Looking for that one last hurrah before the school season is in full-swing? I know, I know—for some districts, it’s already started! But there are still a multitude of fun things to do with the kiddos before whispers of SOLs come into the conversation. We’re featuring a few of those in today’s lead story.
As for our household, we’ll roll out the red carpet for our fourth year of homeschooling after Labor Day. So be sure to stay tuned for all of the third grade shenanigans; I’m sure there’ll be plenty—and I’m so glad you’ll be here for all of them.
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The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center features 200 aircraft and spacecraft. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Given its unique history and culture, it should come as no surprise that Virginia has a wide range of museums that spotlight topics such as history, art, and the military.
Our top (free) picks:
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The Salem Museum is the place to go if you’re looking to learn about more than 300 years of Blue Ridge Mountains history. The exhibits touch on such topics as history, art, and sports. Notably, “Through Their Eyes: The Moments That Made Salem” looks back on the 16 major events that shaped Salem and the Roanoke Valley, starting in 1671.
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Spend an entire afternoon wandering the 50 galleries that make up the Chrysler Museum of Art to see as many of the 30,000 objects that call the museum home as possible. “Imperial Colors: Chinese Glass at the Chrysler Museum” is a standout exhibit, offering a glimpse into the world of Chinese glassmaking from 1750 to 1950. The exhibit runs through Sept. 13.
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The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the place to go in Virginia for aircraft enthusiasts. The center features more than 3,000 objects, including 200 aircraft and spacecraft. Learn about the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe in the “World War II German Aviation” exhibit, or check out the Discovery, the third space shuttle orbiter vehicle to fly in space, which was in service from 1981 to 2011.
Want more to explore? We’ve rounded up some of Virginia’s best free museums for you to enjoy.
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Amie (left) and Colton Knowles got the scoop on the cutest truck with the creamiest ice cream. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
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By Amie Knowles
You’ll see this in an upcoming Beauty and the Budget travel video later this summer, but it was so good, I can’t gate-keep it!
On our way home from a fun day in Lynchburg, my son and I stopped for ice cream at Daysie. It’s a food truck parked at Davis Produce (13475 Wards Road) specializing in flavors from Homestead Creamery. Bonus Virginia points? The creamery is headquartered right in our commonwealth in Wirtz.
It was nice and hot when Colton and I pulled into the parking lot—I’m talking 4:30 p.m. early August heat. Perfect for a scoop of ice cream. He chose the Lemon Crunch flavor, and I went with my classic favorite, Cookie Dough. We each ordered the mini size, and it was the perfect snack to tide us over until dinner at Frank’s in Tightsqueeze.
I wish I could link straight to Daysie, but I can’t seem to find a standalone online presence quite yet. I’d suggest reaching out to Davis Produce to confirm hours, and then swing by to try this new sweet spot!
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Earlier this week, we asked how confident you were that Virginia’s election process is fair and secure.
If there was an award for the most thorough opinion I received, it’d go to Bonnie C. She expressed that while she’s never had to worry about the integrity and security of voting in Virginia in the past, concerns are rising this time around.
“This year, I’m very, very concerned with the district and frightening possibility of federal interference and possible cancelling of elections, based on lies, a manufactured ‘national emergency,’ and false propaganda, as directed from the office of the president and the passive acceptance of both the House and Senate controlled by Republicans,” Bonnie wrote.
She also raised concerns about the current administration’s respect of state sovereignty when it comes to voting. Do you share the same worries? Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com and let me know.
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Back-to-school savings are coming to Virginia this weekend. Stock up on qualifying clothing and school supplies—as well as select emergency preparedness items—without paying sales tax from Aug. 7-9.
Qualifying items include:
👕 Clothing and footwear—$100 or less per item
✏️ School supplies —$20 or less per item
🔌 Portable generators — $1,000 or less per item
⛽️ Gas-powered chainsaws — $350 or less per item
👍 Chainsaw accessories — $60 or less per item
🚨 Other specified emergency preparedness items — $60 or less per item
💧 Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products — $2,500 or less per item
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Democrats and Republicans nominated their candidates to run in this fall’s midterm elections on Tuesday. Elaine Luria won 80% of the vote in the four-way race to be the Democratic nominee for the 2nd Congressional District in Hampton Roads. The rematch between Luria and Rep. Jen Kiggans is expected to be one of the most competitive congressional races in Virginia and the country. (Read more)
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Will Virginia’s new school voucher program actually help every student—or just the families who can already afford choice? Critics say Virginia’s new program won’t benefit students equally after all. Here’s why. (Watch here)
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Ahead of the midterms in November, the League of Women Voters is hosting a national day of action on Saturday, Aug. 8 to help boost voter registration, education, and turnout. Want to find an event near you? We’ve got them listed. (Read more)
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Would you share this newsletter with a friend?
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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, Michael O’Connor, Carly Seward Maher, and Ava Edwards. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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