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  • over the top milkshakes in a line

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with These Local Businesses

Hispanic Heritage Month officially kicks off on September 15 and runs through October 15. The month is a time to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. In the Richmond area, the entrepreneurial efforts by those with lineages from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America continue to strengthen the fabric of the region every year with new businesses that help make Richmond a colorful and unique place to live. In honor of this month-long celebration, we are highlighting seven local businesses with Hispanic heritage.

tiered tea service treats with a pot of tea The Queen’s Library Tea Room

The Queens Library Tea Room:

This charming tea room perched along Richmond’s Main Street offers an authentic English tea service complete as well as a variety of specialty experiences, including a Holiday Tea, Hobbit-inspired […]

By |2023-09-14T12:51:11-04:00September 14, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • the woofy wellness ranch's dog woofy bus parked along the canal walk with the richmond skyline in the background

RVA Happier Places for the Pups

With more than 170 parks and mild weather year-round, Richmond is a pawsome place for your four-legged friend. Many restaurants, hotels, and local shops are dog-friendly, but sometimes dogs just need a place to call their own. We’re sharing some of our favorite locally owned businesses in RVA that are dedicated to dogs, from grooming to playtime, and, of course, where to shop for the latest in doggy fashions, treats, and accessories.

 

 

A dog hangs out with people who are drinking in the background The Ruff Canine Club

Ruff Canine Club: Part dog park, part bar, Ruff Dog Park Bar offers fun and entertainment for both dogs and their humans.

 

CritterTown BathHouse & Market: Richmond’s original self-service bathhouse for pets, CritterTown supplies everything you need to keep your pooch looking and smelling great, plus a […]

By |2023-09-14T15:57:45-04:00August 31, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments

11 Kid-Friendly Activity Ideas

Entertaining littles is hard work, especially in Richmond’s summer heat. Luckily, the River City has plenty of locally-owned businesses with fun activities perfect for keeping the tiniest Richmonders entertained, learning, and moving. Continue reading for just a few of Richmond’s local businesses that offer kid-friendly summer fun, both indoors and out – making them a happier place for both kids and parents!

Virginia Museum of History and Culture's Commonwealth Explorers Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s Commonwealth Explorers Exhibit:

A long-term exhibition featuring designated stations as well as opportunities for free play, this hands-on, interactive exhibition uses a wide range of story-driven features for kids to see, touch, and experience Virginia’s past and present.

 

Children’s Museum of Richmond:

From dress-up to arts and crafts, interactive exhibits to a beloved carousel, […]

By |2023-07-14T13:46:31-04:00July 14, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments

The Scoop on RVA’s Local Ice Cream Shops

The official start of summer marks the unofficial start of something else: ice cream season. The time-honored tradition of grabbing a cool treat on a hot day is only sweetened when you grab that scoop from a locally-owned ice cream shop. Read on for the scoop on six of Richmond’s beloved local ice cream shops, and two, just as enticing and locally-owned, frozen alternatives.

an ice cream scoop on a city street Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream

Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream

Located in the heart of Carytown, Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a Richmond favorite for over 30 years. Inspired by New England-style ice cream shops, this pink parlor is known for its handcrafted ice creams made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

soft serve ice cream Charm School Study Hall

By |2023-06-22T12:49:08-04:00June 22, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments

Five Finger-Lickin’ Good RVA BBQ Joints

As summer gets underway, millions of Americans will fire up the grill to enjoy a uniquely American, and definitely Southern, culinary tradition: the backyard barbecue. But if you’re looking to enjoy some finger-lickin’ deliciousness without the hours it takes to cook that fall-off-the-bone deliciousness, you’re in luck. As Richmond has emerged as a foodie destination, the options for mouth-watering barbecue have grown as well. Whether you’re dining in, or grabbing some for your own backyard celebration this Memorial Day Weekend, here are five smokin’ barbecue joints in RVA worth checking out.

overhead of bbq and side dishes ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue

ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque: For barbecue enthusiasts seeking an authentic Texas experience, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is the place to be. Situated in Scott’s Addition neighborhood, this award-winning joint showcases the art of Central […]

By |2023-05-25T14:30:08-04:00May 25, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, RVA Style

Whether celebrating your mom or another special person who has always been there for you, Richmond is filled with opportunities to treat them like the queen they are this Mother’s Day while supporting local businesses. Read on for some of our top picks.

A mother and daughters take an icecream workshop Sweet Wynns

For Moms with a Sweet Tooth

If your mom has a sweet tooth, grab a pint of her favorite Gelati Celesti ice cream flavor, her favorite gourmet candies from Zazoli, or pick up freezer-to-oven croissants or French buns from Whisk to wake up with Sunday morning. Step up your gift giving a notch with an ice cream-making workshop you can enjoy together at Sweet Wynns.

