Festival season is officially underway in Virginia and this handy list will give you some ideas of how to spend your upcoming weekends.

Virginia Lake Festival

1. May 19-20: Monacan Indian Nation Pow Wow in Madison Heights. $7 for adults, $5 for kids. If you’ve never experienced an authentic pow wow before, go to this one. Full regalia, drums, dancing, crafts, American Buffalo, Eagles, great food, and age-old stories make this a memorable event.

2. May 25-28: 43rd Annual Roanoke Festival in the Park in Roanoke. Free with the exception of evening concerts. This festival has taken a turn towards the arts, making it a great day or more for families to see a variety of creations. Expect to see sand sculptures, fine arts and crafts, cloggers, BMXers, animal acts, and even big names in concert – Gin Blossoms, Lee Brice, and Craig Morgan.

3. May 31-June 3: 32nd Annual Herndon Festival in Herndon. Centered on families, this festival includes carnival rides, games, kids’ hands-on activity area, a model railway exhibit, and fireworks!

4. June 1-3: Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton. Arrgh! The pirate ships sail in to Hampton’s waterfront and hand-to-hand battles are waged just off the dock. Immerse yourselves as garbed scallywags meander the grounds singing sea chanties and telling tales. The photo ops are priceless! Fireworks, encampments, character entertainment for little ones at Little Swashbuckler Stage, and even cutlass-swinging lessons.

5. June 1-3: Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of Our Military in Virginia Beach. Little boys and big boys alike will especially enjoy the power-packed punch this festival delivers. The line-up for this year includes the Discovery Channel’s American Chopper with Paul Junior unveiling his custom military themed chopper, the Washington Redskins, great Monster Energy giveaways, Corvette Museum Racing Tour, Air National Guard simulators, the Blue Angels Oceanfront Air Show, and so, so much more.

Virginia Covered Bridge Festival

6. June 8-11: Norfolk Harborfest® in Norfolk. Days of free entertainment including more pirates, tall ships, Battleship Wisconsin tours, fireworks, live music, Virginia wine sampling for mom and dad, face painting, make-and-take crafts, and appearances by Nick Jr’s Yo! Gabba! Gabba! characters.

7. June 16: Virginia Covered Bridge Festival in Woolwine. This festival is a little bit of nostalgia for you and a little glimpse of something that isn’t as common as it used to be for the kids. Hop aboard a wagon and take a ride between two of Virginia’s treasured covered bridges – Jack’s Creek and Bob White, browse the antique cars on display, let the kids cheer on the duck race, pet the animals, and bounce around in the inflatables to wear down their energy.

8. July 19-21: Virginia Lake Festival in Clarksville. Tethered hot air balloon rides, sand sculptors, lots of food and more than 200 vendors to browse, helicopter rides, antique cars, live music, and so much more await your family at this must-attend event at Virginia’s only lakeside town.

9. July 21-22: Renaissance Festival in Gloucester. Knights and ladies, do attend this medieval-style festival and learn to juggle, be knighted yourself, dance the maypole, and find other fun shennanigans to partake in. Free!

10. August 11: 5th Annual Smith River Fest in Axton. The outdoorsy family will thrive at this festival that’s all about the river! Enter the river race, learn to tie flies and cast a line, take a guided paddle trip, enjoy the live music,  or go for a float. The kids will be entertained in a number of ways, including the Kids Village with inflatables, climbing wall, and more.

If your interest in festivals is piqued, go on to Virginia.org and see more! There are beer, wine, and quite a variety of food festivals that you’re sure to enjoy.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
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Are we not all looking for savings these days? It’s gone from couponing in grocery stores to vacation deals, and luckily, there are great vacation deals to be had in Virginia.

Memorial Day

That unofficial official start-of-summer weekend is drawing near. Have you hatched an escape plan?

