Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

It was an accident, and he’s fine—but my son got absolutely trucked during a game at a youth event on Wednesday. When my husband, Kody, and I picked him up at the end, we got the full play-by-play. Colton’s at that age (8) where he’s torn between wanting mom and proving how tough he is. This time, he chose toughness—plus tears and an ice pack—and then went right back into the game.

When we got in the car, he was beaming with boyish pride, knot already forming below his eye: “They said tomorrow, I’ll have a moonshiner!” A…what now? The stress burst at the word choice, and Kody and I had an honest laugh. We quickly set the record straight—“shiner”—and by Thursday morning, it had fully arrived.

That’s when we concluded that whether you’re 8 years old proudly sporting a “moonshiner” or a full-grown adult nursing your own liquid-derived version of one, the morning-after reality hits about the same. Thankfully, there are a number of “cures” for the adult version right here in Virginia. Keep reading to learn more about those hangover remedies, while I keep ice on my kid’s. I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Back Pocket Provisions offers a variety of Bloody Mary mixes. (Back Pocket Provisions)

Hangover cures you can find across Virginia

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: Virginia offers plenty of ways to recover from a hangover, whether your remedy of choice includes Bloody Marys, carbs, tea, IV therapy, a spa day, or fresh air.

Our top picks:

If you aren’t in the mood to go out with a hangover, plan ahead and order some Bloody Mary mix from Back Pocket Provisions. The Richmond-based producer sources fruits and vegetables from small-scale Virginia farms to produce its award-winning mixes.
For a low-key, eclectic tea experience that will allow your hangover to slowly melt away, visit Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. The tea house carries a seasonal selection of over 40 teas from around the world, including white teas, Japanese green teas, Chinese green teas, red teas, aged teas, and more.
Recover from your hangover in luxury at Spavia Central Park, where you’ll be treated to plush robes, sandals, and relaxing retreat rooms. Its goal is to leave guests feeling relaxed, recentered, and renewed.

Ready to relax? We’ve got more info for you at the link below.

Try these cures →

Amie (from left), Colton, and Kody Knowles enjoy a meal at Mama Possum’s. (Kody Knowles/Dogwood)

Pull up a chair at one of my favorite local diners

By Amie Knowles

I probably should’ve called this section “What I’m tasting” instead because apparently all I’m buying these days is food.

On that note, boy, have we ever had some good food recently. One of my favorite diners in the whole world is conveniently located right down the road. It’s Mama Possum’s—or as the locals call it, Mama Possum’s-41 or Mama Possum’s-Mt. Hermon, not to be confused with the restaurant’s original Arnett Blvd. location.

I usually go for the hotdog special—two red dogs with ketchup, mustard, slaw, and grilled onions, fries, and a sweet tea for $7.39. My husband’s a double cheeseburger guy, and our kiddo enjoys a classic corndog. It’s a good value for the amount of food, and we absolutely love the 1950s-style ambiance that greets guests as soon as they see the bright neon sign beaming out front.

The next time you’re down by way of Danville, you’ll have to stop by. And tell ‘em Amie sent you.

See the menu →

First and foremost, I wanted to thank those of y’all who responded to last Friday’s plea! I ended up hearing from several readers over the weekend, including Robert M. and Lynne C. who were both pleased with what their areas of Virginia had to offer in comparison to the cost-of-living.

Then on Monday, I asked about price increases you’ve seen lately. Meg G. saw her utility bill go up, and Lynne C. (hi again, Lynne!) expressed gas prices in her area were rising.

It’s never too late to get in on the conversation. My inbox is always open to y’all at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Share your take →

Michael O’Connor writes Virginia Capital and reports for Dogwood on politics and economics. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

Are you voting yes or no?

By Michael O’Connor

President Donald Trump is unpopular. That could help Democrats in Virginia’s redistricting referendum this month.⁣

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Early in-person voting is underway.⁣

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Election Day is April 21.

Watch here →

For Democrats and Republicans, supporting gerrymandering or opposing it is a question of which side of the North Carolina-Virginia state line you’re on. Cardinal & Pine’s senior newsletter editor, Billy Ball, explains. (Read more)
Want to get politically engaged this week? Check out our weekly roundup of Virginia political events, advocacy opportunities, protests, and more ways to take action statewide. (Read more)
SEIU Virginia recently told Dogwood it was giving a $500,000 donation to the “Yes” campaign group Virginians for Fair Elections to “ensure that working people in Virginia have the information they need to vote.” (Read more)

Would you share this newsletter with a friend?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd, Ava Edwards, and Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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