Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Will you join me in wishing a happy birthday to the most amazing 8-year-old there is (though I might be slightly biased)? After opening copious amounts of Pokemon cards, Colton chose an indoor mini golf course for the three of us to enjoy his special day. 

The last time we played, I asked him if the most points or the least points won the game. He confidently stated that it was the person with the “most” points, which worked to his advantage in the par 44 game where he golfed 114. 

If you’re wondering, I scored an impressive 85 in that same game. Being the next Tiger Woods might not be in our future, but having fun sure is. I’m so glad you’re here to enjoy this next chapter with us.

Bacon’s Castle is located in Surry. (Photo via Shutterstock)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: The Williamsburg Regional Library offers one of the most comprehensive culture pass programs in Virginia. Passes are available for four-day checkouts or as printable tickets for specific dates.

Our top picks:

• Bacon’s Castle features unique High Jacobean architecture and holds the distinction of being the oldest brick dwelling in North America, dating to 1665. Visitors can explore the 17th-century English formal garden and learn about enslaved African Americans at the circa 1830 slave dwelling.

• Scotchtown is Patrick Henry’s only original standing home, where he lived from 1771 to 1778 and developed his “Liberty or Death” speech. The site also highlights the experiences of African Americans who lived there.

• The John Marshall House was home to the “Great Chief Justice” for 44 years. Marshall served as Supreme Court chief justice from 1801-1835. Tours emphasize Marshall’s role in shaping the federal judiciary during the nation’s early years.

We’re rounded up multiple opportunities for you at our link below. 

Virginians are now allowed to use a digital driver’s license or ID at locations across the the state and beyond. (refrina/Shutterstock).

By Sam Cohen

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced in November that a newly launched app, the Virginia Mobile ID, will allow state residents to use digital IDs at select airport security checkpoints, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority stores, and DMV customer service centers. Digital versions of both Virginia-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will be available through the app.

Additionally, the DMV noted that some local law enforcement agencies and state troopers will accept these digital forms of identification, including the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Chesterfield County Police Department. The Richmond International Airport is one of 250 airports across the country that will also accept Virginia-issued digital IDs. It’s important to note that, despite having this option, continuing to carry your physical ID is strongly encouraged.

Sasheer Zamata studied drama in Charlottesville. (Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock)

By Dorothy Scott

Viewers fell in love with Sasheer Zamata in the fall of 2024, thanks to Marvel’s “Agatha All Along.” But before she became a superhero on the screen, she was acing tests at the University of Virginia, where she graduated with a drama degree in 2008.

Before her Marvel run, Zamata was a fixture on “Saturday Night Live,” appearing in 74 episodes between 2014 and 2017 (via IMDb). She’s also appeared in 28 episodes of the animated Marvel television series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” in a different role. 

Podcasters, of course, know her from “Best Friends,” which she has been co-hosting with “Nailed It!” star Nicole Byer since 2019.

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