RVA

So, I’ve been at this mom thing for over eight years now, but I still have so much to learn. One of the most important things I have learned, the fact that took me the longest to concede, is that I can’t do it alone. Motherhood is tough! Sometimes I have so many balls in the air, I go to bed with my head spinning, and not just from those two glasses of wine I drank before bedtime. We now have an enormous and varied amount of responsibilities, and we all need help and support sometimes to get it all done, and to not go insane while doing it all.  Remember, it’s not a sign of failure to ask for help. This is something I’ve struggled with for years! Getting help for ourselves and our families is the smartest and strongest thing we can do as mothers!

Here are the local resources that I’ve personally used to simplify, or improve, my mom life. Click on the links below for more details and directions.

Favorite Places to Go With Babies/Toddlers:

• Jumpology – This trampoline arena has a specific time, 9-10 am, just for kids 6 and under.
• Pump It Up– The inflatable play area has Toddler Playtime on select Tuesdays from 10am – 11:30am for only $6.
• Music Together– Parent and Child music classes that come with a CD and song book. Check the link for locations across the Richmond area.
• Melody Magic Music Studio-This music studio on Lauderdale Ave. runs Kindermusik classes, beginner piano lessons and themed playdates.
• Willow Lawn Mommy and Me– Join Willow Lawn on the second Wednesday of EVERY month from 10am to 11:30am for a free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children held in The Square at Willow Lawn.
• Cartwheels and Coffee– Children ages six and under can enjoy playing in their enclosed playland while their grown-ups relax in the cafe with a great cup of locally roasted Blanchards coffee. They also have weekly events such as yoga, art and music classes. They even have a separate small play area for babies.
• GABC Music and Movement -This fun music class takes place every Wednesday, 10-10:45, with a separate playspace open 9:30-11 for play before and after class. Classes are inside Grove Avenue Baptist Church and are $5/child and $3/additional siblings.
• Henrico County Public Library Storytime– Storytimes run most mornings, M-Th, and they sometimes have family story times on Saturdays.  Click on the link to get the current story time schedule.
• Romp n’ Roll– My two year old is obsessed with these toddler gymnastics classes. They also offer art and music classes.

Shopping Your Life Easier:

Amazon Prime Now- I’m sure by now most of you know about this two-hour Amazon delivery service open to all prime members, but it’s so life-changing that I’m adding it here, just in case. Did you know they even deliver wine and beer now?! Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Amazon any more than I already do!

Target–  If Amazon is my boyfriend, then Target is definitely my BFF. Check out all the ways to save:

1. If you haven’t already, stop what you’re doing and sign-up for a Target debit card. It’s not another credit card. You can do this! You’ll save 5% on every thing you buy there, including purchases made at their Starbucks cafes!
2. Download the Target App– They are phasing out their Cartwheel app and making all of those discounts available inside the Target App. Try to look through the available discounts and add them before you leave your house. I usually forget to do this and end up manually scanning each of my cart items to see if any of them are discounted while my kids scream that they’re hungry and want to go home.
3. Check out this post here for more ways to save at Target.

Kroger Clicklist- I’ve been using this online shopping program for the past 6 months. It is amazing to get my shopping done in front of the TV and then pick it up without having to get any kids out of the car! I also save money because I’m not making impulse purchases or giving in to the whims of my tiny dictators while shopping. Don’t forget to add digital coupons onto your card before you checkout.

Walmart Savings Catcher– You can use this app to scan your Walmart receipts. If you’ve purchased something that they find cheaper somewhere else, they will refund you the difference. Find more specific details here.

Keeping Kids Healthy Through Every Stage:

• KidMed– This urgent care, designed especially for kids, has been a godsend for us many times. (Like the time my then 20 month old son climbed over the baby gate and fell down 12 stairs at 5 pm on a Friday!!) With 4 locations, they are very convenient. Hours are M-F, 2-10 pm and Weekends, 10 am-9 pm.
• Dental resource guide-This was created by River Run Dental. My entire family sees these dentists, and the hygienists are great with my kids. There are many other pediatric dentists offices in Richmond, (Check out those voted Best in Richmond here.), but this works best for us.
• Family therapy–Partners in Parenting– This is an outstanding office that works with not only children, but also their parents to teach them strategies to help their kids cope with difficult stages and situations.
• Speech/OT/PT Services

1. Speech/Language Providers– Here’s a list of local speech providers. My family has personal experience working with Maria Zanetti, and she does amazing things for kids with speech and language processing disorders.
2. Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia– This is the place to contact if you’re having concerns with your toddler’s speech development. It is a several step process, and they will first have you come in for a screening. We went through the process in the Spring, so feel free to message me with any questions.
3. Prana OT- We have personal experience working with both of the occupational therapists in this office and recommend them highly for children with motor development and sensory processing issues.

• Pediatric and Adolescent Health Partners– This site has a great collection of health links and resources.

Great Websites For Local Resources:

Richmondmom.com– If you’re not visiting this site regularly, you need to start. It has resources and local info for basically every area of parenthood. Some of my personal favorites are:

• Kid-friendly Restaurant Resource
• Drop-in Child Care Resources
• Kids Eat Free Richmond
• Summer Camp Guide
• Support Groups for Parents Resource

These three sites also provide great local resources for parents, and update frequently to share kid-friendly events around town:

Completelykidsrichmond.com

MacaroniKid.com

Hula Frog.com

My Current Favorite Mom/Food Blogs:

Modern Parents, Messy Kids Blog– This site has a lot of great ideas to keep you and your family organized and parenting tips to keep you sane.

