Save for the first several minutes of the second half, the No. 21 Virginia Cavaliers dominated NC State on Saturday afternoon to pick up their first ACC win of the year, 76-61. Sam Lewis led all scorers with 23 points, 20 of which came in the first half as he alone matched NC State’s first-half output.
Virginia
2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns In West Virginia
Are you craving a slower pace surrounded by breathtaking beauty? West Virginia offers the ultimate escape within the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Renowned for its “almost heaven” charm, the Mountain State is home to small towns that showcase the true spirit of Appalachia. From the historic cobblestone streets of Shepherdstown to the eclectic art scene in Thomas, there is something for everyone in West Virginia. Whether hiking the iconic Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry or experiencing the thrill of whitewater rafting in Fayetteville, these adorable small towns in West Virginia offer an unforgettable getaway in 2024.
Lewisburg
Blending historic charm, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, Lewisburg stands out as one of the most adorable small towns to visit in 2024. The downtown area boasts historical architecture, including the town’s Carnegie Hall. Built in 1902, it is one of only four continuously operating Carnegie Halls in the country, showcasing art galleries and musical performances. Just a short stroll from downtown, the North House Museum offers insights into the town’s rich Civil War history, while the nearby Barracks, built in 1799, provide a glimpse into the early days of Lewisburg. For a unique experience, enjoy a pint at the Livery Tavern, a 19th-century horse stable turned cozy tavern.
Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the “almost heaven” beauty of the area. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile route along a former railroad line, is perfect for hiking, biking, and soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. For an unforgettable adventure, visit the Lost World Caverns, where a subterranean journey 120 feet below the surface reveals stunning cave formations.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown has been one of the most adorable small towns in the state since being founded on December 23, 1762. As one of the oldest towns in the state, Shepherdstown offers a perfect blend of historical charm and relaxation. Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, nature lovers enjoy peaceful strolls along the trails in Riverfront Park, with easy access to the tranquil waters. Outdoor enthusiasts can also walk or bike along the eight-mile stretch of the C&O Canal on the Potomac Heritage Trail, which spans from Shepherdstown to Sharpsburg, Maryland.
Since it is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia, history buffs will find much to explore in Shepherdstown. The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located in the historic downtown area, tells the story of the town’s unique past. Its 2024 Speakers Series shares the stories of African Americans, Native Americans, and the National Historic Road in Shepherdstown. More history is on display in the National Historic District, including the Shepherdstown Opera House. Built in 1910, visitors can enjoy live music, movies, and shows in this charming setting.
Berkeley Springs
Steeped in history and natural wonders, Berkeley Springs is the ultimate West Virginia retreat, offering soothing mineral springs and health spas. For centuries, visitors have traveled to this enchanting town to experience the rejuvenating properties of its mineral springs. Berkeley Springs State Park is home to historic mineral spas and bathhouses that have been in use since colonial times. In fact, George Washington began visiting the spa as early as 1748. Today, visitors can view the George Washington Bathtub and enjoy a soak in the Old Roman and Main bathhouses.
For more history, explore the eccentric Berkeley Springs Castle. Built between 1885 and 1891 by 100 German masons, this 9,300-square-foot castle sits on a hilltop and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While enjoying the town’s historical buildings, relax by watching a movie or concert at the historic Star Theatre. Originally built as a garage in 1916, it was transformed into an adorable theater in 1928.
Thomas
This tiny town of just 600 residents is one of the most adorable small towns in the Allegheny Mountains. Thomas is known for its vibrant arts scene, centered around the historic Front Street. Enjoy live music, along with views of the rolling hills, at the popular music venue, the Purple Fiddle. Explore local shops and art galleries, such as Invisible, for a unique taste of the town’s eclectic character. For the full art experience in Thomas, explore various galleries and enjoy local art exhibits during the 2024 Artober Fest from October 4-6.
While downtown Thomas offers art, music, and local shops, the town is also a haven for outdoor adventures. Explore the nearby Blackwater Falls State Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views. Thomas also offers a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and quiet in 2024. Visitors can hike or bike along the scenic trails in Thomas City Park, soaking in the serenity of the mountains and pristine waters of the Blackwater River.
Fayetteville
Perfectly situated near the stunning New River Gorge, Fayetteville is a gateway to outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. The New River, one of North America’s oldest rivers, is ideal for picnicking, swimming, or simply relaxing by its calming waters. Fayetteville’s historic downtown adds to its small-town charm. Enjoy a show at the Fayette Theater, originally built in 1938, or savor a meal at the Cathedral Cafe, a former church featuring stunning stained glass windows.
Adventure seekers can explore New River Gorge National Park, a 70,000-acre haven for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking through lush forests and dramatic cliffs.
The area is also home to the historic New River Gorge Bridge. Built in 1977, this architectural marvel is one of the highest and longest arch bridges in the world, standing 876 feet high and spanning 3,030 feet. For a unique experience, visit on October 19, 2024, for Bridge Day, when you can witness BASE jumping off the bridge and enjoy a festival celebrating its completion.
