Illustration by Rob Hendricks
Here are our staff’s top picks for things to do, see and eat in Richmond that mirror the region’s rich cultural mix.
Tuckernuck Square
I am a lover of aging strip malls. Nothing interesting possibly could be here, their forlorn facades proclaim. In fact, they are portals to other cultures. Walk through the door and enter the Philippines, the Ukraine, India, Mexico, or a new land where Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand converge in the produce aisle.
My favorite such strip mall is Tuckernuck Square. Sample Mila Fat’s authentic Filipino food at Tindahan. Then head a couple doors down and take home some sweets from the Royal European Deli. 9004 W. Broad St. / TINA GRIEGO, News Editor
Monument Avenue’s Easter on Parade
The event started in 1973 and through contraction and expansion and uncooperative weather at times, this rite of spring brings thousands of participants to the paving stone expanse of Monument (closed to traffic between Allen and Davis avenues). You can see wonderfully designed Easter bonnets, whimsically clothed animals, seersucker and brightly patterned sun dresses. Absorb the general sense of delight. Aren’t we lucky to be here? Isn’t this grand? And if you are acquainted with someone who has a porch along the street, get to know him or her better. venturerichmond.com / HARRY KOLLATZ JR., Senior Writer
Refuge for Men Barbershop
When my hair is unruly, I call up Dot Reid, owner of Refuge for Men in the Fan. Reid’s barbershop, staffed mostly by African-American barbers, supplies fresh cuts to the shaggy-haired masses. Barbershops have historically been segregated and remain so. If you’re white, as I am, you may feel uneasy about patronizing what appears at first sight to be a black barbershop. Ignore that feeling. Walk-ins are welcome there, and the service is second to none. 1607 W. Main St., 539-3526. / MARK ROBINSON, Staff Writer/Assistant Editor
Virginia Historical Society and ‘Virginia Voices’ Film
What I love about the recently renovated Virginia Historical Society are the diverse subjects addressed in its permanent and visiting exhibitions, events and programs. Displays extend beyond Civil War history and explore the terrain and landscapes of the state, the Algonquin Indian settlement and the Powhatan tribe, and there’s even the Created Equal film series focusing on themes including civil and human rights. I’m personally moved by the Jeff Boedeker crowd-sourced film, Virginia Voices, currently being screened daily. It’s a compilation of personal narratives about our state from ordinary residents. 428 N. Boulevard, 358-4901. / NICOLE COHEN, Special Projects Editor/Richmond Bride Editor
The Box Afghan Kabob House
You’d expect to find Afghan cuisine in the city, not in a restaurant that shares space with a convenience store/gas station in Chesterfield County. This is a gem, one of our go-to favorites for a weeknight takeout supper, a break from the plethora of chains and Italian and Asian bistros so common in the suburbs. The shami kabob (seasoned ground beef) is exceptional, as is the homemade bread. 8211 Hull Street Road, 745-3060 / THARON GIDDENS, Lifestyle Editor
Local Craft Fairs
Whether I’m welcoming spring with Arts in the Park, soaking in the last warm rays of summer at the 43rd Street Festival or shopping for gifts at Handmade Holiday, I always enjoy perusing the booths of Richmond’s growing maker population. There’s beauty in the convergence of so many styles of jewelry, purses, prints and birdhouses. Oh so dangerous for my wallet, but so delightful for my creative soul. / SARAH LOCKWOOD, Associate Art Director
Richmond Ballet
We are so lucky to have the State Ballet of Virginia right here in our city. From the intimate studio series to the classical story ballets accompanied by Richmond Symphony, there’s something for everyone. IN STUDIO happy hours give Richmonders a chance to go behind the scenes and watch dancers rehearse. “The Nutcracker,” a favorite holiday tradition, was revamped in December 2015 with a brand-new scene, updated sets and costumes. The innovative New Works Festival brings up-and-coming (and some already established) choreographers to Richmond and gives them just a few weeks to collaborate on pieces with Richmond Ballet dancers. 407 E. Canal St., richmondballet.com / SARAH BARTON, Associate Art Director
Monument Avenue 10K
While it’s rewarding to train for, and possibly even attain, a personal record during the Sports Backers’ Monument Avenue 10K, it is far more satisfying to just be a part of the sea of humanity that rolls through 6.2 miles of the city. Where else in Richmond can you see 30,000 people of all ages, shapes and ethnicities joined together to achieve a common goal, supporting each other with cheers, smiles and high-fives along the way? Whether you race, run, jog or walk, it’s all about being part of the community. sportsbackers.org/events/monumentave-10k. / JESSICA RONKY HADDAD, R•Home Editor
African Dance
My introduction to African dance came several years ago when I took a class at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center on Richmond’s North Side. I went for the vigorous exercise, but it placed me in the path of some wonderful people whom I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I was reminded of that this fall when I ran into my former instructor Faye Walker and some drummers at the Arts & Culture Xpo who greeted me like an old friend. If a semester at Pine Camp is too much of a commitment, try a Tuesday class from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at Ezibu Muntu’s downtown studio, 418 E. Main St. ezibumuntu.org or richmondgov.com/parks / TINA ESHLEMAN, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Juneteenth and the Trail of Enslaved Africans
In June 2014, I assisted with the programming for the first summer symposium of the Southern Foodways Alliance. Women and work was its theme, bringing food journalists, restaurateurs and SFA members to Richmond to learn about the region’s food entrepreneurs and about our city’s 19th-century Martha Stewart, Molly Randolph. On Saturday night during the symposium, we followed the path of those who were once “sold down the river” into the Deep South, from their arrival at the Manchester docks to Shockoe Bottom, where slave jails thrived before the end of the Civil War. With rain falling and our walk only lit by torches, the experience was haunting and remains with me to this day. The Elegba Folklore Society holds a free torch-lit walk every June. efsinc.org / SUSAN WINIECKI, Associate Publisher/Editorial Director
28th Annual International Film Series at the University of Richmond
What better way to spend a Friday night than a free movie? This free film series is open to the public and showcases notable films from a variety of countries. This is often the only public screening these films will have in the Richmond region. Films are shown in their original language with English subtitles. library.richmond.edu/mrc/international-film-series.html / SARAH BARTON, Associate Art Director
