Exploring

Claw of the Dragon

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

by Martha Steger

Brambles, Brittanys and a Plague of Toads

Tramping the North Norfolk Coast with four little girls was a crazy idea that slowly turned into a pleasant surprise.

by Dean King

A Magical Hideout: Floyd

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

by deveron timberlake

A Rock and a Wild Place

Fairfax’s Great Falls Park is a 900-acre natural haven with stunning views, waterfalls and some of the best rock climbing around.

by mac carey & Robb Scharetg

The Galápagos Islands have 250 animal species that exist nowhere else in the world—and a boat trip with just a few folks and a guide is the way to see some of them. Don’t mind the guano. Photography by Christine Ennulat

by christine ennulat

Bone-Jarring Fun

Pandapas Pond, near Blacksburg, has a network of trails that beguiles beginner and expert mountain bikers alike. Are you ready for a relaxing cruise on the Beauty, or a fight with the hair-raising Beast?

by belcher rod

Splendid Isolation

Ethiopia is isolated and peculiar—and the perfect place for a family adventure.

by Greg Weatherford

Pages: 1234

Events

July 4, 2025

Fourth of July at Stratford Hall

Stratford Hall

July 4, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

July 5, 2025

Yorktown Market Days

Riverwalk Landing

Most Popular

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