City Guides

A City After Washington’s Heart

Like the visionary Founding Father, Winchester is building a new future.

by Staff

The Little City That Could: Roanoke

Once known as “Big Lick,” then as a railway hub, Roanoke is a small city bursting with big ideas.

by Daryl Grove

Capital Ideas: Richmond

Long thought of as the staid scion of the state, Richmond is awash with a new energy that is revealing its sophistication, style, and entrepreneurial spirit.

by caroline kettlewell

A Day in the Country: The Plains

Keeping it simple is no small task in the modest town of The Plains.

by Daisy Ridgway Khalifa

Quaint, Quirky and Cosmopolitan: Charlottesville

Though this city has attracted a diverse and sophisticated crowd and has a decidedly big-town vibe, it hasn’t lost any of its small-town charm.

by sarah sargent

Big-Town Vibe, Small-Town Charm, Charlottesville

Jeff Greenough took some beautiful photographs of Charlottesville for our October 2011 issue feature story.

by Staff

The Princess Anne History Loop: Virginia Beach

18th-century alternatives to sand and sun.

by miley theobald mary

A Magical Hideout: Floyd

Floyd is a town unlike any other in Virginia—small and rugged, artistic and proud.

by deveron timberlake

The New in Old Town: Alexandria

Alexandria’s historic district has fared better than most through this economic slowdown—and is lots more dynamic than one might think.

by Richard Ernsberger Jr. & Robb Scharetg

Why It’s Called ‘Old Town’: Alexandria

Curious to know how our forebears killed fleas? Where George Washington was a church member? You can find out if you tour the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, or Christ Church Episcopal Church, two of the many historic sites in the district.

by Richard Ernsberger Jr.

The Valley Vibe: Staunton

Staunton is not a high profile town, but it’s got a wonderful weekend scene

by Richard Ernsberger Jr.

Victorian Echoes: Falls Church

Falls Church is an urban village with a storied past.

by Daisy Ridgway Khalifa

A ‘Fine Little Village’: Waterford

Waterford has a weak water supply, scant commerce and insufficient parking, but village residents don’t complain too much. They are certain that they live in a very special place, with its historic buildings, agrarian heritage and wide open spaces.

by Daisy Ridgway Khalifa

Mayberry Meets Manhattan: Northern Neck

The southern end of the Northern Neck—White Stone, Irvington and Kilmarnock—has become a haven for retirees, who like the water and the lifestyle, which one describes as “small-town America at its very best.”

by Richard Ernsberger Jr.

Grand Ambitions: Bedford

Bedford has a National D-Day Memorial and big dreams for becoming a tourist destination. As one resident says, ” We do like to see folks come and see how we live.”

by hubbard valerie

A Different World: Burke’s Garden

Burke’s Garden, in southwestern Virginia, pop. 300, lies in a beautiful, isolated, high-altitude valley with no post office, cell phone service or cable, and a harsh climate. As one resident says, “Something unpredictable could happen at any time.”

by tennis joe

A True Redoubt: Clifton

Formerly a railroad depot and, 100 years ago, the largest and most progressive town in Fairfax County, Clifton is now a “back-in-time” community thanks to its strategic location and its commitment to preservation.

by mac carey

In the Fast Lane: Fairfax

Fairfax County is something of welcome anomaly—the Old Dominion’s busy, brash and diverse economic powerhouse.

by Richard Ernsberger Jr.

The “Great Marsh”: Poquoson

Poquoson is a peninsula jutting into the Chesapeake Bay and the oldest continuously named town in Virginia, where crusty watermen mingle with brainy NASA scientists, and where family histories go back to the 1700s.

by glose bill

Pages: 1234

Events

July 2, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

July 2, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

July 3, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

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

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife—the perfect prescription for nature lovers. Some spots to add to your itinerary include: This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Stacy Watkins

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A City After Washington’s Heart

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

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A City After Washington’s Heart

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Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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