March 15, 2022

collegiatetimes.com

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

D AY T R I P S

A CT SPECIAL ISSUE

March 15, 2022

News

PAGE 2 March 15, 2022

editor@collegiatetimes.com

collegiatetimes.com

COVID-19 update: President Biden reveals COVID-19 plans, Virginia Tech lifts mask mandates The National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan tackles preventing shutdowns and encouraging vaccinations.

ANTHONY CUSAT news writer

On Wednesday, March 2, President Joe Biden released the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan following his State of the Union Address the day prior.

In the plan, Biden laid out four nationwide and global objectives: to protect against and treat COVID-19, prepare for new variants, prevent economic and educational shutdowns and continue to vaccinate the world.

Counselor to the President of the United States, Jeffery Zients, said in a March 2 press conference that the plan is a “product of many weeks of work with experts inside and outside of government — local public health leaders, governors, and partners across our federal agencies.”

In addition to free government-provided

OUR CORE VALUES

Impartiality means reporting, editing and delivering the news honestly, fairly, objectively and without opinion or bias.

Credibility is the greatest asset of any news medium, and impartiality is the greatest source of credibility.

To provide the most complete report, a news organization must not just cover the news, but uncover it. It must follow the story wherever it leads, regardless of any preconceived ideas on what might be most newsworthy.

The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is therefore not to determine what they believe at that time to be the truth and reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as

tests and N95 masks in various pharmacies and grocery stores, Zients also said the government will “continue to ensure that our schools, workers, and workplaces have the resources they need.”

On March 4, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands announced masks were optional indoors for campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and Richmond but mandatory indoors in Blacksburg. However, on Friday, March 11, Virginia Tech removed its indoor masking requirements for its Blacksburg and Roanoke campuses, except on public transit and in health care settings.

As of March 11, Virginia Tech’s COVID-19 dashboard showed seven out of 218 tests administered in the last seven days had positive results. There are four self-reported active cases among students, of which 33.3% have mild symptoms and 66.7% have moderate

completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.

Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times.

All letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include Blacksburg, VA, 24061 position and department. Other submissions must include opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times.

Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.

365 Squires Student Center

symptoms.

As of March 11, the Virginia Department of Health’s dashboard indicates the state has had 1,653,212 reported total cases, an increase of 16,702 cases since the CT’s last update. There were also 676 additional reported deaths since

the last update, leaving the state’s death toll at 19,212.

@CollegiateTimes

New Classroom Building (NCB), Jan. 31, 2021.

TUAN TRAN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

COLL LLEG EGIA IAT TE TIMES

NEWSROOM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

231-9865 Editor-in-Chief: Tori Walker (editor@collegiatetimes.com) Managing editors: Lexi Solomon, Momiji Barlow and Colleen Henneberry Design editors: Sydney Johnson and Celina Ng Copy editors: Emily Burch, Sean Lyons and Kendra Sollars News editors: Momiji Barlow and Victoria Weber Lifestyles editors: Molly Dye and Olivia Ferrare Sports editors: Claire Castagno, Devin Shepard and Amber Williams Opinions editors: Abby Durrer and Julianne Joyce Photo editor: Ethan Candelario

Social media editors: Emily Logue (Twitter) and Deanna Driver (Facebook) Tori Walker (Instagram) Have a news tip? newstips@collegiatetimes.com BUSINESS STAFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

231-9860 Business manager: Charlie Setash (business@collegemedia.com) MEDIAMATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

888-897-7711 collegiatetimes.com/media_kit/ orders@mymediamate.com

The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2020. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Collegiate Times. Read about our organization’s Core Values online at collegiatetimes.com.

Opinions

editor@collegiatetimes.com

R

collegiatetimes.com

March 15, 2022 PAGE 3

Gov. Youngkin should expand access to contraceptives to lower abortion rates

If Youngkin wants to reduce the number of abortions in the state, he must focus on sex education and contraceptive use.

epublican Glenn Youngkin, the new governor of Virginia, must act prudently when deciding whether he should continue posing as a moderate or conform to Republican idealism. Youngkin should dismiss the rebellious anti-abortion schemes of other states and push for increased access to contraceptives — focusing on the root of the issue.

The fresh face of Virginia discussed abor t ion sporad ica l ly du r i ng h is campaign in 2021. While fundraising in the summer, he said he could not expound on his proposals in fear of alienating independent voters in the state.

