Williamsburg named 'most underrated travel gem' in the U.S.

Plus: New laws are in effect in Virginia, a swimming advisory has been issued for Yorktown Beach and more news.

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July 25, 2025 Good morning, Historic Triangle! The milder summer weather we've enjoyed this week has come to an end, and extreme heat and humidity are in store for us again today. Highs will climb into the mid-90s this afternoon, with feels-like temperatures reaching 105-109, according to Forecaster Derrah Getter of WTKR News 3.  The entire region is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. tonight. This pattern will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend and into next week, with triple-digit heat indices expected daily through at least Tuesday. The 5-day heat index forecast. (Photo by WTKR reporter Erin Miller) Rain chances will be low through the middle of the week, but storms are likely on Thursday and Friday. Now to the news. -Christin Williamsburg named 'most underrated travel gem' in the U.S. Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo by Brian Magill via Pexels) Williamsburg has been named the best hidden travel gem in the United States. The city came in at No. 1 on a list of the nation's most underrated travel destinations compiled by Wander, a vacation home rental company. "With over 265 sights and landmarks, it's a dream for curious travelers," the report says.  The community stood out among competitors for being safe, quiet and comfortable. Williamsburg received a score of 100 out of 100 by previous travelers for how at ease they felt while walking around. The city also received the highest possible score for how clean it is. Travel + Leisure Magazine acknowledged Wander's nod to Williamsburg and doled out even more accolades.  "Williamsburg might not be at the top of most people's vacation wish lists, but it should be," the magazine noted. "With dozens of historical and cultural attractions in a compact city center, it's the kind of place where travelers can quickly dive into the city's roots and discover something new around every corner." The city was also recognized for its "key role in shaping American history" and for being home to the second-oldest university in the nation. Top local destinations highlighted in the article include Colonial Williamsburg, the newly renovated Muscarelle Museum of Art, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden in Freedom Park and the James River, which was said to be particularly stunning at sunset. The area's culinary scene also received praise for its diverse offerings, including historic restaurants like King's Arms Tavern, the AAA Four Diamond-rated Fat Canary and unique breweries like Virginia Beer Co. Also included on the list of Wander's top 10 most underrated travel spots are two Montana towns, Bozeman and Missoula, followed by Fairbanks, Alaska; Charlottesville, Virginia; Asheville, North Carolina; Bentonville, Arkansas; Bellingham, Washington; Helena, Montana and Olympia, Washington. New laws are now in effect in Virginia. Here are some that may impact you. The Virginia Capitol building. (Photo by the Capitol Square Preservation Council) Dozens of new laws passed by the Virginia General Assembly went into effect on July 1, bringing changes to education, health care, our roadways and more. Here's a roundup. Children & education Cyberbullying protections (SB908): Schools are now required to adopt anti-cyberbullying policies that provide resources for victims, including those facing bullying off campus. Child influencer rights (HB2401/SB998): Trust accounts must be set up to benefit children under 16 who are featured in online videos used for monetization. Overdose notification (SB1240): If a student overdoses during any school activity or on campus, the school must notify parents within 24 hours. Foster youth legal aid (SB1406): Foster children age 12 and older and their caregivers must receive contact information for the Children's Ombudsman when a case is opened. Cell phone limitations (SB738): All public schools must establish policies restricting student phone use during school hours, with exceptions for health or learning accommodations.  SOL reforms (HB1957): Virginia's Standards of Learning assessments must now use a 100-point scale and an improved design. Instructional time spent on testing must be reduced.  Teacher training limits (SB822): Public school teachers in Virginia cannot be required to participate in non-academic trainings more than once within six months of their hire date and once every five years afterward. The total duration of such training must be limited to no more than 25 hours every five years. Heat safety for student athletes (HB1663): Policies must be created and routinely updated to protect student athletes from extreme heat. Cardiac emergency plan requirement (SB817/HB1695): Cardiac emergency response guidelines must be developed by all public and secondary schools. The plans must provide guidance for creating a trained response team and coordinating with local first responders. Underage tobacco and hemp protections (SB1060/HB1946): An organization will be created to ensure proper enforcement against the underage sale of tobacco, liquid nicotine and hemp products. Police questioning (HB2692): Law enforcement officials cannot knowingly lie to children during questioning to get a confession. Healthcare Telehealth services in schools (SB1037/HB945): School boards are asked to create policies to allow students to take part in telehealth services on school property, during school hours, with parental consent. Medicaid coverage for doulas (HB1614): Virginia Medicaid recipients may now receive up to ten covered doula visits during pregnancy and post-partum.  