30 Handmade Days Blog– So many good finds here! Printables to keep you organized, Mom-tested experiments to try, craft projects you can actually make without pulling your hair out. Seriously awesome stuff!

Momastery.com– Glennon Doyle Melton is the author here,  and I love her. I feel like she says all of the things I want to say, but can’t put into words. Her honest advice on motherhood and self-love is very powerful.

Damndelicious.net– I initially started visiting this blog to make her awesome quinoa chili, but kept coming back for all of the easy, tasty recipes.

Thugkitchen.com– This site has a tri-fecta of some of my favorite things- 1) Amazing, easy vegan recipes 2) A large side of snark and 3) Enough cursing to make a sailor blush. #winning

Minimalistbaker.com– You can find quick, healthy meals here with 10 ingredients or less. My favorites I’ve personally tried are her banana bread granola and the crispy peanut tofu and cauliflower rice stir-fry.

Halfbakedharvest.com– Come check out Tieghan’s amazing and beautiful food that is surprisingly easy to make.

Now that I’ve completely overloaded you with information, I want to leave you with this: Forget all that bullshit about the mom who can do it all and who has it all together. She is a myth! Behind that well-polished facade and gleamingly perfect Instagram profile, she is probably a hot mess, or, at the very least, struggling just like the rest of us. Stop comparing yourself to people you don’t actually know.

We all have days we feel like we have this mom thing down and others when we feel like total failures who are strongly considering hiding under the bed with a jar of Nutella and never coming out! Even on your worst days, you are a good mom. Repeat after me: I Am A Good Mom! You’re showing up for your kids and just loving them, and that is enough. Use these resources. Talk to fellow moms who are out there in the trenches and, most importantly, listen, without judgement, without comparing, just neverending compassion and support.

♥ Erin

I usually write posts that I hope will help you as parents, but sometimes it’s nice to take a moment to remember that we have interests beyond our kids. One passion that my husband and I share is trying new restaurants. I thought it would be a good idea to share some info about the newest additions to Richmond’s restaurant scene.

18 New Restaurants to try in 2018:

Shagbark– American, New- 4901 Libbie Mill E Blvd. #175 With an emphasis on local, farm to table ingredients, chef Walter Bundy celebrates all that Virginia has to offer the culinary world. Everything is amazing, but I especially loved the cocktails and desserts.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5 pm-9 pm and Friday and Saturday 5 pm-10 pm

Natalie’s Taste of Lebanon– Lebanese– 3601 Cox Road Suite A. My best friend in elementary school moved from Lebanon when she was ten. Eating here makes me feel like I’m back in her mom’s kitchen. The food is fresh and delicious and the service is warm and friendly.

Hours: Tues-Thurs 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am- 11 pm, Sunday 12:30 pm-9 pm

Casa Italiana-Italian-8801 Three Chopt Rd Suite B. Growing up with an Italian grandmother, I’m pretty picky about what I consider “good” Italian food, and this place is the real deal! I love their pastas, their meatballs are amazing and it’s super family-friendly.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 10pm, Sunday 11am-9pm

Demi’s Kitchen-Mediterranean-4017 Macarthur Ave. If you love Stella’s, you’ll definitely enjoy this Lakeside restaurant. Their salads and dips are super fresh and tasty, and the Shrimp Santorini is to die for!

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 5pm – 11pm and Sunday 5pm – 9pm

Flora– Mexican- 203 North Lombardy St. This upscale Mexican restaurant has one of my favorite dishes on their menu, conchinita pibil, so you know I had to give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I also loved the cocktail menu and the overall fun vibe of the place.

Hours: Tues-Sun 5 pm-2 am

Havana ’59 West End- Cuban-8902 W Broad St. Suite #D. Havana ’59 now has a second location in the Gold’s Gym Plaza off of Broad Street. They offer the same delicious Cuban food that you know and love from their downtown location.

Hours: Sun-Thurs  4:30 –10 pm, Fri-Sat  4:30 –11 pm, Lunch Mon-Sat 11 am –3 pm, Light Fare Daily 3–5 pm, Sunday Brunch  10 am –3 pm

Soulveur Bistro-Gourmet Soul Food-9545 Amberdale Drive,North Chesterfield, VA 23236 Their low-country menu is full of comfort food that will make your belly happy.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-9 pm and Sunday 11 am-7 pm

Sen Organic Small Plate– Vietnamese/French- 2901 West Cary St. As the name suggests, everything here is organic, fresh and sustainable. The menu is full of healthy and interesting choices, and I LOVE their pho!

Hours: Mon, Wed and Thurs 11 am-3 pm and 5 pm-10 pm, Friday-Sunday 11 am-10 pm

Fighting Fish– Sushi/Poke- 317 N 2nd St. This is the only local restaurant I know of that serves delicious poke bowls as well as other fun dishes like the sushi donut and the sushi burrito. If you enjoy raw fish and trying new things, than this is the place for you!

Hours: M-F 11 am- 2 pm, M-Th 5 pm- 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm- 10 pm and Sunday 5 pm-9 pm

Laura Lee’s–  American, New- 3410 Semmes Ave, Richmond, VA 23225 Southern-Inspired cuisine and fabulous cocktails make this restaurant a must-visit. 

Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm,  Sunday Brunch 10:30am – 2pm, Sunday Dinner
4pm-9pm

K-Town Kitchen and Bar– Korean- 9 North 4th St. If you’re ever looking for a fast, casual and delicious meal downtown, than this should be your go-to. The bulgogi is tender and flavored just right. The tofu is crispy, and the kimchi is spicy and delicious. It’s definitely worth a trip!

Hours: 11 am- 2 am daily

Little Saint– American, New-  2901 Park Ave. Little Saint offers a delicious menu of locally farmed and sourced seasonal cuisine. This is also a great restaurant to take friends with food allergies or dietary restrictions because they pay special attention to these things. 

Hours: Sun-Th 10am–10pm, Fri-Sat 10am–11pm

Brenner Pass-European (Alpine)- 3200 Rockbridge St. Suite 100 This stylish restaurant has a menu full of delicious and interesting dishes, many of which I’d never heard of before. Our waiter was very kind and patient with all of our questions and we really enjoyed our entire experience here. I’d recommend it for a special occasion.

Hours: 5 pm-10 pm Monday-Thursday, 5 pm-11 pm Friday and Saturday and Brunch Sunday 11 am- 3 pm

Beauvine Burger Concept– Burgers and Shakes- 1501 W. Main St. My mouth is watering just thinking about the amazing burger that I had here! All of their delicious burgers are available with local beef, turkey or as vegan veggie burgers, and their shakes, like the salted maple caramel or the fruity pebbles, are creative and big enough to share. They also have an extensive and inventive list of cocktails, adult shakes, beer and wine and soon they’ll be serving brunch! If you go, don’t miss the duck fat fries!

Hours: 11 am- 2 am daily.

Goatocado-Casual Lunch and Dinner-1823 W Main St.  With a seasonally changing menu of fresh, local ingredients and a environmentally conscious kitchen, dining at Goatocado is a choice you can feel good about. They have the bowls that you know and love from their food truck days, but their choose your own adventure menu also includes wraps, pho, arepas, mac n’ cheese, etc. They have something for the health food lover, the carb queen and everyone in between.

Hours: Tues-Thurs 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-10 pm and Sunday 11 am-7 pm

The Circuit– Games, Drinks, Bar Food– 3121 W Leigh St. From their website: The Circuit Arcade Bar has over 50 throwback arcade & pinball machines, as well as  an enormous, 50-tap, self-serve wall that provides a wide variety of craft beer, cider & wine. With a pay-per-ounce system you will be able to pour as little or as much of any one selection as you want.  Our “self-service” atmosphere includes our delicious menu.  Why wait for a server instead of ordering when YOU want?  Food can be ordered both from your phone and from any of our self-service kiosks.

Hours: 5 pm-11 pm Sunday-Thursday and 5 pm-1 am Friday and Saturday

Mon Chou– Dessert-306 E Grace St. This French patisserie carries only organic and non-GMO desserts. With macaron flavors that change daily, and a great tea menu, this would be a great place to stop for a fun afternoon date!

Hours: Wed-Saturday 12-8 pm

SB’s Lakeside Loveshack– Breakfast, Brunch-6935 Lakeside Ave. Breakfast is served all day at this charming Lakeside restaurant. The menu items are creative, delicious, and themed after the B-52’s song that we all know and love. Knock a Little Louder Sugar Buns, anyone?

Hours: Tues-Fri 6 am-2 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9 am-2 pm

Is it just me or are these two having way too much fun in the grocery store! Date night!

It’s time, folks. Let’s make date nights a priority and make 2018 the year of adventurous eating!

♥ Erin

Despite yesterday’s weather, summer really is quickly approaching! RVA is a great town for summer famtastic (i.e. fantastic family, not me misspelling the word fantastic) fun! Compiling this list was a bit of an overwhelming task, honestly. There is just so much to do in our small city!! Check out all of the fun events coming up in the next few months, and be sure to bookmark this post for future reference!

THIS WEEK:

Richmond Food Truck Court at Hardywood Brewery– Every Thursday 5-9:30 pm at the original Richmond location and Wednesday 5-9 pm at the new West Creek location beginning today at West Creek and running through Thursday, September 13th. Join Hardywood for beer, live music and ten or more local food trucks each week. Do yourself a favor and try my favorite, curry fries from Dank Eats. Delicious!

French Food Festival– Friday, April 27th from 4-8 pm and Saturday, April 28th from 11-8 pm at 1503 Michaels Road, 2229.  From a Parisian marketplace featuring local vendors, to entertainment from fantastic musicians and even local favorite Jonathan the Juggler, to a dish of Chef Paul’s Boeuf Bourguignon or Chef Sean’s Gumbo Ya Ya, it is a festival you DON’T want to miss. Check out the menu here. On Saturday there will also be a children’s area with a moon bounce and hotdogs served for those less refined eaters. The festival benefits the Little Sister of the Poor charity that offers a home and loving care to Virginia’s elderly poor.

The Really BIG Show– Saturday, April 28th from 1-4 pm at the Science Museum of Virginia– The Really BIG Show brings together people from throughout the city to experience artwork created by young people in spring programs at a dozen ART 180 sites, and celebrate their creativity. The event is open to the public and includes live performances, art activities, games, food trucks and more! FREE

Herbs Galore and More– Saturday, April 28th from 8am-4pm on the Carriage House lawn– $5 for entrance to the Marketplace / free for Maymont members and children 16 & under. Dozens of vendors from the mid-Atlantic fill the lawn with every imaginable herb as well as annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, and herbal products and crafts for this one-of-a-kind event. Food and drink will also be available for purchase.