Youngkin told a group of supporters he opposed public funding of abortions and assured them, “When I’m governor, and I have a majority in the House, we can start going on offense.” The method and extent of this particular offensive strategy is unknown, but it is apparent Gov. Youngkin is more conservative than he let on during his campaign.

“Youngkin does not need to fight this battle and nor should he want to,” said Karen Hult, Ph.D., a professor of political science at Virginia Tech. “Youngkin does not want to be fighting this battle in public view … they can fight this battle for him,” Hult said, referring to the consequential appointments the governor has recently made.

“The authority over abortion laws may return to the states,” Hult said, noting a recent letter to the Supreme Court in which Virginia’s new attorney general, Jason Miyares, rescinded the state’s opposition to Mississippi’s challenge of previous abortion decisions.

“Virginia is now of the view that the Constitution is silent on the question of abortion, and that it is therefore up to the people in the several States to determine the legal status and regulatory treatment of abortion,” wrote Andrew Ferguson, the state’s solicitor general.

In June 2022, the Supreme Court is

expected to rule on a crucial case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which stems from a 2018 Mississippi state law banning nearly all abortions after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The case calls into question the judgment of Roe v. Wade, which acknowledges a right to privacy under the Due Process Clause in the 14th Amendment.

Texas recently enacted a critical piece of pro-life legislation commonly known as a “heartbeat bill,” although “medical and reproductive health experts say the reference to a heartbeat at that stage of a pregnancy is medically inaccurate as an embryo does not have a developed heart at six weeks’ gestation,” according to The Texas Tribune.

Compared to Mississippi, this law goes much further in challenging the Roe v.

Wade decision by banning abortions after just six weeks of gestation — a time when many people do not yet know they are pregnant. Indeed, if the court rules to overturn Roe v. Wade later this year, it will surely lead to other Republican states implementing copycat laws.

Senate Democrats in Virginia recently struck down a bill which would have prohibited women in the state from having abortions after 20 weeks except in the case of a medical emergency. During the gubernatorial debate, Youngkin said he would support a fetal-pain threshold bill which would restrict abortion when the fetus could feel pain.

The research provided by Republicans to support the bill is flawed because, according to FactCheck,“P ublished research generally supports an experience of pain being possible only later in gestation than 20 weeks.”

Gov. Youngkin said he would not have signed the Texas abortion law because it was infeasible. However, when the proposal was presented to him by supporters, he told them, “You’re on the right track.”

Youngkin incorrectly told a group of

supporters that “a majority of Virginians vastly agree with taking back (the) ground that was taken away from us,” referring to previously instituted abortion requirements in the state.

A majority of Virginians support abortion but also say it isn’t a significant issue: According to a 2021 AP VoteCast survey, only 5% of voters ranked abortion as the most important problem facing the state. In a 2014 Pew Research Center study, over a third of Virginia Republicans said abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Youngkin, with the help of Republicans in the House, can lower the number of abortions through legislation that would increase the supply of contraceptives accompanied by an expansion in comprehensive safe-sex education.

The interval of time between when an individual first has intercourse and when they first get married has been widening over the last 60 years. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, 45% of all pregnancies as of 2011 were unintended. Data from the Guttmacher Institute show that around 95% of women who had unintended pregnancies were either using contraceptives incorrectly, inconsistently or not at all.

“It’s not so much about ending abortion, but instead making it rare as possible,” Hult said, citing the abortion stance of former President Bill Clinton: “Safe, Legal and Rare.”

Youngkin could attempt to cut state funds that go strictly toward abortion procedures. However, according to the Virginia Department of Health, the only time “public funds may be used for abortion services in Virginia … where pregnancy results from rape or incest” or “where the pregnancy threatens the life or health of the mother/birthing person” — cases in which Youngkin has vocally supported the decision to terminate the pregnancy.

The other qualification for utilizing

state funding is when the fetus has an “incapacitating physical deformity or mental deficiency.” The governor has yet to mention his position on this specific criterion.

Youngkin’s predecessor, Gov. Ralph Nor tham, signed multiple abor tion protections into law during his term.

Potentially, Youngkin could start by nudging the House into taking incremental steps to remove particular laws recently passed by the Democratcontrolled Virginia Legislature in 2021.

The only problem with this method is practicality: Republicans only have a two-seat majority in the House and are a minority in the Senate by one seat.

