Virginia

Ten Best Virginia Hikes

These Virginia views are worth the hike. The stunning natural beauty of Virginia was one of the great charms to the early settlers, so much so that places like Natural Bridge were seen as New World wonders. To photographer and hiker John Henley, they still are. Henley, a commercial photographer with studios […]

by Staff

Cruising Together

Explore Smith Mountain Lake aboard a 19th-century replica sidewheeler. If you want to relax and enjoy a dramatic Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop from the water, there’s hardly a better vessel than the 19th-century replica sidewheeler operated by Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina on Smith Mountain Lake. A cruise on the 63-foot-long boat takes […]

by Markus Schmidt

Trails & Tours

A herd of equine expeditions across the Commonwealth. Here in Virginia, it’s estimated that 30 percent of all households are home to a horse enthusiast, and the state ranks 13th overall for horse population in America, according to the Virginia Horse Industry Board. Not lucky enough to have a steed of your […]

by Mindy Kinsey

Trailblazers

Barn quilt trails are becoming increasingly popular in Virginia. PATRICIA TEMPLES (c)2017 If you have ever driven past a barn with a quilt block pattern on your travels through rural Virginia, chances are you were treading one of the state’s many barn quilt trails. Barn quilts began as a kind of folk […]

by Markus Schmidt

Autumn Books

Here are some notable Southern books coming out this Autumn. Tennesse-based novelist, Ann Patchett kick off Fall with a collection of essays, The Precious Days (HarperCollins, $26.99). With an adorable dog on the front cover, what more is needed. The author of Bel Canto writes about truth and how life […]

by Staff

National Book Award Longlist

Southern stories & authors situate themselves nicely in National Book Award running. I am not surprised that Matrix by Lauren Groff is on this year’s longlist (look for our review soon!). After her fabulous collection of short stories, Florida, this new novel might be a bit different in plot and time period, […]

by Staff

Lazy River’s Artful Canoes

These gallery-worthy showstoppers from craftsman Jim Dodd are turning heads on the water. Not all canoes are created equal, and master woodcrafter Jim Dodd, owner of Lazy River Canoes in Buchanan, is proving that point. Dodd specializes in hand-built solo wood strip canoes, which he says are traditional in “big water” states in […]

by Jill Devine

Colorful Living

Interior designer Janie Molster gives a talk at The Woman’s Club about her new book. If you’re struggling with design inspiration and direction, all you have to do “is look in the mirror.” Southern designer Janie Molster’s new book House Dressing: Interiors for Colorful Living (Monacelli Press) gives an in-depth look at her design style […]

by Konstantin Rega

Knee-Deep in the Brine

Plucked fresh from the water and eaten raw, a wild oyster has the power to ruin you for any other kind. (Illustration by Stan Fellows) CRAVING OYSTERS AND HOPING TO cure cabin fever, I filled my car with camping gear and drove the four hours from Charlottesville to Cape Charles on the […]

by Jackson Landers

On Island Time

This flavor-packed food truck brings the Caribbean to Virginia. Sam Dean (Photos by Sam Dean) “Come hungry with an open mind,” says Eric Vasson of his food truck, Island Wheels, which marries Caribbean and American cuisine. Sam Dean Vasson was a chef at resorts and hotels around the Caribbean—St. […]

by Ashley Hunter

Hyper Drive

Dream cars are increasingly common in the Commonwealth. Virginia’s car culture is on the rise, but that culture may not be one you’d expect. As the home of legendary tracks, teams, and drivers, the Old Dominion is a longstanding bastion of stock car racing and classic muscle cars. Weekend car shows around the state […]

by Dan Carney

Playing Catch-Up

Some patients are returning to Virginia dental offices with a mouthful of problems. Illustration by Sebastien Thibault As patients have started coming back to his clinic, Virginia Commonwealth University dentist Dr. David Sarrett is seeing a variety of post-pandemic problems. Among them: “a lot more people with cracked or broken teeth,” […]

by Sandra Shelley

Street Tough

This survivor can handle the urban jungle. Illustration by Adam Larkum A SOLID WORKHORSE OF A TREE, the hackberry is a North American native that’s resilient, adaptable, and wildlife friendly. It can grow as tall as 100 feet and live for decades. The tree offers shade in summer, can be planted for […]

by caroline kettlewell

River Deep, Mountain High

Virginia cities rank in the national top three of urban kayaking destinations. Kyle LaFerriere Virginia Living Magazine Clinch River Outfitters WHEN YOU THINK OF KAYAKING, you might picture paddling out on the ocean or in a serene lake, but urban kayaking is a fantastic way to get outdoors while seeing a city […]

by Markus Schmidt

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Events

July 11, 2025

ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

ARTfactory

July 11, 2025

Ayreheart

Creative Cauldron

July 11, 2025

Apartment Swap

Workhouse Arts Center

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Around the world, as both a beverage and a pastime, tea is steeped in history and ritual. From the casual to the ceremonial, tea is a throughline for many cultures, and now, it’s enjoying a renewed interest from beverage pros who are drawn to tea’s unique flavor characteristics, health benefits, and cultural connections. Recently, two […]

by Stephanie Ganz

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

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

STAUNTON – Festival of Concerts June 26–Aug. 2: The stunning strums and resounding chords of classical music echo through Staunton’s mountain landscape as Heifetz International Music Institute students from around the world take the stage, with new concerts every day. HeifetzInstitute.org GLOUCESTER – Food Truck Frenzy July 13: Virginia’s most mouthwatering food trucks descend on […]

by Hope Cartwright

Virginia

Ten Best Virginia Hikes

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ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

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New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

Virginia

Ten Best Virginia Hikes

Current Issue

Events

ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

Ayreheart

Apartment Swap

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Most Popular

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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