The South of the James Farmers Market– Forest Hill Park at New Kent Ave. & 42nd St. This open-air producer-only market where farmers and artisans sell locally-grown and hand-made items is located in the beautiful Forest Hill Park and runs year-round. For the rest of April the market will be open on Saturdays from 9am-12pm, but beginning in May their hours will be from 8 am-12 pm.

MAY:

Lewis Ginter Plant Fest– Members only pre-sale Thursday, May 3, 4 – 7 p.m.;  Friday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Garden’s plant sales are among the largest in the region with more than 40 vendors selling plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics and other garden related items.  Plus, join us for live music, a festive atmosphere and a chance to get all your gardening questions answered. Free admission to the plant fest, but the usual admission to visit the garden.

Maymont Beer and Wine Classic– Friday, May 4th, 7-10:30pm– Leave the kids at home for this one and enjoy live music, food trucks, lawn games and more while sampling some of Virginia’s finest beers, ciders and wines. Guests can try samples of Virginia’s finest brews as they enjoy live music by Three Sheets to the Wind, America’s #1 Tribute to Yacht Rock or head over to the lawn game zone provided by CLUBWAKA Richmond. Cheers! Tickets are $30/members and $40/non-members.

Friday Cheers on Brown’s Island Fridays at 6-9:30 pm in May and June, beginning 5/4-6/29 on Brown’s Island. These weekly concerts are only $5-$10 depending on the show, and children under 12 are free. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Que Pasa?! Festival– Saturday, May 5th from 11-8 pm in downtown Richmond at the Canal Walk.  Come out and celebrate the food, music and art of Virginia’s Latin American communities, and witness a community-wide challenge to break the Guinness Book of World Record for the Largest Display of Piñatas! This is a FREE event!

HenROCKus at Henricus, Bands and Brews on the James River Bluff– Saturday, May 5th from 2-8 pm at Henricus Historical Park– Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy a brew (or two!) from Steam Bell Beer Works, food from Gregory’s Grill, rock out to local bands, and enjoy the outstanding views of the mighty James River – all while supporting educational programming at Henricus Historical Park. Tickets are $5, but kids under 12 are free.

Arts in the Park– Saturday, May 5th 11- 6 pm and Sunday, May 6th 11-5 pm at the Carillon at Byrd Park. This is a FREE event where more than 450 artists from around the U.S. will gather in Byrd Park to display everything from fine art of classic and contemporary paintings, to photography, pottery, jewelry and home and garden accessories.

World Laughter Day Celebration– Sunday, May 6th from 1-3 pm at Libby Hill Park– This FREE event will be taking place all over the world. Richmonders are encouraged to enjoy an uplifting afternoon of fun and connection and be part of the amazing movement that is teaching people how laughter, deep breathing, and playfulness can improve their overall well-being. Check out all of the events happening at this celebration on their website.

Music at Maymont– Wednesday, May 9th, 6-11 pm, Brandi Carlile and Secret Sisters. Come enjoy the first Maymont concert of the season on the Carriage House lawn. Food from local food trucks, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets to this show are $25.

Mother’s Day Weekend and Father’s Day Weekend at Lewis Ginter– All Weekend, May 11th-13th and June 16th and 17th. Moms and Dads deserve more than one day to feel celebrated. Come to the garden for many opportunities to honor and spend time with family during these special weekends. Enjoy the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit, live music, Children’s Garden activities, shopping, dining and more.

Peony Picnic at Tuckahoe Plantation– Sunday, May 13th, 12-4 pm-Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, tour the historic plantation home, and view our blooming gardens! Admission is $5 per guest over 6 years old (free for children under 5 years). Peonies will be available at $5 per peony stem and greenery (limit two stems per person), so you can enjoy Tuckahoe’s beauty at home! Gelati Celesti will be serving ice cream from 12-4pm.

Weekends at the Berry Patch– Gallmeyer Farms- Sunday 5/13 and Saturday 5/19 and 5/26 10am-5pm– Come visit the Berry Patch for pick your own strawberries, live music, free activities for kids, a play area, hayrides, and arts and crafts from all over the great state of Virginia. The Berry Patch also has free admission and free parking.

Music in the Park at Forest Hill Park– One Sunday a month, usually the second Sunday, from 6-8 pm, come out with a picnic dinner and listen to a free concert at Forest Hill Park. The first event is May 13th featuring the fun covers of the Illbillys.

Ashland Street Parties– Saturday, May 19th from 6:30-11:30 at 201 South Railroad Avenue. This is the first Ashland Street Party of the year. Come check out the beauty of Ashland while you listen to live music and enjoy some local food and drink. Check the website above for future dates.

Lebanese Festival– Friday, 5/18-Saturday 5/19 from 10am-10pm and Sunday, 5/20 from 10am-8pm-at St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church– This is one of my favorites because the food is so good and the lines aren’t crazy long like the Greek fest. You’ll love it for the delicious Lebanese delicacies and the adorable kids doing traditional dances, and your kids will love it for the fun playground right on the church grounds.

Dominion River Rock– May 18th-20th,  Go to check out the pros competing in climbing, slackline, and freestyle bike events, or the flying pups in the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs. Stay to enjoy the full schedule of awesome live bands taking the stage throughout the weekend! Some of the events charge for you to participate, but most of them are free and there is no admission charge.