Unfortunately for Youngkin and his supporters, it seems the way he described Texas and Mississippi’s anti-abortion laws during the debate also perfectly summarizes his limited options: “unworkable and confusing.” If Youngkin attempts to push new abortion regulations in Virginia, he may lose support from the independent voters he desperately pampered during his campaign. If he doesn’t utilize the opportunity to restrict abortion, he may risk losing the fidelity of his conservative supporters.

It is a good thing Youngkin does not have anti-abortion measures high on his list of priorities as governor because the process would be a tough endeavor; the work involved to achieve the minor partisan benefits of passing a few abortion restrictions would not be worth the effort. He should work towards real solutions. If the legislation does somehow reach Youngkin’s desk, though, he will almost certainly put his own values and Republican achievement over the interests of Virginia voters.

JORDAN MEADOWS • senior • multimedia journalism & political science

Lifestyles

editor@collegiatetimes.com

collegiatetimes.com

March 15, 2022 PAGE 4

Collegiate Times staffers’ favorite day trips

In the mood for a road trip? Check out some of our staffers’ previous day trip destinations for inspiration.

COLLEGIATE TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF

Olivia Ferrare, lifestyles section editor Claytor Lake State Park Going through freshman year during COVID times made it really hard to explore the area and bond with my friends.

I’m also the worst hiker ever (weak ankles and terrible balance make even Bald Knob or Cascades hard for me), but my trip to Claytor Lake with my friends in April 2021 was one of my best memories of that semester. We all piled in my friend’s car with the windows rolled down all the way and blasted country music on the scenic 30-minute drive to the beach. The beach is pretty small, but there’s a nice bathroom cabin and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. There’s even a small floating dock close to the shoreline that we would jump off of and hold swimming races with random strangers. The water was also freezing cold, but it felt so nice after a particularly intense spikeball tournament we conducted with the groups of students around us. I would highly recommend going when the weather warms up as a break from studying for finals or even as a pre-graduation celebration for seniors.

It’s a picturesque spot that brought a little bit of the beach to the mountains of the New River Valley.

Momiji Barlow, news section editor & managing editor New River Junction Tubing Last summer, I made the discovery that there was a place to go tubing not 20 minutes from campus. Since COVID-19 put a wrench in my freshman year, I hadn’t yet had the chance to discover fun spots like this, so I owe it to the older students I met through being an Orientation Leader for introducing me. After having spent an entire summer in Blacksburg, I can easily say tubing at the New River Junction is one of the best ways to spend a day in the NRV when the weather is stifling. The price depends on whether you’re there on a weekend/ holiday or a weekday, but either way, it was reasonable, and the memories I made were well worth the money. After receiving our tubes and

life jackets, we set off down the winding river at a leisurely pace. Just make sure you don’t forget to apply sunscreen, or else you’ll be fried to a crisp. After floating for around 40 minutes, you’ll reach the shuttle pick-up location, where you can be taken back up for another round (and another, and another…). If you want to be a little more adventurous, however, you can stay in the water to head toward the rapids. My friends and I went down the river and the rapids countless times until we were worn out and our fingers were pruney. I can’t recommend tubing at the New River Junction enough — it’s a great way to cool off and make some memories.

Abby Durrer, opinions section editor Dragon’s Tooth Trail Head Although navigating school through COVID was a difficulty, the extra time on hand allowed my friends and I to create a mini-bucket list of activities we wanted to do before the year was up. One of those activities was hiking. We settled on Dragon’s Tooth, a 45-minute drive away from Blacksburg with beautiful views, especially in the middle of fall. The first two miles are a fairly easy incline in the woods, which then turns into a true hiking experience with jumping over rocks and climbing over boulders. At the very end of it is a beautiful outlook that shows off some of the many mountains found in the New River Valley. Not only was it a great activity to do with friends, it allowed us to take a moment during COVID and get some perspective, both literally and figuratively. For anyone with an empty calendar on Saturday, Dragon’s Tooth is a great place to spend some time enjoying the scenery with some friends.

Molly Dye, lifestyles section editor Staunton, Virginia One day, on a random Saturday my freshman year, I went to Staunton, Virginia, just about two hours away from Blacksburg. I knew nothing about the city, but after my day there I found it to be one of the most charming, quaint spots I’ve visited in Southwest Virginia.

Staunton is known for its American

Shakespeare Center, where you can catch phenomenal performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse that truly make you feel like you’ve traveled back to 16th century Shakespearean England.

