The World Meets America
What in the World Cup is happening? Scottish soccer fans drink Boston dry. English fans try BBQ and lose their minds. Dutch fans marvel at all things Buc-cees. The Australians discover the wonder of Waffle House.
It’s been a delightful June in so, so many ways. 99% sellouts at World Cup venues. Team USA has crushed competition and is making a push into the next stage of the World Cup. That should be the big story. Yet, it’s not.
Every news outlet and social media feed is full of stories about how much foreign visitors LOVE America, from the food to the places to the people….to the ranch dressing. The World Cup has given the host country a chance to change the hearts and minds of people around the world. America, despite all of the doom and gloom reported by media outlets, is still the place everyone wants to be “from sea to shining sea.” The fans are posting on X, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok about all of the wondrous places and their friends back home are seeing it…unfiltered.
Host cities like Boston, Atlanta, Dallas and Kansas have welcomed global fans and knocked their socks off. It doesn’t matter where they travel, the world of football fans love America.
Even Seattle, riddled with high crime, open air drug markets and a burgeoning homeless crisis, managed to clean up its downtown area, creating a “clean bubble,” days before the influx of international tourists. And luckily West Coast World Cup visitors got to see perfectly pleasant Pasadena, instead of a dirty, dingy Los Angeles., 26 miles away.
And yes, I stayed up late last night to watch the US lose to Turkey (or Turkiye as it’s now being called) on a last-gasp goal. Ugh. Well at least we’re playing in the next round.
For the most part America put its “best foot forward” for the 2026 World Cup and the world is taking notice.
MONDAY:
FLY ON OVER GET SOME GRUB
You can make game night dinner a total home run! This summer, come on by the Texas Inn before, during, or after a Flying Squirrels game at Richmond’s Carmax Park – your same-day ticket gives you 20% off your delish T-Room eats, so you can count on a win for your night either way. Don’t miss this tasty RVA collab!
TUESDAY:
FUR, BEGONE!
If you find the fluff is weighing you down, don’t let the shed get the best of you! Bring your furry friend to Holiday Barn to get sleek for the season. During their Summer Fur Be Gone Special it’s a great time to get your pup clean and add in a Shed-X treatment that helps you– and them– suffer less with shedding. See more on their website!
WEDNESDAY:
PAWS UP FOR MARTHA!
And speaking of, this week our clients and friends at Holiday Barn honored the 30+ years of tail-wagging good service and great marketing choices from Martha Prideaux, as we celebrated her retirement! And don’t worry, she won’t be slowing down: you can still find her playing tennis and teaching oil painting and other fine art techniques at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This renaissance woman will be missed – but promised she and her furry family members will still be popping by Holiday Barn to take advantage of their award-winning grooming, boarding, and training.
THURSDAY:
CRASHING THE PARTY
This week, Pocahontas Parkway hosted a mock crash demonstration to showcase the coordinated response and roadside assistance procedures that take place following a vehicle accident. The event serves as a training opportunity for all the participating agencies, reinforcing best practices for roadway safety. Held in conjunction with the Global Road Safety Week, the demonstration also highlighted Virginia’s Move Over Law, which helps protect first responders, tow truck operators, and other roadside workers assisting at crash scenes.
FRIDAY:
WHAT’S TO BE DONE?
It’s back to business for your local events guru – me! I joined Rich Herrera again this morning on WRVA to chat about events in Richmond this weekend. The don’t miss highlights? Zorch in Carytown throwing a rager to celebrate 5 years in their first brick and mortar location, and the VA Museum of History and Culture’s ‘illumiNATION” display, with live music and projection every night of the weekend! ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Zorch’s 5th Anniversary Party • Friday, June 26th
Five years of slices, chaos, late nights, and keeping Richmonders properly fed. So yeah — we’re throwing a party.
HERE’S THE LINEUP:
- Open until 1AM
- Karaoke from 9PM–Midnight
- Late-night cheese and pepperoni slices
- Throwback pricing ALL DAY
THROWBACK MENU:
- Cheese Pizza — $18
- Pepperoni Pizza — $23
- Cheese Slice — $3.50
- Pepperoni Slice — $4.50
RETURN OF THE LOBZAH
Back by popular demand for one day only, the Lobzah features cold lobster salad piled onto a toasted, buttery slice and served with a side of melted butter for dipping.
Slices only • Market Price
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 6pm – 9pm, each night
In June 2026, to honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will unveil IllumiNATION, a breathtaking video art projection that brings the American story to life. Set against the museum’s historic facade, this immersive experience will blend artistic light, historic imagery, and music to transport viewers on a powerful journey through time and place.
This FREE community event will invite every viewer to see themselves within the fabric of American history—deepening understanding, sparking reflection, and inspiring a lasting appreciation for our shared past. A festive block-party atmosphere will enhance the four-night run of shows. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the entire VMHC campus will come alive with popular local bands, art displays, cultural demonstrations, community group exhibitors, and crafts and games for the whole family.
“GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!” – overheard at the World Cup