As summer break approaches, discover 10 engaging activities tailored for tweens ages 8-12 at Virginia State Parks. This is Part 2 of our series on family-friendly summer fun. 1. Swimming At Chippokes Plantation State Park, go beyond dipping your toes in the James River with access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a kiddie pool. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Click here for park fees. Note: Availability may be limited to weekends from Memoria

Virginias stunning Eastern Shore captivates with its fresh oysters, thrilling outdoor adventures, and pristine landscapes. Flanked by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this 70-mile peninsula delivers authentic coastal bliss without the crowds. —TRIP PLANNING OVERVIEW— Stay at: Sunset Beach Resort Hotel in Cape Charles (from $99/night off-season, $149 peak) or Waterside Inn in Chincoteague (from $90/night off-season, $165 peak). Just across the Chesapeake Bay Br

This post is written in partnership with Amtrak Virginia and Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation. In Virginia, warm weather signals prime time for water adventures. From beaches to mountain springs, the Commonwealth offers diverse aquatic experiences. Dive into swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, sailing, or paddleboarding. Or simply relax with stunning water views while dining, strolling, or shopping. No need to drive—Amtraks nine passenger rail routes an

Southwest Virginias Philpott Lake is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 3,000 acres across Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties, this scenic lake is framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and encircled by nearly 20,000 acres of pristine mixed hardwood forest. Remaining largely wild and undeveloped, the surrounding area features numerous recreation sites, nature preserves, and the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway—offering diverse trails for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and paddl

Mountain biking and craft beer form the heart of Roanoke Valleys vibrant culture in Virginias Blue Ridge. With more than 300 miles of world-class trails and a thriving brewery scene, combine your next adventure with exceptional bikes and brews. Test your skills on these premier trail networks, then refresh at a nearby brewery to celebrate your Blue Ridge day. Explore six curated biking and beer pairings. 1. Biking: Mill Mountain Park Experience thrilling urban mountain biking at Roanokes Mill Mo

While wanderlust ignites a strong desire to travel, in Virginia we call it WanderLOVE. Captivating landscapes—from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the pristine Eastern Shore—embody this passion. Experience it firsthand with our expert-curated itineraries to Virginias top outdoor destinations, trusted by adventure enthusiasts statewide. —RICHMOND— The historic James River flows through Virginias capital, earning its River City moniker. Richmond features rare urban Class III and IV rapids, d

Virginia boasts an array of stunning state parks, and TripAdvisor reviews highlight these top 10 favorites. Popular for their diverse attractions—from scenic hikes to waterfront adventures—they draw visitors year-round, not just those near water bodies. Compiled from guest reviews on TripAdvisor, this list showcases Virginia State Parks highlights, complete with visitor quotes. “BUCKET LIST HIKE” 1. Grayson Highlands State Park Situated near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain—Virginias highest p

While Virginias popular attractions are great, sometimes you crave something off the beaten path. Explore these unique sights at Virginia State Parks for an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Virginia State Parks offer affordable entry—typically just a $5 parking fee per vehicle (view fees here)—making them perfect for budget-friendly exploration. 1. Saltpeter Cave at Natural Bridge State Park Located at Natural Bridge State Park, Saltpeter Cave was once leased by Thomas Jefferso

As 2019 gets underway, its time to plan your next getaway. Inspired by the official 2019 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide covers, discover three standout destinations that promise memorable experiences for every traveler. —Conquer Virginia’s Great Outdoors— The Destination: Dody Ridge Mountain Biking Trails, Roanoke In 2018, Roanoke made history as the first East Coast community designated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association as a Silver-Level Ride Center. Surrounded by the Blu

Escape daily stress and recharge at Virginias premier wellness retreats. Ideal for overwhelmed professionals, indulgent pampering, or girls getaways, these 17 spas, natural therapies, and health festivals deliver serene, restorative vacations year-round. Salamander Spa—Middleburg Nestled in charming Middleburg, Salamander Resort & Spa offers the Winter Wellness Experience package, including a $200 wellness credit plus exclusive activities, classes, and top-tier fitness facilities. This hol

