Elise Steele.jpg

Elise Steele

Newsletter Editor

Elise moved to Richmond on a whim after graduating from college in 2021, and she’s loved the city ever since. When she’s not crafting the next RICtoday newsletter, she’s probably spending time outside, shopping local thrift stores, reading (as a proud library book borrower), or making a trip to Lamplighter for a Thai Coffee + Slayer Bagel.

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A dark, abandoned store interior. Small pieces of debris are scattered around the floor, and a piece of flooring has been torn up.
Culture
Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped
Once booming, now barren. Let’s take a peek at malls of Richmond’s past + hope for the future.
June 23, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
An aerial shot of the Richmond skyline
Events
Honor Juneteenth in RVA with these local events
From nature hikes to a community game night, check out these local Juneteenth events.
June 17, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
The photo shows a hardwood staircase on left and a front entryway to the right with hardwood floors, a central table with a vase of flowers, a clear and gold candelier, and stained glass windows.
Real Estate
Three unique properties for sale in and around Richmond, VA
See what’s on the market, from million-dollar homes to our regional drive-in theater.
June 16, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RICtoday_JamesRiver_CityView
Travel and Outdoors
Six less-than-obvious things to do on the James River this summer
Explore the the river while exploring a new hobby with one of our outdoor-oriented suggestions
June 12, 2025
 · 
David Lefkowitz
RICtoday_TinyPorchConcerts_WoodlandHeights
Culture
Tiny Porch concerts return to Woodland Heights
This grassroots tradition kicks off its third season on Sunday, June 15.
June 10, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A rendering depicts concepts for the new Arthur Ashe bridge. Pedestrians walk and bike on a sidewalk along the right side of the rendering. The sidewalk is lined with stone flower troughs and arched with an art installation of grey columns. Cars travel on the road to the left of the sidewalk.
Development
Share your feedback on the Arthur Ashe Boulevard bridge replacement project
Attend a community meeting regarding the $38 million bridge replacement project near Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District.
June 9, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
The photo shows the facade of Old City Hall, a gothic-style building with angular roofs, points, and dozens of arches windows.
History
10 Richmond locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Travel through River City history at these nationally relevant spots.
June 6, 2025
 · 
Katie Potter
Owner Brian Baynes stands inside his bookstore, leading against a magazine stand.
Business
One room, 1,000 niches: Brian’s Books opens June 14
We spoke with Brian Baynes about his new bookstore opening in Church Hill — a one-stop shop for pre-loved, eclectic reads.
June 2, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RICtoday_LammarMaries_Popcorn
Work
Made in Richmond: 50+ things created in the River City
From bloody mary mix to hand-painted furniture, check out these products made right here in Richmond.
May 30, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A sanwich with bacon, guacamole, tomato and lettuce is shown on the left. Two outstretched hands holding orange drinks with orange wedges are shown on the right.
Food
Dine Out for Pride in RVA
The week of June 1-8, over two dozen restaurants in Richmond will make donations to support local LGBTQ+ organizations.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RICtoday_Bike_JamesRiver
Travel and Outdoors
The non-cyclist’s guide to getting around Richmond on a bike
Richmond is navigable by bike even for casual two-wheel warriors.
May 23, 2025
 · 
David Lefkowitz
A white dog is looking at the camera with its mouth open. The dog is sitting behind the steering wheel of a car.
Culture
Winston-Salem pets: Give them a round of a-paws
We asked readers to send in photos of their pets — meet some of the furry residents of Winston-Salem.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
FTW-rainwater-collection
Real Estate
Decode the code: How to save on home costs with rainwater harvesting
Help conserve water and lower your bills with a rainwater harvesting system in your backyard.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Kate Mazade
A crowd of people watch a theatrical performance in front of the facade of Agecroft Hall.
Culture
Richmond Shakespeare Festival returns May 23
Join Richmond Shakespeare for its 26th season, showcasing “Cyrano De Bergerac,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
May 20, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A rendered image shows people and one dog on a park path surrounded by wildflowers and grasses. A train path goes over the path in the background. Three large rocks line the path and two children stand on them.
Development
Mayo Island Park designs and timeline revealed
See what’s in store for Mayo Island’s new public park, a 15-acre project in the heart of Richmond.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A black cat looks straight into the camera. Its yellowish green eyes are open wide, and its ears are sticking up. The cat is in a white room, with a slightly open window behind it, and a bouquet of flowers.
Culture
Send us your Winston-Salem pet photos
Submit your favorite photos of your furry (or non-furry) friends for a chance to be spotlighted in an upcoming feature.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
RIC_pets_MAY
Richmond pets: our reigning cats
We asked readers to send us photos of their Richmond-resident pets, and here’s our roundup of River City cats.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_vegan_club_friends_MAY
Culture
How to make friends in Richmond
Here’s your guide to social clubs, public events, and other local ways to make pals in the River City
May 13, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_pets_MAY
City
Richmond pets: paws up for the pups
We asked readers to send us photos of their Richmond-resident pets, and here’s our roundup of River City pups.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
SeftonCoffeeCo_Richmond_Downtown
Small Business
Small Business Week: Must-try experiences in RVA
Local entrepreneurs share the quintessential experiences that define their businesses.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_Richmond_Ivy_APRIL
City
Richmond Ivy kick off 2025 season on May 10
Witness Richmond Ivy’s season opener, bringing pre-professional women’s soccer back to the River City for a second year.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_solidago_studios_MAY
Small Business
Your small biz’s favorite small biz
We asked 10 local entrepreneurs to pass the mic and shout out their favorite small businesses in Richmond.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
The register and green-tiled ordering counter at Julio's Bagel, backed by a white wall with a menu and a cut-out window featuring plant shelves + an opening to the back kitchen.
City
Julio’s Bagel Shop opens in Brookland Park, RVA
Meet Richmond’s new Northside bagel spot.
May 2, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_pet_photos_gif_APRIL
City
Send us your RVA pet photos
Submit your favorite photos of your furry (or non-furry) friends for a chance to be spotlighted in an upcoming feature.
April 30, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Roller derby players skate in a close cluster.
Sports
River City Roller Derby: Let the good times roll
Get up to speed on derby basics and River City Roller Derby’s inclusive community outlook.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A woman flips into an aerial hoop.
Wellness
10 alternative ways to workout in RVA
Get curious about Richmond’s out-of-the-box fitness fixes, from ballet-inspired barre to dukes-up boxing.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
The photo shows the red brick face of the Branch Museum of Design. White, green, and pink trees bloom in the grounds in front of the facade. Windows cover much of the building, and several chimneys are built on the roof.
Real Estate
Tudor Revival architecture in Richmond
Here’s where all the cross gables, half-timbering, prominent chimneys, and patterned brickwork come from.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RICtoday_FridayCheers_OverheadAerial
Events
Outdoor concert season in RVA
Get outside and follow the music with Richmond’s 2025 outdoor concert lineups.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Four colorful compost bins sit near a fence with City of Richmond signage.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Richmond
We’re answering questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost without a backyard space?”
April 21, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Seven people stand together in a line, three wearing yellow construction hard hats and two carrying audio and video equipment.
Culture
Rebuilding history: Skipwith-Roper Homecoming
Join the countdown for the 2026 grand opening of Skipwith-Roper Cottage, the once-relocated residence of Jackson Ward’s first known Black homeowner.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
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