All the world’s a stage and Space Shuttle Discovery is in the spotlight next week as she makes her final voyage.

NASA has announced Space Shuttle Discovery will fly over the Washington, DC metro area Tuesday, April 17. The fly-over is scheduled to occur between 10:00 and 11:00 am and will fly near a variety of landmarks such as the National Mall, Reagan National Airport, National Harbor, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Everyone will want to sneak a peek at this once-in-a-lifetime arrival and here’s how you can get in on the action.

Spot the Shuttle

Discovery will depart NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, in the early morning of Tuesday, April 17. It is expected to fly over the Washington, D.C. area between 10:00 and 11:00 am and will then land at Washington Dulles International Airport. The exact path and timing of the flight depend on weather and operational constraints.

• Follow the hashtag #SpotTheShuttle on Twitter to find a Spot the Shuttle gathering or to learn of sightings. A coffee break outside for a shuttle sighting sounds like a grand idea, yes?
• When you pull over and look up, check in to your location with Fousquare and use the #SpotTheShuttle hashtag.
• Take a photo or video of Discovery overhead and share it online. Remember to use the hashtag #SpotTheShuttle when sharing on Twitter so everyone can see!
• Also consider sharing your photos and videos on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Facebook page.
• The best vantage point for seeing Discovery approach and land at at Dulles International Airport is the parking lot of the Udvar-Hazy Center. The lot will be open at 8 am and requires a $15 parking fee. Join up with other spotters and grab breakfast at the nearby McDonald’s. While the actual touchdown will not be visible, arrangements are being made to televise the touchdown on NASA TV and through additional media coverage.
• Other locations where the shuttle fly-in should be visible:
• Long Bridge Park – 475 Long Bridge Drive in Arlington
• Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
• Gravelly Point, just off the George Washington Parkway near National Airport

It will take two days to de-mate Discovery from its modified Boeing 747 chauffeur and prepare it for transport to the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Welcome Discovery Celebration

Discovery will arrive at the Udvar-Hazy Center for a transfer ceremony on Thursday, April 19. The ceremony will include the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Discovery crew members, and a nose-to-nose meeting of the Space Shuttles Discovery and Enterprise.

Special guest speakers will include NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, National Air and Space Museum Director Gen. J.R. “Jack” Dailey, and Former Senator and Astronaut John Glenn.

From noon until 4:30 pm there are a plethora of events. See the schedule.

At 4 pm the shuttles will be moved. Enterprise will be moved into position beside the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. Having been on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center since it opened in 2003, Enterprise will find a new home at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, arriving at JFK Airport on April 23. Discovery will then be moved into the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar for permanent display.

The Welcome Discovery Celebration is free; parking is $15.

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Happy Spring! While it’s felt like the warm-up season for quite a while now in Virginia, today is the first official day of spring and we’re celebrating with great experiences. Plot your course of action and roll the windows down. These are winding, beautiful, and perfect for a day out of the office … or a Saturday excursion.

Crabtree Falls Trail

Take to the mountains and traverse four scenic byways when you pick up the Nelson Scenic Loop. Begin the Loop at Spruce Creek Gallery and then enjoy the 50 miles that include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tye River Valley, and Rockfish Valley around Nelson County. In the area are Crabtree Falls and numerous orchards, wineries, and breweries.

For those who are interested in encountering wildlife, check out one of the regional trails of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail. No doubt, you’ll want to exit the car at some points along the way to stretch your legs and take a quick hike.

• The Coastal Area features untouched barrier islands, cypress swamps, great stands of pine forest, and bayside salt marshes. 18 loops.
• The Mountain Area features great vistas, endless forest trails, large inland reservoirs and a taste of the western piedmont. 34 loops.
• The Piedmont Area features expansive grasslands, large forested tracts, pineland savannahs, several large reservoirs, and an abundance of rich history and culture. 13 loops.

Tangier Island

A great coastal drive with history, natural areas, and fantastic water views is the Chesapeake Bay Driving Tour. Highlights include the Caledon Natural Area (famous for Bald Eagles), Stratford Hall (Robert E. Lee’s birthplace), and a few places to hop aboard a cruise:

• If an day cruise sounds delightful, hop aboard a Tangier Island Cruise from Buzzard Point Marina in Reedville. The Cruise departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. $27/adult; $15/child.
• Other cruise-goers might enjoy a jaunt with Rappahannock River Cruises aboard the Capt. Thomas. Expect to see the Bald Eagle habitat from the water as you make your way to Ingleside Vineyards for a tour, tasting, and lunch. Capt. Thomas departs Tappahannock at 10 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. $27/adult; $15/child. Add lunch for $13/adult and $8/child.

If the mention of a winery got your attention, Virginia has more than 15 winery trails you can explore. One includes whiskey with the wine, another boasts tremendous Civil War history with the wine, and yet another includes the birthplace of winemaking in Virginia. Check out the wine events calendar to coincide your drive with something fun.