Harpers Ferry
Rich in history and scenic landscapes, Harpers Ferry is one of the most adorable small towns in West Virginia to visit in 2024. Visit John Brown’s Fort where the namesake fought against slavery in a precursor to the Civil War. Explore restored buildings in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and stroll down historic High Street. Perched atop a scenic hill, High Street is home to local stores, the John Brown Wax Museum, and “almost heaven” scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
For nature enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail offers hiking with a side of rugged beauty. Outdoor lovers and history buffs alike will want to take the Trail through town to view the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which served as a hospital and barracks during the Civil War. More outdoor adventures await in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Rent a kayak and glide through the pristine waters, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting for an adrenaline rush. As the day winds down, savor a delicious meal at The Rabbit Hole, a local favorite known for its stunning river and mountain views.
Davis
Experience the perfect blend of art and nature in the charming town of Davis. Perched at a lofty 3,520 feet, Davis boasts crisp mountain air and stunning vistas. Explore 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, cascading waterfalls, and colorful flora at Blackwater Falls State Park. In 2024, witness the forest ablaze with color on Timberline Mountain during the Tucker County 2024 Artoberfest, held October 4-6, 2024. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing on the surrounding mountains.
For a tranquil escape, Davis Riverfront Park offers a serene oasis and a glimpse into the town’s logging heritage. In town, anglers can cast a line in the Blackwater River, while art enthusiasts will appreciate the works of local artisans at WVHighlands Artisans Group. Afterward, unwind with a craft beer at Stumptown Ales or indulge in delicious pizza at the Sirianni’s Café, both local favorites.
Summersville
Discover the hidden charm of Summersville in 2024. While the name might suggest a summer paradise,this picturesque town offers a delightful escape throughout the year. Summersville Lake, the state’s largest lake, is a tranquil spot for boating, fishing, and relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, biking, and even rock climbing at Summersville Lake State Park. For a heart-pounding adventure, the nearby Gauley River is a whitewater rafter’s paradise. Its Class V+ rapids offer an exhilarating challenge for experienced thrill-seekers.
Beyond its natural beauty, Summersville boasts a rich history. Discover the town’s past at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, where a pivotal Civil War battle unfolded. Explore the battlefield, visit the Henry Patterson House Museum, and learn more about the region’s rich heritage. After a day of adventure, unwind in Summersville’s charming downtown. Sip on West Virginia wines at Kirkwood Winery or join the local festivities at the Nicholas County Potato Festival on September 6 and 7, 2024.
Almost Heaven West Virginia Towns
Whether an adventure seeker in Summersville, a history enthusiast visiting Harpers Ferry, or someone simply looking for a peaceful retreat in Davis, West Virginia’s small towns offer something for everyone. These hidden gems are a perfect escape from the ordinary, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, discover rich histories, and create unforgettable memories. Unwind, explore, and rediscover the joy of slow living in these adorable West Virginia towns in 2024.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Get the flu shot, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick — that’s the message coming from Virginia’s Health Department as data shows flu cases soaring in northern Virginia.
Flu-related emergency room visits have tripled in just the last couple of weeks.
Pharmacies including this one are also reportedly seeing more patients coming in for the flu, with more severe symptoms.
By the numbers:
According to new data, 30% of Virginia residents received flu shots this year, despite doctors saying it’s one of the best ways to protect against the illness.
“I’m seeing an increase in the number of people who are coming here for medication and severity as well,” said Janice Granmayeh, who works at a pharmacy in McLean. “Peak season in our area is usually January, February, March.”
The Virginia Department of Health says flu diagnoses at emergency room visits tripled the last two weeks of December.
“I’m a firm believer in the vaccine. I’ve been vaccinated. All I can say is do your best to stay healthy,” Manassas resident Michael Spratley told FOX 5.
We’re told flu cases across all of Virginia are increasing based on two reporting periods — one ending Dec. 13 and another ending being Dec. 27.
During this second reporting period, there were 1,800 reported flu cases compared to just shy of 100 COVID cases.
What they’re saying:
Health officials say while a spike in flu during the holidays is normal, it’s the extreme spike that’s raising concerns.
“The first thing is vaccination. Vaccination is still very effective even with the news,” said Dr. David Rose with the Alexandria Health Department.
It’s not too late to get the flu shot and doctors and pharmacists are encouraging people to do so.
A 40-20 halftime lead gave the Cavaliers the cushion they needed to handle a big NC State run to begin the second half. The ’Hoos allowed the lead to slip to just nine points, but they responded with a run of their own that restored the lead to 22 points. The Wolfpack were unable to respond again, and the Cavaliers cruised to victory down the stretch.
From the first ACC win of the year, here are five takeaways:
This was a much-needed win for Virginia.
The Cavaliers were on the road again for their second straight game to begin ACC play. After an underwhelming performance in Blacksburg on Wednesday resulted in a triple overtime loss, getting a win in Raleigh was a must. Doing so in a largely dominant fashion was the cherry on top.
