As we approach 2016, take a look at top content from all sections of Richmond magazine (both online and print), and check out our staff's top story and video picks.
The Local (News)
Top Story: "Morrissey to Marry 19-year-old, Run for Senate" by Mark Robinson, May 21, 2015
Joe Morrissey and Myrna Pride talk to reporters about their relationship in May. (Photo by Mark Robinson)
With over 85,000 page views, Richmonders were clearly captivated when Former Del. Joe Morrissey announced he and Myrna Pride, the young woman who gave birth to his son, Chase, earlier this year, intended to marry. It was the latest development in a shocking year for Morrissey, who was re-elected in a special election to represent the 74th district in January, and who later announced his intention to run for state Senate (a race he withdrew from in September, citing health concerns).
Other Popular News Stories:
"Out of the Dark" by Wes Orshoski, June 2015 issue
Randy Blythe
"Sneak Peek: Quirk Hotel" by Susan J. Winiecki, May 19, 2015
The newly transformed lobby of the Quirk Hotel. (Rendering courtesy of 3north Architects)
"Into the Light" by Tina Griego, September 2015 issue
Illustration by Shawn Yu
Arts & Entertainment
Top Story: "Q&A: Meg Ryan" by Tina Eshleman, January 2015 issue
Prior to her guest appearance at the VCU Massey Cancer Center’s sold-out 20th annual Women and Wellness event Feb. 3 — which raised $330,000 for women's cancer research — Hollywood A-lister Meg Ryan talked with Richmond magazine by phone from New York City, where she was editing Ithaca, the movie she directed in the Richmond and Petersburg areas last summer.
Other Popular A&E Stories:
"Richmonder Evan McKeel Gets a Spot on NBC’s 'The Voice' " by Morgan Pollard, Sept. 28, 2015
Evan McKeel (photo courtesy "The Voice"/NBC)
"On the Set of Legends & Lies" by Henry Lutz, March 26, 2015
"Changing Reels" by Don Harrison and Harry Kollatz Jr., June 2015 issue
Antony Platt/AMC
AMC’s TURN: Washington’s Spies has been filmed in Richmond for two seasons.
Living (Life & Style)
Top Story: "Richmond Top Docs 2015" by Mark Robinson, Gary Robertson, Nicole Cohen and Joan Tupponce, April 2015 issue
Photo by Jeff Saxman
In this year's Top Docs feature package, we spotlighted local doctors who are doing great things here at home and abroad, as well as the results of our annual survey in which the region's physicians are asked to nominate practitioners.
Other Popular Living Stories:
The R•H Factor blog by Tharon Giddens, began in August
The R•H Factor Header
The R•H Factor brings you a weekly roundup of the latest Richmond health and wellness news
"Turn Fashion Shoot" by Harman Kaur Pradhan and Todd Wright, published in the debut issue of our fashion magazine, The blvd, in April 2015
'Turn' actors Heather Lind, Seth Numrich and Meegan Warner take a break from the set to pose for a photo shoot in our fashion magazine, The blvd. (Photo by Todd Wright)
"Floating in a World of Your Own" by Tharon Giddens, Nov. 2015 issue, in our Go West Guide
At The Oasis, your experience is up to you. You decide whether you want the lid open, closed, or partially open, so you control how much light and sensory distraction you experience. (Photo courtesy Halsa)
Dining
Top Story: 25 Best Restaurants, November 2014 issue
Photo by Adam Ewing
Whole branzino stuffed with lemon and herbs at Enoteca Sogno
The most popular dining story of 2015...is actually a standout feature from 2014! Our 25 Best Restaurants list proves itself a reader favorite each year, and with over 240,000 page views in 2015, this list is no exception. Our food writers ranked the best dining spots around town, and included useful information about menus and suggestions on superb dishes at each eatery. This year, we bucked up our list to the top 30 Richmond restaurants.
Other Popular Dining Stories:
"Saddle Up" by Stephanie Breijo, Dec. 2, 2015
Photo courtesy Daisy Dukes & Boots Saloon
"Rise & Dine: Best Breakfast and Brunch in Richmond" by Tina Eshleman, Nicole Lang, Rachel McGuinn, Emma Coates, Catherine Amos Cribbs, Genevelyn Steele, Stephanie Breijo, Piet E. Jones and Jason Tesauro, January 2015 issue
"First Look: Boulevard Burger and Brew, Opening Jan. 6" by Stephanie Breijo, Dec. 15, 2015
Photo by Stephanie Breijo
R•Home
Top Story: "The Hot List 2015" by Julie Young, Jessica Ronky Haddad and Maggi Tinsley, January/February 2015 issue
Photo by Sarah Walor
R•Home readers flocked to our website to read The Hot List, our annual list of Richmond's people, places and things to watch. This year's list included Bobby + April renovation and real estate company, RVA MakerFest, Quirk Hotel, the RVA Tiny House Team, up-and-coming neighborhood Scott's Addition and so much more.
