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.
Request your free Virginia Travel Guide. 

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.

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:

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.

What kind of Mom are you looking to honor this weekend?

The Outdoorsy Mom

In Roanoke, take her geocaching on Saturday. An event called Caching in on Scenery begins at the Green Ridge Recreation Center at 11 a.m. You can search for treasure on foot or in your vehicle using a GPS. Don’t have a handheld GPS? A limited number will be available, but a $150 refundable deposit is required to rent it for your hunt.

Thousands of shorebirds use the Eastern Shore to rest and feed midway through the spring migration. The International Migratory Bird Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Expect workshops, bird walks with experts, guided tours of Assateague Lighthouse, and activities for the kids.

Butterfly release at Flying Flowers.

The Traditional Mom

Moms who love flowers and gardening will enjoy the Garden Fair Saturday and Sunday at the State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce. Let her pick out the plants that make her smile at this huge sale. Spend the day – there are special events, fun for the kids, and food will be available. $10 per car.

The whole family can sweep mom off her feet with a special carriage ride through the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Harrisonburg. Both Saturday and Sunday a pair of beautiful Belgiums will be leading the way. Saturday’s rides are from 6 until 9 p.m. for mom’s who love the cool evening sunsets. Sunday rides are from 1 until 4 p.m. $10 per adult; $7 per child; or secure a private carriage for $58. 540-568-3194

In Wytheville on Saturday, a butterfly release is planned at Flying Flowers. Flying Flowers at Beagle Ridge Herb Farm is Southwest Virginia’s only walk through butterfly house. Please register as soon as possible for this popular event. $10 for adults; $5 for children. Call 276-621-4511.

The Wine & Dine Mom

Quite a few Mother’s Day wine events are available across the Commonwealth – some are celebratory brunches and others are free tastings for mom.

Additionally, she may like to sit down to a very nice meal. Reserve your space at Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern in Clarksville for Sunday brunch.

• Veramar in Berryville
• CrossKeys in Mt. Crawford
• Wintergreen in Nellsyford
• Cardinal Point in Afton
• Veritas in Afton
• Potomac Point in Stafford
• Gadino Cellars in Washington
• North Gate in Purcellville
• DuCard in Etlan
• Stinson in Crozet
• Prince Michel in Leon
• Gray Ghost in Amissville
• More Wine Events

The Art-Loving Mom

“Where for art thou, Romeo?” Oops! Wrong play, but if mom loves Shakespeare, you need to take her to Staunton on Sunday. The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 2 p.m. Admission is $12 to $45.

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra will be presenting their final performance of the season Saturday at 8 p.m. at George Mason Center for the Arts. Moms who appreciate classical music will love the FSO’s performance of The English, The French, and The Piano – a collection of Purcell, Debussy, Ravel and Elgar.

In Norfolk, the Attucks Jazz Series is underway. Enjoy a smooth evening with Denise Donatelli in this legendary venue. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person.

See More Weekend Events

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

The Goal: ONE MILLION visitors to Virginia.org for the month of May

What’s In It For You: Prizes will be given away each time we see the visits to Virginia.org increase by 100,000. And they’ll get bigger and better.

Here’s How: Go to www.Virginia.org/OneInAMillion/ and enter to win one of 55 awesome prizes. Then share the sweepstakes with your friends and family through Facebook, Twitter, and email for up to 10 extra entries in the sweepstakes.

What We’re Giving Away: A ha! That’s what I’m not supposed to tell you. What I can say is that the first prize is a Virginia State Parks annual pass and a $100 gas card. We’ll be giving away ten of those prize packs valued at $170 but not until we see our first 100,000 visits.

Additionally, I’ll go ahead and tell you that the GRAND PRIZE is a completely amazing family-of-four vacation (I’m not allowed to enter, but if I could, I would, so you better …)

• Coastal Suite at Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a catered dinner on the beach by a local chef, and a family beach kit loaded with fun-in-the-sun goodies.
• VIP slumber party INSIDE the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which includes red carpet arrival to the IMAX theater and a behind-the-scenes tour.
• An overnight stay in an original colonial house at Colonial Williamsburg, plus kids’ colonial costumes for playing dress-up.
• VIP treatment at Busch Gardens with front-of-the-line passes for rides and dining. Oh, and that dining? It’s included, too.
• Round-trip airfare and rental car are also included.

