The Breakdown

The eternal question on every adult’s mind: What am I going to do after work?

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The hours after you clock out are a precious bunch. Every break is coveted, especially your weekend. A night in always satisfies, but what about those evenings when adventure calls to you from beyond your block? Where do you go? How could you possibly decide among the city’s many destinations? You fervently comb through your mental Rolodex of local attractions, but you want something new. So, welcome! Manchester is blooming with events, entertainment, shopping, and personal care pitstops. Read on, and you’ll find there’s more to this downtown neighborhood than you ever thought.

Here’s something you never knew about Manchester. We have an aerial circus! If you’ve ever wanted to witness beautifully executed aerial choreography or take a class in the circus arts, drive over to Host of Sparrows Aerial Circus and make your dreams come true.

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For 15 years, Host of Sparrows has provided an inclusive, empowering experience meant to challenge you within the boundaries of your own limits. Safety is king, or should I say ring master, when it comes to aerial stunts, and the instructors at Host of Sparrows are highly trained to ensure the safety and comfort of their students. And they have many types of students.

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“We have a toddler class. We have mommy and me. We have students that [range] from a few months old all the way up into their 60s.”

Owner and Artistic Director Heather Bailey started Host of Sparrows as a single class at the Dogwood Dance Studio, and as the company has grown since 2010, it has always remained firmly rooted in Manchester. Just one more reason to come visit the neighborhood.

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“Everybody is welcome, from all over Richmond.”

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Host of Sparrows is woman-owned and disability-owned, so it has always been important to the foundation of the company to “provide opportunities for everyone.”

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“The arts of circus have always been inclusive.”

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Similar to yoga, these classes are a great way to develop core strength and stretch out those forgotten muscles, but with the added flair of learning an aerial routine. Host of Sparrows offers classes in silks, lyra, rope, static trapeze, flying pole, partner acrobatics, contortion, juggling, and more. This is something that should be on everybody’s bucket list. These are completely unique skills you can’t learn anywhere else, so sign up for a class, a workshop, a private lesson, or just come see a show. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Celebrating their 15th anniversary, Host of Sparrows is performing their MetaMORPHOsis piece at Agecroft Hall and Gardens on September 13th, free of charge. The performance illustrates the lifecycle of the Blue Morpho Butterfly in a silky aerial dance that can only be described as breathtaking. Agecroft, a magnificent Tudor-style mansion, promises to be the most beautiful backdrop for this daringly impressive show, which will have a 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. performance. The outdoor affair will include food trucks and art vendors hosted by Petty Markets, so bring your appetite, or even a picnic basket, and settle in for an afternoon of magic. Whether your imagination flies free while watching this beautiful display or you try your hand at learning the ways of aerial silks, Heather’s wish for all her students and adoring audience members is that “when they walk away, they feel like sparrows.”

That’s the sound of you ending a long week with a much-needed trip to the Posh Skin Bar & Spa. Massages, facials, chemical peels, and more will have you feeling as relaxed as ever with every appointment. Whether you come alone or with a group of friends, this spa has a treatment package you will love. Blending science with holistic practices, Posh delivers you a luxury experience designed to rejuvenate both your body and your mind. If you’re looking for a way to boost your immune system, sign up for a vitamin-rich IV drip. Want to just go in for a waxing? They have that too! Posh is your one-stop shop for everyday self-care and cutting-edge treatments that empower you to feel your best.

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Wellness is more important than ever, so here’s a reminder to treat yourself once in a while. Take your friends out for a day of indulgence. Their pampering parties offer an array of treatments tailored to your group’s preferences. Sip on refreshing beverages and savor delectable bites as you unwind in a serene spa environment. You’ll leave feeling like a million bucks. Posh is dedicated to helping you be your best, most authentic self, so book an appointment today. You won’t regret it.

