As July turns to August, it's easy to start thinking that summer is winding down. But in Virginia, camping season is far from over. In fact, August can be one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors. The days are still long, the water is warm, and a weekend away can be the perfect way to recharge before the busy back-to-school and fall schedules begin. Escape for a Weekend You don't need a weeklong vacation to make great memories. A two-night camping trip can feel like a true

From mountains to waterfront stays, it’s not too late to plan your Virginia getaway. Summer doesn’t have to mean airports, long lines, or months of planning. Some of the best Virginia getaways are closer than you think—and camping makes it easier to take a spontaneous weekend, a midweek reset, or a family trip without a complicated itinerary. Whether you travel by RV, pitch a tent, book a cabin, or are trying camping for the first time, Virginia campgrounds offer experiences

Summer doesn’t always announce itself with a big trip, a packed itinerary, or a passport stamp. Sometimes it arrives quietly. A folding chair pulled into the shade. Morning coffee outside instead of at the kitchen table. Kids riding loops around a campground road. Someone insisting they can still make the perfect s’more. A family dog that somehow knows vacation rules are different. Those moments may seem small at the time—but years later, they’re often the ones people remembe

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Virginians and our visitors have a unique opportunity to reflect on the people who explored, traveled, worked, and built communities across the Commonwealth. Over the last two and a half centuries, much has changed. Roads have replaced trails. GPS has replaced hand-drawn maps. Families can travel hundreds of miles in a day instead of weeks. Yet one thing remains remarkably familiar: the spirit of exploration. For g