Staunton has so much to offer along with the Playhouse. I spent the day browsing through shops, including charming thrift stores, galleries and boutiques, the most memorable being a jumbled antique store that had swords and toys that couldn’t be less than 100 years old. Walking down Staunton’s downtown area makes you feel like you really are the main character getting a heavy dose of culture. I can’t forget to mention Cocoa Mill Chocolate, the most irresistible chocolate store I’ve ever been to, located in the center of the downtown area. Treat yourself this spring to a lovely day trip in Staunton.

Kendra Sollars, copy editor Cascades National Recreation Trail The Cascades National Recreation Trail is a classic, but it still makes for a perfect escape from campus. When I committed to Virginia Tech and started learning about all the fun activities available to students, the Cascades seemed to be the No. 1 recommendation I received. I later learned that it is even on the Hokie Bucket List. My mom came to visit for Family Weekend this past September and we drove to the trailhead. The drive was surprisingly beautiful and a quick commute. When we arrived, we hiked the lower trail to the 66-foot waterfall, where we encountered groups of students and other hikers enjoying the view. No one was swimming, but I had seen photos of fellow Hokies enjoying the water in the summer sun, so I decided to take the plunge. Admittedly, it was freezing, and I did get laughed at when I fell on the rocks while trying to get out, but I felt as if I had completed a rite of passage. As we hiked back on the more scenic upper trail, I finally felt like I was truly a Hokie. So, while hiking the Cascades National Recreation Trail might seem like a predictable adventure

for many Virginia Tech students to embark upon, it is rewarding in more ways than one and adds to the Hokie experience.

Celina Ng, design editor Roanoke, Virginia In December 2019, my friends and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Roanoke after we finished our final exams. Since none of us had cars, we took the Smart Way Bus. It only costs $4 per way, and the rides went smoothly. Once we got to Roanoke, we walked through downtown and decided to eat delicious food at Bernard’s Gastropub & Eatery.

After lunch, we took an Uber to visit the Roanoke Star. According to the Virginia’s Blue Ridge website, the Roanoke Star is “the largest, free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world.” From the top, we were able to see the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby valleys. It was a clear day, and the view was beautiful. As the sun went down, it was time for us to visit the main attraction: Illuminights in Explore Park. It was a trail in the woods with beautiful lights, festive music and fun holiday displays. In addition, there were gift shops that sold artisan crafts. My ticket was about $16, and it was definitely worthwhile. As we walked through the trail, it brought back fond memories from my childhood. It felt like I was walking through a holiday wonderland, and there were numerous photo opportunities.

Many families were there, and everyone was having a fun time. Overall, I would recommend visiting Roanoke, especially during the holiday season. I felt like a kid again, and the trip helped me to relieve stress after exams.

@CollegiateTimes

editor@collegiatetimes.com

collegiatetimes.com

March 15, 2022 PAGE 5

Discover adventure in the Mountain State: A guide to Pipestem and Bluestone state parks These West Virginia parks provide opportunities and excitement for Hokies who love zip lining, tubing, fishing and more.

ABIGAIL FIELDING lifestyles contributor

Located in Hinton, West Virginia, just over an hour drive from Blacksburg, Pipestem State Park offers a much-needed oasis and reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. According to the West Virginia State Parks website, Pipestem’s elevation ranges from 2,000 to 3,200 feet, and its temperatures vary from 30 to 70 degrees in the spring. There is an extensive list of activities that Pipestem provides to those looking to have fun and connect with nature.

This 4,050-acre park offers activities like hiking, fishing, camping, lodging, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, golf courses and restaurants, to name a few.

Pipestem State Park also has a zip line course that crosses the Bluestone River four times with excursions lasting at least three hours. This zip line incorporates nine zips, with ropes along the course covering about 1,600 feet, and a rope bridge crossing. The zip

line course is a must-do activity that is great for all experience levels, with some height and weight restrictions that visitors can find on the West Virginia State Parks Pipestem site. Zip liners can enjoy food and refreshments at the end of the course, as well as take an aerial tram ride back to Pipestem’s main base.

The park boasts a 3,600-foot ride on a gondola-style ski lift aerial tram that provides views of the beautiful West Virginia mountains and remains open on varying days starting in late April. The breathtaking views are unmatched and provide an easy course to the special Mountain Creek Area.