Lake Anna Brewfest– May 19th from 12-5 pm at Lake Anna State Park– If you buy online before 5/19 tickets are $20 and you receive a free Brewfest sample mug, eight beer sample tickets, access to great and amazing food vendors from all around the Lake Anna area.

Public Safety Day– Saturday, May 19th from 10-1 at Bon Secours Westchester Emergency Center– Kick off National EMS and Police Week by coming out to enjoy all of the activities this day has to ofer including: FREE children’s bicycle helmets for the first 100 visitors,  FREE hot dogs, popcorn and drinks for the whole family, face painting, interact with a display of fire engines and ladder trucks, ambulances, police and sheriff cars, and more.

United By Music Southside Big Tent Community Festival– Friday, May 18th 5-8 pm and Saturday, May 19th 12:30-7:30 pm at the Southside Community Center presented by the Richmond Symphony. Friday night there will be a concert under the big tent featuring Latin dance band Bio Ritmo. Saturday is family day with performances by Richmond Public Schools and Legacy Band, culminating with a Dance Party with DJ Missing! Other activities are still in the works but are likely to include a skateboard competition in the skate park, a community art gallery showcasing work from local students and schools, and a Kid’s Zone you won’t want to miss!

Play Day 2018– Saturday, May 19th from 1-4 pm at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.  At Play Day, kids and adults make art projects in more than a dozen studios throughout VisArts’ 30,000-square foot facility. Admission is free. Be sure to check out which other RVA locales are participating in this national event. Last year’s events included Maymont, CMOR, Project Yoga and more!

Explore the Outdoors– Sunday, May 20th 1-5 pm at Huguenot Park and the Studios of the Community Idea Stations. FREE day of hands-on fun exploring science and nature. This is a  special day in the park to give children and their families plenty of exciting outdoor experiences. Over fifty local community groups with expertise in outdoor adventure, healthy living, and environmental science will engage you in activities ranging from archery and fishing, paddle boarding (on dry land), gardening, camping, art making and much, much more.

The Johnny Z Festival– Sunday, May 20th, 12 PM – 6 PM at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery– Join us and celebrate the creative spirit of Richmond during this fun, FREE, kid-friendly event benefitting ART 180! Hardywood and Chop Suey Books present a variety of children’s activities including a moon bounce, face painting, and various artworks. Vendors from Bizarre Market showcase local arts and crafts, and, of course there will be plenty of food trucks and beer on draft.

Summer Fest at ARC Park– Wednesday, May 23rd, 6-9pm– Visit my favorite RVA park for live music starring TriCity Revue, food trucks, and craft beer. $10 entry for adults includes a branded acrylic glass and a drink ticket. Extra drink tickets will be for sale. Kids are free! Your participation will benefit children and adults with disabilities served in programs at ARC.

Greek Festival– Thursday, May 31st- Sunday, June 3rd Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral- This festival is super popular and crowded, but after you taste the baklava you’ll understand why. If you don’t want to brave the crowds, you can always go through their drive-thru tent and take your food to go!

JUNE

Peace Love RVA– Saturday, June 2nd from 10-4 pm at the Maymont Children’s Farm– If you love yoga, than this is the event for you! Come to Maymont for a day of music, vegetarian food, local merchants and yoga classes led by Richmond’s finest instructors! Admission is free, but registration is required.

Sundays in the Shade at James River Winery every Sunday afternoon from 1-4 pm June-September– Come lounge in the shade with live music. Bring chairs and a picnic lunch to enjoy. This event has no entry fee! Tastings and wine purchases will be available in the Tasting Room.

Broad Appetit– June 3rd from 11 am-6 pm on Broad Street between Henry and Adams– I LOVE food and having options, so this is my favorite festival of the year! For $3/plate you get to eat the best dishes that local restaurants have to offer and now you can even sample local beer/wine with a sample cup that gets you 4 samples for $5. They always have lots of family activities and kid-friendly food as well. I can’t wait!

Kids’ Days at Berkeley Plantation– Tuesdays, June 5th-August 28th, 9:30am-4:30pm– Every Tuesday, children ages 16 and under are admitted free with paying adult.  Learn 18th century history, explore the gardens and grounds, see our ninth president’s birthplace and walk the same floors as our founding fathers.  Children’s activities included.

Flowers after 5 and Fidos after 5– Thursday nights June 7th-August 30th 5-9 pm at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens– Enjoy live music, wine, and beer, dining, and shopping. Please note: No outside food and drink are allowed inside the Garden; food and drink are available for purchase and garden admission is required. Leashed dogs are also welcome on select nights, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26 and water play in the Children’s Garden will be open until 8 pm on these nights. Children under 3 are always free.

Festival of the River– Friday, June 8th-Sunday, June 10th- Three Days of Music, Art and Environment on Brown’s Island. There are so many events happening! Check the site for more info.

Bumblebee Jamboree– Saturday, June 16th from 10:30 am-2:30 pm at Maymont Children’s Farm– The 7th annual Bumblebee Jamboree provides an opportunity for children to better understand the role pollinators play and what each of us can do in our own backyard to protect natural resources. Families are invited to participate in hands-on experiences at this free event that encourages kids to learn about birds, butterflies, bees, bugs, and bats. Children will enjoy pollinator-related crafts, puppet shows, snacks, games, and other interactive activities.

