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 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_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
A boardwalk leads over the wetlands of Tuckahoe Creek.
Parks and Recreation
Henrico proposes Tuckahoe Creek Park expansion
Following a land donation of 20+ acres, Henrico County introduced plans for a new boardwalk + more at Tuckahoe Creek Park.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Two people work together with a printed art project.
Culture
Experience VCUarts’ latest exhibition
Encounter the obscure + challenge the mundane at this boundary-pushing exhibit.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC-record_store_APRIL
Business
8 record stores in Richmond
Find your next favorite band or album at a local shop.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A group of people walk past a colorful mural, directed by a guide wearing a microphone headset.
City
Seasonal tours are back in session with The Valentine
Stroll through Richmond’s rich history with The Valentine’s guided tours.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
This photo shows four plates featuring sandwiches and slow-cooked eats from Brazen. Two full glasses sit behind the plates -- one with clear liquid and one with dark.
Food
New foodie faves in RVA
Check out these new Richmond restaurants that opened last month + get the scoop on what’s coming soon.
April 7, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
RIC_frida_VMFA_APRIL
Culture
VMFA unveils Frida Kahlo exhibit in Richmond
Richmond becomes one of only two US cities to host “Frida: Beyond the Myth.”
April 6, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A person with a grey shirt and brown cap holds up a large yellow paper with handwritten plans for a "Title Tot Lot Community Fridge." The paper also includes, "Description: revamp existing playground and place community fridge + little free libraries (kids focus)", "Cost: $10,000", and "Impact: Create safe space to promote collective community responsibility"
City
Vote for the Richmond People’s Budget project
Get the 101 on this community-driven funding project + how you can vote on the allocation of $3 million.
April 2, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
The top half of the photo features a clear, dark blue night sky. The bottom half shows the Flying Squirrels baseball field with players positioned on the field.
Events
⚾ 10 Flying Squirrels games we’re excited for
There’s something about a hot dog, a sunset + an RVA baseball game that makes life worth livin’.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Trees, developing spring leaves, populate the spaces between and above neighborhood houses.
Weather
Surviving pollen season in Richmond, VA
Does pollen season have you wiping your nose and windshield? Learn how to handle the pollen as allergy season kicks into high gear.
March 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
An angel statue with outstretched wings holds out a sash beneath a blooming Magnolia tree.
Travel and Outdoors
Spring blooms in Hollywood Cemetery
Get a first-hand look at the colorful blooms gracing Richmond’s historic Hollywood Cemetery.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A girl and a partially transluscent creature wearing a mask sit next to each other on a train with water in the background of the windows.
Events
Studio Ghibli Fest at The Byrd Theatre
Watch an animated masterpiece at one of Richmond’s most historic theaters.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
Two photos sit side by side -- one of Dot in black and white and one of Cookie in color. Dot sits on a chair with one leg propped up, a striped dress on, and short, curly dark hair. In the second photo, Cookie stands in a light pink button-up blouse and white shorts in front of the original facade of Dot's Back Inn, which is white brick with a striped dark green awning. Cookie has dark hair cut just above her shoulders. She's smiling.
History
Dot’s Back Inn: A love letter to “the quintessential Richmond server”
Learn about the headstrong women who inspired, founded, and shaped Bellevue’s Dot’s Back Inn.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
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