Families who forego the cruises and avoid the wineries will find their fun when they park the car and enjoy a tour. Don’t yawn – there are great tours crafted especially for you.

• Polyface Farm in Swoope has an open barn door policy. Arrive anytime Monday through Saturday and take a look around. If you’d like a guided tour, call and reserve your family’s place on the haywagon for a Lunatic Tour (children 13 and older; offered twice each month). They promise it’s “more fun than a theme park roller coaster ride,” and being the country girl that I am, I would tend to agree.
• Everything you ever wanted to know about Fredericksburg – from all periods of history – can be learned while riding along with the narrated Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg. However, what I look forward to most comes after the tour … Carl’s Frozen Custard.
• Discover more family fun!

Whatever you choose to do this spring, do it in Virginia where you can completely connect with the ones you love. Click here to order your free Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide or call 1-800-Visit-VA.

Naval warfare forever changed when the USS Monitor met the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) in the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 9, 1862. It was the first meeting of two iron ships and ended in a draw, but more importantly, the event resonated worldwide and affected how nations waged war at sea.

March 9-11 is the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads weekend. History buffs will no doubt want to be immersed in the events that lie ahead, and it’ll be great fun for families, too!

March 10 and 11 at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News

• Ironclad BattleQuest - “Union and Confederate ‘spies’ will abound as families explore the encampment, uncover secrets about the USS Monitor AND CSS Virginia, hold audience with Abraham Lincoln, and experience Civil War food before reporting back to their ‘commanding officer.’”
• Encampment - Union and Confederate units * Sutlers * Period cooking (Saturday only)
• Re-Enactment Demonstrations - Infantry and bayonet drills * School of the Sailor * Artillery and Calvary demonstrations
• Indoors - Period crafts and activities * Costumed interpreters * Monitor Center Conservation Tours
• Interactive Vignettes and Scheduled Programs - Civil War Through Music * Uncommon Soldiers: Civil War Soldiers in Disguise * Sailor vs. Soldier Life * A Conversation with Mr. Lincoln * Civil War Oddities (Saturday only) * A Slave’s Perspective of the War (Sunday only)
• Civil War 150 HistoryMobile - Battlefront, Homefront, Journey to Freedom, and Loss-Gain-Legacy – these are the four presentations of the HistoryMobile. See the Civil War from different viewpoints and from the eyes of those who were involved.

March 10 at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News

• 2nd Annual Battle of the Ironclad Chefs - It’s a cook-ff between a plantation cook and a Union cook on the deck of the USS Monitor! See them cook as they discuss their menu choices, ingredients, and cooking styles. At 6:30 p.m. the food will be judged to determine which chef will be crowned the 2012 Ironclad Chef. Don’t worry, you’ll get to sample!

All front lawn activities are free and open to the public. Ironclad BattleQuest, indoor activities, special presentations, and Battle of the Ironclad Chefs require Museum admission.

Adults: $12.00
AAA, Military, Seniors (65+): $11.00
Students 13 and up: $10.00
Children Ages 6 to 12: $7.00
Ages 5 and Under: Free

In addition to the special 150th Anniversary events, any trip to the Mariners Museum and The USS Monitor Center yields amazing up-close-and-personal experiences.

• Visit the Conservation Facility and get a front-row seat to see conservation of the USS Monitor in progress.*
• Walk down a mock deck to enter the CSS Virginia as she’s being built for battle.
• Build your own ironclad.
• Experience the battle yourself when you go into the Battle Theater.
• Walk on the deck of a full-scale ironclad reproduction.
• Go below deck to see the sailor’s quarters.
• Raise the turret with the NOAA and Navy crews in the Recovery Theater.

*The USS Monitor rests in the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks of North Carolina in a protected sanctuary area, however, her screw propeller, anchor, and hundreds of other artifacts have been retrieved. The revolving gun turret, steam engine, and Dahlgren guns and carriage are visible from a viewing platform.

Learn more about the Civil War in Virginia.

Long hailed the “Mother of Presidents,” Virginia boasts three United States presidents who called the greater Charlottesville area home.

Capitalize on the proximity of three presidential estates – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland – and save money while doing it.

More than 50 exclusive offers are yours for the taking when you activate your Presidents Passport. Each offer was specifically chosen to ensure an authentic experience highlighting the best of the area. Expect to find savings from 10 to 30% off, as well as “buy one, get one” deals, and freebies with purchases. Below are a sample of the partners offering savings.

