Marie

Virginia’s famous cities and historic landmarks get plenty of attention, but some of the state’s best surprises are hiding in its smaller towns. Think winding mountain roads, huge lakes, waterfront streets, railroad history, and festivals celebrating everything from oysters to maple syrup. If you’re ready to look beyond Virginia’s usual stops, these eight overlooked towns … Read more

Planning a weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia? You’re in for two days packed with famous American history, mountain views, colorful art, scenic walks, and a few seriously tasty local treats. Charlottesville sits near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you can go from exploring historic architecture to walking through the woods without spending half … Read more

Northern Virginia may be famous for busy highways and Washington, D.C. suburbs, but tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling farmland, and winding rivers are small towns that look straight out of a storybook. Think brick sidewalks, centuries-old buildings, tiny main streets, riverside paths, horse farms, and mountain views. Some of these towns have fewer … Read more

Planning a weekend in Alexandria, Virginia? You’re in for brick-lined streets, centuries-old buildings, Potomac River views, fascinating museums, and enough great stops to keep two days packed without feeling rushed. Just across the river from Washington, D.C., Alexandria has more than 200 years of American stories hiding behind colorful row houses, grand homes, and unexpected … Read more

Some restaurants pull you in with the food, but this Virginia spot gives you another reason to grab a table. Picture yourself eating beside a peaceful 24-acre lake with a mountain rising across the water. Huge dining room windows put that incredible view right in front of you while you dig into breakfast, lunch, or … Read more

Northern Virginia has plenty of famous attractions, but some of its coolest places are hiding beyond the usual tourist stops. Think wooden paths crossing wetlands, quiet forest trails, and historic places with stories that rarely make the travel guides. Some are located surprisingly close to busy roads and neighborhoods, yet plenty of people drive right … Read more

Southwest Virginia is where road trips get seriously fun, with winding mountain roads, tiny downtowns, wild ponies, deep river gorges, and sweeping viewpoints. One minute you’re listening to live Appalachian music, and the next you’re hiking above 5,000 feet, staring into a massive natural gorge, or watching ponies wander across open mountain meadows. This road … Read more

You don’t usually expect to find fresh pastries, hot coffee, and lunch being served inside a nearly 200-year-old church. But one Virginia bakery has turned a church built in 1833 into a seriously cool place to eat. Step inside and you can order cakes, cookies, croissants, muffins, sandwiches, and other treats while surrounded by reminders … Read more

Virginia’s mountains were made for a road trip, with winding roads climbing past forest-covered peaks, rushing waterfalls, historic towns, and overlooks where you’ll want to pull over every few miles. This route packs a lot into one adventure, from soaking in naturally warm mineral springs and hiking rocky summits to cruising along the Blue Ridge … Read more