“The Mountain Creek Area, specifically accessible by tram, is my favorite spot in the park,” said Brett McMillion, the director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Pipestem’s aerial tram is one of two in West Virginia’s state parks. Those interested can easily find all information about ticketing on the West Virginia State Parks Pipestem site.

Tram view of Pipestem State Park, West Virginia.

Fishing in Pipestem Park provides many opportunities for success along Long Branch Lake which is stocked with trout. Visitors can also fish at Bluestone State Park on West Virginia’s third largest body of water, Bluestone Lake, containing a myriad of species including bass, striper and catfish.

The Bluestone River flows between both Pipestem Park and Bluestone State Park, connecting the two parks together. The only item required to fish at these locations is a West Virginia fishing license.

If a relaxing day on the water is more your speed, floating down the Bluestone River, from Pipestem Park to Bluestone Park, is a wonderful way to unwind. There are also smaller watercrafts available for rent at Pipestem like canoes, kayaks and paddle boats. However, if you’re looking to move at a faster pace, larger boat rentals are available for rent from mid-April to mid-October at Bluestone State Park to explore Bluestone Lake.

Vi s it o r s can pa r ticipate in

beginner-to-intermediate hiking and mountain biking on Pipestem’s most highly rated trails according to Alltrails, including Pipestem Long Branch Lake Circuit, a 3.7-mile hike; Pipestem McKeever to Heritage Point and Canyon Rim, a 4.2-mile hike; Bluestone River Trail, a 6.5-mile hike; and County Line Trail, a 2.5-mile hike. More details about each hike can easily be found online at Alltrails’ website.

Pipestem and Bluestone state parks offer something for anyone craving a day, or weekend-long, trip to the outdoors.

“With the full range of recreational activities, take the opportunity to visit two of West Virginia’s greatest state parks,” McMillion said.

@CollegiateTimes

COURTESY OF ANDY MALINOSKI

PAGE 6 March 15, 2022

editor@collegiatetimes.com

collegiatetimes.com

Mountains, main streets, mascots and more: Charming college towns to explore Read the CT’s guide to road trip-worthy college towns near Blacksburg, Virginia.

At first, the idea of visiting another college town might not be so appealing — as a native of another college town myself, I arrived in Blacksburg four years ago all too acquainted with the particular challenges of sharing a hometown with an institution of higher education. However, my time in Blacksburg has allowed me to develop a special appreciation for the unique culture of college towns — and, as I began to hit the road with friends, just how fun it can be to visit other universities’ stomping grounds for a quick trip. Of course, Blacksburg will always be the best college town in my eyes — but if swapping maroon and orange for another set of collegiate colors for a weekend sounds at all intriguing to you, then keep reading to find out the Collegiate Times’ picks for the best nearby college towns to explore, from one curious Hokie to another.

Just like Blacksburg, Boone naturally stands out for its excellent selection of nearby hikes and nature spots, including the famous Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain and the Blowing Rock. For those who prefer to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge from their cars, you can easily hit the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone. Adrenaline junkies who feel at home on the New River should consider the plethora of whitewater rafting options available around Boone. Alternatively, if you’d normally hit up Hahn Horticulture Garden to connect with nature, Daniel Boone Native Gardens features over 200 different types of plants. To further unwind after exploring the outdoors, if you’re over 21, check out Boone’s burgeoning craft beer scene, with an array of breweries to choose from on your visit, or tour local wineries as a part of the Boone Area Wine Trail.

For nature lovers: Boone, North Carolina, home of Appalachian State University A little under three hours from Blacksburg, Appalachian State is what I’ve affectionately dubbed Virginia Tech’s fraternal twin — similar in some major ways, but with enough differences to stand out in some categories of its own. Like Blacksburg, Boone is situated in the mountains, providing gorgeous scenery year-round. Similar to Virginia Tech, Appalachian State is also a public university famous for its STEM programs and, according to Appalachian State’s website, boasts an enrollment of roughly 20,641 students — smaller than Virginia Tech’s fall 2020 enrollment of over 37,000, but still enough to qualify as a bigger school.

Those who explore App State’s campus and downtown Boone will be able to see that the area utilizes stonework similar to Virginia Tech’s own love of Hokie Stone, though Boone’s King Street (the equivalent of Blacksburg’s South Main Street) is slightly larger than Blacksburg’s downtown area. If you love being able to shop local in Blacksburg, then you’ll also appreciate the wide selection of small, locally owned businesses in Boone — be sure to check out the historic Mast General Store for a variety of treats and souvenirs.

