Virginia’s story is interwoven into the very fabric of American history, not only as the home of the first permanent English settlement but also home to the longest continuous experience of Black history and culture in America. When the first enslaved Africans were brought to the shores of Hampton…
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They say it’s better to live in the present than to dwell in the past, but what if you could have the best of both worlds in one place? Virginia has no shortage of destinations that defy the laws of time, offering a tangible window into what life used to be like decades, centuries, and even…
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The melodies have enchanted Richmond for decades. Soulful tunes that fill the bars, parks, and museums - those that have become an iconic part of the city’s personality. While all music genres thrive in Virginia’s capital city, there’s a particularly vibrant jazz scene. From historic Shockoe…
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Ella Fitzgerald, known affectionately as the 'First Lady of Song,' had a remarkable journey from her hometown of Newport News, Virginia, to the grand stages of the world. As a beacon of talent and resilience, Ella's voice transcended the barriers of society to touch the hearts of millions globally…
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2024 is a unique year for celebrating music heritage in Southwest Virginia. Not only will it mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Carter Family Fold but also the 20th anniversary of the Crooked Road, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s 10th anniversary, and Floyd Country Store’s 40th…
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Nestled within the rolling hills and winding valleys of Southwest Virginia, the Crooked Road weaves together 300 miles of picturesque terrain and historic music venues, each resonating with the echoes of bluegrass and old-time country melodies. In 2024, Virginia's musical heritage takes center…
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Virginia’s history is rich with Queer people in all aspects of life and culture, crossing gender, racial, economic and geographic barriers. Great examples of this are LGBTQ+ history walking tours, notable in Norfolk, Roanoke and Richmond. Each year, so many Virginians find and share more, further…
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You may know about the famous Jefferson Pools in Hot Springs, Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson and other notable figures would bathe to heal physical ailments and relax in the warmed waters. However, after recent renovations, the Omni Homestead Resort embraced the origins of the famed springs with…
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I’m a huge fan of music and have been listening to many different artists throughout my life, but as I keep up with the latest musical trends and artists coming out, I tend to shy away from the sounds of yesteryear. But upon taking a trip to Southwest Virginia with fellow colleagues to the Crooked…
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The Gilded Age was a period of excess and wealth for a select few families in America, and a prime example of that luxurious living was James & Sallie May Dooley, original owners of Richmond’s Maymont estate and their Afton summer home, the magnificent Swannanoa. Maymont, a 100-acre estate along…
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