Butterfly Garden at Natural Bridge

The renowned natural wonder of Virginia – The Natural Bridge – is the centerpiece of a Memorial Day weekend package. Stay one night at the Natural Bridge Hotel complete with a country breakfast, and then explore the Cedar Creek Trail beneath the bridge as it leads you to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls. Don’t forget about the Drama of Creation – the capstone nighttime event at the bridge – you’ll never see the bridge the same again. After you’ve been mesmerized, check out the new butterfly garden, caverns, wax museum, and toy museum! It’s a family adventure 25% off the normal rate: $149 base price for mom and dad, add $30 for children over 12, $20 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free.
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If peace and quiet are all you’re looking for on a busy travel weekend, slip away to Warm Springs and the tranquil Meadow Villas. Just give Jan a call and tell her Virginia is for Lovers sent you to claim your 10% discount.
 717-951-3955

Anytime Savings

• Shenandoah Caverns: Free admission for retired or active military, May 25-28. For others, buy one adult ticket at $23 and your child is free!
• Tree Streets Inn, a beautiful B&B in Waynesboro, is offering 25% off your second night when you pay the regular rate for the first. Available through June 19.
• The Tides Inn – a beautiful resort in Irvington – is offering a third night free when you pay the regular rate for the first two.
• A cabin stay at Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet might be just what you need. If it is, and if you’re a member of the US military, they’ll offer you 15% off their lowest available rate.
• In lovely Nelson County sits Orchard House Bed and Breakfast. Take advantage of their pampering for two nights between Monday through Thursday for just $160! That’s up to 40% off their weekend rates, making weekdays the way to travel.
• For spur-of-the-moment travelers, this deal from Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania is your reward. Call them within 48 hours of your stay and they’ll give you 15% off! Subject to availability, of course.
• Smithfield Station is proud to offer 15% off the lowest available rate for active and retired military.

• Book two nights with By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages and they’ll give you a $50 credit on your stay to cover your gas. P.S. The cottages are ideal for a romantic mom and dad weekend.
• Stay two nights at Holiday Inn Patriot in Williamsburg to receive a $25 gas credit.
• Book a two-night stay at Country Inn & Suites Chesapeake at the regular rate and receive a $25 Shell gas card.

Fourth of July

Celebrate your own vacation independence while the country celebrates, too!

Marine Science Consortium Family Camp

Remember summer camps? The Marine Science Consortium on the Eastern Shore is offering a week-long family camp over the 4th of July. It’s all-inclusive (meals, lodging, all fees, etc.) with activities to include kayaking, nature hikes, a visit to the NASA Wallops Island facility, seafood feast celebration, arts and crafts, nature hikes, and more! July 1-6, 2012. $399/person for the week.
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Fantastic Family Packages

Everyone’s bucket list should include a trip to the place where America began – Jamestown. Book two nights at the Fife & Drum Inn in Williamsburg and receive admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Victory Center. $278.40 per person. A three-night stay is $368.65 per person.
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Who doesn’t love dolphins? This exclusive package from The Oceanfront Inn in Virginia Beach offers you a chance to see them! Stay two nights and enjoy a Dolphin Watching Excursion from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, as well as tickets to the Center and 3D IMAX®  Theater. Rates are $124-$277 + tax per adult. Add $26 + tax per child aged 4 to 11.
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Busch Gardens

A mother/daughter or even father/daughter getaway has landed in Northern Virginia. One of only 9 stores nationwide, American Girl Doll Store is now available at Tyson’s Corner! Stay with the Courtyard by Marriott in McLean and request the American Girl package to receive a sweet doll-themed goodie bag for your little girl and her doll, $40 gift card to splurge at the American Girl Doll Store, breakfast for two, and transportation to and from the mall. From $199 per night for two.
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Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are two of Virginia’s top family attractions. Plan your three-night stay at the accommodation of your choice (located in Williamsburg, Newport News, or Virginia Beach) and receive a Discovery Ticket for Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, plus free parking at both parks. From $160/person for a family of four. Available through September 3, 2012.
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Plan your perfect Virginia family vacation at Virginia.org.
LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.

Saturdays are great family days anyway, but this Saturday – May 19 – that is especially true. It’s National Kids to Parks Day and there are loads of fun events.

Virginia has 35 state parks and every single one of them is offering special events this Saturday in recognition of National Kids to Parks Day.

Hop aboard a hay ride at Caledon or Occoneechee; check out the Swamp Stomp at Staunton River; or be among the first to walk the new TRACK Trail at Hungry Mother and Grayson Highlands. TRACK Trail is a family-friendly trail system with activities that introduce kids to the nature around them.

See more Kids to Parks Day Virginia State Park events at dcr.Virginia.gov.

In addition, May 19 is one of several 2012 Kids Fishing Days in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries have chosen several locations to stock trout and host special activities.

