Culture

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

Marymount’s Program Achieves First-Ever CEC Accreditation

Marymount University’s School of Education has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the nation’s first special education program to receive accreditation from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the leading authority in special education standards. This distinguished recognition validates the program’s commitment to preparing educators for successful, long-term careers in special education. “This accreditation reflects our […]

by Madeline Mayhood

New Robotics and Mechatronics Degree Debuts at Randolph College

Lynchburg’s Randolph College has introduced a groundbreaking four-year engineering degree in robotics and mechatronics, blending traditional engineering disciplines with cutting-edge technology. The program, which launched last fall, features new engineering courses and a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory. “Students can create anything their imagination serves them,” says Peter Sheldon, physics and engineering professor at Randolph. The new […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Yesteryear’s Medicine at Alexandria’s Apothecary Museum

Lauren Gleason, assistant director of education of the City of Alexandria, explains the fascinating ins and outs of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary. Imagine walking into a pharmacy today and asking for opium or morphine. You could—no prescription needed—at least until the 20th century rolled around. In 1914, the Harrison Narcotic Act was introduced into law, taxing […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Ma Cong’s Artistic Revolution at the Richmond Ballet

Anticipation hums through the air as the audiences settle into Richmond’s Leslie Cheek Theater at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), double-checking silenced phones and shifting for the best view of the eminent stage, framed by colossal red curtains. The feeling is unmistakable—a quiet, buzzy awe, knowing something extraordinary is about to unfold. Among […]

by Hope Cartwright

Madeira School Dominates State’s Ranking Again

The Madeira School has secured its position at the pinnacle of Virginia education, claiming the top spot in two prestigious categories on Niche’s 2025 Best Schools list. The all-girls powerhouse swept both the “Best Boarding School” and “Best Girls High School” rankings in Virginia, marking another year of educational excellence. The school’s dominance extends beyond […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Richmond’s VMHC Launches Nation’s 250th Celebration

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) unveiled Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation on March 22—the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s iconic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech. This groundbreaking exhibition, developed with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, is America’s first major commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial and runs […]

by Madeline Mayhood

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

Michelangelo at the Muscarelle

In a landmark cultural exchange, the Muscarelle Museum of Art, on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, presents Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine, featuring nearly half of the master’s surviving Sistine Chapel sketches. The exhibition, through June 1, celebrates Michelangelo’s 550th birthday and offers rare insight into his creative process. Visitors can […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Heritage Meets Innovation at the Branch Museum in Richmond

The Branch Museum of Design in Richmond unveils its captivating Re-Think Design series with Re-Think Landscape Design, a dual exhibition, through June 8, celebrating both the storied past and sustainable future of landscape architecture. Genius by Nature in the Main Gallery highlights the masterful legacy of Charles Gillette (1886–1969), whose “Virginia Garden” style transformed the […]

by Madeline Mayhood

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

What to Do in Virginia for the Fourth of July

From rockets’ red glare to Revolutionary flair, Virginia brings the boom to the Fourth of July. With parades, pageants, pomp, and plenty of fireworks, the Commonwealth cranks up both the colonial charm and the modern-day merrymaking for America’s birthday bash. It’s never too early to start planning your star-spangled fun—here are some Virginia Fourth of […]

by Gracie Hayden

Shenandoah University’s International March

The marching band stepped it up in London. The Shenandoah University Marching Band made history with its first international performance at the 2025 London New Year’s Day Parade, joined by the Studio Big Band and cheerleading squad. The young marching band launched in 2022 with 73 members and has now grown to over 150 students. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

A New Chapter for Virginia’s Independent Bookstores

“ Think about when you read a book you really, really loved,” prompts Paige Williams, owner of Downtown Books in Lexington. “Where were you? Does it tie you to a beach? Does it tie you to a cozy chair by a fire at your grandparents’ house? What makes you love that book?” As an independent bookstore […]

by Hope Cartwright

Carpenter Bees: Virginia’s Valuable Pollinators

My introduction to carpenter bees came via a mysterious drift of sawdust on our deck. Stooping down to examine the underside of the railing, I found a perfectly round, finger-sized hole drilled neatly into the wood. When another tiny mound of sawdust appeared, then a third, I did as one does when faced with a […]

by caroline kettlewell

Neil Diamond’s Hits and Heart Dazzle Richmond

“A Beautiful Noise,” the spectacular musical celebrating Neil Diamond’s life and music, delivers a roof-raising performance this week at Richmond’s Altria Theater, through April 20. This joyful Broadway sensation captivates audiences with electrifying performances of beloved classics from “Sweet Caroline” to “America,” masterfully weaving Diamond’s iconic soundtrack through an inspiring journey of creative genius and personal triumph. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Chickadees are Easy to Recognize, Hard to Tell Apart

When it comes to birdwatching, to call myself a rank amateur would be an insult to rank amateurs. Give me something incontrovertibly identifiable—your cardinals, your blue jays, your crows and Canada geese—and I’m all swagger and self-confidence. But throw a white-breasted nuthatch or a dark-eyed junco at me, or ask me to make the call […]

by caroline kettlewell

Controlled Burns are Virginia’s Environmental Superpower

I’m guessing you don’t have this in a smaller size?” I ask the day’s burn boss. The bright yellow Nomex suit she hands me is laughably large on my 5-foot frame, requiring duct tape around the ankles so I don’t trip. While it may not be runway-worthy attire, I’m thankful for the peace of mind […]

by Ellen Kanzinger

A New Experience at the Virginia Scenic Railway

Virginia Scenic Railway Adds Dome Car for Spectacular Valley Views The popular Virginia Scenic Railway just upped its game with a vintage dome car offering breathtaking 360° views of the Shenandoah Valley. The “Shenandoah”—built in 1948 as the “Silver Palace” for the California Zephyr—now gives passengers an unmatched vantage point on three-hour excursions from Staunton. […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

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Events

July 3, 2025

Culture

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

Current Issue

Events

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Independence Day Celebration

Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Culture

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

Current Issue

Events

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Independence Day Celebration

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

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weekly newsletter: VL Today