I can’t believe I’m saying this, but summer is winding down. I know…crazy, right? But that doesn’t mean that the summer fun has to end. As you know, in Virginia, the heat likes to stick around, sometimes a little longer than we would like. So even if the summer season is wrapping up, there’s still plenty of things to do to beat the lingering heat and take advantage of those last little bits of summer. Check out the list below and be sure to click the links to get some of our top rated options…
- Visit a museum.
Tony Alter / flickr
Virginia is full of museums – from weird to wacky to wonderful. These museums are not your average, everyday art museums (although there are plenty of those, as well). But every one is well worth the visit.
Tony Alter / flickr
- Head to the swimmin’ hole.
Daniel Farrell / flickr
When it comes to places to cool down without the chlorine, you’ll have plenty to choose from with Virginia’s swimming holes. Click here to see a few of our favorites.
Daniel Farrell / flickr
- Spend a day at the lake.
mandy / flickr
Whether it’s boating, fishing, lounging on the beach – or even scuba diving, Virginia lakes fit the bill. They’re beautiful, convenient and more than plentiful. See what we mean here.
mandy / flickr
- Catch a wave at the water parks.
Water Country USA / Facebook
From serious slides and pseudo surf pools to local neighborhood spray parks, Virginia water parks deliver fun for the whole family. See the list here.
Water Country USA / Facebook
- Take a hike.
Lauren Parnell Marino / flickr
Even on a hot day, the breathtaking beauty of Virginia’s mountains and trails are worth the hike. Once you’re sitting on top of the world with a cool breeze on your face, you won’t want to be anywhere else. Check the list here and be sure to bring plenty of water.
Lauren Parnell Marino / flickr
- Cool down with a cone – or a cup, as it were.
brownpau / flickr
If you’ve been looking for the perfect scoop of ice cream this summer, look no further. We’ve got a list of some of the best ice cream you can find in Virginia, right here.
brownpau / flickr
- Find an amazing waterfall.
US Geological Survey (courtesy of Alan Cressler) / flickr
Whether they are on the side of the road or at the end of a trail, Virginia waterfalls are nothing short of stunning. Find your new favorite here.
US Geological Survey (courtesy of Alan Cressler) / flickr
- Take a tour of Virginia’s lighthouses.
Doug Kerr / flickr
Not only are lighthouses intriguing, they are often full of history and without a doubt, beauty. And best of all, they’re always on the water. So cool down with a tour of some of Virginia’s finest – see the whole list here.
Doug Kerr / flickr
- Take a day off at the playground.
Kurt Wagner / flickr
Kids can turn a cardboard box into a spaceship – so imagine what they can do with a truly incredible playground. And trust me, these playgrounds in Virginia are nothing short of amazing.
Kurt Wagner / flickr
- Check out one of our many historic homes.
Mobilus in Mobili / flickr
Few other states in the nation can claim as many historic homes, sites and landmarks as Virginia. You’re probably familiar with homes like Monticello and Mount Vernon that once belonged to presidents and founding fathers, but there are many, many more to explore. And any one of Virginia’s beautifully preserved homes make for a perfect way to spend a summer day. Check out some of our favorites here.
Mobilus in Mobili / flickr
- Hit the beach.
lina smith / flickr
Pristine shores or busy boardwalks, Virginia beaches offer everything that you could want in terms of surf, sand and sun. Whether you’re looking for a quiet day trip, an historical getaway or just some fun in the sun, you’ll find it on the shores of Virginia. See the full list here.
lina smith / flickr
- Go underground at the caverns.
David Jones [CC BY 2.0] / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for ways to cool off, what could be better than going underground? In addition to the largest cavern series in the east at Luray Caverns, Virginia has a number of other incredible caverns that are just waiting to be explored. See them for yourself here.
David Jones [CC BY 2.0] / Wikimedia Commons
- See the sites at a state park.
vastateparksstaff / flickr
With dozens to choose from, Virginia’s state parks are the perfect way to get out and enjoy the last days of summer. From waterside havens to mountain retreats, these state parks are not to be missed.
vastateparksstaff / flickr
- Pack a picnic.
jamiev_03 / flickr
Few things say “summer” like a good old-fashioned picnic. These picnic spots in Virginia are tried and trusted as some of the best places to chill out with good food, good friends and some of Virginia’s most beautiful scenery.
jamiev_03 / flickr
- Hide from the heat in one of Virginia’s beautiful theaters.
The Lincoln Theatre
From old timey movie theaters to Broadway-worthy stages, Virginia gives you plenty to choose from when it comes to entertainment. Whether you’re looking for something on the big screen or a live performance, these theaters provide a perfect escape from the summer heat.
The Lincoln Theatre
- Wind down at a winery.
CWVrooman / ankidarige.com
Try some new wines, sample some more of your favorites or just enjoy the breeze at any one of Virginia’s 200+ wineries. Here are some of the top-reviewed wineries to get you started.
CWVrooman / ankidarige.com
What’s your favorite way to handle the summer heat? Have we left anything off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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