Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Did you hear the big news? Our new newsletter format officially rolls out today, and you’re a part of the fun!

Major thanks to our design team, newsletter team, and countless others who’ve worked for months to bring this collective vision to fruition. I’m stoked to share the news in such a sleek, engaging format, and I hope the reading experience is just as grand.

Because we like surprises, we’re also rolling out a new website design at the same time. I’ve seen the prototype, and it looks incredible. It’s interactive, easy to navigate, and streamlined—but don’t just take my word for it. Have a look for yourself and let me know what you think!

That said, there could be a few bumps in the road as we work to make these changes (I always strive to be upfront with y’all). If you notice some weird formatting or if a piece of content doesn’t load correctly, please drop me a line.

I’m so excited to ring in this new era at Dogwood, and I’m convinced we have the best readers in Virginia along for the ride!

Where to Find the Most Scenic Spots in Virginia for Fun and Photos

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: It’s difficult to think of a more perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts than Virginia. With its varied geography, it has plenty to offer in the way of unique picturesque spots for outdoor fun.

Our top picks:

Wildlife Watching Off the Coast—Rudee Tours offers five options for those looking to observe wildlife in their native habit, including Dolphin Watching, the Rudee Rocket Dolphin Trip, the 22-Hour Pelagic Wildlife Exploration, a 13-Hour Pelagic Wildlife Exploration, and the Sea Turtle Safari. Its dolphin-watching and whale-watching boats have multi-level decks, climate-controlled cabins, and 360-degree views (even when inside).
Watch a Stunning Virginia Sunrise/Sunset—The High Knob Observation Tower in Norton is a great spot for those looking to take in a mountainous sunrise or sunset. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the tower offers views of five states including Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia on a clear day.
Rock Climbing in Virginia’s Blue Ridge—The Dragon’s Tooth Trail in Catawba is a top rock-climbing destination due to its rugged nature and various outcrops of rock. “It’s a rewarding climb that requires some skill and challenge to travel,” the organization said. Additional climbing and bouldering destinations can be found on the Roanoke Outside Foundation website.

Grab your camera! If you’re looking for a scenic spot to have some outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with this guide.

Read this article

It’s your turn. What’s your favorite fall activity to do in Virginia? Email me at amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply back to this email, and we may feature your response in a future edition. Don’t forget to mention what part of the commonwealth you call home!

Want a Chance to Show Your Support?

We’re getting closer and closer to reaching our fundraiser goal, and that’s all because of generous readers like you! Thanks for your continued support. We truly couldn’t do this incredible work without you, and we are so appreciative.

Donate here

Election Spotlight

Did you know that Virginia’s first day of in-person early voting is Friday, Sept. 22? To learn more about your voting options, contact your local registrar’s office.

~ ICYMI ~

Election Day is coming, and you may find your ballot includes candidates for your local school board. Who ends up on the board will directly impact what students learn at school, how their necessities and activities are funded, and more (READ MORE HERE).
A new report outlines rural policy recommendations focused on four major tenets: protecting people’s freedom to live and work safely; investing in infrastructure; reining in corporate greed and protecting workers, small businesses, and family farmers; and creating opportunities for a better future (READ MORE HERE).
With some conservative lawmakers calling a federal government shutdown at the end of September “inevitable,” Republican General Assembly candidates in Virginia could end up dealing with the fallout (READ MORE HERE).

Your History Highlight

Our weekly history highlight uncovers local stories you might not have heard—even if you’ve lived in Virginia for years! Got an untold story or legend you’d like for us to investigate? We’re all ears.

Imagine this: The year is 1933. The unemployment rate is at a national high of 24.9%. And there’s no way to put food on the table. That’s when news about President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal hits—a program designed to get the country back on its feet.

Part of the plan centered around a specific group of Americans—unmarried men, ages 17 to 25 (and by some accounts, 28)—in need of a job. Thus arose the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a group of hardworking young fellows who drastically impacted America.

Pulled from poverty, the boys left their homes in exchange for a cash promise. Signing on for at least six months at a time, workers earned $30 a month. Even though the young men completed physically demanding projects (like cutting down 3.5 billion trees, constructing fences, and building cabins), they barely saw any of their income. The program required that they send most of the money—between $22 and $25—back home.

Their labor cared for their families, but the trade-off wasn’t so bad. The CCC met all of the corpsmen’s needs. They had fresh food, a roof over their heads, and corps-issued clothing and shoes.

For almost a decade, the CCC completed projects all over the country. Many of those works are still around today. If you’ve been to Fairystone State Park in Bassett, you’ve got the CCC to thank: The workers built the dam that created the lake and constructed nine cabins.

Photo credit: US Office Of War Information, Library of Congress

This email is written by Amie Knowles, community editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic five-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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