Inside Richmond's Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy, where women are learning Wing Chun, confidence, and practical self-defense rooted in centuries of martial arts tradition It took me a long time to write this article because I just kept diving deep into the story of Ng Mui,...
How the Rise of an Oligarchy Threatens America's Future and What We Can Do About It The 2024 election marked a personal breaking point for me. The return of a felon, rapist, and racist (among many other labels) assuming the highest office in the world again – someone who incited a violent attack on our democracy – has forced me to confront...
For 30 years, Venue Skateboards has been part of the Richmond story—a skate shop that’s never been just a skate shop. Since 1994, it’s been a meeting place, a community hub, and a home for skaters from all over the city. Kim and Maury Blankenship didn’t set out to change the world; they just wanted to create a space for skaters in a town that...
Ian C. Hess is one of those rare souls who’s carved out a place in Richmond’s unpredictable art landscape. As the owner of Supply, a local art store, and a painter whose work is steeped in mythology and meticulous craft, Ian has spent over a decade wrestling with the highs and lows of the creative life while giving back to the city that shaped...
Tucked into a corner of Scott’s Addition, where the buzz of breweries and new apartments drowns out the neighborhood’s industrial past, Shield N Sheath Hatchet House offers something unexpected: a place to throw sharp objects with purpose. For Dan Pegg, the man behind the business, it’s more than just a venue—it’s a second chance. Pegg, a...
The latest addition to Richmond's food and bar scene, Brave Captain, will officially open next week on the edge of Oregon Hill and the VCU campus. Co-owners Herbie Abernethy (read our interview HERE) and Josh Novicki — already known for popular Richmond spots Cobra Cabana and Hot For Pizza — have transformed the former Mojo’s side space into a...
The case of Dawn Marie Morris, a Louisa County resident and owner of the Charlottesville-based Higher Education smoke shop chain, highlights Virginia’s complex and often contradictory stance on drug laws. While Morris clearly broke the law—particularly by selling psilocybin mushrooms, a Schedule I controlled substance—the severe penalties she...
Richmond has always been a city where music does more than just play in the background. For decades, heavy music has found its footing here, rising from packed clubs, DIY spaces, and warehouses. A part of that culture today is Another Round Bar & Grill, a modest spot on Brook Road in Lakeside that’s become a part of the city’s music ecosystem...
Next year marks 20 years of the magazine, a milestone that’s inspired us to reflect on the stories that, in hindsight, were not only significant for us but also played a role in shaping the diverse scenes and cultural pockets of Downtown Richmond. Many of these stories have never been shared online or were lost during our transitions between...
This Black Friday, we’re throwing it back to RVA 2016 with a set shot for Shockoe Atelier by photographer Nick Davis, featuring Richmond rap legend Nickelus F. Let this be your reminder to shop local and support your community this weekend. Stay tuned—we’ll be catching up with owner Anthony Lupesco soon. In the meantime, you can learn more about...
