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Forbidden Forest
The Forbidden Forest looms over Leesburg.
Matthew Rumbelow
A spell has been cast over Leesburg, transforming its Morven Park into Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, an immersive nighttime walkthrough—the first in the U.S. from the theatrical designers and experiential creators of Universal Studios’ Wizarding World theme parks. Through January, witches and wizards […]
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Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025
Alexandria – 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival Sept. 13–14: Stroll Old Town’s John Carlyle Square Park as it’s transformed into an outdoor art gallery for this fall festival. Admire the work from more than 200 juried artisans from around the globe. VisitAlexandria.com Virginia Beach – VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL Sept. 26–28: The 51st anniversary of […]
Where to Eat, Drink, & Stay in Staunton During Queen City Mischief & Magic
Staunton might be a small town, but during the annual Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival, the last week of September, it’s larger than life. The festival draws tens of thousands of witches, wizards, warlocks, ghouls, and more to the Shenandoah Valley—and they fill up the local hotels, restaurants, and bars quickly. To plan ahead […]
A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover
After a successful career in investigative services in Washington, D.C., Terri Wesselman and her husband, Julien Patterson, decided to settle down in Irvington. Initially drawn to the area by the Tides Inn, the couple had been weekending in the Northern Neck since the late ’90s. “There was something about the area that was quiet but […]
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