Culture

DeKay’s Brown Snake is a Friendly Garden Companion

It is a truth universally acknowledged that few people truly delight in finding a snake in their garden. Jason Gibson, however, is one who generally does. An associate professor of biology at Averett University in Danville, he is also a longtime (nearly three-decade) member of the Virginia Herpetological Society: if anyone could be called pro-snake, […]

by caroline kettlewell

2025 Book Releases by Virginia Authors

Virginia’s literary landscape is on fire. From steamy romances to make you blush to edge-of-your-seat thrillers that’ll keep you up all night, discover these local literary rockstars whose fresh ink will revolutionize your reading list. Romancing in the Commonwealth In The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram (Zibby Publishing), Tess Murphy’s mom scores a cooking […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Best NoVa Flea Markets for Bargain Hunters

For bargain hunters and antique lovers alike, Northern Virginia has a host of standout flea markets worth traveling for. Here are some of our favorites. This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Erica Jackson Curran

Celebrating Jane Austen’s Birthday in Virginia

That handflex. It’s taken on a life of its own. Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie created an iconic moment in cinema history with a powerful and oh-so-subtle gesture after helping Elizabeth Bennet into her carriage. It’s become a cultural phenomenon, sparking endless debate among Janeites worldwide. Was it […]

by Kinsey Gidick

Summer’s Road Trips & Magic Memories

The rhythmic pitter-patter on the roof echoes throughout the house as my mother yells, “Hurry! We’re going to miss it!” My bare feet scramble as the anticipation prompts a broad smile across my face. When I reach the backyard, I see that my mom is right: I wouldn’t want to miss this—a perfect summer rain. […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Duke Riley’s Art Exhibition at the MOCA in Virginia Beach

Just over by the sea in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is showing Duke Riley’s O’er the Wide and Plastic Sea exhibition through Aug. 31. The Brooklyn artist’s two decades of multimedia work look at nature through today’s eyes. For the exhibition’s namesake piece, Riley took an interesting approach—creating eye-catching art from […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Major Gifts Transform Marine Science at William & Mary and VIMS

William & Mary has been catapulted into a new era of marine science leadership through two extraordinary gifts that will reshape coastal education for generations. Jane Batten’s landmark $100 million donation has established the prestigious Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences on the banks of the York River, reframing W&M’s Virginia Institute of Marine […]

by John Page Williams Jr.

Discover the LOVEwork Signs of Northern Virginia

Love is all around, and we mean that literally here in the Commonwealth. LOVEwork signs started as a tourism branding program, but this labor of love turned into a state staple as signs popped up all over. From recycled materials in Airlie, beautiful murals in Occoquan, a steam train in Warrenton, and a seasonally decorated […]

by Katie Farthing

Inside Virginia’s Rowing Renaissance

More than a sport from an age of mythic gods & heroes, crew is arguably a contest of endurance, power, & resilience without equal. Imagine you’re sliding into the seat of a crew shell. It’s at the start of a big race. You’re in an eight boat, which means eight of you will be rowing together, […]

by Avery Chenoweth

Chincoteague Pony Swim Celebrates 100th Anniversary

One never forgets their first Pony Swim. Every year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, the Saltwater Cowboys round up Assateague Island’s glorious herd of wild horses and lead them across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island’s eastern beachfront. There, the ponies are paraded through town, and a selection of foals is […]

by Hope Cartwright

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

City lights flicker and reflect off the James as rolling rhythms echo across Downtown Richmond in twilight harmony. This is the concert experience at Richmond’s new Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront—a 7,500-capacity waterfront venue that opened in June. Big names are lining up, and tickets are flying—Dave Matthews Band’s shows sold out in hours (don’t worry, […]

by Hope Cartwright

Music Theory Studios: Hampton Roads’ Musician Hub

What started out as a space for two 20-something friends to “bang [their] music extremely loud” has evolved into a professional studio that’s home to some of Hampton Roads’ most talented musicians. Norfolk-based Music Theory Studios offers a high-quality recording setup along with the Music Technology Academy, which supports and empowers young artists. MusicTheoryStudios.com This […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

