Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

A few months ago, I was casually browsing Amazon for corsets and flowy dresses—something I’ve daydreamed about for years, but never acted on. My husband glanced over and said, “That style would look great on you.” I have a tendency to be slightly allergic to compliments; I brushed off the comment, noting that it’d be pointless to buy if I’d never wear it out.

Then came Valentine’s Day. He surprised me with a full renaissance outfit—not a costume, but real, beautiful pieces I could wear anywhere. That gift sparked a whole new kind of fun: I’ve gone grocery shopping looking like I stepped out of a novel, we dressed the part for the Celtic Festival in Big Island, and we’re planning a summer trip to the big ren faire in Pennsylvania.

It’s been a season of play and joy. If you’ve ever been curious about this kind of thing, you’re in luck—there’s a renaissance faire happening in Virginia right now, and that’s exactly what we’re featuring today. I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s what you need to know: Step back in time at Virginia’s 23rd Renaissance Faire! Discover jousting, artisan crafts, and living history at Lake Anna Winery weekends now through June 8.

Things to do:

• According to the faire’s website, the marketplace features a wide array of handcrafted items from artisan merchants. Visitors can browse jewelry, clothing, decorations, and unique handmade artwork while experiencing the craftsmanship of vendors who participate in the event.

• The Virginia Renaissance Faire offers opportunities for community involvement. While the date to become a member of the official cast passed in March, the website indicates that there are still ways to get involved as a volunteer crew member.

• Whether you’re a longtime Renaissance enthusiast or a first-time visitor curious about experiencing history in a uniquely immersive way, the Virginia Renaissance Faire offers an unforgettable escape from the ordinary. Tickets are only sold online, so be sure to get yours before you head out. 

Want to be part of the action? We’ve got info for planning your visit at the link below. 

Question of the Week: When’s the last time you did something that initially made you feel anxious, but you were happy you tried it afterwards? Be sure to write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com—I’d love to hear all about it.

Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday unveiled a set of policies aimed at lowering the costs of prescription drugs and health coverage. 

Speaking at a pharmacy in Hanover County, Spanberger said she wants to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers who inflate the costs of prescription drugs. According to the liberal think tank the Center for American Progress, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) act as middlemen that can raise the costs of prescription drugs for people and insurers. 

Spanberger said PBMs inflate the costs of prescription drugs to turn a profit by steering Virginians to affiliated pharmacies with overpriced drugs rather than other pharmacies where drugs could be gotten more cheaply. 

“As governor, I will ban this practice to make sure that Virginians can use the pharmacy of their choice,” Spanberger said. 

Spanberger further said she would protect Virginians from predatory billing and scam coverage through strict enforcement of Virginia’s surprise billing laws and by directing the state attorney general to crack down on scammers. 

• Did you see our most recent poll? We’re asking folks to submit their favorite small town in Virginia. We’ll tally up all of the answers we receive and post the results in our May 30 newsletter. Be sure to shout out your favorite (WATCH HERE).

• After severe weather recently impacted parts of the country, leaving a trail of damage and devastation from the Heartland to the East Coast, we connected with God’s Pit Crew, a Danville-based nonprofit disaster relief team. Here’s how they’re helping—and how you can, too (READ MORE HERE).

• Congressman Gerry Connolly has passed away at the age of 75 after battling cancer. He’d recently announced he would take a step back from his congressional duties to focus his time on his health and family (READ MORE HERE).

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