• South Fork Holston River at the Riverside Community Center, Smyth County – Food and drinks available for purchase. Kids 12 and under. 9 am to noon
• Beartree Lake in Washington County – Kids 5 to 15. 9 am to 1 pm
• Wolf Creek in Narrows Town Park, Giles County – Free lunch, prizes, and t-shirts. Kids 5 to 8 fish from 10 to 11 am; kids 9 to 15 fish from 11 am to 2 pm
• Big Cedar Creek at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Russell County – Kids 15 and under. Free food and drink. Prizes. 9 am to 2 pm
• Rural Retreat Lake in Wythe County – Lunch provided by Wythe County Parks, goodie bags to all participants. Prizes. 9 am to 1 pm.
• Ed Allen’s Campground Marina in New Kent County – Kids 3 to 13. Some rods/reels are available and some bait provided. 9 am to noon.

View from Monster Rock Trail

More outdoor events that might interest your family this weekend:

We took to Facebook and Twitter and asked you which Virginia hikes were your favorite. Having some pretty good ones in mind ourselves, we were overwhelmed with your awesome responses and just had to create a big list. Here are some highlights and you can jump over to www.Virginia.org/Hiking/ for the complete list.

Keep this list in your hip pocket for amazing summer fun or Father’s Day ideas. Or perhaps Mama likes a wild adventure? This IS her weekend, ya know.

1. Drive a Race Car!

Richmond International Raceway

Richmond International Raceway – Drive the 3/4 mile “D” oval track for $450 with a professional instructor as part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience™.

Work your way up to the top! What’s the top? Driving a 600 horsepower NASCAR race car for 50 laps at RIR or 70 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway for $2,700!

There are in-between experiences, too, but hey, you only live once!

2. Go White Water Adventurin’!

James River whitewater rafting

Awaken your senses and invigorate your spirit on a white water adventure. Begin with experienced instructors to navigate the river and the rapids, and provide transportation back to your vehicle.

Central Virginia:  James River Runners, James River Reeling and Rafting

Shenandoah Valley:  Front Royal Canoe Company, Massanutten River Adventures

Blue Ridge Highlands:  New River Outdoor Co.

Heart of Appalachia:  Russell Fork Whitewater Adventures

Read about Virginia’s Waterways.

3. Ride 15 Roller Coasters in 12 Hours!

Griffon at Busch Gardens

Virginia has two theme parks within a 75-mile radius: Kings Dominion in Doswell and Busch Gardens.

Start the day at Kings Dominion and get in line for the most popular and newest coasters first, followed by the classics, of course. Then, drive south on I-95 to I-64 east to Busch Gardens and ride more!

For more information on roller coasters, see Roller Coaster Mania.

4. Fly!

Skim the tree tops in a hot air balloon. The view is unlike any you’ve ever experienced, with an average flight lasting about an hour. More Information

Skydive with an instructor on a tandem parachute jump or jump alone from a static line, which automatically opens your chute! Accelerated Free Fall classes teach you everything you need to know for your first solo jump. More Information

Take an old-fashioned hair-raising Open-Cockpit Biplane Ride at the Flying Circus Airshows in Bealeton, May-October. Goggles are provided; bring your own white scarf.

Take Flying Lessons in a Cessna 172, Piper Warrior or Diamond Eclipse at one of the airports affiliated with Heart of Virginia Aviation or with Ultralight Introductory Flights! Most instructors offer a Discovery Flight to see if you will take to the sport … but of course you will.

Hang Glide off a 40-foot-high training hill with an instructor at High Peak Hang Gliding and then move to higher and higher ground.

5. Drive a Go-Kart!

Former NASCAR driver Ricky Rudd at VIR

If you didn’t get to ride a go-kart as a kid, now is your chance! Motor World in Virginia Beach offers 11 different tracks and 16 different styles of go-karts.

Drive high-speed endurance races along a half-mile road course or try an over/under figure-8 slick track. There’s even a Grand Prix track with hairpin turns and windy S-curves.

Virginia International Raceway provides a 5/8-mile VIR Kart Track. All drivers must be 12 or older.

6. Go Deep Sea Fishing!

What does John’s Addiction, Smokin’ Gun, Jamestown Hooker, and Miss Linda have in common?

They’re all charter fishing boats that sail the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads coastal waters, the Atlantic Ocean, and the inlets of the Eastern Shore. More Information on Charter Services

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
Order your free 2012 Virginia Travel Guide.