The Cavaliers jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead and looked to be headed for a comfortable win. The Wolfpack responded with a 15-4 run to begin the second half, far from what Ryan Odom would have liked to see from his team. However, the ‘Hoos promptly responded with a 20-6 run that restored the 20-point lead.
Thijs De Ridder was the catalyst in that stretch, scoring a few tough buckets in the paint and drilling a three-pointer. The Belgian big man totaled 12 points and six rebounds in the second half.
Sam Lewis bounced back from a poor shooting performance vs. Virginia Tech.
For the first time all season, Ryan Odom started Devin Tillis over Sam Lewis against the Hokies on Wednesday. Neither player shot the ball well – Tillis went 3-of-12 from the floor, Lewis was 0-for-5 – and the Cavaliers suffered a triple overtime loss to their rival.
Odom went back to the lineup he’s used most of the year, starting Lewis against NC State. The move paid off as Lewis caught fire in the first half, scoring 20 points to match NC State’s team total in the first half. The Toledo transfer scored the first six points of the game and 12 of Virginia’s first 15 points. He drilled 4-of-5 from three in the first half alone.
Lewis finished the game with 23 points on 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-9 from three.
Quick ball movement remains the key to UVA’s offensive success.
Duh, every basketball coach at every level will tell you that. But the quick ball movement Virginia operated with extensively in the first half proved as much, causing the NC State defense major problems. The ‘Hoos were getting open looks from the outside, both by whipping the ball around the perimeter and from kicking it out on drives into the paint. NC State couldn’t keep up.
The offense went a little stagnant to start the second half, and the Wolfpack took advantage, cutting Virginia’s lead to nine points. When the Cavaliers got back to quick passing and stopped getting stuck with one guy dribbling too much, they went on a big run of their own, regained their 20-plus point lead, and allowed the home crowd to leave early to beat the traffic.
Virginia’s defense was stout.
The 61 points scored by NC State in this game were the fewest scored by the Wolfpack this season. The Cavaliers held them to just 20 points and three assists in the first half, while the Wolfpack turned it over seven times.
Will Wade’s group found more success in the second half, scoring 41 points after the break, but it was still far from enough. The Wolfpack offense would have benefited from more of the quick ball movement that the Virginia offense utilized so effectively. Instead, UVA held NC State to only seven assists in the game and a lowly 36.0% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range.
Virginia returns home without needing to hit the panic button.
The Cavaliers sorely missed Jacari White in the loss against Virginia Tech on Wednesday, but his absence was far less noticeable against NC State. Virginia shot 50.0% from the field and 39.4% from three while recording 14 assists. For comparison, against the Hokies, Virginia shot 36.0% from the field and 22.2% from three and notched only 15 assists in the triple overtime affair.
The Cavaliers certainly would like to get White back as soon as possible, but Saturday afternoon’s performance proved it isn’t time to panic about this team’s ability to shoot well against ACC opponents without the spark White has provided off the bench.
Virginia can now return home with renewed confidence for a pair of tough games against California and Stanford ahead of a big road game at No. 16 Louisville. Notably, Cal defeated then-No. 18 UCLA earlier in the year, while Stanford knocked off Louisville on Friday in Palo Alto.
Virginia
This Virginia mom ‘had to do something’ after her teen son’s sudden death: ‘There are no do-overs’
NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. — A Virginia mother who lost her 16-year-old son in a car crash six years ago is using her tragedy to advocate for safer roads during what experts say is one of the most dangerous driving periods of the year.
Tammy Gweedo McGee will never forget the phone call she received when her son, Connor, was killed by an unlicensed underage driver leaving a homecoming dance.
“I don’t want another mother to be me,” McGee said. “It’s heartbreaking every day to relive the death of your son.”
According to the National Road Safety Foundation, the end of the year leading up to New Year’s is one of the most dangerous times on roadways and highways, with a spike in crashes. While crash statistics are on the rise in Virginia, McGee has made it her mission to fight for change in honor of her son to make roadways safer.
“For me, it was lay down and die or stand up and fight. For me, I only had two choices: I had to do something,” McGee said.
WTVR
I’ve been following McGee’s story for years, but she recently showed me her safe haven — a corner tucked away in her home filled with pictures of Connor, his soccer jerseys and high school memories. Memories McGee says will forever live on.
“He was just so full of life,” McGee said.
A life taken too soon led McGee to start the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, where she travels to speak to teens and adults about staying safe behind the wheel. She’s successfully lobbied for legislative changes in this year’s General Assembly session, inspired by Connor. She says she plans to advocate for more changes so this doesn’t happen to someone else’s child.
“One of the most important things to realize is there are no do-overs in driving,” McGee said. “You don’t get to say, ‘Sorry, I killed your son.’ You don’t get to say, ‘I was just picking up the phone to check my texts, I didn’t mean to.’”
It’s a reminder this holiday season to have fun, but most importantly, be responsible.
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