 

For Culinary-Inclined Moms

Treat mom to a pairing workshop at Truckle Cheesemongers, where she’ll learn […]

By |2023-05-11T14:51:26-04:00May 11, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • three tacos on a plate

Five Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo…. or Anytime

In years past, Mexican restaurants in Virginia haven’t exactly been known to be the most authentic. In fact, Virginia Mexican restaurants were perhaps most “famous” for creating their own white sauce, a uniquely Virginian dipping sauce found pretty much exclusively in Virginia and North Carolina. These days, however, the options for authentically prepared Mexican foods in Richmond have grown as the city, and its collective palate, has grown. Packed with flavor and rooted in tradition, we’ve rounded up five Richmond-area Mexican restaurants perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo or enjoying the explosion of flavors found in exceptional Mexican cuisine any day of the week.

La Cabaña Restaurant y Taqueria: Tucked along the end of an unassuming strip mall in Henrico, this secret gem of a taqueria serves up delicious flavorful tacos just like you’d find in Mexico. Flavorful meat topped with […]

By |2023-04-27T10:44:42-04:00April 27, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments

Ten Women-Owned Businesses for Women’s History Month

Since 1987, March has been designated as Women’s History Month, punctuated by International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated on March 8 for more than 100 years. The month is designed to highlight women’s indelible contributions to society through their achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love.

In the decade prior to March’s designation as Women’s History Month in the 1980s, only around 5% of businesses in the United States were owned by women. Today, approximately 40% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women, and in Virginia, that number bumps up to 44%. With that many women-owned businesses, there are so many you can choose to support, but we’re spotlighting ten to get you started.

Interior of Alma's Gallery Alma’s Gallery.

Alma’s Gallery & Shop: This artist-run gallery and shop located in Brookland Park features rotating […]

By |2023-03-16T16:20:41-04:00March 16, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • Jackson Ward in Richmond, VA

Five Black-Owned Businesses Carrying on Richmond’s Strong Legacy

In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting five of the amazing Black-owned local businesses in Richmond. Richmond has long had a thriving community of Black-owned businesses thanks in part to the resiliency of Jackson Ward neighborhood.

Originally established by European immigrants attracted by its proximity to the retail hub of the city, Jackson Ward became an enclave for former enslaved persons and freed Blacks following the Civil War and during Reconstruction. The neighborhood eventually grew to become a thriving epicenter for Richmond’s Black community, serving as a center of both enterprise and entertainment.

Known as the “birthplace of African-American entrepreneurship,” Jackson Ward hit its stride as one of the most significant Black neighborhoods in the country during the 1920s through the 1940s. Residents built a thriving and self-sustaining business community, anchored in part by the chartering of St. Luke Penny Saving Bank […]

By |2023-02-16T09:09:38-05:00February 16, 2023|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • a holiday table set with greenery

Holiday Entertaining Tips from Ladles & Linens

Entertaining this holiday season? Local Richmond business owner Sarah Nicholas knows a thing or two. After seven years in the FBI, Nicholas made a life-changing decision to move to New York City and attend culinary school. Fast forward a few years, and she’s now the proud owner of Ladles and Linens Kitchen Shoppe in Carytown.

After a few years of scaled-down holiday celebrations, Nicholas is seeing an uptick in what she terms “nostalgic cooking.” People are dusting off the treasured family recipes passed down from their grandmothers and making them their own.

Other trends she’s seeing this holiday season? Butter boards, a trend made popular on Tiktok that is exactly what it sounds like, a charcuterie-style board filled with butter for dipping that can be dressed up or down, as well as an increase in the popularity of mocktails.

As for 2023, Sarah thinks we […]

By |2022-12-22T11:06:02-05:00December 22, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • presents under a Christmas tree

Five Services Gifts for the Person who has Everything

We’ve all got someone on our holiday list that just has everything, and if they don’t have it, they buy it for themselves before anyone else has a chance to. For people like this, we love to surprise them with gift certificates for services. Services that might be a little luxury, or something super practical that they just wouldn’t think to do for themselves. Continue reading for five ideas below!

 

Puritan Cleaners Wash Dry Fold bag on a counter

A gift card to Puritan Cleaners which they can either use for dry cleaning, or for Wash and Fold services, freeing up their time to do literally anything besides laundry.

car wash

There’s nothing better than a shiny, clean car, but sometimes life gets too busy […]

By |2022-12-08T21:15:18-05:00December 8, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • presents under a Christmas tree

GIFT GUIDE: Gifts for Her

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, grandmother, or sister, we’re sure you want them to feel the love this holiday season. We’ve rounded up five timeless gift ideas from local Richmond businesses that pack a punch. Many of these are from women-owned businesses, too!

cosmetic bags in a variety of colors

Perfect for cosmetics, books, chargers, and more, these darling cosmetic bags from Lovevolve let you send your love with them no matter where they go.

copper roof bird houses in a line

A beautiful copper roof birdhouse from Yardbirds is a gift that will give back season after season as feathered friends move in and add a touch of joy to each day.

bud vases with stems

By |2022-12-08T10:39:12-05:00December 8, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • presents under a Christmas tree

GIFT GUIDE: Gifts for Him

If you’re like many out there who find it challenging to find unique gifts for the men in your life, we’re here to help. We’re sharing five fun, unique, and even a couple of handcrafted, gift ideas from local Richmond area businesses that are perfect for that special guy in your life.

