6 unforgettable spring adventures to experience across Virginia

With the temperatures rising, Virginia’s outdoor adventure scene is springing into action. 

We’ve felt breezes of warmer weather drawing near—and with the whispers of spring in the air, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders of our beautiful commonwealth. From family adventures to intimate moments, Virginia has no lack of excitement when it comes to unique springtime activities. 

Visit a flower farm

Nothing says winter’s over and spring has sprung quite like a frolic through a meadow of flowers. In fact, it’s such a big deal in Nokesville, that Burnside Farms hosts an annual Festival of Spring.

In 2025, festival dates span from mid-March through mid-April. Dates are approximate, given the blooming patterns of the buds. Guests immense themselves in Instagram-worthy views, with two million tulips and daffodils planted each year.

For more information, visit Burnside Farms on the web.

Attend a music festival

Better memories are fewer found than those shared with several thousand of your closest friends! Music festivals throughout Virginia offer a chance to meet and mingle with folks from all walks of life, who share a common interest—great artists putting on stellar shows.

Returning for its 15th year, Rooster Walk at Pop’s Farm near Martinsville will host groups like Trampled by Turtles (fun fact: they’re one of my personal favorite bands), Lettuce, Keller Williams, and dozens more. There are also performers who got their start locally, like Josh Shilling, who debuted with Mountain Heart at The Grand Ole Opry in 2007.

Tickets are available for purchase now for the May 22-25 event, and you can click here to learn more information. 

Go to a gardening class

Plants, plants, and more plants are the perfect way to bring a little spring into your living space. If a green thumb doesn’t come naturally to you—or you’d like to learn more about what could grow well in your area—the Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a variety of online resources and in-person gardening classes. The courses are generally free and open to the public. 

From enhancing your knowledge about edible greens to becoming a Master Gardener, there are learning opportunities available throughout the commonwealth. Simply reach out to your local VCE office to discover options available near you.

Enjoy a waterfall hike

The state’s natural beauty is on full display at the multitude of waterfalls waiting to be explored. Take the Dismal Falls in Bland County for example. Don’t let the name fool you—they are anything but gloomy and depressing!

At just 0.1-mile long, the wooded trail leading to the waterfall is an easy hike for beginners. The path leads to a 15-foot natural feature with water cascading into a shallow pool, usually ranging from three to four feet in depth depending on recent rainfall. In warm weather, it’s the perfect place to take a relaxing dip.

Dine outdoors in a ‘Secret Garden’

Built in 1840, the home hosting the Secret Garden Cafe offers a tranquil setting that transports diners back in time in Historic Old Town Occoquan. While the eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, dining in the garden provides an extra spring flair to the experience. 

The restaurant specializes in scratch-made menu items, like their famous bourbon mushroom ribeye, featuring a well marbled hand cut 10oz ribeye, bourbon peppercorn sauce, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a potato cake. Be sure to top off your dining experience with a slice of homemade coconut pecan cake with cream cheese buttercream frosting. 

Experience a drive-in movie

Gates open for the spring season at the Goochland Drive-in on Friday, Mar. 28! Bring a vehicle full of friends to enjoy watching a movie under the stars. 

To ensure no one is turned away in the event of a sold-out show, all tickets are purchased on the theater’s website before arrival. When you arrive, there are two options to enjoy the movie—inside your car, using your own FM radio, or outside, with in-ground speakers providing sound.

Here’s a quick list of things you should know before you go, to help you plan the perfect nighttime outing.