For those who have the need to feel the heat of stock cars rushing past them and the surface beneath their feet rumble, Virginia is the perfect destination. You’re going to LOVE the dirt tracks, road course, NASCAR Home Tracks and two of NASCAR’s toughest Sprint Cup Series venues this spring.

Introduce your little one to the love of NASCAR.

With a racing history that actually pre-dates NASCAR, Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia, hosts two races each year. The spring race – STP Gas Booster 500 – is the highlight of a weekend full of events that kick off April 6 with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250 race.

Martinsville Speedway’s claim to fame is that it’s the shortest of all the tracks NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series runs. Dubbed “the paperclip,” Martinsville’s straightaways are only 800′ long and the turns are a shallow 12 degrees. Fans who turn out for races here are treated to plenty of beating and banging, which tends to result in terse words and fisticuffs.

Richmond International Raceway is located in Richmond, Virginia. Since its first NASCAR race in 1953 the track has operated under three names, five configurations and two surfaces. RIR is the only track to host all of its major events “under the lights,” and it’s the only track that all three Petty drivers – Lee, Richard (The King) and Kyle – have won.

Racing at RIR reconvenes April 26 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in the ToyotaCare 250. Kids 12 and under are free for this race and the Kroger 250 at Martinsville, making it easy to introduce your child to motorsports. The following night at RIR the big boys of NASCAR take to the 3/4-mile “D” shaped track for the Toyota Owners 400. A night race under the lights is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Both Martinsville and RIR host NASCAR’s top echelon of drivers twice each year giving Virginia four races total. Within no other state can Sprint Cup fans choose from four races at two tracks just 180 miles apart. If you include Bristol Motor Speedway, as we  often do thanks to the VA/TN border splitting the downtown, that’s six races with Bristol just 170 miles from Martinsville. Yep, Virginia is a haven for NASCAR fans.

For a down-home race feel, check Virginia’s dirt tracks and NASCAR Home Tracks:

• Fork Mountain Raceway, Bassett
• Franklin County Speedway, Callaway
• Langley Speedway, Hampton – NASCAR Home Track
• Lonesome Pine Raceway, Coeburn
• Motormile Speedway, Fairlawn - NASCAR Home Track
• Natural Bridge Speedway, Natural Bridge
• Old Dominion Motor Speedway, Manassas
• Rolling Thunder Raceway, Ararat
• Shenandoah Speedway, Shenandoah
• South Boston Speedway, South Boston - NASCAR Home Track of Jeff Burton, Elliott Sadler
• Virginia Motor Speedway, Jamaica
• Winchester Speedway, Winchester
• Wythe Raceway, Rural Retreat

Learn more about NASCAR in Virginia and Virginia motorsports.

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Virginia’s theme parks are preparing to open for the spring and summer season – one as soon as this Sunday. If your family LOVEs to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, as well as get the first coaster-induced adrenaline rush of 2013, here are a few fun things you should know.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia opens this Sunday, March 17 at 10 a.m. If you’re an annual pass holder, you get in a day early! Pass members will be treated to a preview day this Saturday, complete with a Black Forest picnic. Reserve your spot.

The newest ride at Busch Gardens is Verbolten. It opened mid-season 2012, so if you visited the park early last year, you missed out on this gem. It’s an indoor/outdoor multi-launch coaster that departs from a German tourist center. With various scenarios, you never know which path your autobahn will take.

Don’t miss the inaugural Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. It’s happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 31 through June 23. As you make your way through the park you’ll encounter foods and beverages authentic to each country of Busch Gardens with a few extras thrown in, like sangria from Spain. The Festival experience is in addition to your park admission. Each of-age guest will be able to pre-load a card to swipe at each station, taking cash-fumbling out of the equation.

Savings: 

• Sesame Street Forest of Fun Preschool Pass – Register online and redeem at the park by May 31, 2013 for your preschooler (ages 3-5) to enjoy unlimited admission to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA through September 2, 2013. Valid for Virginia residents only.
• Fun Card – The single day admission for Busch Gardens is $70 and the Fun Card is $70. If there’s the slightest chance you’ll go again before September 2, 2013, get the Fun Card and enjoy unlimited admission.
• 2-Park Summer Flex Card – So you love Water Country USA just as much as you love Busch Gardens. Luckily, there’s a card for that. Buy this card and enjoy seven days of consecutive use between the two parks. It’s $80 online – a $39 discount.
• Meal Deal Package – One price ($22) gives you two meals – a lunch and a dinner. That’s a 40% savings available online only.
  • Kid’s Dining Certificate – One kid’s meal and a fountain drink for $5.99. It’s not discounted, but it goes to show that you can feed the kids without breaking the bank.

Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, opens Friday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m., rolling out a brand new, re-imagined Planet Snoopy. Eight new rides bring the total to 18 and doubles the space at nearly 14 acres. That makes it the world’s largest PEANUTS themed children’s area. Check out the webcam to monitor the process.

