Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, with the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the east and the grand Alleghenies to the west, Harrisonburg VA is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Affectionately known as the “friendly city,” the city of Harrisonburg is home to two universities, James Madison and Eastern Mennonite. My wife … Read more
River tubing in Virginia is the perfect way to cool down during the dog days of summer, while also exploring some of the state’s most beautiful rivers. From the Shenandoah to the New River, there are endless opportunities for folks of all ages and experience levels to get into the water and float with friends … Read more
[Updated January 28, 2025] Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the #1 most visited unit of the US National Parks. The world-famous scenic route attracts nearly 16 million visitors each year. And Mabry Mill in Virginia is one of … Read more
My husband and I live in a cabin we built near Doughton Park and Elkin NC, about 20 miles south of the VA border. So we tend to spend a good bit of time in Southwest Virginia (a.k.a. SWVA). Because we’re professional gardeners, we love spending time in nature, tending to shrubs and flowers that … Read more
[Updated June 26, 2023] It’s been said that the most important considerations when it comes to real estate are “location, location, location.” If that’s truly the case, then the town of Waynesboro VA might as well be sitting on a gold mine. With a population of 22,000+, this delightful mid-sized mountain town is located in … Read more
Virginia is for lovers, but it’s easy to love because the state is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Visitors are constantly wowed by the state’s diverse landscapes, from the Grayson Highlands, Shenandoah Valley, and Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful Virginia coastline and barrier islands. The state is also full of rich American … Read more
Visiting Bristol TN/VA means getting to explore awesome places in two states, because the Blue Ridge mountain towns‘ main street literally acts as a state boundary. The Virginia side of the street is to the north, while the Tennessee side is to the south. The town of Bristol is renowned for its history, beloved for its quirky … Read more
[Updated Jun 20, 2023] Located in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Luray is the county seat of Page County and one of just four access points for entering Shenandoah National Park. Established in 1812 on 10 acres of land near Hawksbill Creek, the small town of around 4,800 residents is a warm, welcoming … Read more
[Updated June 16, 2023] With a population of around 100,000 people, Roanoke is both the largest city along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the largest in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. Roanoke has a lot of the small Blue Ridge mountain town charm that’s customary to the region, with a historic town center, wilderness just minutes … Read more
Once you start digging into all the different Virginia waterfalls, you’ll quickly realize that there are far too many Virginia hikes with waterfalls to possibly see them all in one trip. It would be difficult just to see all the best waterfalls in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park during a single getaway, or to visit the … Read more