Ashland Strawberry Faire– June 16th from 10am-5pm on the campus of Randolph Macon College– The Faire is a free event featuring vendors selling arts, crafts, plants, and antiques to the thousands who attend. There Kid’s Zone is filled with fun activities such as a Cake Walk, Moon Bounce, Raffles, Arts and Crafts, and games ranging from Golf Putt, Bean Bag Toss, Lollipop Picking and lots more.  There are lots of prizes and treats for all. The proceeds from the Faire provide scholarships and grants to local non-profit groups.

Richmond Veg Fest– Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 12-6:00 pm at the Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park– Lots of great vendors that showcase the resources available in the local area, a ton of great live music, speakers, food demonstrations, and of course some great vegetarian food. Free admission.

Richmond Bacon Festival– June 23rd from 11-4pm at the 17th Street Farmer’s Market in Shockhoe Bottom– Live music, beer tents and all the bacon you can eat, make this festival a great one! $1 suggested entry donation to Enrichmond keeps the bacon rolling! Enrichmond’s mission is to enhance Richmond parks and activate its public spaces. I think we mamas can get behind that!

Hanover Maters Corks and Kegs Festival– Saturday, June 23rd from 11-6 at the Hanover Vegetable Farm– Enjoy craft beer, live music, BBQ, and, of course, delicious tomato dishes all day at the farm. Tickets are $8/advance, $14 at the door and include a souvenir mug or wine glass. Kids 10 and under are free.

JULY

Rocketts Red Glare– July 3rd-4th at Rocketts’ Landing from 7am-10pm– A FREE family-friendly event, open to the public, with activities, vendors, music, food trucks, craft beer offerings and a pro beach volleyball tournament hosted by EVP Tour. Culminating with riverfront FIREWORKS on July 4th at 9 PM!

Carmax Free Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter –9am-5pm. FREE admission to the Garden on this day includes Butterflies LIVE!, Origami in the Garden, live music from the Happy Lucky Combo, a parade, and more. Open rain or shine! Sponsored by CarMax.

Fridays on the Farm at Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum– Fridays 7/6-8/31 from 9am-11am-Visit the farm for guided animal tours and old-fashioned games. FREE.

Hanover Tomato Festival– Saturday, July 14th from 9am-4pm at Pole Green Park-Enjoy all day live music, yummy tomato delights, over 150 artisan & business vendors, the MaterFUN zone (designed for children 12 & under), Bow-Wow Beach (cooling station for pets) and of course Hanover Tomatoes.What more summer fun could one ask for?!

James River Parade of Lights– Saturday, July 21st- 6-9 pm at Osborne Boat Landing– Celebrate Christmas in July with the lighted boat parade sponsored by the James River Advisory Council in cooperation with Henrico Recreation and Parks. Enjoy entertainment before the parade.

AUGUST/EARLY SEPTEMBER and BEYOND

Richmond Jazz Festival– Thursday, August 9th-Sunday, August 12th at Maymont– One of the largest music festivals on the East Coast, this event boasts a lineup of award-winning national talent. Check the website for hours and tickets as the event gets closer.

Filipino Festival– Friday, August 11th from 5-10pm and Saturday, August 12th from 10am-10pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The Filipino Festival is a community event which showcases the richness of the Filipino culture and features delectable cuisine, folk dances and music. They will also be hosting a Race N’ Roll 5K and 1 mile fun run on Saturday morning before the festival opens. Admission to the festival is free.

Carytown Watermelon festival– Sunday, August 12th from 10am-6pm– In addition to the delicious watermelon dishes and other yummy food on offer, big bands, jugglers, and folk acts will entertain from 5 outdoor stages and there will be a kid zone in Cary Court.

Labor Day Free Community Day at Lewis Ginter– Monday, September 3rd- Free admission for all from 9 am-5 pm on Labor Day sponsored by Genworth.

Richmond Folk Festival– Friday, October 12th-Sunday, October 14th: Friday: 6 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday: Noon – 9:30 PM, Sunday: Noon – 6:00 PM– This festival celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. The Richmond Folk Festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events of the year and has been voted as the best musical festival in Richmond several years running. There are also plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Admission is free.

Check out these links below for even more ongoing famtastic events! There were too many too list!

Innsbrook After Hours– IAH shows are always a good time, with plenty of food and drink available for purchase and reasonable concert ticket prices. Check out the 2018 concert schedule here. Doors open at 5 pm and shows start at 6 pm.

Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell– Varied events througout the summer celebrating theater, music and dance. 2018’s event calendar is not yet available, but check back for more info in May.

Stony Point Summer Concert Series– 1st and 3rd Thursdays, May 24th-September 20th from 6-8 pm in Triangle Park.

Maymont Spring/Summer Calendar– Family camp-outs, concerts, hikes and more!

Lewis Ginter Calendar of Events– Drop in and dig, story time, yoga in the garden and crafts for kids

Ok, ok, I know I may be getting a little ahead of myself here,  but come on, it’s almost May! I am so excited for warm weather, festival season and enjoying a glass of something good out on a patio! Who’s with me?

Yup.

♥ Erin

Earth Day is next Sunday, April 22nd. What are you doing to celebrate our planet this month? If you need ideas, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve collected ten simple and fun ideas to help your kids celebrate the Earth, while also learning to care for and appreciate her.

Grown Your Own– Nothing makes you appreciate nature like growing your own flowers or fruits and vegetables. You can even start small with an indoor herb garden. You can buy seeds for only 25 cents at the Dollar Tree.