For foodies and history buffs: Charlottesville, Virginia, home of the University of Virginia Cha rlottesville m ight be enemy territory, but Southern Living magazine once ranked it the best college town in the South for a reason — this area has one of the best food scenes in Virginia. Over 46,000 Virginians call Charlottesville home and having been named the best small town for food in 2013, it’s not hard to guess why UVA’s home turf might hold such appeal.

About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Blacksburg, Charlottesville, like our beloved town, is steeped in history — however, it stands apart in that Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s residence) and UVA’s campus comprise Virginia’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

With 27,115 students as of last fall, the University of Virginia is a little smaller than Virginia Tech, but with over 120 shops spanning eight blocks downtown, Charlottesville has a faster pace of life in comparison to Blacksburg’s quaint, cozy feel.

Charlottesville and the surrounding area have many pieces of presidential history to discover, including James Madison’s Mont pelier, located 30 minutes away in Orange, James Monroe’s Highland, and, of course, Thomas

LEXI SOLOMON managing editor

Jefferson’s Monticello. If history still intrigues you but presidents aren’t your forte, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 18th century-themed Michie Tavern and art deco Paramount Theater, which opened in 1931, are all great options to explore.

Similar to Boone’s wine trail, the Monticello Wine Trail includes over 30 different wineries and has been featured in Southern Living, making it a must-do for visitors even vaguely interested in wine, whether you’re a true wine snob or just trying to get an A in John Boyer’s Geography of Wine class. If you’re not 21 yet or simply want to enjoy a great meal, with the same amount of restaurants per capita as New York City and San Francisco, Charlottesville has plenty of dining options. Whether you’re looking for traditional Southern comfort food or international fare you may not be able to find in Blacksburg, there’s no way you can go wrong — though it wouldn’t hurt to peruse the plethora of social media accounts documenting Charlottesville’s food scene, such as Instagram’s cville. foodie. Just don’t let any locals catch you in Virginia Tech apparel.

For homebodies who don’t want to stray too far: Lexington, Virginia, home of the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University A mere hour and a half from Blacksburg, Lexington offers the same small-town feel many Hokies have grown to love. With just under 8,000 residents, it’s honestly impressive that a town even tinier than Blacksburg can fit in twice the number of schools. Regardless, Lexington doesn’t feel cramped for space, with a charming downtown area featured on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Lexington combines the historic appeal of Charlottesville and the beautiful scenery of Blacksburg on a smaller scale, with a great selection of locally owned businesses to peruse and unique historic attractions to visit, including the former residence of famous country singer Patsy Cline.

If wandering through the beautiful scenery of Lexington isn’t enough, consider exploring the litany of nearby trails and parks, ranging from moderately difficult hikes like Crabtree

Falls, described as “the longest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi,” according to the town of Lexington’s website, to easier treks like Natural Bridge State Park. No matter if you find your preferred workout in strolling through Lexington’s downtown or at the top of a waterfall, be sure to cruise down part of the Blue Ridge Parkway before heading back to Blacksburg.

For Hokies wanting to get away: Morgantown, West Virginia, home of West Virginia University If you’re really itching to trade one college town for another for at least a night, then Morgantown may be the spot for you — at roughly four hours and 15 minutes away, it’s definitely not a quick and easy road trip. However, the home of the Mountaineers offers lots of intriguing attractions to make it worth the trek, including a church dubbed “the smallest church in 48 states” and the oldest operating brewery in West Virginia.

Fans of the New River Valley’s New River might find similar enjoyment in Morgantown, which is situated on the Monongahela River, referred to by locals as “The Mon” or “The Mon River” and perfect for any river activities Hokies might long for away from home.

Missing our farmers market? Not to worry — Morgantown also has a bustling farmers market, run outdoors from May through the first week of November and indoors on certain weekends during the winter. If you’re looking to experience something truly different (or just have a sweet tooth the size of Lane Stadium), Morgantown hosts an annual Chocolate Lovers’ Day each April for chocolate lovers to sample local businesses’ best offerings. Don’t forget to hop on WVU’s Personal Rapid Transit system, described as an “automated people mover,” according to the PRT’s website, to see how Mountaineers’ unique public transportation compares to our beloved Blacksburg Transit.