So, will you help? Remember, the faster we reach our benchmarks the faster we’ll unlock bigger and better prizes. It all culminates with that loaded grand prize. How can you not be in?

ENTER and SHARE
Official Rules

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Gateway

Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network is known as ‘Round the Mountain. The network claims 19 counties and four cities’ worth of studios, galleries, vineyards, and more. It’s important to note that The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail intersects and may, in fact, run the same course occasionally as the ‘Round the Mountain trail network, so lend an ear while you treat your eyes.

To make the ‘Round the Mountain network easier to navigate, the system is broken up into smaller trails.

From the west and bordering Kentucky and Tennessee is the Wilderness Road Artisan Trail encompassing Lee and Scott Counties. North of that are the Lonesome Pine (Wise County) and  Rivers to Ridges (Dickenson and Buchanan Counties) artisan trails. Creeping west toward the Clinch River and named for it is the Clinch River Artisan Trail of Tazewell and Russell Counties.

Marty Dunn, an artisan at Cave Arts in Abingdon, weaves a basket. Photo by CameronDavidson @CameronDavidson.com.

The Interstate 81 corridor is a busy one. Hop off the rat race and see these trails with much to offer. In Montgomery County (Blacksburg) is the Montgomery County Artisan Trail, but if you venture just west you’ll also encounter the artisans of the Giles Art & Adventure Trail. Moving south along I81 is the New River Artisan Trail in Pulaski, Mountain Crossroads in Bland County and Wytheville, Smyth County Artisan Trail in Saltville, and Countryside Artisan Trail in Abingdon, Damascus, and Bristol. While you’re in Abingdon, check out Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway. In reality, it’s a great place to kick off the whole adventure!

If you’re already off the beaten path and perhaps traversing the captivating Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find artisans all around you. Beginning in Franklin County around Rocky Mount, you’ll be in the middle of the White Lightning Artisan Trail (yes, THAT kind of white lightning).

As you move south into the front-porch jam town of Floyd, you’ll also be in the midst of great art on the Floyd County Trail. Harmony Trail goes into Carroll County and the Hillsville area. Southwest is the Woven Mountains and River Bends Trail of Grayson County along the North Carolina border. Back to the east is the last trail of the network – Hidden Treasures - in Stuart and Patrick County.

As if those trails aren’t enough, the rest of Virginia boasts some art, too. Venture the Discover the Arts Trail in Hampton Roads. It highlights 35 visual arts and 16 performing arts venues around the Historic Triangle.

In Nelson and Albemarle Counties you’ll find the Monticello Artisan Trail. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop to agriculture and history, the arts along this trail will fulfill a wide array of tastes.

To  the west and spanning Staunton, August and Waynesboro is The HeART and Soil of the Shenandoah Valley. A world-class theatre in the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse gives this particular trail a little oomph.

Lastly, the Western Highlands Artisan Trail includes Alleghany, Bath, Craig, and Highland Counties. From The Homestead to beautiful Humpback Bridge and famous maple syrup, this trail has tremendous scenic value in addition to the handmade arts.

Visit Virginia.org/ArtisanTrails to download trail brochures and plan your trip. LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

New for 2012, Dominion Riverrock will have two stages of live music to highlight more than 20 bands. All concerts are free.

Friday, May 18

• Slackline Highline Exhibition, 5 p.m.
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 1, 5 p.m.
• Miller Lite Filthy 5K Mud Run, 6 p.m.
• Native Freestyle Bikes, best trick qualifying, 6-7 p.m.
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, women’s qualifying, 6-7 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: Zati, 6:30-7 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: DJ Phil Dice, 6:30-7 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Native Freestyle Bikes, best trick finals, 7-8 p.m. – 1st place will receive $1,000
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 2, 7 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: Long Arms, 7:15-8:30 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: The Roots Down, 7:15-8:30 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, men’s qualifying, 8-9 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: The Travelin’ McCourys featuring Keller Williams, 9-11 p.m. (Brown’s Island)

