Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Today’s intro won’t be long. Your community editor is currently out shopping, and boy is it every busy out here. As a former (and sometimes practicing) insomniac, Black Friday’s always held a special place in my heart. It’s the one time of year everyone seems to be on my schedule! 

Today, I’m out with my precious Mama, and that’s time well spent. Whether you’re out enjoying the hustle and bustle, reconsidering your career path if you’re in retail, or are gladly cozied up at home while the rest of us fight over $2 blankets, I’m so glad you’re here. 

Here’s what you need to know: As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate Virginia’s rich craftsmanship and heritage than by giving locally-made gifts that reflect the commonwealth’s unique flavors, designs, and traditions. From artisanal chocolates and handcrafted leather goods to wines, spirits, and one-of-a-kind jewelry, Virginia boasts a wide array of products that make perfect presents for everyone on your list. 

Our top picks: 

• Gearharts Fine Chocolates—Founded in 2001 by globetrotting chef Tim Gearhart, Gearharts Fine Chocolates creates artisanal chocolates inspired by Tim’s culinary travels across the world. Starting in a small office kitchenette, Tim hand-dipped 700 pieces a day; today, the company crafts over 13,000 chocolates daily.

• Shockoe Atelier— Founded in 2012, Shockoe Atelier crafts high-quality, handmade jeans using the finest denim, with a focus on ethically manufactured apparel. Located in the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia, the brand combines traditional European tailoring with American workwear, reflecting the spirit of the multicultural American dream.

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon—At The Shops at Mount Vernon, purchases benefit the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, a private non-profit dedicated to maintaining George Washington’s estate. Highlights include the George Washington Sword Letter Opener ($45), a sterling silver-finished piece modeled after Washington’s ceremonial sword, and the 2024 Mount Vernon Annual Ornament ($24), which commemorates his 1789 inauguration with the presidential oath inscribed on the back.

Still looking for that perfect present? We’ve got ideas to help fill Santa’s sleigh below. 

Question of the Week: What’s a gift you would be happy to receive this year? Or one you’re chomping at the bit to give? I’m always excited to hear about what makes your eyes go wide with wonder. Be sure to reach out to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Virginia, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, is home to some of the most scenic drives in the United States. The commonwealth’s designated scenic byways offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and heritage of the region, from the Appalachian Mountains to the nation’s capital.

Established in 1999, the Virginia Scenic Byways Program—managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation—recognizes routes with significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational features. Here are five must-visit scenic byways in Virginia that showcase the best of what the commonwealth has to offer.

Click below to explore some of the most beautiful wintry routes our state has to offer. 

• A WalletHub study analyzed nearly 300 cities spanning the country, taking factors like the number of teams per city, the teams’ winning percentage, and the fans’ social-media engagement into account. The city of Charlottesville scored the 25th spot, ranking as one of the best places for US college basketball fans (READ MORE HERE).

• Native American history in Virginia dates farther back than 1607 when colonists first touched down in the commonwealth. In fact, evidence of native cultures in America spans back tens of thousands of years. Near the turn of the 20th century, Encyclopedia Virginia reports that a “cultural renaissance bloomed,” and scholars began to study Indigenous history more closely (READ MORE HERE).

• Winning by 5% of the vote for his district, Suhas Subramanyam made history as the first Indian-American congressman to serve the commonwealth. When Subramanyam’s parents first arrived in the United States, they landed via plane at Dulles Airport. Decades later, their son won a history-making seat in the same district (READ MORE HERE).

This week, we’re featuring a basketball highlight! If you’d like to see your team’s accomplishments broadcast on Dogwood’s platforms, send a note and photo to amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this message. Just be sure you have permission to share from all of the proper sources—players/guardians, photographers, and coaches/schools, to name a few.

The Hoos did it again! With a final score in favor of the University of Virginia women’s basketball team, the Cavaliers won 82-48 over the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats earlier this month.

It was the team’s fourth-straight win at home, and fourth game in a row where the opposing team scored 50 points or less.

While several of the players scored big, Taylor Lauterbach had an especially impressive play, when a teammate passed the ball to her and she took a shot from the three-point line. At that moment, the broadcaster commented with enthusiasm, “Lauterbach—makes her chance, and why not?”

You can watch the epic swoosh by clicking the tweet card above. 

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