Blog

The state of Virginia is home to dozens of beautiful, cozy bed and breakfast (B&B) resorts that can serve as the ideal romantic getaway for you and your partner. Steeped in history having entered statehood as the tenth state in 1788, Virginia offers B&B resorts established in ornate, historical homes and plantations that will make visitors feel as if they've traveled back in time. Are you and your partner planning an upcoming romantic getaway? Check out the following four B&B resorts located throughout Virginia guaranteed to satisfy most lovebirds. more 1. Goodstone Inn in Middleburg Goodstone Inn offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding countryside, and features winding roads lined with horse farms that will excite guests with equestrian interests. Late risers who miss breakfast can enjoy the resort's complimentary afternoon tea served with pastries and small sandwiches while lounging on plush seating in front of a stone fireplace. This 18-room B&B features an award-winning French restaurant and heated pool, and runs between $295 to $745 per night. 2. The Inn at Tabbs Creek in Port Haywood Named one of the top B&Bs by BedandBreakfast.com in 2013, this secluded waterfront retreat features six rooms, an outdoor fire pit, and an eco-friendly swimming pool. The Inn at Tabbs Creek is situated just miles away from the beach, which will satisfy couples who enjoy watching sunsets near the ocean. Guests can wake up to enjoy locally roasted organic coffee and a gourmet breakfast before booking one of several romantic cruises. Couples who want a romantic getaway on a budget can expect to pay between $125 to $255 per night. 3. Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast in Orange The Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast resides in a historic home originally built in 1860 and was named after the chestnut trees that once surrounded its property. This six-room B&B offers present-day amenities that include WiFi Internet and HD flat-screen televisions so guests can appreciate the past without having to sacrifice comfort offered by the present. The innkeepers host an evening of complimentary wine and cheese tasting before guests head to dinner at one of several local restaurants in Orange. The nightly rate at Chestnut Hill ranges between $179 and $295. 4. The Inn at Riverbend in Pearisburg Once named the most romantic B&B resort by BedandBreakfast.com, The Inn at Riverbend is a mountain getaway ideal for couples interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, golf, fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Guests at this seven-room B&B can wake up to freshly brewed coffee and a complimentary gourmet breakfast to begin the day before heading off to enjoy the many available outdoor activities. Located just two miles from the Appalachian Trail, The Inn at Riverbend charges a nightly rate that ranges from $190 to $264. The state of Virginia offers a wealth of romantic B&B resorts that can satisfy couples of any age, with any interests. Consider going for a long, fun drive with your partner to the B&B of your choice so the two of you can enjoy quality time together. Image via Pixabay

Chesapeake is a beautiful city filled with tons of activities that make great day trips, whether you have only one child or several. We've come up with our top five family-friendly attractions near Chesapeake that are perfect for families with children of all ages. Discover our top picks and start planning your next family outing today! more Chesapeake Arboretum The Chesapeake Arboretum is described as a 48-acre classroom, created to increase horticultural and environmental awareness as well as interest in Virginia's natural flora and fauna. The headquarters of the arboretum is housed in an 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by theme gardens, including both antique and fragrance roses. A trail with mature hardwood forests and native plants meander through the property, making it an excellent place to bring your family to enjoy the fresh air and learn something new. Chesapeake Planetarium Built by the Virginia public school system, the Chesapeake Planetarium is a fun, educational destination located in the municipal center. It regularly hosts free public programs, the topics of which change every month. Check online regularly for updated program scheduling. All of the programs are educational in nature and appropriate for all ages. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge While not the most cheerily named park, the Great Dismal National Wildlife Refuge is a gorgeous 112,684-acre park of forested wetlands that contains the 21,000-acre Lake Drummond. There's plenty to do, whether you and your loved ones are into hiking, boating, fishing, or just taking in the surroundings. Watercraft rentals are available if you don't have your own! In May, the refuge hosts a three-day Migratory Bird festival, and there's plenty of wildlife observation to do year-round. Whitetail deer, black bears, bobcats, river otters and more have all been spotted. Butterfly observations peak in the summer. Hickory Ridge Farm With U-Pick options and fresh produce year-round, Hickory Ridge Farm is a super fun day trip for families with young kids, as well as an opportunity to get some fresh fruit, veggies, and berries to take home. The farm hosts different produce-themed festivals throughout the year that are tons of fun for both kids and adults. The farm is family owned and operated and runs many of its programs with kids in mind. Tractor trailer rides are a fun way to see the farm, and pony rides are also available. The farm has several sweet horses specially trained to carry little ones. You can even host a birthday party here! Fun Forest Built with kids of all ages in mind, the Fun Forest covers three acres of the city park and is the ideal children's playground. For older kids, motor skill development is facilitated through attractions like a three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, and dolphin tunnel slide. There's also a toddler playground where little ones can play safely. One of the most popular attractions is the fossil dig, where kids can dig up "dinosaur bones" in a sandbox, which is tons of fun for all ages! These are just a few of the family-friendly attractions in the Chesapeake area. Image via Pixabay