No matter where we go, Hokies know that Blacksburg will always be the No. 1 college town in our hearts — but sometimes, it’s fun to trade allegiances for a day.

@CollegiateTimes

editor@collegiatetimes.com

March 15, 2022 PAGE 7

collegiatetimes.com

Feel the love this spring in Floyd, Virginia With a quaint country store and plenty of shops and activities, Floyd is the perfect day trip spot in the New River Valley.

EMELIA DELAPORTE lifestyles writer

Across the nation, intergenerational ties in small communities seem to be dwindling.

However, in a lucky few places, the familial sense of a small town is going strong.

“I say this all the time, but I don’t think there’s a lot of places where you have a 2-yearold, an 18-year-old, a 60-year-old and an 80-year-old all on the same dance floor,” said Dylan Locke, co-owner of the Floyd Country Store.

If this sounds like a place that appeals to you, look no further than Floyd. Floyd, Virginia, is a beautiful spot that caters well to the interests of just about everyone, provided that you don’t mind leaving the more suburban areas of the NRV for a day. Floyd is located just 45 minutes from Virginia Tech, about halfway south of the North Carolina border, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Once you’ve set foot here, you’ll want to be running on Floyd time for a long time.

The best explorations of Floyd start in the Floyd Country Store, a classic Appalachian general store complete with barrels of candy, a lunch counter, a soda fountain and more. The Country Store puts on live music at least three days a week, often including dancing. The store also hosts a radio show and a music school.

“You can come to Floyd and learn to sing or dance or play an instrument,” Locke said.

“Naturally, that’s very much alive. College students, I think they feel that energy, they see … other young people there and it feels like their place.”

Heather Krantz, Locke’s wife and co-owner of the Country Store, shared her thoughts on Floyd.

“If you want to build (a) beloved community, I believe that it takes work,” Krantz said.

There is no community in the New River Valley more beloved than Floyd. As you explore, whether through this article or on the streets of Floyd, you’ll soon see why.

Downtown With fewer than 500 residents within the city limits, downtown Floyd is easily walkable and yet still packed with a fascinating variety of shops, restaurants and local entertainment.

From Chic’s Antiques and Variety at the west end to the Blue Ridge Diner at the east end, and from El Charro at the south end to Bell Gallery and Garden at the north end, you’re sure to find something that you love downtown. Parking is most easily available off East Oxford Street, behind the courthouse.

County Sales, located across the street from the iconic Republic of Floyd Emporium, hosts one of the world’s largest collections of

The exterior of the Floyd Country Store, April 3, 2014.

bluegrass and old-time music. County Sales, which has called Floyd home since 1974, focuses on providing the people and visitors of Floyd with a broad assortment of CDs and vinyl records.

Sacred Star & Stone is one of the quirkier places you’ll find shopping downtown. Witchy and atmospheric, this shop displays a side of Appalachia that is often overlooked; this is a region rich in a culture of crystals, herbs and nature-based intuitions. Sacred Star & Stone is opposite the Floyd County Courthouse, making it perfect to duck into on your way back to the car.

The Floyd Farmers Market, run by the nonprofit SustainFloyd, is a Saturday staple between May and November. Since 2010, the covered market between County Sales and The Station has brought local produce, fresh breads, essential oils, native plants, clothing and so much more to South Locust Street.

Virginia’s music trail, The Crooked Road, comes right through Blacksburg’s Market Square Jam. The trail is a 330-mile-long driving route in the Appalachian Mountains connecting points of important music history and modern music venues. The Crooked Road also winds down to Floyd, stopping at County Sales, the Floyd Country Store and the Town of Floyd Wayside, an outdoor seating area just across from Floyd’s Lineberry Community

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Park.

Outskirts of town A little ways south of the city limits, the Floyd Center for the Arts (FCA) catches the eye with its silo. What looks like a barn is actually an art gallery, education facility and event center. The FCA has three galleries, a variety of classes and an exciting rotating calendar of events, artists and courses.

If the name Red Rooster Coffee sounds familiar, that’s because it’s served in Virginia Tech’s very own Owens Food Court at Sweets.

This brand is based out of a shop in Floyd called the Red Rooster Cafe & BakeRRy. With coffee, handmade flavored syrups, Virginia teas, cakes and pastries, this is a cafe worth checking out.

