Poquoson Seafood Festival: The 44th Annual Poquoson Seafood Festival returns Oct. 16–18 at Poquoson Municipal Park with dockside seafood favorites, free concerts on two stages, a juried arts-and-crafts show, and family activities celebrating the Chesapeake Bay’s working watermen. Fall road-trip planning: VDOT released an updated Official State Transportation Map, available free at welcome centers/safety rest areas or by order online—plus reminders to drive slow on wet leaves and watch for deer. Blue Ridge Parkway access: Hurricane Helene repairs are restoring travel along the Parkway, with access now open for all but 11 miles as the region heads into peak fall scenery season. Local traffic updates: A temporary traffic signal and 25 mph work zone will run 24/7 starting Oct. 12 on Windmill Point Road (Route 695) in Lancaster County until the Oyster Creek bridge replacement opens in May 2027. Virginia Beach community news: The district is working to reduce about $350K in unpaid student meal debt while pledging every child who needs a hot lunch gets one. Safety reminder: Virginia fire officials urge safe lithium-ion charging—use manufacturer-approved chargers, charge on hard surfaces, and never charge on beds/couches/pillows. Outdoor fun for anglers: North Carolina is collecting Red Snapper carcasses Oct. 9–11 for research, with anglers who donate and complete catch cards entered to win reels and an inverted hook-descending device.