Be a Trash Collector- You can make picking up litter a lot of fun. All you need is a grabber toy like this one. Take a walk around your neighborhood and use the grabber to pick up any litter you see. Talk about what would happen if everyone just threw their trash outside instead of in a trash can.

Feed the Birds– Try making one of these homemade bird feeders and then spend some time outside observing the birds. Talk to your kids about what they’re seeing and how you are helping the birds. Ask them where the birds would be getting their food if they didn’t have the bird feeder.

Cheerio Bird Feeder– This is a great one because kids are able to eat the materials and it doubles as a fine motor activity.

Gelatin Natural Feeder-This feeder is nut-free and seems very quick and easy to make.

Any of these other 12 ideas from The Realistic Mama

Try These Upcycled Crafts- Talk to your kids about how reusing materials gives them a second life!

• Pouch Cap Insects
• Soda Bottle Watering Cans
• Earth Day Tambourine
• Earth Crayons

Decorate Your World- Continue the tradition of RVA Rocks in an even more local way by painting rocks and scattering them around your neighborhood. While you’re out walking around, come up with a list of the other things that make your neighborhood beautiful.

Go Exploring with a Nature Scavenger Hunt– Help your kids discover the wonders of nature that they may not always notice. Use one of these scavenger hunts or create your own.

• Scavenger Hunt from Trish Sutton
• Scavenger Hunt from The Taylor House

Visit a Local Farmer’s Market to Eat the Rainbow– Check out this comprehensive list of local farmer’s markets and plan your visit soon! My favorite are Lakeside, St. Stephen’s and South of the James. Purchase some new colorful fruits and vegetables. Chop them and put them all on a plate and encourage your child to try something new. Explain that all of the new healthy food came from the earth and see if they can come up with other wonderful things that they know come from the earth. This episode of Daniel Tiger always helped my veggie hating daughter to give new food a try.

Heal the Earth– Read the book, Heal the Earth by Julian Lennon, and then draw a large Earth on a piece of paper. Talk to your children about ways they can heal the Earth and write down what they say on the paper. Buy a cheap box of bandaids at the Dollar Tree. Let your kids put a bandaid onto the Earth drawing every time they come up with a way to heal.

Make a Nature Collage– Use contact paper to make this simple and beautiful nature collage. Go out on a nature hunt and have your kids collect flowers, leaves, sticks, pebbles, etc. Then follow the directions here to turn their  treasures into a keepsake.

Celebrate with Snack Time- Try one of these delicious  and adorable snack ideas.

• Earth Day Popcorn
• Classic Ants on a Log
• Tree Snack-Make a tree out using small pretzel sticks for the trunk and branches and sliced grapes for the leaves.
• Earth Day Smoothies

If you live in RVA, don’t forget to check out the local events happening this month:

Earth Day at Maymont– Saturday, April 21st 10 am-12 pm-Registration required.

Sheep to Shawl– Saturday, April 21st 12-4 at Crump Park, FREE- Watch them sheer the sheep, and enjoy live music and food outside in nature.

RVA Earth Day Festival– Saturday, April 21st 12-7 pm-This street festival features local artisans, musicians, food and drink and is located in Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood.

Earth Day of Service– Saturday, April 21st 9 am-12 pm. This service day was organized by the Enrichmond Foundation. You can volunteer to clean up local green spaces. Choose which location in Richmond you’d like to volunteer and sign up here.

Hardywood’s Spring Bada Bing-Saturday, April 21st 11 am-6 pm- Celebrate Earth Day by visiting all of the amazing local artisans that this awesome event has to offer! The event is at their old location on Ownby Lane.

Happy Earth Day!

♥ Erin

It’s finally starting to feel like spring around here! What better way to celebrate this warmer weather than visiting one of our many local parks and playground. Check out our guide below:

The Best Local RVA Parks and Playgrounds:

*Click on each park link for address, hours and more information.

Armour House and Gardens

East End/Mechanicsville/Hanover

Pole Green Park– This 232-acre park has many amenities including softball fields, soccer field, football field, a skate park, tot lots, playgrounds, and more.  The Pole Green Community Center located in the park also has various parks and recreation programs.  Pole Green Park also has a unique feature for horse owners.  The park has an equestrian ring and stable.

Courthouse Park– This Hanover park offers a great playground, walking trails and a fishing pond with a floating dock. Another special feature of this park is the roller hockey rink.

Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Sprayground– This sprayground is open from Memorial Day through the end of September. The recreation center also offers countless other programs and activities to Henrico residents.

Armour House and Gardens– This beautiful Victorian style home is located directly behind Arthur Ashe Elementary School. The surrounding property boasts a scenic walking trail, tennis courts, a garden, flowing fountain surrounded by arbors with blooming vines, and children’s gardens and play areas.

Dorey Park– This park includes a large pond with walking trail, meandering walkways through the woods, a playground, and open space as well as a gazebo and picnic shelters. Dorey Park also has an off-leash dog park, 1 acre in size, with 5 foot enclosed fence with two areas – one for small dogs and the other for larger dogs. A variety of classes and events are offered for both children and adults throughout the year.

Twin Hickory Park and Splash Pad

West End

Deep Run Park-Deep Run Recreation Center is located within the beautiful Deep Run Park. The park includes ponds, walkways, playgrounds, and open space as well as a gazebo. A variety of classes and events are offered for both children and adults throughout the year.

Meadow Farm Museum and Crump Park– A perfect park for families interested in history and nature.  The Meadow Farm Museum offers many programs throughout the year such as farmhouse tours, animal tours, leisure games, and more!  Crump Park is also used by the Glen Allen community for events like Glen Allen Day.