Health food has been a huge trend in recent decades, and Floyd’s rural location has not kept the fascination from landing there. The Harvest Moon Food Store, 35 years young, holds the principle of “slow food” close to heart and fills the rest of its charming space with a variety of knick-knacks and trinkets.

Up the mountain Once you’ve finished your exploration of the town, you may be tempted to get to know more of the county. Floyd Highway South leads to Black Ridge Road, which leads to a winery by the name of Chateau Morrisette. This beautiful winery has a restaurant, an event courtyard with live music each weekend, tastings and more.

The Buffalo Mountain Preserve is one of the most essential natural areas in Virginia.

The 3,971-foot-high elevation, 3971 feet, lends to a climate unlike most of the state, and the location hosts nearly 20 rare species of plants and animals. There are three hiking trails and only 10 parking spots, so you’re unlikely to encounter many other hikers when you’re there.

Mabry Mill at Milepost 176 is one of the most photographed locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cultural demonstrations are available during some times of the year, and the Mabry Mill Trail is open year-round. The Restaurant & Gift Shop are open seasonally and serve country-style food.

“It’s very rare that when you walk through downtown Floyd or even in the county, you pass someone and they don’t say hello to you, they don’t wave to you (or) ask how you’re doing,” said Kathleen Legg, director of tourism for the Floyd County Tourism Development Council.

“Come to Floyd; you’ll feel the love.” @CollegiateTimes

Sports

PAGE 8 March 15, 2022

collegiatetimes.com

SPECIAL: HOKIES WIN ACC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY The Hokies knocked off Duke behind Cattoor’s 31 points.

DEVIN SHEPARD sports editor

They say New York is a place where people go to pursue their dreams. Some make it big. Some fail in decidedly tragic fashion. But the Big Apple is a place for dreamers.

W hen the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team walked onto the floor at the beginning of the week in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, they came in with a dream: to win an ACC Championship for the first time in school history.

But this team was inconsistent, it had been 2–7 at one point in the season. It would likely have to beat two of the best teams in the country to accomplish its goal. This wasn’t going to happen.

They were, in every sense of the word, dreamers.

But then, dreams started to become hope. Darius Maddox hit an overtime buzzer beater against Clemson to win. That hope started to become an

ambition. The Hokies handedly beat a good Notre Dame team on Thursday night. That ambition started to become confidence. Virginia Tech beat North Carolina on Friday. Confidence became a special possibility, maybe a small one, but a possibility. On Saturday night, that special possibility became a reality. The Hokies beat Duke, 82–67.

They are ACC Champions.

“It’s really a special thing for our basketball team. This is a special thing for Blacksburg,” said coach Mike Young after the win.

From the beginning of the game, it was that. Special.

The Hokies went on an early 5–0 run to take the lead early in the contest. Both teams were extremely hot early on, with both offenses rolling and Virginia Tech going 4–4 on threes through the first five minutes. The Blue Devils went on a 6–0 run to take the lead with 13 minutes left in the half. But Hunter Cattoor answered back with eight straight points for the Hokies, tying the game back up. Later in

editor@collegiatetimes.com

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Justyn Mutts (25) celebrates after winning the 2022 Men’s Basketball ACC Tournament Championship, March 12, 2022.

the half, Virginia Tech went on an 8–0 run to go up 35–29 fueled by great play

by Keve Aluma. Aluma scored 11 points in the last 6 minutes of the first. That, combined with 17 first half points from Cattoor, gave the Hokies a 42–39 lead with 20 minutes left in the game.

In the second half, both teams battled back and forth before Virginia Tech got off to a small run to put the Hokies up by 10 with 15:45 left to go in the game.

Cattoor followed in Aluma’s footsteps, scoring 11 points in six minutes early in the second. The surge from Virginia Tech got the crowd into the game, and as the volume in the arena rose, the feeling started to become palpable. The impossible was happening … Virginia Tech might win the ACC Championship.

Justyn Mutts dunked on presumptive Top-3 NBA pick Paolo Banchero with 2:26 to play and it was no longer a feeling, it was reality … Virginia Tech won the ACC Championship.

Whether it was a career-high 31 points for Cattoor, a dominant 19-point,

10-rebound, seven-assist game from Aluma, or coach Young leading the band in the fight song after the game. This win could only be described as special and different for Virginia Tech basketball, Virginia Tech as a whole and the city of Blacksburg.

The truth is simple.

This team, this school, this small town in Southwest Virginia, are champions.

@CTSportsTalk