash last year with the baby Cheetah Cam! Now Meerkat pups are taking center stage and everybody agreed they would have to get to the zoo soon to see them; and maybe to ride the Treetop Zoofari zip line.

As always, check out www.VisitRichmondVA.com for even more fun ideas…and have fun at camp!

Morgan Moses’s Richmond

Rookie offensive tackle Morgan Moses, or Big Mo, loves the Richmond Region. He played Pop Warner football for the Hening Redskins in Chesterfield before moving on to Meadowbrook High School where he was a two-time all-state, all-region and all-district selection.

He stayed close to home for college, playing tackle for UVA down the road in Charlottesville. His childhood dream came true when he was picked up by Washington in the third round of the draft a few months before finishing his bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

He’s back in town for the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Camp and told VisitRichmond about some of his favorite spots in the region.

Big Mo (he’s 6’6”, weighs 318, with tattoos and a huge beard) said Kings Dominion is a must-visit for someone’s first trip to the region. With over 400 acres packed full of 60 rides, shows and attractions, we have to agree that Kings Dominion is a perfect stop for visitors if it’s their first time or 200^th time in the region. Big Mo likes to take friends on the roller coasters he’s been riding since he was Lil Mo to hear them laugh and scream.

Moses said he told his teammates they had to check out Croaker’s Spot at 1020 Hull St. This Richmond institution, originally located in Jackson Ward, serves visitors and locals alike healthy portions of soul food and seafood to a soundtrack of R&B favorites.

Moses also recommends Carrabba’s for their shrimp alfredo.

Chesterfield Towne Center is Big Mo’s choice when it’s time to freshen up his wardrobe. This family-friendly destination has everything from men’s and women’s apparel to books and housewares under one roof.

photo courtesy of UVA Football

You can catch up with Big Mo on Twitter and, of course, check out VisitRichmondVA.com for even more thrills, food and shopping.

Say Goodnight Gracie

Scott Wichmann. Photo by Jay Paul.

I’ve been going to the theater since I was in grade school. I probably wouldn’t be as infatuated with the stage if it hadn’t been for my Aunt Roberta who thought I needed a healthy dose of culture in my life even though I was only 6 or 7. She made sure I knew about opera, the symphony, ballet and the theater.

One of the first productions I ever saw on stage in Richmond was “Hello Dolly.” Dolly’s love of life turned into my love for the theater. And, what I’ve discovered over the years is that Richmond has a wealth of theatrical talent, everything from savvy set designers to accomplished actors. One of the most talented actors in town, in my humble opinion, is Scott Wichmann.

I have had the pleasure over the years to watch him grow into his acting skin, taking on all sorts of roles, from Shakespeare’s “Richard III” to a hilarious scam artist in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” One of my favorite Scott stories comes from his performance in the zany comedy “Scapino” when he darted into the audience and took a seat next to a man who had fallen asleep during the show. Scott worked that awkward moment into the dialogue and had everyone but the Sleeping Beauty in stitches. The man’s wife thought it was hilarious, the man not so much.

Scott Wichmann. Photo by Jay Paul.

I’m very excited that Scott is now taking on the role of the legendary George Burns in Virginia Rep’s one-man show, “Say Goodnight Gracie,” at Hanover Tavern. The show is about the life of this beloved comedian and the love of his life, his wife, Gracie Allen. It runs through November 3.

In addition to being a fan of Scott, I am also a huge fan of Burns and Allen. Their television show aired from 1950 to 1958. Their fresh approach to humor endures through the ages. Theirs was one of the great love stories of all times and Scott tells me that the show at Hanover is really a love letter to Gracie, a celebration of her talent.

One thing that Burns and Allen were known for is their perfect timing and their illogical logic style of comedy. Getting that down and also zeroing in on the pitch and timber of George’s voice was a challenge for Scott in the beginning – everything has to be exact or it won’t be believable. In fact he says he panicked when it didn’t come as easily as he had hoped.

Knowing Scott, I’m sure he now has everything down and he and the production will be a big hit. I’m looking forward to seeing it all unfold on stage.

Joan Tupponce is a national award-winning freelancer who was born and raised in the Richmond area. You’ll often spot her out and about enjoying all the great cultural aspects of the area. Check out her websiteat http://joantupponcewrites.blogspot.com/.

National Menswear Pop-Up, Northern Grade, Comes to Richmond

Menswear Pop-Up, Northern Grade, will make its debut in Richmond this weekend, September 21^st and 22^nd. This mobile market features the very best American-manufactured goods and it’s a must-see for the entire family. This is one of three stops for the unique event, traveling next to Chicago and then Minneapolis. Produced by Katherine and Mac McMillan, the team behind the menswear brand Pierrepont Hicks, Northern Grade is a market by a brand for the brands. Katherine McMillan said, “American brands are growing at a fast pace, and Northern Grade’s goal is to help. In the current world of today’s fashion and technology, the male consumer wants to know more about what is behind the brands he covets. Northern Grade gives him a chance to shake that designer’s hand and talk.”

Each Northern Grade market features music, spirits and great local food. While it’s about bringing in new brands from other regions, Northern Grade is largely about supporting local brands. And Richmond has some amazing local menswear brands. Need Supply Co. will host the event and helped secure one of Richmond’s most unique locations: the Power Plant at Haxall Point, a hydroelectic plant that formerly provided power to downtown Richmond. Local menswear giant, Ledbury, will be participating as well. Elisabeth Edelman, VP of Branding at Ledbury said, “Northern Grade is the ideal opportunity for Ledbury to showcase our Commonwealth Collection. These pieces are not just made in the United States, they were created in partnership with Virginia artisans who share our value for designing with the highest quality materials. One of our partners, Marcus Wiley of Wiley Belts in Free Union, VA, will join us at our booth, making belts on-site and walking guests through the hand-crafted process behind the belts. We will also be selling our Monroe Cufflinks, which were made with silversmith Joe Rhames of Charlottesville.”

So here are the details you need to know about spending your weekend in style:

Hours:

Saturday, September 21^st – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 22^nd – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brands in Attendance:

• Need Supply Co.
• Pierrepont Hicks
• Osmium
• Almond Surfboards
• Shockoe Denim
• Mother Freedom
• Moore & Giles
• Cadet
• BillyKirk
• Odd Couple Shop
• Ursa Major
• Woolrich
• Billy Reid
• The Hill-Side
• Cause + Effect
• Archival Clothing
• Appalatch Outdoor Apparel Company
• Square Trade Goods Co.
• R. Riveter
• Ledbury
• Stock Manufacturing Co.
• Lumina Superior Dry Goods
• Jack Donnelly
• Clay + Bros
• Shwood

Food & Drinks by:

• Lamplighter Roasting Co.
• Pizza Tonight
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Photobooth by Smile Booth

Featuring a commissioned mural by Duncan Robertson

Men’s Grooming by David Foster of Foster Cuts

A kid’s lounge sponsored by bbgb books.

Northern Grade Richmond is free to the public. Parking is available by the Pipeline Overlook or at the James Parking Deck at 1001 Haxall Point. For more information, please contact: northerngrade@needsupply.com.

Courtney Skunda is a PR and Marketing Director in Richmond. She also works supporting local boutiques, designers and artists around the country with a company called The Nearby. You can keep up with her fashion musings on her blog, Cobblestone Couture, or on Twitter and Instagram.