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Henrico's new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife

Here's a look inside the county's draft plan for what to do with the former Best Products site.

News

More than a year after the $2.3 billion GreenCity project collapsed, Henrico has unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a draft plan" data-vars-click-url="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" target="_blank">a draft plan</a> for redeveloping the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" target="_self">Best Products</a> headquarters site.Why it matters: The county-led concept includes turning the space into a walkable entertainment district with an arena, restaurants, nightlife, housing, parks and connections to the Fall Line Trail.

Richmond tourism is growing — and more events are coming

Major tournaments, conventions and events are boosting bookings this year.

The Richmond region saw just over 19 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/01/richmond-then-and-now-nyt-travel-coverage-tourism" data-vars-content-id="3984b145-4ea2-4757-ad37-4d5ce15ad260" data-vars-headline="Richmond tourism is growing — and more events are coming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/01/richmond-then-and-now-nyt-travel-coverage-tourism" target="_self">tourists</a> last year.Why it matters: That&#x27;s 800,000 more people who visited — and spent money — in the region than the year before.

Hang opens in Scott's Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos

The spinoff from the Lunch.Supper team is promising "never-ending happy hour" prices.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" data-vars-content-id="a7c90214-cf37-4dbc-a991-9036b1febd49" data-vars-headline="Hang opens in Scott&#x27;s Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" target="_blank">Hang</a>, Lunch.Supper&#x27;s new Tex-Mex concept spinoff in Scott&#x27;s Addition, is opening Tuesday with $3 beers, $5 tacos and $8 cocktails.Why it matters: &quot;We want it to be a never-ending happy hour,&quot; longtime Lunch.Supper manager Amanda Fritts told Axios.

Richmond's newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol

Soft Times Lounge is launching Wednesday as a sober nightlife series bringing bar culture, but without booze.

Food and Drink

No booze. Still a bar.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the idea behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soft Times Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" target="_blank">Soft Times Lounge</a>, a new Richmond pop-up series launching Wednesday for those who want the energy of a night out, but without the alcohol.</li></ul>Why it matters: Richmond doesn&#x27;t have many dedicated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sober nightlife spaces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" target="_blank">sober nightlife spaces</a>, even as more and more people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dial back on drinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">dial back on drinking</a> — or cut it out altogether.

Memorial Day travel dips in Virginia amid higher gas prices

AAA says rising gas prices and economic uncertainty are keeping some Virginians off the road.

Fewer Virginians are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to AAA.Why it matters: &quot;Economic uncertainty&quot; and surging gas prices will keep thousands at home for the unofficial start of summer travel, AAA says.

Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise

Richmond's average gas price is now $4.23, up from under $3 before the Iran conflict.

The gasoline price surge is reigniting political chatter about suspending the federal tax on the fuel, thanks to a recent round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="populist proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" data-vars-content-id="2503730e-fc60-4442-a282-1fb73352513e" data-vars-headline="Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" target="_self">populist proposals</a> from some high-profile Democrats.Why it matters: Average gas prices in Richmond have jumped by more than $1 a gallon since the conflict with Iran began over two months ago.

6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now

And they're available for a sunny weekend trip this month.

Travel

When the local airport recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" target="_blank">asked</a> Richmonders which nonstop routes they want added, many of the over 1,400 comments mentioned flights that already exist.Why it matters: We have a feeling people might need a refresher, especially for those wanting to escape the freezing cold.Catch up quick: Richmond International Airport&#x27;s nonstop Bermuda flight paused this month after launching in June, spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.<ul><li>But RIC offers more than a dozen other direct flights that&#x27;ll drop you straight into warm weather. </li><li>Come <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" target="_blank">March</a>, that&#x27;ll include year-round flights to Puerto Rico.</li><li>And its nonstop flights to Los Angeles will resume in May, Bell says.</li></ul>Zoom in: In the meantime, here are nonstop flights you can take from Richmond to a sunny destination in the next month.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">👙 Miami and Fort Lauderdale</h2>Weather this weekend: Around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high 60s" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" target="_blank">high 60s</a> until Sunday.Days it runs: Almost every day on Spirit, Jet Blue and American Airlines.Round trip prices: Ranges from around $200 to FLL to under $400 to Miami (if you play it right).Flight duration: 2.5 hours.Plus: Key West is only about a three-hour road trip away.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🏝️ West Palm Beach (just launched in September)</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mid-to-high 60s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" target="_blank">Mid-to-high 60s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $248 to $538 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: Roughly 2.5 hours.Pro tip: The Palm Beach Post put together a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bucket list guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" target="_blank">bucket list guide</a> for the best things to do there.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🩴 St. Pete, Florida</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Not so great" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" target="_blank">Not so great</a> but it&#x27;ll be back to being in the 60s after a brief bout of cold.Days it runs: Essentially every day on Breeze Airways or Allegiant.Round trip prices: As low as $100.Flight duration: About two hours.Fun fact: It was named the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next great food city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" target="_self">next great food city</a> by Food &amp; Wine last year.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🌵 Phoenix, Arizona</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" target="_blank">High 70s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $358 to $618 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip: Read our Axios Phoenix colleagues&#x27;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" target="_self"> local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix.</a><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎰 Las Vegas, Nevada</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Low 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" target="_blank">Low 70s. </a>Days it runs: Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: As low as $338 for a Thursday-Tuesday flight and as low as $498 for a Thursday-Sunday route.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip for the hikers: Vegas is also close to Red Rock Canyon and about 2.5 hours from Zion National Park.What we&#x27;re watching: If RIC adds any of the international destinations people asked for in response to its post. <ul><li>Multiple commenters mentioned adding Europe flights (like London, Dublin, Lisbon or Paris) for better access to inexpensive connections throughout the continent.</li><li>Some pushed for beach destinations in Latin America, like: Dominican Republic, Cancún and El Salvador.</li></ul>

Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour

And this time, Sen. Tim Kaine wasn't at the mercy of it.

Sabrina here, back from being subjected to life in Northern Virginia for two days due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the snow." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" target="_self">the snow.</a> Why it matters: It might be the longest a Richmonder has been stranded on a D.C. winter storm commute since Sen. Tim Kaine&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="27-hour ordeal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" target="_self">27-hour ordeal</a> in 2022.

The cities Richmonders want to travel to in 2026

Pitbull, aka Mr. 305, famously lives in one of them.

The flights Richmonders are most searching for this year are headed to the Sunshine State, per Kayak data shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re also among the only nonstop flights from Richmond to a toasty destination.

Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul

RIC's new security design will double capacity and open the door to international flights.

The Capital Region Airport Commission recently shared renderings of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consolidated checkpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" target="_self">consolidated checkpoint</a> in the works at the Richmond airport. Why it matters: The new screening area will transform RIC and somehow make its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already speedy TSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" target="_self">already speedy TSA</a> process even faster.

Richmond Airport delays grow as FAA cuts flights nationwide

The FAA is cutting 10% of flights across the U.S., and it's already impacting Richmond travelers.

Richmond International Airport officials say they haven&#x27;t been directly impacted by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FAA&#x27;s planned 10% reduction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" data-vars-content-id="4cfa4a0b-14c1-4140-868e-e1e9967399f0" data-vars-headline="Richmond Airport delays grow as FAA cuts flights nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" target="_self">FAA&#x27;s planned 10% reduction</a> in flights across major U.S. markets.Why it matters: Ripple effects are still reaching Central Virginia travelers, and could strand Richmond&#x27;s air travelers across the country.

Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights

It's largely due to delays at other airports, prompted by weather and air traffic controllers losing pay.

Air traffic controllers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/20/is-flying-safe-richmond-airport-staffing" data-vars-content-id="bc83a0a1-83e1-49bb-890d-3722bef32cdd" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/20/is-flying-safe-richmond-airport-staffing" target="_self">Richmond International Airport</a> are set to miss their first paychecks Tuesday as the nearly month-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/trump-government-shutdown-days-record" data-vars-content-id="bc83a0a1-83e1-49bb-890d-3722bef32cdd" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/trump-government-shutdown-days-record" target="_self">government shutdown</a> drags on.Why it matters: A combination of weather-related issues and staffing shortages at other airports has already created a domino effect that&#x27;s led to delays at RIC.

Why Richmond airport parking is so tricky right now

Up to 1,000 garage spaces can be closed on peak days during the lighting project.

The Richmond airport&#x27;s parking garages have been forced to temporarily close at least once a week since mid-September because they keep filling up.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re planning to travel, you may want to start pestering friends for an airport ride.

Richmond airport grounds Kristi Noem's government shutdown video

The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints, but some authorities have shelved the message.

Airports across the country — including Richmond&#x27;s — are refusing to show a video of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" data-vars-content-id="d25bb0bb-a699-4113-b03b-e77c34669033" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" target="_self">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a> blaming the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" data-vars-content-id="d25bb0bb-a699-4113-b03b-e77c34669033" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" target="_self">government shutdown</a> on congressional Democrats. Why it matters: The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints earlier this month, but some transportation authorities have shelved the message out of concern it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violates the Hatch Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" data-vars-content-id="d25bb0bb-a699-4113-b03b-e77c34669033" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" target="_self">violates the Hatch Act</a>.