With spring break approaching, its the ideal time to escape winters chill and enjoy quality family time outdoors. Discover six compelling reasons to explore one or more of Virginias 38 state parks during this vibrant season. 1 | Special Programming – Virginia State Parks – All 38 Virginia State Parks offer self-guided or ranger-led programs to immerse you in the fresh beginnings of spring. Find a list of programs here for the week before and after Easter. For other dates, check the events datab

Make your Virginia vacation unforgettable by bringing your furry best friend along. Weve curated over 20 scenic, pet-friendly cabins across the Commonwealth, offering charming rustic retreats perfect for you and your four-legged companion. Occoneechee State Park Cabins—Clarksville Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson Escape to the serene shores of Buggs Island Lake with your pup at the Occoneechee State Park Cabins. Choose from eleven pet-friendly cabins or two lodges accommodating up to 16 guests. Ex

Explore Prince William Countys national, state, and regional parks and forests, stretching from the Potomac River to the Bull Run Mountain foothills. Hike, bike, or paddle to reconnect with nature in DCs countryside. DAY 1: MORNING Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania State Park, Visit Prince William Begin your adventure at Leesylvania State Park with a stunning sunrise over the Potomac Rivers sandy shores. Once home to Revolutionary War hero Henry Lee III, the park offers prime fishing for trout

Discover the vibrant renewal of spring in Virginia, where colorful blossoms transform the Commonwealth into a floral paradise. While wildflowers dot the landscape everywhere, these premier gardens and festivals offer curated displays of spring blooms across the state. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in natures finest spectacles. Note: Always check individual location websites for the latest hours, events, and visitation policies before your trip. Historic Garden Week—Locations Throughout Vir

Virginia State Parks and Appalachian Power are thrilled to announce the 2019 Adventure Series, an exhilarating lineup of races designed for competitors of all skill levels. This diverse series features a mix of events in Virginia State Parks, offering opportunities to win cash prizes, Virginia State Parks annual passes, and gift certificates. Entering its third year, weve incorporated participant feedback with new races, an updated scoring system, and more ways to succeed.   Explore the exc

Countless Virginia businesses prioritize reducing their environmental footprint, but select ones excel by advancing conservation efforts to protect the states stunning landscapes. Explore these top eco-friendly destinations or join guided tours to witness sustainable practices in action. Polyface Farms—Swoope Polyface Farms showcases exemplary sustainable agriculture, raising livestock and cultivating produce through environmentally responsible methods. Take a self-guided tour Monday–Saturday du

Norfolk boasts an abundance of outdoor pursuits, making it the ultimate destination for sunshine-filled days. From lush gardens and scenic trails to lively street festivals and First Fridays live music, discover endless ways to connect with nature and community. Dive into these must-try outdoor experiences! Parks and Gardens Elizabeth River Trail The Elizabeth River Trail—known locally as the ERT—is a 10.5-mile paved urban path ideal for biking and walking. Perfect for active explorers, with Pac

Discover how one dedicated family is crafting lifelong memories by exploring Virginias iconic LOVEworks signs, sharing their journeys on Instagram. Affectionately known as the “FloYos,” the Flowers-Yost family—Mandi and Matthew, daughters Lili and Savannah, and their dog Zoe Jane—makes it a mission to visit all of Virginia’s 100+ giant LOVE signs, called LOVEworks. Their adventure kicked off during a drive home from vacation when they spotted their first LOVE sign at a rest area. Since then, th

Elevate your dining experience at Virginias top rooftop restaurants and bars, where award-winning cuisine, innovative craft cocktails, and panoramic vistas create unforgettable moments. Q Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel—Richmond Perched atop the stylish Quirk Hotel, Q Rooftop Bar spans 2,800 square feet with sweeping views of Richmonds downtown skyline. Savor seasonal cocktails, wines, or craft beers from the rotating menu, including the QUIRK beer from nearby Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Pair drin

Embrace the Great Outdoors in Shenandoah County Escape the screen and immerse yourself in the vibrant three-dimensional world of Shenandoah County. This 512-square-mile natural paradise, cradled between the Blue Ridge, Allegheny, and Appalachian Mountains and traced by the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, offers endless adventures across its peaks and valleys. From splashing in rivers and mud to scaling heights, exploring caves, gripping reins or rods, or racing on foot or two wheels, outdoor