 

A guy stands with a backpack

An Appalachian roll-top backpack from Lineage Goods– perfect for everyday adventures- and big enough to fit a 15″ laptop.

leather watch bands, analog and apple watch

Whether he’s an analog guy or prefers an Apple Watch, these handcrafted leather bands from Blackbyrd will instantly elevate his look.

 

golf ball

Treat him to a day on the greens at […]

By |2022-12-07T09:01:11-05:00December 6, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • presents under a Christmas tree

GIFT GUIDE: Five Gifts for Your Host

Bringing along a small token of appreciation for your host or hostess is always a good idea- especially during the season of giving. Host gifts don’t have to be elaborate but can be as simple as a nice bottle of wine, or a gift tying into the occasion itself. To help take some guesswork out of the equation, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ideas for host gifts this year.

 

holiday themed cocktail napkins, a mug, spoons, and a plate with Santa

Festive cocktail napkins and accouterments from Ladles & Linens.

Birdies Pimento Cheese in a fun Dip a di do da Bowl – available as a package on their website.

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By |2022-12-06T23:06:13-05:00December 6, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • Kayaking down the James River

GIFT GUIDE: RVA Area Experience Gift Ideas

For a gift that’s both personalized and impactful, experience gifts can offer the perfect solution for those who are often hard to shop for during the holidays. They can be tailored to a person’s interests and offer a double impact combining the gift-giving experience itself as well as the opportunity to create memories to last even longer. Experience gifts are also perfect for the person on your list who seemingly has everything or for those who are embracing a more minimalist or sustainable lifestyle. To help get you started, we’ve put together a gift guide filled with Richmond-area experience gift ideas that are sure to create memorable moments which last long after the holiday season.

 

Thrill Seeking

For those who love to get their adrenaline pumping with a little adventure, try a gift card to Canopy Ropes Course and Zipline Adventure, a kayaking […]

By |2022-12-06T23:07:26-05:00December 5, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments

Deck the Halls with Help from Local Businesses

While gift guides and event calendars abound this time of the year, there’s perhaps another list that often gets overlooked- the details. While everyone loves a shiny new present and beautiful memories made, the details that go into the season are often just as important. Read on for seven holiday details that local Richmond businesses can help you take care of this season, easing your stress, and increasing the magic.

 

Wrapping Elves

Save yourself the frustration and leave the wrapping to the experts this year. Schedule a drop-off date with Wrapping Moments and let these magical wrapping elves work their magic so that the gifts under your tree look just as good wrapped as unwrapped.

 

Photo Ready

Schedule a visit to one of Mango Salon’s many Richmond area locations so that whether you’re taking your annual holiday card photos or just candids at a festive […]

By |2022-12-06T23:08:15-05:00December 4, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • Photographer Jacqui DePas Schlosser stands behind a camera

Get to Know By Jacqui Photography… and Pick Up a Few Tips

Jacqui DePas Schlosser's headshot Jacqui DePas Schlosser

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to take pictures. Whether it’s snapping a picture of the changing fall colors in Virginia, or grabbing a family picture for an upcoming holiday card, fall seems to bring out the photographer in many of us. But for local Richmond area photographer, Jacqui DePas Schlosser, a second-generation professional photographer, every day is about getting that perfect shot— and she’s sharing her tips.

After studying at Hofstra University and the Corcoran, Schlosser apprenticed under some of the best photographers in the fashion and portrait industry in DC and New York before opening her own company, By Jacqui Photography, in 2012. In 2018 she and her family relocated to Richmond, where she’s been steadily building her client base ever since, focusing on […]

By |2023-04-06T15:01:19-04:00November 17, 2022|Spotlight|0 Comments
  • LaDiff Now Open sign outside of a building

LaDiff Begins Next Chapter in Manchester

As they say, the only thing constant is change, and those who cease to evolve will cease to exist. The same is true for businesses,  they must continue to assess the current market and customers’ needs and evolve with the times. One local Richmond business understands that more than most.

“We aren’t afraid of change,” said owner Sarah Paxton, owner of LaDiff, a contemporary furniture store that has anchored Shockoe Bottom for decades. “Over the last 42 years, LaDiff has been a gift store, a whole-house store, a lifestyle store, a huge furniture emporium.”

Interior of LaDiff a local Richmond business specializing in modern furniture

This past summer, the company shifted gears, albeit slightly, with a big move “across the river,” as Richmonders say, to a new location along Commerce Street in Manchester.

Multiple factors precipitated the […]

By |2022-10-19T15:34:17-04:00October 19, 2022|Spotlight|1 Comment
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