Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Do you know those times when you’re so blissfully excited about the possibility of something that you can’t even concentrate on what you’re supposed to be doing in the here and now? That’s where I’m at today. And before the rumor mill starts—and since my extended family reads this—yes, Colton is still our one and only child. It ain’t that. 

I don’t want to jinx anything, so I’ll be intentionally vague here for a week or two. It’s nothing work-related (AKA—as far as I know, you’re stuck with me). But if it happens, you’ll know. And my hope is that you’ll know sooner than later. I’m no Taylor Swift, but I’ll leave a pretty big Easter egg (hint) somewhere in today’s newsletter. Feel free to send your guesses to amie@couriernewsroom.com because I’m so glad you’re here.

Northern Virginia offers a variety of hiking experiences for humans and their animal companions. (Getty Images Signature)

By Stacy Rounds

Here’s what you need to know: In a recent readers’ poll, these regional trails were voted as the top spots for enjoying the great outdoors with your canine companion.

Your top picks:

• If there’s one place that embodies the spirit of adventure for both hikers and their canine pals, it’s Potomac Overlook Regional Park. This 67-acre park showcases some of the best natural beauty that Northern Virginia has to offer. Trails range from laid-back to let’s see what you’ve got.

• Prepare to unleash your pup’s adventurous spirit and perhaps a bit of their inner marathoner on the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail. This scenic trail winds through 5,000 acres of wild woodlands so you and your pup can enjoy some of Northern Virginia’s most picturesque landscapes.
• Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in Fairfax beckons hikers and their pups with an array of trails that cater to all levels of endurance and curiosity. From the hidden vistas on wooded hillsides to serene streams, Scott’s Run offers a picturesque backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with your furry companion.

Ready to roam? Virginia adventures abound for you and your four-legged friend at the link below. 

Oh man! We asked, y’all answered, and then we had a special edition. 

Let’s circle back around to last week’s question, since we didn’t get to it then: “What’s one thing you wish more Virginians knew about early voting?”

One response we received on Instagram stood out to me for the truth in its brevity. Pamela K. wrote: “Anyone can do it. It’s easy and quick.” 

So let’s get out and vote, Virginia!

Did you attend Dogwood’s first IRL (in real life) event? We hosted Voices of Virginia on Sept. 30 in Annandale, where an evening of panels on Virginia elections and their impact took place.

The moderated event was a first of its kind for our team, and we couldn’t be happier with how engaged our guests were—that really means a lot, and we thank everyone who participated and attended for being so wonderful.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves—but don’t just take our word for it! See what the panelists had to say at the link below.

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) is no longer issuing paper checks. The SSA has switched to electronic forms of payment. Here’s how you can set up your automatic payments with ease. (Read more)

• The rate of children without health insurance grew in Virginia and across the country, hitting its highest levels in more than a decade, according to a new study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Read more)

• Julie Kimmel and other parents in Northern Virginia are fighting Big Tech’s data center expansion—for a cleaner future for their families. (Read more)

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