Travel

Instagram-Worthy Weekend Retreats in the Shenandoah Valley

A rural cabin may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of social media influencers, but some of the Shenandoah Valley’s most popular Airbnbs have attracted thousands of followers thanks to Insta-perfect views and amenities. In Stanley, the Shenandoah Yurt is a luxury mountain retreat with three bedrooms, a hot […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

Lynchburg Offers Luxury Lodging in an Old Shoe Factory

The Craddock Terry Hotel stands as a testament to Lynchburg’s industrial heritage, ingeniously transformed from what was once the Craddock Terry Shoe Co.—the fifth-largest shoe manufacturer in the world during its heyday. This boutique hotel masterfully preserves its manufacturing roots with thoughtful design touches throughout its 44 distinctive guest rooms. Shoeboxes deliver morning breakfast, shoe-shaped […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Confessions of a Chronic Over (and Under) Packer

“You know they’ll have that there, right?” my boyfriend Jack asks while I stuff body wash into my bulging bag. What self-respecting Airbnb doesn’t have soap in their shower? I, however, am particular about my lavender-scented soap. I must have my own toiletries, which isn’t so outrageous, but the problems arise when I push my […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Five European-Inspired Virginia Honeymoons

Although you may be in the midst of wedding planning, there’s one thing you really look forward to after your nuptials: the honeymoon. And while you may have your eyes set on a luxurious resort abroad or a quaint European seaside town, there are plenty of places to feel far away without having to unearth […]

by Jennifer Prince

From Postage Stamps to Passports

How one octogenarian’s love for travel keeps her on the move. For Lynn Nelson, a passion for travel started with a childhood love for geography and a budding pile of stamps. “My father worked with a man who had a stamp collection, and he would always send me his extra stamps,” she reminisces. She anticipated […]

by Jennifer Prince

Ensuring Loudoun County’s Country Roads Remain Rural

By Regan Hofmann Something happens when you leave the pavement. Suddenly, the journey becomes more about where you are than where you are going. You have arrived somewhere special even though you are still on your way. Whether it’s the tire of your car or bike, your sneaker, or a horse’s steel-clad shoe that crosses […]

by Staff

Out & About Tazewell

SHOP Appa Bagworks: Hand-crafted leather products like cross-bodies, totes, and shoulder bags. Owner Tanner Hale learned the art from his granddad. 145 Main St. Facebook: AppaBagworks Between Friends: Shop for locally made goods like wood carvings, artwork, jewelry, and bright quilts. 293 Main St. Facebook: BetweenFriendGifts Burke’s Garden Artisans Guild:Showcasing regional artisans and featuring the […]

by Amy Brecount White

Buy Tickets Early to Ride the Rails with Santa

The Virginia Scenic Railway is restoring the allure of train travel with its three-hour round trips departing from Staunton. The railway runs two main routes, and the Alleghany Special route is particularly scenic. It lurches westward from Staunton through pastoral scenes, past working farms, and toward the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. From Saturday, Nov. […]

by Heather Bien

4 Reasons to Visit Staunton This Fall

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the city of Staunton is a dreamy fall getaway with stunning scenery, historical architecture, and a mixed bag of activities for all ages.

by Staff

The Virginia Scenic Railway Brings Train Travel Back to Virginia

Before the Acela hit 160 miles per hour and turned train travel into a race from one destination to the next, riding the rails was an occasion. Sweeping vistas right outside the window and meals served with silverware made traveling by train an experience—one that a dwindling generation looks back on fondly. But the Virginia […]

by Heather Bien

Sami Looney of Crozet explores the restored Blue Ridge Tunnel.

More of Virginia’s Most Bizarre Destinations

These are just a few more artifacts that make Virginia so much fun. We’ve compiled a short list of Virginia’s most bizarre destinations. Up to Speed. Weighing a mere 34 tons, one of four manganese bronze ship propellers from the S.S. United States once propelled the 990-foot ship, built in 1951 and retired in 1969. […]

by Elizabeth Cogar

Biologist helped revolutionize Blue Ridge Parkway’s wildlife management practices

Veteran ranger and Blue Ridge Parkway biologist Tom Davis follows a grassy path east from the Franklin County parking lot of one of the park’s oldest designated recreation sites. He passes through a gap in the weathered, stacked-rail cedar fence into a 2,500-foot mountaintop meadow of chest-high wildflowers abuzz with bees, birds, butterflies, and moths. […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Japanese influence meets colonial elegance in a twist

Hotel AKA Alexandria, a 2023 addition to the historic Old Town neighborhood, could “also be known as” Alexandria’s most enigmatic new accommodation. The hotel’s design, décor, and architectural detailing embody a fascinating fusion of Japanese minimalism and colonial influence, led by the creative direction of Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The muted colors and soft contours […]

by Staff

WMATA’s Plans Bring Hope for Easier Commutes

Commuters rejoice! Good news abounds for Northern Virginians who utilize the DC Metro. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has plans to improve the stations and train lines throughout the area in 2025. Those tired of the wait times and crowds on the Blue Line between the Pentagon and Rosslyn stations in particular will be […]

by Staff

One of America’s most beloved hotels is home to an incredible boutique

The historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa has long been a cultural anchor and focal point for the far Southwest Virginia gateway city of Abingdon. The sprawling mansion turned 63-room, grand hotel takes its name from its role as the former home of the Martha Washington College for women from 1858 to 1918—and is renowned […]

by Staff

Unconventional Overnights

Harvest Hosts brings quirky stays to Virginia.

by Ciara Brennan

Norfolk Anew

A native Norfolkian rediscovers Mermaid City.

by peggy sijswerda

Claw of the Dragon

300 miles of exhilarating hairpin turns and switchbacks aren’t for the faint of heart.

by Martha Steger

Destination Tree

A Pilgrim’s Guide to Tree Travel.

by Nancy Ross Hugo

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Events

June 23, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

June 24, 2025

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Carlyle House Historic Park

June 24, 2025

Exposure: In Bloom, Return to Seoul (2022)

Institute for Contemporary Art

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Small Town, Big History: The Stories of Abingdon

Long before the first European settlers ventured into the American wilderness, the Delaware and Catawba tribes tracked a buffalo trace through the Shenandoah Mountains. Abingdon—once known as Wolf Hills—emerged along this trail, today’s Route 11. Frequented by westward expansionists on the Great Valley Road, Main Street grew. Today, the city of 8,336 residents hugs Route […]

by Michael C. Upton

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Instagram-Worthy Weekend Retreats in the Shenandoah Valley

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