Other Popular R•Home Stories:
"From Riches to Rags and Back Again" by Harry Kollatz Jr., June/July 2015 issue
The house’s interior design made it magazine-worthy during the Crow-Thompson residence and after its purchase for almost $2 million by flashy developer Justin G. French and his wife Tanya. They added a reflecting pool equipped with jets that shot arcs of water and hired Koprowski + Associates to create a poolside privacy garden. (Photo by Maggie Morris)
"The House on the Hill" by Erica Jackson Curran, September/October 2015 issue
Preserving HistoryThe Conrads’ 5,100 square-foot Queen Anne-style home was built in 1900 in Union Hill. The house overlooks Jefferson Park, which essentially serves as the Conrads’ front yard. (Photo by Ansel Olson)
"Find Art Doors" by Madelyn Ashworth, July 7, 2015
Photo by Kevin Orlosky
Richmond Bride
Top Story: "Local Ballerina on Say Yes to the Dress" by Christie Griffin, March 4, 2015
Photo courtesy of Richmond Ballet
Richmond Bride readers tuned in when we told them Richmond Ballet dancer, Valerie Tellman, would be one of the featured brides on the March 6 episode of Say Yes to the Dress on TLC. Tellmann tied the knot with dancer Kirk Henning on July 25, 2015 in Richmond.
Other Popular Richmond Bride Stories:
"Virginia Weddings" by Kyra Gemberling, Julie Young and Sarah K. McDonald, Jan. - June, 2015
Photo by Don Mears Photography
"Everlasting Love" by Samantha Willis and Paula Peters Chambers, Winter/Spring 2016 issue
Handkerchief by Huger Embroidery; lettering by Sarah Barton.
"Temple of Groom" by Rich Griset, March 9, 2015
Photo by Ken Penn
Richmond magazine Staff Picks
While we're proud of all our work, here are a few of our 2015 favorites.
1 of 11
Sarah Barton, Associate Art Director
Sarah's picks:
Web Extra: #RVATroop804: Behind the Scenes of Richmond Magazine's Best & Worst Shoot, August 2015
DINE, Best Recipes, November 2015 issue
"Ripple Effect," September 2015 issue
2 of 11
Nicole Cohen, Special Projects Editor/Richmond Bride Editor
Nicole's picks:
"3-D Printing: The Next Generation" December 2015 issue
"The Art of Preservation" July 2015 issue
"Everlasting Love" Richmond Bride, Winter 2015/Spring 2016 issue
3 of 11
Mark Robinson, Staff Writer/Assistant Editor
Mark's picks:
"More Than Shelter" Sunday Story column, Oct. 25, 2015
"This column lays bare the staggering scope of Richmond’s need for affordable housing, and makes the case for why addressing the problem matters to everyone in the region," says Mark of this piece.
"K-I-D G-E-N-I-U-S" April 30, 2015
"This profile of a 12-year-old spelling whiz from Henrico drew me in because I admired his genuine curiosity about learning and words, and the writer’s ability to convey it simply."
"It's Their Thing" August 2015 issue
"I’m a sucker for a compelling backstory about something that has been overlooked. Don Harrison delivers one about the Richmond group behind one of hip hop’s most popular samples."
4 of 11
Susan Winiecki, Associate Publisher/Editorial Director
"Theater of the Absurd" ...And Another Thing column, January 2015 issue
"This Charming Man" ...And Another Thing column, May 2015 issue
"Writing on the Wall" ...And Another Thing column, July 2015 issue
5 of 11
Sarah Lockwood, Associate Art Director
Web Extra: The Staff of Richmond Magazine Taste Tests Beer Floats, Summer Food Guide, July 2015 issue
The Sunday Story column, began in July 2015
Quirk Hotel Coverage ("The Art of Hospitality," R•Home Sept./Oct. 2015 issue; "Sneak Peek: Quirk Hotel," May 19, 2015; "Sneak Peek: The Menu for Quirk Hotel's Maple & Pine Restaurant," August 27, 2015
6 of 11
Tharon Giddens, Lifestyle Editor
"The Fall of Richmond" April 2015 issue
"Summer Food Guide" July 2015 issue
"More Than A Number" Sunday Story column, Aug. 16, 2015
"I could have picked any of Tina’s posts, but this one is a favorite, and a great example of her succinct storytelling talent and eye for detail," says Tharon of "More Than A Number."
7 of 11
Tina Eshleman, Executive Editor
"Remove the Statues?" June 25, 2015
"Experimental Experience" Feb. 25, 2015
"Let''s Hear it for the Band" June 23, 2015
"I Shall Be Released" Oct. 21, 2015
"On the Set of Legends & Lies"March 26, 2015
"Web Extra: On the Set of Mercy Street" December 2015 issue
8 of 11
Jessica Ronky Haddad, R•Home Managing Editor
Jessica's picks:
"Into the Light" September 2015 issue
"Meet the Virginians" June 2015 issue
"One Pig Happy Family" May 2015 issue
"The Walking Man" Sunday Story column, Aug. 2, 2015
"Love Thy Neighbor" R•Home July/August 2015 issue
9 of 11
Samantha Willis
Samantha Willis, Online Editor
Samantha's picks:
"Into the Light" September 2015 issue
The Sunday Story column began in July
"Pro Cycling, Pretty Flowers" August 18, 2015
10 of 11
Stephanie Breijo, Food Editor
Stephanie's picks:
"Into the Light" September 2015 issue
"Shovel and Pick: Chef Travis Milton Leaving Comfort to Open a Restaurant of His Own" May 2015 issue
"Love Thy Neighbor" R•Home June/July issue
11 of 11
Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Harry's picks:
“Mayorology 2016: Let the Elbowing Begin” November 2015 issue
"Into the Light" September 2015 issue
The Richmond Magazine Bike Blog - UCI Coverage September 2015
"Rekindling the Fire" The Sunday Story column, Oct. 11, 2015
"Swan Song" December 2015 issue
"I'll Be Seeing You" May 15, 2015
What were your favorite Richmond magazine stories, photos or videos of 2015? Tell us in the comments below or email them to editor@richmag.com. Happy new year!
