Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Do you know what I’ve really come to enjoy? Absolutely nerding out with my seven-year-old. One of Colton’s current obsessions is Pokémon, and while we’re not able to do it every time, we do enjoy hitting up a card release event every now and then. 

Standing in line to wait for a niche product has its perks. My kiddo fits right in with the card collecting community—he can talk for hours on end, and it gives my voice a rest for a few minutes while he converses with others who speak the collecting language. They talk about everything from rare pulls to “vintage” cards (which my child, born in 2018, considers to be anything older than himself). 

We don’t always get what we went for when it comes to the specific product—but I’d venture to say part of the joy comes from the experience, from the connections formed. We’ve started looking forward to seeing some friends we’ve made in line at previous drops and exchanging stories about what we’ve pulled since the last time we connected. If you’re among the crowd hoping to snag some Destined Rivals Pokémon packs today, we wish you all the luck—and we’re so glad you’re here.

Here’s what you need to know: From river swims with horses to rugged valley hikes, summer camps in Virginia’s mountains offer children and young adults unforgettable summer experiences. 

Our top picks:

• An all-girls traditional summer camp, Camp Mont Shenandoah allows girls aged 7-16 to experience an unforgettable summer in the Alleghany Mountains along the Cowpasture River. The camp strives to instill five virtues in its campers: love, loyalty, friendship, sportsmanship, and spiritual awareness. 

• Camp Maxwelton and Camp Lachlan offer a true mountain summer camp experience. They’re located at the foot of Jump Mountain, which is part of the Allegheny Mountains. The camps are divided by gender, with Maxwelton for boys and Lachlan for girls. One of the unique camp traditions occurs when the camp cooks take the night off, giving campers the chance to grill their own hamburgers.

• Open to campers aged 9-17, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is the ideal summer camp option for those looking to have an active summer. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on a 500-acre property, the camp offers a range of activities, including climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, and caving. 

But wait, there’s more! If you know an adventurer looking for a mountain getaway this summer, we’re highlighting 11 options at the link below. 

We Asked, You Answered: Last week, we posted a survey to find the most underrated small town in Virginia. Out of 61 total votes, y’all mentioned 48 unique locations. While places like Ashland, Staunton, and Floyd received a multitude of entries, there was one clear winner: Culpeper! 

Established in 1759, the town situated about 70 miles southwest of Washington, DC, boasts rich historical significance. The small town saw action both in the American Revolution and Civil War and has its own gold rush. Nowadays, the streets are lined with small businesses, delicious local cuisines, historic landmarks, and more.

While the small town contest has ended, you’re still welcome to weigh-in. We’d love to hear about your favorite underrated small town in Virginia. 

Here’s what you need to know: If you’re interested in taking a day trip to a small Virginia town, Culpeper is the place to go. From scenic outdoor escapes to delightful dining opportunities, here’s your guide to experiencing the best that Culpeper has to offer.

Top experiences:

• Just a short drive from downtown, Culpeper Battlefields State Park  is the perfect place to start your historical adventure. The park’s rolling hills and wooded areas provide a tranquil backdrop for hiking and exploring.

• Mountain Run Winery offers a unique and rustic experience for wine lovers. Housed in a converted corn crib barn, the winery provides a charming and laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual tastings.

• Hundred Acre Books is an independent bookshop offering a diverse selection of new and used books, alongside unique gifts from local vendors. It hosts regular events such as open mic nights and book clubs.

Ready for more fun? We’re highlighting your top pick for Virginia’s most underrated small town at the link below.

• The licensed staff of Charlottesville City Schools won their first contract through collective bargaining in March, and now the non-licensed staff—including safety officers and custodians—that serve as the backbone of the city’s education system are ready to follow suit (READ MORE HERE).

• On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the Republican nominee for Virginia lieutenant governor, John Reid, attacked Floyd’s character, calling him “a random criminal guy who is the poster child of what’s wrong with urban society” (WATCH HERE).

• Join Lucas Henkel, COURIER Newsroom’s reporter and strategic communications producer, as he goes on a fact-finding mission to discover if Abigail Spanberger has made protecting Virginians’ rights a cornerstone of her career (WATCH HERE).

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