I walked outdoors and gold dust greeted me. Unfortunately, it wasnât the kind that could make me rich. No, it appears that the Pollening is upon us. Itâs that time of year where virtually everything in Virginia exists under a sheen of yellowâand our allergies pay the price.
Yet, spring is also a great time to make outdoor memories. If youâre looking for some great Virginia getaways that wonât break the bank, please keep reading. Weâve got fun ideas for a day tripâjust donât forget to take your Claritin or Zyrtec. Enjoy the adventure because Iâm so glad youâre here.
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There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the commonwealth this spring. (James River Park)
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By Aila Boyd
Hereâs what you need to know: With the arrival of warm weather and vibrant blooms, thereâs no denying that spring has sprung in Virginia. To make the most out of the season this year, add some of these six quintessential Virginia activities to your springtime bucket list.
Our top picks:
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Visit a botanical gardenâFor a curated garden experience, look no further than the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The garden has seasonal tram tours in April. The tours start at the top of every hour daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with azalea tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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James River water sportsâFor those who like to spend time on the water, kayaking or canoeing down the James River is a great springtime activity. If youâre planning to kayak on the upper part of the James River and need help finding a good access point, check out this list from The Upper James River Water Trail.
- Picnic at a state parkâConsidering that more than 30 state parks are spread throughout every corner of the commonwealth, youâll surely be able to find one where you can enjoy an outdoor meal. The agency maintains a list of parks that have picnic shelters if you need help deciding which one to explore.
Adding more to your list? Weâve found some of the best experiences to have this spring throughout our beautiful state.
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President Donald Trump speaks at US Steel Corporation’s Mon Valley Works-Irvin plant, Friday, May 30, 2025, in West Mifflin, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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By Michael OâConnor
Virginia Democrats are denouncing President Donald Trumpâs attempt to restrict mail-in voting and create a national voter list.
According to the election law professor Richard Hasen, Trumpâs order released would have the US Department of Homeland Security create a list of voters and have the United States Postal Service only mail ballots to voters on this list with âunique identifiersâ like barcodes issued by DHS.
Hasen concludes Trump does not have the authority to do this, and several states have already said they intend to sue over the order.
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The most compelling stories often find us when we least expect it. (Patrick Fore/Unsplash)
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By Amie Knowles
One day, I really hope to meet my favorite writer. Heâs got several books out, writes a daily column, travels the states singing and playing instruments, and has an affinity for Waffle House. But moreover, Sean Dietrich has a way of explaining life that just clicks.
Iâve been reading his column, Sean of the South, for years. What keeps me coming back for more is that Sean writes about people in ways that many of us forget to see. So meeting him wouldnât just be about shaking hands with a favorite writer. Nah, itâd be about sitting with somebody who understood how to find meaning in the overlooked.
As far as his writings go, my personal favorites include: 3) “The Church Social”, about the good olâ days of potlucks and community, 2) “Hell Bound”, a raw introspection about his fatherâs suicide, and one extra special one 1) “Sleepless in New York.” In that column, Sean talks about wanting to write for a newspaperâand immediately getting hit with an editor who accused him of wasting her time.
In an effort to prove her wrong, Sean set out to find a story worth telling. He ended up at a local nursing home and asked the receptionist for a storyteller, to which she replied: âTheyâre all storytellers, sweetie.â Grab a tissue if you choose to read this one because, man, what a story to tellâŚ
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Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves PokĂŠmon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd and Michael OâConnor. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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