If the all-new kid fun isn’t enough to pull you to KD, maybe the largest entertainment line-up in years will do the trick. Seven brand new offerings take the total to 10, giving you plenty of options to sit and take a break. Expect to see a BMX-style show that will include semifinalists from Season 7 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and a new “On Broadway” musical revue that brings you the classic shows from New York City.

Savings:

• Everyone Pays Kids Price Offer – Buy your single-day ticket online and pay the kid’s rate of $39.99. That’s a $22 savings for adults and only available online for a visit by June 16, 2013. Note that you have to pick your date of visit to complete the purchase.
• Silver Season Pass – Visit KD as much as you want until September 2, 2013 for only $72. The regular adult single-day admission is $61.99 at the gate, so for just $10 more you can come back again and again. This pass is valid for ages 3 and over. A perk to being a Silver Season Pass holder is the 10% discount on in-park dollars, called Beagle Bucks.

What are you waiting for? Get your tickets and plan your Virginia Theme Park vacation before the deals – and time – are gone.

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Though the calendar says we’re still a couple of weeks away from the official start of spring, now is the time to start thinking about booking your waterside Virginia vacation home.

Just steps away from lapping waves, sand or the calm reflection of a lake, Virginia’s vacation rental properties that include a waterfront view book up months in advance of the summer travel season. Check into these attractive bungalows and book now.

Along the Chesapeake Bay

Bayvon Beachfront Cottage is a comfortable accommodation right on the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay in Mathews. Bring your own linens for this three bed/two bath house that sleeps six. It’s a quiet property perfect for families. No smoking; no pets. $1500/week

Bay view from Cameron’s Landing in Reedville.

Vacation with the entire family when you book Cameron’s Landing in Reedville. The Bay views are commanding the private beach area is a protected place with gentle waters for the littlest vacationers. Just bring what you need to eat and wear; the rest is provided. Main house and guesthouse sleep 14 total. No smoking; no pets. $2400-$3700/week (without guesthouse or with). Book Now

Boaters, crabbers and fisherfolk will fall in love with James Ross River Plantation in Urbanna. This expansive four acre estate includes a boathouse, heated indoor pool, dock and accommodations for 14. $3900/week. HURRY! Only one week left in August; three in June! Book Now

More Bay Homes

On the Eastern Shore

Corratock is a two-story historic home sits waterfront on Craddock Creek with a private pier and no neighbors. The birdwatching is excellent! A canoe, crab nets, traps, and fishing gear are all available for you and your five guests to use. No smoking; no pets. $1200/week.

More Shore Homes

Virginia Beach Resort Area

Don’t mind a short walk to the sand? The Coastal Charm Beach House is just a block and a half back. It’s a cozy bungalow that boasts a sun deck and accommodations for up to 8. $2200-$2300/week. No smoking; no pets. Book Now

More Resort Area Homes

Lakeside

The Dome Home in Huddleston is situated on a quiet cove of Smith Mountain Lake and includes a private dock. Want to bring a pet? Just ask! The home sleeps six and has large party decks on two levels. $1400/week. Book Now

More Smith Mountain Lake Homes

Kindred Spirits at Childs Cove

Lake Anna Glass House is located in Spotsylvania on Lake Anna and boasts 4,200 square feet of vacation space. Private dock, enormous windows with grand views, game and media room, and a well-equipped gourmet kitchen makes this a special reprieve for a family of 12. $2415-$3465/week. HURRY! One remaining week for August and two in June! Book Now

Kindred Spirits at Childs Cove is also a Lake Anna waterfront home. Decks, two boat slips, jet ski lift, child’s slide into the water and beach area welcome families for summer fun. Sleeps up to 8 and has a wide range of amenities. $2347/week. Book Now

More Lake Anna Homes

If you’re ready to start planning your summer vacation waterside in Virginia, act fast. They’re going fast! See more vacation home options at Virginia.org.

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It’s January and the kids are feeling a tinge of cabin fever. Is this true in your house? If so, check out all the great places to sneak a peek at wildlife, burn off energy and reconnect in a fun way during the winter months.

Wintergreen Resort

• Byrce Resort
• The Homestead
• Massanutten Resort
• Wintergreen Resort

Fans of ice skating? Don’t miss out on all of the rinks around Virginia. There are plenty of indoor rinks to choose from and a few outdoor rinks, too.

Virginia Beach is one of our favorite summertime hot spots, but it’s pretty nifty in winter, too.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine
Science Center boasts seals, huge turtles, crocodiles, sharks,
komodo dragons, hedgehogs (so sweet!), sting rays, sea horses, otters and a great deal more. Two buildings are connected by boardwalk through a marsh habitat, plus they have a 3D IMAX theater and
you can pay for a premium experience with the seals or turtles.

