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Description
In this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I share a heartfelt neighborhood moment and a slice of Tidewater history. I start with a big shoutout to a local caregiver who went above and beyond for our son, a reminder of the kindness that makes Coastal Virginia feel like home. Then we journey to the edge of Virginia Beach for this week’s Strange and Odd: the haunting story of Wash Woods, a long-vanished community in False Cape State Park built from shipwrecked lumber, weathered by hurricanes, and slowly reclaimed by dunes and time. We wrap with a quick weather outlook. I also spotlight a weekend pick: Victory Fair in Norfolk. Thanks for spending part of your day with me, neighbors, stay safe, stay curious, and stay Tidewater.
Tidewater Tips
Description
In tonight’s solo Tidewater Talk, I bring you a quick round-up of what’s happening around Coastal Virginia, starting with a fast-response house fire on North 1st Street in Hampton that, thankfully, ended with no injuries. I walk through practical takeaways from Hampton Fire and Rescue’s reminders, including their free smoke alarm program, plus simple safety checks you can do at home. Then we dive into this week’s Strange and Odd of Tidewater: our region’s full-throttle commitment to peanuts, from “wet nuts” on sundaes to the eternally steaming vats of boiled peanuts, and the long, proud (and occasionally perplexing) history that got us here. I wrap with a clear, day-by-day weather outlook: a mild evening giving way to midweek showers and a return to breezy chill, with the weekend offering a brief warm-up before rain slides in Sunday. I break down what that means for beach walks and motorcycle rides, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday are your best bets. Finally, a local tip for Friday night: the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs The Princess Bride live at the Chrysler Center. Details and resources are in the show notes. Stay safe and stay curious, neighbors.
Question of the Week
- What is one small way you plan to help or support someone in Tidewater this month?
Strange and Odd of Tidewater
Tidewater Tips
Description
In this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I slow the pace and lean into a favorite segment: Strange and Odd of Tidewater. After a quick community moment about a Great Pyrenees rescue in New Kent County using an infrared drone, we take a long look at the ghost fleet of the James River—the haunting line of World War-era concrete ships you can spot near Kiptopeke. I share how a shoreline double-take turned into a kayak trip among these surreal hulks, now reclaimed by birds, fish, and even trees, and why their quiet presence feels so distinctly Tidewater. We also check the wintery forecast for Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore and celebrate our one-year anniversary, plus a local Galentine’s/Valentine’s mini Highland cow photoshoot at Hunt Club Farm. Send your sightings and stories—what’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on or near the water around here?—to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Stay strange, neighbors.
Weather: 39° in Virginia Beach; 34° near Kiptopeke. Rain shifting to a wintry mix and likely snow overnight tomorrow; highs in the 30s through Thursday, clearing into Friday.
Question of the Week
- What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on or near the water around here?
Description
In this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I open with a grateful nod to our Hampton Roads neighbors and share a dramatic local rescue on Virginia’s Eastern Shore: Fire and EMS launched an inflatable raft to save a dog that fell through the ice near Chincoteague Creek, bringing the pup to safety with only minor injuries and no harm to first responders.
We then linger in Strange and Odd with the haunting close of Blackbeard’s story in our waters, from his fearsome reputation and Maynard’s audacious trap at Ocracoke Inlet to the grim display of Blackbeard’s severed head at what became Blackbeard’s Point in Hampton. It’s a reminder that legends end, but their echoes shape the place we call home. I wrap with a quick weather rundown: a deep freeze across Tidewater for the next week, highs near freezing, lows in the low 20s, and a snow event likely beginning Friday night through the weekend. Neighbors, send your strange sightings and chilly place picks to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and stay strange.
Question of the Week
- What Tidewater place gives you chills?