Saturday, May 19

• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 3, 1 p.m.
• Kayak Boatercross, 1 p.m. – 1st place will receive $450
• Thule Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race, 1 p.m. – 1st place will receive $400
• Slackline, qualifying, 1-3 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: The Shack Band, 1-2 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: Everwilde, 1-2 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, men’s quarterfinals, 1:30-3:10 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: The Bush League, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: The Rift, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 4, 3 p.m.
• Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Cross, 4 p.m. – 1st place will receive $250
• FREE CONCERT: The Milkstains, 4-5 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: J3 Project, 4-5 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, women’s quarterfinals, 4-5:40 p.m.
• Slackline Highline Exhibition, 5 p.m.
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 5, 5 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: The Hot Seats, 5:30-6:3o p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: Grease Trigger, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Tredegar)
• James River Scramble 10K Trail Run, 6 p.m. – 1st place will receive $500
• Native Freestyle Bikes, slopestyle qualifying, 6-7 p.m.
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 6, 7 p.m.
• Slackline, semifinals, 7-8 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: JJ Grey & Mofro, 7-8:30 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: The Air Circus, 7-8 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, men’s semifinals, 7-8:10 p.m.
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, women’s semifinals, 8:10-9:20 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: Galactic, 9-10:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 20

• Slackline Highline Exhibition, 1 p.m.
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 7, 1 p.m.
• Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Enduro, 1 p.m. – 1st place will receive $250
• Dyno Comp, 1 p.m. – 1st place will receive $500
• FREE CONCERT: Crucial Elements, 1-2 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: Spaceheaters, 1-2 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Dirt Crit Short Track Mountain Bike Race, 2 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: Beast Wellington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: Zep Replica, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Kayak Freestyle, 3 p.m. – 1st place will receive $1,000
• Ultimate Air Dogs, qualifying, round 8, 3 p.m.
• Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash, men’s and women’s, 3-4:30 p.m. – 1st place will receive $1,500
• Slackline, finals, 4 p.m.
• Ultimate Air Dogs, finals, 4 p.m.
• FREE CONCERT: Farm Vegas, 4-5 p.m. (Brown’s Island)
• FREE CONCERT: Skydog, 4-5 p.m. (Tredegar)
• Native Freestyle Bikes, slopestyle finals, 4:30 p.m. – 1st place will receive $1,200

WWII vintage plane at Virginia Regional Festival of Flight. Photo by Mike Likavec.

This weekend, April 28 & 29, is the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight in Suffolk. It is estimated that hundreds of planes – military, home-built, antique, light sport, ultralights, and powered parachute crafts – will fly-in to the Suffolk Regional Airport for this festival.

Attendees of the Festival of Flight can expect a flight simulator, skydivers, radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Sunday’s feature event will be the Young Eagles flights for children 8 to 17. The flights are free!

Choreographed flight is nothing new, but have you seen vintage aircraft “dance” their way through a ballet with the Virginia Symphony?

The Flying Proms Symphonic Air Show will delight all in attendance on Saturday, May 5 in Virginia Beach at the Military Aviation Museum. Experience the Museum before heading out for the show. VIP, general admission, lawn, and special student rates are available.

The Blue Angels Air Demonstration Squadron

Later in May and also at the Military Aviation Museum, Warbirds Over the Beach WWII Air Show sweeps in with bombers, fighters, and more. Make a weekend of it May 18-20 with a Big Band hangar dance and steak dinner. Dress in your 1940s best!

Sleek precision is key for the Blue Angels and you’ll have your chance to see them show off at the Blue Angels Air Show over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, June 1-3, as part of the Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of Our Military. In addition to the military displays and demos, concerts will be performed by country music sensation Miranda Lambert, roots reggae group Steel Pulse, and American Idol 2011 winner Scotty McCreery.

Any ol’ Sunday you find yourself in Fauquier County, you must go to The Flying Circus Airfield in Bealeton. From 2:30 to 4 from May until the end of October, you’ll see stunts performed by expert pilots in their vintage biplanes. Serious stunts. Like a wingwalker hanging upside down from a plane’s wing. Who in their right mind … ?? It’s a must see!

Keep an eye to the sky and fulfill your family’s vacation desires in Virginia. LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Request your free travel guide at www.virginia.org/TravelGuide/.