With your skin feeling revitalized, you may want a fresh hairdo and set of nails to match. Just walk over to one of Manchester’s various hair and nail salons for whatever new look you’d like to try. Blush Nail Bar & Spa specializes in nail repair, nail art, gel and acrylic nail sets, and your good ol’-fashioned manicure. Your hands see a lot of action throughout the day. When was the last time they got any TLC? But if you’re looking for more extravagant designs for everyday use, book an appointment with Lyoness Nailz, a “southern belle who brings a unique twist, style, and creativity” to every design.

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You might as well give yourself some time to appreciate your new nails; in fact, the perfect place to stare down at their magnificence is from your comfy seat at PRISM Hair. PRISM is an inclusive hair salon that expertly cuts and colors its clients’ hair. Their stylists will work with you to ensure you leave that chair looking great and feeling more like yourself. If you’re so inclined, you can book them for weddings and events to guarantee there’s not a hair out of place on that special day. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting break-up bangs, a blowout, or a balayage, PRISM Hair will have you coming back for more.

It’s time to unleash your competitive side, assemble a team, and put your knowledge to the test. Bar trivia has a beautiful way of bringing people together through a mutual love of mostly useless information. Once you’ve gotten a taste, there’s no going back. You’ll be waiting eagerly for the next opportunity to fight your way to the top of the leaderboard. Luckily, you don’t have to wait that long. Basic City Beer Co. and Benchtop Brewing both have weekly trivia nights, and on back-to-back days. Usher your crew to Basic City on Tuesdays for an unbeatable night of cold beer and hot pizza, while you quietly debate which marsupial is native to Virginia.

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Win or lose, there’s always Wednesday night trivia at Benchtop Brewing, so round up the troops and go for the gold. Or in Benchtop’s case, the $25 gift card. It’s a brain training session like no other, but it’s some of the most fun you can have on a night out with your pals. Throw in Benchtop’s mouthwatering selection of food and drinks, and you won’t even notice you got the final question wrong. Because when all is said and done, it’s about hanging out with your best, coolest, smartest friends, and realizing you know more about pop culture than you thought.

Unfortunately, most apartments don’t come furnished, and you’re tasked with the responsibility of acquiring pieces that fit your space and appeal to your sense of style. It can be time-consuming to find well-made furniture that speaks to you. But when you visit the Txtur showroom, you can sit back and relax, confident that they have everything you need. Txtur is a Virginia-based furniture company that handcrafts all its pieces in Roanoke. They have a wide selection of sleek and stylish furniture for your living room, bedroom, and kitchen; they even make commercial furniture for offices, the hospitality industry, and more. Txtur is furniture that grows and changes with you. Say you bought a loveseat with your girlfriend for your first apartment, and now you’re moving into a house with your wife, you can turn in your old Txtur piece for in-store credit on a new sectional. And Txtur will upcycle that old loveseat into something brand new for the next generation of lovebirds. That’s just one way they’re helping create sustainable building practices to reduce needless waste.

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The best part is, Txtur allows you to design your own furniture and have it delivered to you in six weeks. That way, you know you’re getting the best possible piece for you and your home, handmade by the highest quality craftspeople. They also employ interior designers who will assess your space and create a design plan that reflects your personality and taste. It’s all about you! Did I say that was the best part? Well, listen to this: the Txtur showroom is accompanied by their Nordic Bistro & Bar, Stock. That means exactly what you think it means. You can enjoy a refreshing cocktail and dinner inside their dining room or on their covered patio. But they encourage you to take your drink and your meal into their showroom and really make yourself at home. They understand that you will be living with these pieces for years to come, so it’s important to treat them like you would on any given lazy Sunday. It’s your furniture, they’re just helping you find it. Shop for furniture the best way possible at Txtur.

There’s something so special about going to a sports bar and cheering on your favorite team with a bunch of strangers. It’s a great way to make friends, and maybe even a few enemies (if they’re on the wrong side of the punt). Ironclad Sports Bar & Grill is the go-to gameday spot in Manchester, with TVs situated along every wall, as well as outside. The bar comes alive upon kick-off, tip-off, or however your chosen sport marks its beginning, and you can expect a mixed forecast of loud triumphs and defeated sighs.

