Blue Ridge Parkway reopens to NC state line! For visitors to Southwest Virginia, please check 511 Virginia for up-to-date road closures and delays. Click here for  Read More

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Erin Gifford

Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in Ashburn, Virginia. She is also the author of three guidebooks for Falcon Guides highlighting hiking trails in Virginia, as well as a web resource called GoHikeVirginia.com. She enjoys seeking out quirky roadside attractions, biking rail-trails, and hiking at state and national parks. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states.

Seven Must-Visit Small Towns in the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley region is a stunning landscape of rolling hills, lush farmland, and verdant vineyards, all against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you're an outdoor lover, a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, these seven small towns…

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Your Virginia Summer Bucket List

Summer is a great time to get outside in Virginia, whether four-wheeling on a rugged ATV trail, catching waves on a sandy stretch of coastline, or cooling off at a splashy water park. There are great indoor options, too, for when all you want is the chill of air conditioning. Think historic homes…

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Accessible Outdoor Adventures for Spring

There are outdoor adventures for everyone and for all abilities in Virginia, whether on land or water. All across Virginia, you’ll find campgrounds, playgrounds, trails for hiking and biking, boat cruises, fishing piers, and outdoor performance venues that can be enjoyed by everyone. Here are ten of…

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Your Virginia Spring Bucket List

Virginia is a wonderland that’s ripe for exploration in spring, whether paddling at state parks, pedaling on bike trails, or sampling varietals from a picturesque patio at any one of more than 300 wineries across Virginia. Here are 15 Virginia bucket list ideas to check off this spring! 1. Tiptoe…

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Your Virginia Winter Bucket List

Virginia has plenty of things to do during winter break and all winter long that are fun for the whole family, like snow tubing, first day hikes, whale watching, and winter festivals. Here are the 15 fun bucket list ideas you’ll want to check off before the end of winter. 1. Soak in Mineral Hot…

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Best Beach Towns for a Fun-Filled Fall Vacation

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you need to forgo getaways to coastal towns. In fact, thanks to fewer crowds, off-season deals, and family-friendly festivals, fall may be the best time for a coastal getaway. Grab a light jacket or sweater and let’s go! 1. Colonial Beach Situated on…

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Virginia's Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the Fall

It’s safe to say that we’ve got more than a few picture-perfect mountain towns in Virginia thanks to the rugged Appalachians and Blue Ridge Mountains that cut across the state. Fall is a great time to explore these towns for vibrantly-colored foliage, fall festivals, scenic hiking and biking, and…

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10 Fall Outdoor Adventures in Virginia

Note: Due to Hurricane Helene, travel in some Southwest Virginia destinations may be challenging at this time. Anyone traveling to these areas should plan driving routes using the 511 Virginia resource from the Virginia Department of Transportation and confirm travel plans ahead. Fall is a great…

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Stunning Wineries Near Shenandoah National Park

Let's be honest, it's hard to beat a glass of wine after a hike, especially at a bucolic vineyard with wide-open views at one of the best wineries near Shenandoah National Park. Imagine settling in to an Adirondack chair, glass of award-winning wine in hand, savoring wondrous mountain views. Ahh…

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