Make a trip in the next few weeks if you can because the Winter Wildlife Watching boat trips are spotting many humpback whales this year and their migration season won’t last much longer. The Oceanfront Inn has a deal that includes a two-night stay plus tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and the boat trip.

Similar:

• Virginia Living Museum, Newport News
• Maymont Nature and Visitor Center, Richmond

Norfolk Botanical Garden is beautiful all 365 days it’s open and it’s one of the only botanical gardens that offers tours by foot, tram or boat. To top that, February is “Fun Month” and guests are invited to bring their bikes to tour the gardens. Admission
will be reduced by $5/person in February.

The Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk, too, and they have an amazing opportunity for families –Zoo Snoozes. It’s a slumber party with nighttime flashlight tours and more, for just $30/person. Keep an eye on their calendar for the next one.

Similar:

• Bear Path Acres, Franklin
• Creation Kingdom Zoo, Snowflake (weekends only in winter)
• Metro Richmond Zoo, Moseley
• Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke

Virginia is fortunate to have several great children’s museums. Take your pick for a unique experience at each one:

• Children’s Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth (Check out the Museums Key Pass for savings)
• Children’s Museum of Richmond
• Amazement Square, Lynchburg
• Explore More Discovery Museum, Harrisonbug
• Virginia Discovery Museum, Charlottesville

Sports fans big and small will want to visit the Virginia Sports Hall of Famein Portsmouth. Not only can you see inductees’ memorabilia, but the interactive stations let you see just how fast your fastball is, shoot some hoops, take the wheel behind a simulated NASCAR engine and more. It’s a great place to burn off some energy, stay warm during the winter and increase your sports trivia knowledge, too.

Build your trip around an upcoming family fun event. Here are a few of our faves:

• January 31: Scooby Doo Live, Salem
• February 8 & 9: Monster Jam, Hampton
• February 15-17: LEGO KidsFest, Richmond
• March 1: Harlem Globetrotters, Charlottesville
• Through April 26: Clifford the Big Red Dog Traveling Exhibit, Hampton
• Every Friday Night: Family Lasertag, Winchester

For more inspiration to fill your family’s winter weekends, check out Cool Places for Kids.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
Request a free 2013 Virginia Travel Guide. 

Find yourself looking for a quick winter escape that won’t break the bank? Virginia is a great choice for an affordable mountain retreat, historic escape or full-of-fun family excursion.

The Natural Bridge in Winter

Wintergreen Resort is offering a great skiing deal for you – $79 per person gets you a night of stay and an eight-hour lift ticket, not to mention unlimited use of the Aquatics & Fitness Center and the resort shuttle. Available through March 17. BOOK NOW

The Natural Bridge should be on everyone’s bucket list, and here’s a great opportunity to see it as many times as you like for a year. Book one night and visit the Bridge, Cedar Creek Nature Trail, Monacan Indian Village, Drama of Creation, Butterfly Garden, Caverns and Wax Museum for just $99 per couple. Bring the kids for an extra $25-$30 (rates based on age). The annual pass will have you back to see the Natural Bridge in every season and then some! Available through March 7. BOOK NOW

Couples will enjoy a stay at the 1920s General Francis Marion Hotel in Marion. The package for two includes an award-winning “Song of the Mountains” performance at The Lincoln Theatre and a dinner voucher for the boutique hotel’s The Black Rooster restaurant. $145 for two. Available January 31-February 5 and February 28-March 5. BOOK NOW

Now paging a party of six for a weekend of fun in Roanoke! Stay at Best Western PLUS Inn at Valley View and enjoy a one-night stay, bowling for six with shoe rental, pizza and soda included, private swimming from 10 to 11pm in the indoor pool and breakfast the next morning. It’s a great value for just $152.36 (taxes included). Available through March 1. BOOK NOW: 540-362-2400 x402

Richmond is a historical destination ripe with culture. Stay at the luxurious Jefferson Hotel (presidents have stayed there, you know) and enjoy a Southern breakfast and valet parking for just $245 for two. The hotel’s location puts you in the center of art, entertainment and tremendous history. Available weekends through March 3.  BOOK NOW

Waterparks in January. Yes, you read right. Head to Massanutten Resort to enjoy two nights in a two-bedroom condo and eight one-day waterpark passes for just $600. You’ll also receive $18 off your food and beverage purchases at the waterpark. It’s a fun, wet time in January! BOOK NOW

A family of four can getaway to America’s Historic Triangle for four nights and five days for just $659 through March 31. The price includes accommodations at Embassy Suites Williamsburg, breakfast and complimentary manager’s reception each day, and the American Historic Triangle Pass for each family member. The pass provides entrance for up to seven consecutive days to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Jamestowne Island, Yorktown Battlefield and Yorktown Victory Center. Don’t have a family of four? The price adjusts down to $599 for two. BOOK NOW

Discover more great packages at Virginia.org to help you plan your next affordable getaway.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
Request your free 2013 Virginia Travel Guide.