Top Summer Mountain Events in Virginia

Making the most of summer’s fleeting sweetness reaches new heights in a mountaintop setting. From the Blue Ridge to the Alleghenies, sun-soaked adventures unfold among soaring trees and peaks. Discover what Virginia’s ridges offer at mountain venues this summer. Chairlift Sunset Sessions, Roseland July 12 & Aug. 16 Take in sunset views of misty blue […]

by Hope Cartwright

Q&A with Elle Cosimano: Inside the Finlay Donovan Mystery Series

Elle Cosimano, the Virginia-based mastermind behind the wildly popular Finlay Donovan thriller series, opens up about her writing style, her genre-bending approach, and upcoming collaborations. In this candid conversation, she reveals what drives her storytelling and how she hopes to remind readers why they fell in love with books in the first place. Read on […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Embrace Play with these Virginia-Made Toys

“Work hard, play hard” might be a cliché, but it’s also solid advice. Research shows playtime is important for all of us—kids and grown-ups alike—boosting creativity, connection, and well-being. And what better way to play than with a toy? Across the state, Virginia toymakers are crafting high-quality, heirloom-worthy playthings that swap screens and buttons for […]

by Hope Cartwright

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

STAUNTON – Festival of Concerts June 26–Aug. 2: The stunning strums and resounding chords of classical music echo through Staunton’s mountain landscape as Heifetz International Music Institute students from around the world take the stage, with new concerts every day. HeifetzInstitute.org GLOUCESTER – Food Truck Frenzy July 13: Virginia’s most mouthwatering food trucks descend on […]

by Hope Cartwright

Derek Shaw Crafts Real Leather Goods In-Store in Norfolk

Almost every time a shopper passes Werther Leather Goods in Norfolk’s Selden Market indoor boutique collective, a sign catches their eye. “Everybody is like, ‘Oh! Belts made while you wait,’” says Derek Shaw, owner and leathersmith. Shaw handmakes every product in Werther’s cozy stall, which doubles as his miniature warehouse, using well-worn tools like an […]

by Hope Cartwright

Explore Aviation History at the Udvar-Hazy Center Near Dulles

Named after aviation entrepreneur Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, whose $65 million donation made its construction possible, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center stands as one of the world’s premier aerospace museums. Near Dulles Airport and the companion facility to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the massive, 760,000-square-foot facility opened in 2003 and showcases […]

by Madeline Mayhood

What to Know About Hiring a Life Coach

A quick Google search will show you life coaches all across Virginia—but looming questions remain: What do they do, and How do you know if you’re a candidate for what they offer? Unlike therapists, life coaches usually don’t cover mental health concerns or past issues. Instead, they’re forward-thinking, helping you create a plan for getting […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

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Events

July 17, 2025

Historic Campus Walking Tour

Workhouse Arts Center

July 17, 2025

“Earth to Table” Invitational Exhibition

Workhouse Arts Center

July 17, 2025

MaNiiTo II’NiNiiWak- (Creative Power People) Creative Sovereignty: The Power of Indigenous Artists Exhibit

Workhouse Arts Center

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Around the world, as both a beverage and a pastime, tea is steeped in history and ritual. From the casual to the ceremonial, tea is a throughline for many cultures, and now, it’s enjoying a renewed interest from beverage pros who are drawn to tea’s unique flavor characteristics, health benefits, and cultural connections. Recently, two […]

by Stephanie Ganz

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

by Hope Cartwright

Top Summer Mountain Events in Virginia

by Hope Cartwright

Culture

DeKay’s Brown Snake is a Friendly Garden Companion

Current Issue

Events

Historic Campus Walking Tour

“Earth to Table” Invitational Exhibition

MaNiiTo II’NiNiiWak- (Creative Power People) Creative Sovereignty: The Power of Indigenous Artists Exhibit

Most Popular

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

Top Summer Mountain Events in Virginia

Culture

DeKay’s Brown Snake is a Friendly Garden Companion

Current Issue

Events

Historic Campus Walking Tour

“Earth to Table” Invitational Exhibition

MaNiiTo II’NiNiiWak- (Creative Power People) Creative Sovereignty: The Power of Indigenous Artists Exhibit

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

Top Summer Mountain Events in Virginia

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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weekly newsletter: VL Today