Twin Hickory Playground & Splash Pad– This park opened in July 2014. It features walking trails, open play areas, a multi-purpose field,  a picnic shelter with restrooms, a playground for ages 2-5 and one for ages 6-12.  The most unique characteristic of the park is the “sprayground,” a small, whimsical, zero-depth water play feature intended for children 12 or under with adult supervision.

Short Pump Park & Splash Pad– This park includes a dog park, spray fountains, athletic fields, play equipment, picnic facilities, and a restored 1902 two-room schoolhouse.

Cheswick Park– Cheswick, located directly across from Henrico Doctor’s Hospital, is Henrico’s oldest neighborhood park. It’s hardly ever crowded, but it’s play areas and shaded walking trails make this park a hidden gem. It’s a little hard to spot from Forest Ave., but once you get there, you’ll be glad you found it!

Dunncroft/Castle Point Park– Located at the entrance to Hungary Creek Middle School, this park features trails, picnic area and shelter, play area and equipment, and a nine-hole disc golf course.

Pony Pasture

Southside

Pony Pasture-This is an insanely popular outdoor spot for Richmond locals. If you’re into swimming, rafting, kayaking, picnicking or hiking – you couldn’t find a more amenable spot for your traveling family. Expect to find scenic beauty with big rocks and small rapids. Parking gets crazy in the summer, so plan to pull into the Pony Pasture parking lot by 11 a.m.. Closes at sunset.

Stony Point Fashion Park Splash Pad– A splash pad right in the middle of the upscale shops of Stony Point and with a Starbucks within shouting distance? Yes, please!

Rockwood Nature Center- This is the only county-operated nature center in Chesterfield. The log cabin-style building is home to an array of native reptiles and amphibians as well as a honeybee hive and visual informative displays and sits in front of over five miles of paved and unpaved trails.

Forest Hill Park– The park consists of the historic Stone House, a lake, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a children’s playground, and many paths and trails are popular for walking and jogging.  It is well known as a popular sledding site anytime it snows in Richmond, and during the summer months Sunday concerts are hosted in the park as well as the South of the James Market, a farmer’s market held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., typically from May through November or sometimes into December.

Huguenot Park– This park includes an azalea garden, fitness trail, picnic shelters, play equipment, restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, and fields for soccer and football. The playground is great for families with young children because the playground is fenced off to keep wandering toddlers in!

Rockwood Park– Chesterfield’s oldest park features a complex of ball fields and game courts, a nature center, an archery range, Ruff House Dog Park, garden plots and an extensive system of hard and soft surface nature trails.

Pocahontas State Park– Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, 64-plus miles of trails, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic Center, which has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot-deep leisure pools, an activity pool and two tubular water slides, affords seasonal water-based activities for all.The park’s 2,000-seat amphitheater hosts the Pocahontas Premieres series of concerts and family-friendly entertainment.

Three Lakes Park

Northside

Three Lakes Park and Nature Center– This park offers both indoor and outdoor fun! You can visit the nature center to see local wildlife like fish, turtles, snakes, etc. and then go outside and play on their large playground. They also have various programs and activities scheduled throughout the year.

Bryan Park– Bryan Park was a gift to the City from the Joseph Bryan family in 1910. It has two picnic shelters, lovely Azalea Gardens, 4 tennis courts, soccer fields, tot lot, wooded areas, walking and running trails, lakes for fishing [license required], open spaces, a sledding hill and more.

Arc Park

Richmond Central

ARC Park– This is my favorite park in RVA! The ARCpark is the first of its kind in Central Virginia. It offers 3 playgrounds for toddlers, school-aged kids and every-age, a wheel-chair accessible treehouse with an extra-wide ramp, a custom-built, multi-sensory wall with panels that stimulate touch, hearing and sight, a play house, a small stage, water troughs and music instruments for creative play, water misting stations, charging stations for electric wheelchairs, family restrooms and shade picnic areas.

Byrd Park– This park offers three lakes for fishing [license required], peddle boat rides [call 646-5713 for details], 2 picnic shelters, Little League Ball fields, 12 tennis courts, an exercise trail, lighted areas, a Vita exercise course,  and the Dogwood Dell amphitheater where the  Festival of Arts is held June through August.

Maymont Park– This 100-acre Victorian estate, once home of Major James H. Dooley, is now operated by the Maymont Foundation. It has a wonderful nature center for the kids (and grownups!), petting zoo, museum house and Japanese Gardens. There are also tram and carriage rides.

Canal Walk– This downtown walk, which stretches for more than a mile along the James River and the Kanawha and Haxall canals, leads you through nearly four centuries of Richmond’s history. Filled with statues, monuments, and plaques that describe various events and people who helped to shape our city, the Canal Walk is a great way to get everyone out for a day of sunshine and exercise, while offering plenty to see and do.

Belle Isle– This 540 acre island is known for its outdoor offerings, which range from strolling and picnicking to running, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing. A running and bicycling path circles the island, offering easy access to popular sunbathing and wading spots. Fishing is also popular in the waters surrounding the island.

Mary Munford Playground– This wooden playground, located at Mary Munford Elementary School, is special because of it’s castle-like structures. It also has a play area for students with special needs.

For info on even more local parks, recreation, classes and summer camps follow these links:

Henrico

Hanover

Chesterfield

Richmond City

Enjoy the outdoors, ladies!

♥ Erin