Postpartum patient policy (SB1384): Hospitals must now allow doulas and companions to be present during childbirth, in addition to the partner or spouse. They must also adopt policies that prioritize bonding between infants and families. Consumer protections Styrofoam ban (§ 10.1-1424.3): Food vendors are no longer permitted to package customers' food in Styrofoam containers. Pricing transparency (HB2515): All businesses - both brick-and-mortar and online - must now clearly display the full cost of products and services, including required fees, at the time of purchase or checkout. Gift card fee limitations: Gift card providers can no longer charge inactivity fees on gift cards unless the customer is clearly warned of the policy prior to purchase. Virginia lottery winner protections (HB1799): The identity of any individual who wins a lottery prize of $1 million or more can no longer be disclosed without written consent.  Vehicles and traffic Pedestrian safety (SBB1416): Failure to stop for pedestrians is now a traffic infraction and becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor if the pedestrian is seriously injured or killed. Tougher seatbelt laws: The newly expanded seatbelt law - advocated for by Williamsburg resident Christy King - requires all adult passengers, including those in the back seat, to buckle up. Unlicensed teen driver penalty (SB750): Anyone who knowingly allows an unlicensed minor to drive may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor if an accident results in injury or death. Towing fee hike (SB1332): Maximum towing fees for standard passenger vehicles are increasing to $210, up from $150. Resources for drivers with autism (HB2501): The DMV must provide new envelopes for drivers with autism to use during traffic stops. The envelopes alert the officer that the driver is neurodivergent and interactions should be adjusted accordingly.  Swimming advisory issued for Yorktown Beach Yorktown Beach. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle) A Yorktown Beach swimming advisory has been issued by the Peninsula Health District.  Samples obtained last week showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state's water quality standard. The water at 49 public beaches in Virginia is monitored weekly during the swimming season to ensure safety.  The public is asked to avoid any activities that will lead to prolonged contact with the bacteria, including swimming or stand-up paddleboarding. Pets should also avoid the water, according to the health department. The bacteria identified is enterococci. While the bacteria itself is not harmful, it indicates that other potentially harmful organisms may be nearby, according to VDH. People who swim or play in water with high levels of the bacteria have an increased risk of developing a gastrointestinal illness. What's next: Signs have been posted at the beach to alert the public of the advisory. Once the bacteria levels decrease to within the quality standard range, the signs will be removed, and the public will be notified that the water is safe for swimming again. "We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory," said Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager of the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts. "Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level." MISSING PERSON ALERT The Williamsburg Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing juvenile. Sabina Marilu Barrientos-Alfaro, 17, was last seen leaving her home in Williamsburg on July 8. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call WPD at 757-220-2331. Tips can also be submitted anonymously here.  TRAFFIC NEWS Lane closures will be in effect on Victory Boulevard through late summer as construction gets underway on the median. The work is part of a $4.6 million Route 171 Widening Project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The westbound lane on Victory Boulevard/Route 171 between Bowman Terrace and Hampton Highway will be closed amid the construction. The eastbound left turn lane spanning from Victory Boulevard to Hampton Highway will also close. A detour is in effect to direct traffic to Yorktown Road. CIVIC NOTES York County is offering a free, 10-week government series that gives residents an inside look into the departments, people and processes that keep the county running. The program - which begins on September 11 - has already reached capacity. However, a waitlist is now available. Completed applications must be submitted by August 28. More opportunities to participate in similar programs are expected to be available in the future.  James City County's Video Services and Web & Publications Teams have won national awards for their work on website pages and video projects.  CRIME REWIND James City County police are investigating after a person died from a gunshot wound. The victim was found in the parking lot of the Gilead Christian Academy located at 8660 Pocahontas Trail. (13News Now) A North Carolina man has been denied bond after he attempted to kidnap and assault a 7-year-old boy at Great Wolf Lodge. (WAVY) A man was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $2,000 in electronics from Yorktown Walmart. (WAVY)  IN THE HEADLINES Tabb coaches continue push to get lacrosse team 'recognition and the full support' (WHRO)  Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra offers variety, celebrates the nation in 2025-26 season (The Virginia Gazette)  Santa keeps busy all year round at Claus Cares (WYDaily)  Williamsburg solicits bids to promote new African American Heritage Trail (Williamsburg Independent)  Gang bust across Hampton Roads leads to 70+ indictments: VBPD (WTKR)  Drowning deaths are rising in Virginia waters. Here's how to stay safe (Axios Richmond)  New invasive insect pest found in Virginia for the first time (WAVY) Why Patrick Henry never had a mansion the way other famous founders did (Cardinal News)  Maps show U.S. heat advisories, high temperatures as heat dome moves east (CBS News) LOWEST GAS PRICES TODAY All prices shown are per Gas Buddy. To check the latest prices based on zip code, click here. This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. 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