The passion that comes with every rivalry and home-team upset is unmatched in this setting. You could sit on your couch at home and shake your head at an unbelievably preventable turnover, or you could share in the collective glory when your alma mater intercepts the ball on the very next play. Ironclad is a top-notch sports bar with high-quality eats and a drink menu so good you could call it the GOAT. They have all your game-day favorites: pizza, wings, potato skins, and a delectable triple-decker club. Or call an audible and go for the steak and cheese eggrolls. Whatever you order, it’ll be gone before the first down. So you might wanna order some more. No matter what happens on the field or the court, when you’re watching the game at Ironclad Sports Bar & Grill, you always feel like a champion.

Shop Two Three is the retail extension of Manchester’s creative art space Studio Two Three. When you need a bit of retail therapy, come to Shop Two Three and browse their rack of t-shirts designed by local artists, or better yet, start by buying a tote bag for all the other goodies you’ll want to pick out. When you purchase a bandana, beer coozie, sticker, or really anything at Shop Two Three, you’re supporting local artists and walking away with a sick new way to express yourself. They use designs from several designers, so no two pieces have the same style. Just walking around the shop is enough to inspire the artist in you. Maybe you’ll have a t-shirt design hanging on their racks one day. But for now, just shop ‘til you drop.

Who doesn’t love to laugh? Be it at your jokes or a professional comedian’s, laughter has the power to unite an audience against the world. It’s essential to have this kind of outlet in order to make sense of life’s craziness, but a joke doesn’t have to make a point in order to change your outlook. The silliest jokes can have a great deal of impact on you, even if it’s just a momentary reprieve from your worries. Believe it or not, Richmond has a thriving comedy scene, and Manchester hosts some of the hottest tickets in town. Open mics and professional stand-up showcases can be found throughout the neighborhood if you know where to look.

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Basic City Beer Co. (what can’t this place do?) hosts a comedy open mic every other Wednesday, where all are welcome to try out their latest material or sit back and have a laugh. This brewery has been supporting local comedians for over four years, and it’s no question why the comics keep coming back. Their event space feels cozy yet professional. It’s the ideal spot to perform for the first time or the one-hundredth.

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A newer addition to the comedy scene is the Tuesday open mic at the Gold Lion Community Cafe. Also held twice a month, this open mic has a rotating lineup of hosts, so the vibe changes with every show. The Gold Lion’s stage, adorned with red curtains, brings an elevated sensibility to even the most unserious of jokes. Their food and drink menu guarantees you will never be without a tasty beverage and even tastier cuisine. The Gold Lion makes it easier than ever to eat, drink, and be merry.

Although open mics are a fun opportunity to see comedy in its rawest form, showcases provide you with an undoubtedly good time. Curated from the best comics in the city, doing their most tried and true material, they will split your sides with one punchline after another. It just so happens that the Gold Lion Community Cafe runs a monthly stand-up showcase called The Mane Event. Funny right? If you’ve visited their open mic, you may see some familiar faces return to perform an expertly refined ten-minute set. Every few months or so, Benchtop Brewing hosts The Roost, a comedy show with three of the funniest hosts around, and lineups that feature both Richmond and out-of-town comedians. Follow Basic City Beer Co., Gold Lion Community Cafe, and Benchtop Brewing on Instagram and Facebook for information on upcoming shows, and get ready to laugh your socks off.

Choosing how to spend your time can be a difficult undertaking, but it sure feels a lot easier now, doesn’t it? Manchester is the perfect place to try something new or get a weekly group hangout started. Just close your eyes and pick something to do. Anything! Spend an hour here, or a whole evening–it’s amazing what you can accomplish in Manchester with the right suggestion and a spare afternoon.

*Photos by Mikaela Peters

** Photos by Tj Ponds