Culture

Ghost Tours, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall

In autumn, Virginia becomes a playground for spine-tingling adventures and harvest celebrations galore. With ghost tours, sprawling corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, the Commonwealth’s unforgettable seasonal experiences blend rich history with fall festivity. This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue.

by Madeline Mayhood

Virginia Beach SPCA’s Programs For Kids

One of the VBSPCA’s missions is to transform children into compassionate advocates through immersive humane education. That might mean Tale for Two, which pairs a young reader with an animal to make reading more fun while boosting confidence in both pet and person. Along the way, respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion are woven into the […]

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

Things to do in Old Town Alexandria

Entering Old Town Alexandria feels like someone waved a magic wand after navigating the notorious mixing bowl of I-95: Suddenly, it’s all worth it. The sun shines through the tree-lined streets between Georgian, Federal, and mid-century modern homes, and ivy-covered bricks welcome me. I have eight hours before returning home, so my wide eyes absorb […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

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

The Most Loved Mayo Brands, According to Virginia Chefs

Of all the condiments in the door of your fridge, there is perhaps none as polarizing as mayonnaise. The sandwich spread evokes either devoted love or vehement repulsion, depending on whom you ask. Even among mayo lovers, there’s the issue of which brand is best, a debate that hinges on regional fealty, culinary posturing, and […]

by Stephanie Ganz

Historic Riding Program Evolves Into Learning Tool

Since 1939, horses have been woven into the fabric of Congressional School, a legacy that began with the founding family’s passion for equestrian life. The Devers’ love of horses not only shaped the school’s identity—inspiring the “Colts” team name and horse mascot—but established a tradition that continues to innovate today. During the warmer months, Congressional’s […]

by Madeline Mayhood

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

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

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

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

Virginia’s Top Outdoor Events Kicking Off Summer 2025

RICHMOND – Dominion Energy Riverrock May 16–18: The James River turns into an adrenaline-filled playground at this outdoor bash. Watch kayakers face whitewater, climbers scale boulders, slackliners defy gravity, and dogs take flight in the high-flying Air Dog competition—all set to a live music lineup. RiverrockRVA.com SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Arts Festival May 17: This Pagan […]

by Hope Cartwright

How Service Dogs are Breaking New Ground in Healthcare

Stephen Colbert asked Dr. Jane Goodall a big question. “What’s your favorite animal?” he wondered when the world’s most famous primatologist was a guest on a Late Night episode last September. Given Goodall’s groundbreaking research and conservation advocacy in Africa, he assumed her answer would be the chimps she’s worked with throughout her seven-decade career. […]

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

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

Virginia Tech’s Partnership Will 3D-Print Homes Statewide

Technology continues to amaze us, from AI to driverless cars. Now, Virginia is … printing houses? Virginia Housing, the state’s housing finance agency, and Virginia Tech unveiled a robotic 3D printer last November in Virginia Beach, capable of constructing homes. The nearly 11-foot high, 4-ton Tvasta printer, designed and built in India, cuts construction time […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Virginia’s Street Food Scene Looks East

Fast food is leveling up thanks to an increased demand from Asian street food lovers. Read about these Virginia businesses that are answering the call. The Thai Pan • Leesburg Brilliantly positioned next to a Leesburg gas station, The Thai Pan offers on-the-go grub—from spring rolls and fried calamari to pad Thai and Thai fried […]

by Katie Farthing

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Events

September 3, 2025

Weinstein Author Series – Laura E. Helton | Scattered and Fugitive Things

Library of Virginia

September 3, 2025

Shrek the Musical

All Saints Performing Arts Center

September 3, 2025

Mandy Gonzalez in Concert at Shenandoah Conservatory

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Submissions are open for Virginia Living's Top Wedding Vendor 2026 List!

Virginia’s Best Small-Batch Ice Cream Shops

Move over, chocolate and strawberry. It’s not that you’re boring, it’s just that Virginia’s small batch scoopers are churning out so many flavors that it makes plain old vanilla seem, well, vanilla. In the Old Dominion, we found that Scoop in Richmond’s Fan District is out of this world, with flavor bombs like Tahini & […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Why Virginia Is Becoming a Major Tech Hub

Everyone knows tech geniuses are around every corner in Silicon Valley or Seattle. But don’t underestimate Virginia. The Commonwealth is becoming an increasingly major player in the tech industry, appearing on top techy lists worldwide. Hyperscale Hub From projected fusion plants to 3D-printed houses, it’s never a slow news day in the Old Dominion’s tech […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

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 […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Culture

Ghost Tours, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall

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Events

Weinstein Author Series – Laura E. Helton | Scattered and Fugitive Things

Shrek the Musical

Mandy Gonzalez in Concert at Shenandoah Conservatory

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Virginia’s Best Small-Batch Ice Cream Shops

Why Virginia Is Becoming a Major Tech Hub

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

Culture

Ghost Tours, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall

Current Issue

Events

Weinstein Author Series – Laura E. Helton | Scattered and Fugitive Things

Shrek the Musical

Mandy Gonzalez in Concert at Shenandoah Conservatory

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Most Popular

Virginia’s Best Small-Batch Ice Cream Shops

Why Virginia Is Becoming a Major Tech Hub

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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weekly newsletter: VL Today