Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

How snowed in are you? Over the weekend, we picked up an additional 8 inches of snow on top of our 4-inch blanket of sleet. I think Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction yesterday was correct—because even if we get some springtime temperatures before Mar. 20, I don’t see how all of this could melt by then (exaggerating, of course).

We’re going to be digging out around here for a while longer, but you might be ready to go back out and explore. Whether you’re itching for adventure—or planning your next day-trip when you can leave your driveway again—today’s lead story can help with that. I’m so glad you’re here.

Hungry Mother State Park is a beautiful winter destination. (Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: From the snow-covered peaks of the Appalachians to the mild coastal areas along the Potomac, Virginia’s state parks provide a variety of winter experiences for visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty. 

Our top picks: 

• Brave enough to embrace winter camping? Pocahontas, Shenandoah River, Douthat, and Hungry Mother state parks maintain facilities throughout the winter months, providing a perfect basecamp for cold-weather exploration.

• Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at Pocahontas State Park, where early morning hours offer the best viewing of non-migratory birds and red-tailed hawks. The park’s extensive trail system winds through diverse habitats, from hardwood forests to wetlands, providing numerous opportunities to spot winter residents.

• Visitors can marvel at the stars during special astronomy events at York River, High Bridge Trail, and Sky Meadows state parks, where the crisp winter air and early sunsets provide ideal conditions for stargazing. 

Ready to explore? We’ve got more seasonal options for you at the link below. 

Virginia’s decision to opt into a new federal school voucher program is drawing close attention from educators and critics. (Vic Hinterlang/Shutterstock)

By Jessica F. Simmons

In Virginia, public schools remain where most students learn and where education dollars are concentrated. They anchor neighborhoods, employ local residents, and shape which resources are available to kids day to day.

That context is why Virginia’s decision to opt into a new federal school voucher program is drawing close attention from educators and critics—even as supporters say the move expands options for families.

But a question remains: “Which families is this program designed to help?”

Earlier this year, former Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia would participate in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, becoming the first state in the country to formally opt into the program. 

While Virginia has had limited school choice initiatives before, educators say this decision marks a significant expansion that could have statewide consequences for public school funding.

You can visit the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy. (National Park Service)

By Aila Boyd

Did you know that you can visit Booker T. Washington’s birthplace? And that the site is a national monument?

Despite being born a slave in 1856 on a 207-acre farm in rural Franklin County, Washington went on to become one of the country’s best-known historical Black figures. 

“After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School,” according to the National Park Service. “Later as an advisor, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of his era.” 

When visiting the monument, start off at the visitor center to view the exhibits and watch an audio-visual presentation about Washington’s life. From there, you can walk on one of two trails around the old plantation. The farm and garden areas depict what life was like there in the 1850s.

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