Accommodations

• Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast, Afton
• Comfort Inn and Suites, Orange
• Comfort Inn Monticello, Charlottesville
• Foxfield Inn, Charlottesville
• Holiday Inn Monticello, Charlottesville
• Inn at Court Square, Charlottesville
• Inn at Monticello, Charlottesville
• Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm, Charlottesville
• Inn at the Crossroads, North Garden
• Keswick Hall, Keswick
• Le Bleu Ridge Bed & Breakfast, Afton
• Omni Charlottesville Hotel, Charlottesville
• Orchard House Bed & Breakfast, Lovingston
• Rock-n-Creek Cabin, Montebello
• The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville
• The Clifton Inn, Charlottesville
• Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen

Wineries, Breweries, Dining & Shopping

• Buck Island Bay Decoys, Montebello
• Burnley Vineyards, Barboursville
• Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery, Nellysford
• Keswick Vineyards, Keswick
• Kilaurwen Winery, Stanardsville
• King Family Vineyards, Crozet
• Meg Chevalier Studio, Charlottesville
• Michie Tavern ca. 1784, Charlottesville
• Mountain Cove Vineyard, Lovingston
• Mountain Vision Pottery, Roseland
• Mud Dauber Pottery, Earlysville
• Nan Rothwell Pottery, Faber
• Saunders Brothers Orchard and Farm Market, Pitney River
• Stone Mountain Vineyards, Dyke
• The Glass Palette, Charlottesville
• The Light Well, Orange
• Tye River Pottery, Amherst
• White Hall Vineyards, White Hall
• Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Nellysford

If you want some insider info on navigating the area or taking advantage of other sites along the way, consider visiting the downtown Charlottesville visitor center. Those folks will be happy to give you a few tips!

Activate your Presidents Passport to begin saving and you’ll put LOVE and history at the heart of your Virginia vacation. Take the plan a step further and create a custom itinerary for yourself or to share with friends and family. Save the to-see’s and to-do’s for your passport and then map it all out. This is a new feature on Virginia.org and we’d love to hear what you think as you plan your Presidents Passport trip. Leave us a comment to let us know!

Many vacationers wait to book their accommodation in hopes of a lower, last-minute rate. Unfortunately, beach travelers don’t have the luxury of waiting. Especially if their goal is to secure a house.

Old Crow's Nest, Cape Charles

The Eastern Shore is known for its quiet charm – a key selling point for families in need of uninterrupted time away from the chaos of life. Fortunately, the Shore has quite a few vacation homes available to meet that need.

A Bayview Beauty is a Cape Charles cottage that comfortably sleeps 6 but can accommodate 8 with a pull-out sleeper sofa. The Chesapeake Bay breeze cools this golf cart town where everything is walkable. The beach is mere steps away. If this sounds inviting, act fast. The home is already booked June 5-20, July 7-21, and July 28-August 4.
Nightly Rate: $230
Weekly Rate: $1,273
Book Now

Also in Cape Charles is Old Crow’s Nest located within Bay Creek Resort. The private Bay beach is right at hand. Enjoy the multiple decks and porches perfect for viewing the sunset and the hundreds of birds that call the Shore home. This beautiful new property sleeps 8. Available June 2-22, July 14-24, and all of August.
Weekly Rate: $2,058
Book Now

Lakeview is a great home for multi-generational travelers. It’s also located within Bay Creek, and features two master suites – one on the first floor and one on the second.  With four bedrooms in total, this home sleeps 10. The open floor plan is both inviting and accommodating for a large family. The private beach, resort restaurant and other resort amenities are in close proximity. Lakeview is still available June 1-8, June 16-22, July 1-12, July 15-31, and all of August.
Weekly Rate: $3,688.60
Book Now

Nestled in the land of wild ponies is Chincoteague Island’s Spinnaker Waterfront Home. The unique four-level design enables guests to see water in three directions, and even Assateague Island in the distance. A private dock is perfect for crabbing, fishing, putting in your kayak, or swimming. Spinnaker was featured on Fine Living Channel’s “Around the World in 80 Homes” – go see what you’re missing! Sleeps 8.
Available June 8-July 13, and from August 18 into the fall season.
Weekly Rate: $1,911-$3,589 (rates last published for 2011 season; rate varies by peak season and couples vs. a family)
Book Now

The Moorings North, Chincoteague Island

Views, views, views. The Moorings North on Chincoteague Island has really nice Chincoteague Bay views. This commanding home has a two-story front porch overlooking Chincoteague Channel, a tower hide-away, a three-stop windowed elevator, and a most unusual “gazebo-in-the-sky” just off the dining room. Much like Lakeview, The Moorings North is a great home for two families vacationing together, as it has two master suites with private balconies. At your disposal is a deep water boat tie-up, if you came toting the big boy toy. This home sleeps 10.
Weekly Rate: $3,400
Book Now

These few homes are just a glimpse of what the Eastern Shore has to offer in the vacation rental house market. Discover more charmers at Virginia.org.

Keep an eye peeled for upcoming posts highlighting summer beach homes from the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads regions.

*Rates and availability accurate at the time of publication. Inquire through the links for updated information.

Do you own a fully-furnished vacation rental property? Register for a free account to market your home with us. We do not promote home sales, long-term rentals, or real estate companies.