Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I bought my husband’s Valentine’s Day gift a month before the holiday—and I’ve been steadily hinting toward pining over an original painting of a Wild West scene from Red Van Grow to display in my writing room (hint, hint, honey).

If you’re in the same boat as the love of my life and are still looking for that perfect something for that special someone, do I ever have good news for you! There are fabulous finds in today’s lead story that not only show someone you’re thinking about them, but also help support a local Virginia business. Enjoy perusing and remember, I’m so glad you’re here.

Make your loved one feel extra special this Valentine’s Day with a unique, affordable, and locally made gift. (Karolina Grabowska/Unsplash)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: From thoughtfully curated gift boxes and locally produced beverages and food to handcrafted jewelry and handbags, Virginia’s makers and producers offer a smorgasbord of romantic, yet affordable gift options.

Our top picks: 

• With its extensive inventory of Virginia-sourced and themed gifts, the Made in Virginia Store is a great place to look for a gift. If you aren’t sure what your sweetheart might like, consider buying one of the affordable sampling of Virginia gift boxes for $49.95. They come with an assortment of Virginia-made goodies, like peanuts, hickory syrup, and preserves.

• The Global Local’s Heart of Virginia Collection spotlights the best of the commonwealth, from hand-poured candles to locally inspired art. The shop is owned by Tyra, a Leesburg local, who developed her appreciation for handcrafted goods while living in places like India, Tunisia, and Syria.

• Stuart’s Elk Run Mining Co. is the place to turn to for jewelry made from Virginia gemstones. The owner personally mines, cuts, polishes, and sets his jewelry. Settings come in either silver or gold.

Does an item mentioned here grab your heart? We’ve got more info about these Virginia shops (and plenty more) at the link below.

Earlier this week, we asked about your favorite “snow day” memories.

And folks from the Town of Chatham went wild. There’s a decline in the road on Holt Street, which, only when it snows, becomes locally known as Carter’s Hill.

For the past 50 years, children and kids at heart gathered at the top of the road to warm their hands at a barrel fire before barreling down the slick hill (the town, VDOT, and the local snow tractor have an understanding that Holt gets plowed last for this unique reason).

Over the weekend, the unthinkable happened: Carter’s Hill once again became Holt Street while there was still plenty of snow and ice on the ground. The plow made its mark. And the residents sounded the alarm on Facebook. 

I’m not joking: The town manager put out a formal address. The mayor got involved. A renewed promise to the citizens took shape—and this weekend, with wintery precipitation gracing the forecast, Carter’s Hill is likely set to sled on once again… without all of the drama.

It’s not too late to chime in! Email me at amie@couriernewsroom.com to share your favorite snow story.

Demonstrators rally against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Hanover County on Jan. 28, 2026. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

By Michael O’Connor

Some activists in Virginia are part of a national movement organizing for a general strike today in protest of President Donald Trump’s violent crackdown on immigrants and protestors. 

Virginia organizations listed as supporting the “National Shutdown” campaign include 50501 Virginia, Arlington For Palestine, and Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. 

The effort was initially borne out of a growing coalition of Minnesota student groups, labor unions, immigration advocates, and national organizations who organized the campaign in response to the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. 

The “shutdown” calls on people not to work, not go to school, and not to shop today, Friday, Jan. 30. 

• Oppose ICE? Indivisible put together a “How to Rein in ICE Now” resource for those interested in taking action. And we’ve rounded up additional ways to get involved. (Read more)

• A group of Buddhist monks is traveling through Virginia on a Walk for Peace—and we went to see them. Dogwood’s newsletter editor shared her reflections on being part of the unique experience. (Read more)

• Virginia union members led a rally and march in downtown Richmond on Friday as part of a national day of protest against abductions and killings by agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is eyeing expanding its operations in the region. (Read more)

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