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Hello Augusta County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Route 250 lane closures, a ghostly dark tales tour, and a Pokémon junior trainers event + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Augusta County help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Overnight traffic changes planned: VDOT will close the Route 250 on-ramp and I-81 South lanes near Staunton Thursday night, July 23, with rolling slowdowns and posted detours as widening work continues -- check the lane closures.
Community relief grows: Staunton’s cooling shelter at Faith Lutheran opened June 29 and saw about 15 guests daily amid intense heat, exceeding expectations as Senator Tim Kaine highlighted WARM amid rising shelter use -- see the shelter turnout.
Community support in action: Staunton’s AFSP Out of the Darkness walk will be Oct. 10 at Gypsy Hill Park, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention and connecting neighbors grieving a loved one -- see how to get involved.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Google your own name and you'll probably find your home address: It's sitting on a people-search site right now, next to your age, your relatives, and your phone number, free for anyone to look up. Aura gets it taken down. It contacts 420+ data brokers on your behalf, uses privacy laws to legally demand deletion, and keeps resending requests so your information doesn't creep back online. No hours of opt-out forms, it runs quietly in the background — remove your data.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Space-age cider vibes: Ciders from Mars pours Virginia-grown-apple ciders in a laid-back taproom that doubles as a gallery, with regular live music and a breezy patio for catching up. Start with a crisp Hellas Dry or small-batch Pink Oceans, then peek at the events lineup and make it a night.
Easy local reset: Gypsy Hill Park packs a little of everything for a midweek breather: a shady 1.3-mile loop for walks or bike laps, the Gypsy Express mini train for kid grin fuel, a duck pond, sports courts, plus bandstand concerts if you stick around.
Old mill, new cravings: Set in a restored turn-of-the-century flour mill, Mill Street Grill nails the classics with in-house cut steaks, daily seafood, and baby back ribs that locals swear by. When you want a laid-back, reliably great dinner close to home, this Staunton staple has you covered.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here. You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in Home Depot, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast. That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing. No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎻 Bluegrass @ Gypsy Hill Park (Staunton) | Wednesday (7/22) at 7:00 PM – Summer evenings call for banjo, a breeze, and the kind of porch-swing pacing we all appreciate. Bluegrass returns to Gypsy Hill as part of Staunton Parks and Rec’s summer series, free admission, great bands, shady lawns, and no hassle. A lawn chair saves knees.
🎵 Molly's Musikgarten @ Queen City Music Studios (Staunton) | Thursday (7/23) at 10:15 AM – Whether your tiny human keeps a beat or mostly wiggles on twos and sevens, Molly’s Musikgarten brings singalongs, scarves, and rhythm sticks to Gypsy Hill or indoors at Queen City. An 8-week, family-friendly groove that quietly boosts brains, and yes, you keep the tunes.
👻 Dark Tales of Staunton -- Summer Tours @ Staunton Visitor Center | Friday (7/24) at 8:00 PM – This 90-minute night walk into Staunton’s dark side blends real history, local legends, and ghostly lore. Expect courthouse haunts, hidden tunnels, the old asylum at a polite distance, and enough eerie stops to justify leaving the kids, and your bravado, at home.
🫐 Blackberry Jamboree @ Pavilion at Constitution Park (Waynesboro) | Saturday (7/25) at 9:00 AM – Think you know your way around a blackberry? Waynesboro Farmers Market is throwing a JAMboree with a two-bite tasting challenge, scones, jams, and kid-friendly shenanigans. It is the only jam you will be happy to be in, and yes, purple fingers are a badge.
🎉 Finale Party @ Waynesboro Public Library | Saturday (7/25) at 10:00 AM – Let the kids climb on the Public Works trucks out front, then retreat inside for board games and air conditioning. Little ones score a free kiddie Kona Ice, you get nostalgia, minimal meltdowns, and a moment to sip coffee and pretend this counts as enrichment.
⚡ Pokémon Junior Trainers Event @ Realm of Fables (Staunton) | Saturday (7/25) at 12:30 PM – Saturday afternoons, the space turns into a Pokémon playground just for kids and their patient trainers, er, parents, with plenty of playing, trading, and new friends. New to it? There is a bulk box to build a starter deck, and some blessed adult conversation.
🎸 Kickin' Back With Klines @ Sunset Park (Waynesboro) | Sunday (7/26) at 7:00 PM – Last-Sunday summer evenings at Sunset Park mean live tunes from Michael Clem, Klines ice cream, and a sunset that actually lives up to the name. Only in this town do we gather behind the recycling center and call it charming, and yes, it absolutely is.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Augusta County report Weather forecastToday — High: 86°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 38%
A chance of rain showers and patchy fog before 7am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers between 7am and 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 5%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. This house is wildThis Riverheads retreat pairs a spotless open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, and a large bonus room. The primary suite offers double closets and an en-suite bath, while the eat-in kitchen and elegant dining room bring style and function. Outside, lush hydrangeas, a cozy back porch, and a massive 2,400 sq ft detached building make it truly stand out.
Take a peek inside → |
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