Virginia offers plenty of attractions that make a weekend getaway easy. Its art museums, in particular, are among some of the best in the region. If you’re looking to experience a bit of art history and culture, be sure to add the following museums to your trip itinerary. more Chrysler Museum of Art Housing over 30,000 impressive objects that span from ancient Egypt to contemporary times, the Chrysler Museum of Art is a delightful facility featuring special exhibitions and a glass studio in addition to its permanent collection. Located in Norfolk, the museum was founded in 1933 under the name "Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences." The facility underwent a major expansion and renovation in 2014, resulting in an art museum that’s better than it’s ever been. In fact, the New York Times has described the museum’s collection as one " any museum in the world would kill for." Some of the museum’s significant holdings include works by Salvator Rosa, Franz Kline, Veronese, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Karen LaMonte. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art The state’s leading contemporary art institution, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Virginia Beach. Commonly abbreviated as Virginia MOCA, the museum was an idea born out of the annual Boardwalk Art Show. MOCA provides a variety of educational programs as well as a studio school, and its goal is to expose visitors to contemporary artists in a way that enhances social discourse. The special Fleming Gallery even showcases the works of more than 1,000 regional artists, art students, and educators. When you want to view impressive contemporary art and walk away with a newfound appreciation of its social context, MOCA is the museum for you. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts VMFA aims to collect, exhibit, preserve, and interpret fine art as well as encourage its study. The museum originally opened in 1936 and has been an esteemed facility in Richmond ever since. VMFA’s permanent collection includes works from Africa, ancient America, Europe, East Asia, and ancient Greece and Rome. There’s even a collection of rare books on display. The museum is open 365 days a year. Walk-in tours, audio tours, and group tours are available, but general admission is free. William King Museum of Art A bit of a drive into southwestern Virginia, the William King Museum of Art is located in Abingdon near the Tennessee border. This out-of-the-way museum boasts impressive galleries that showcase art from regions around the world, both historic and contemporary. The facility itself is a former school built in 1913, and there’s an impressive outdoor sculpture garden on the grounds. This premier visual arts museum features temporary exhibits in addition to the permanent collection, including a current exhibit of contemporary art from the Southern Appalachian Highlands. One of the museum’s most beloved permanent collections consists of photographs from O. Winston Link from the 1950s. Whether you plan an extended trip across the state or you’re looking for something closer to home, Virginia offers a variety of art museums suited to your travel style. Image Via Pixabay

Virginia is home to multiple theme parks, so chances are there’s an amusement park nearby that suits your family. From world-renowned roller coasters to drenching water rides, you won’t have to drive far to experience all the fun. more Busch Gardens Virginia’s most well-known theme park, Busch Gardens, has been voted “The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” every year since 1990 thanks to its stunning European setting. Its incredible thrill rides have also earned Busch Gardens the distinction of being “The World’s Favorite Theme Park,” so it really has to be experienced to be believed. Various countries are represented at Busch Gardens, including Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and France, and you can savor their popular foods, shops, gardens, landmarks, and entertainment without a passport. As if that weren’t enough, the thrill rides here are amazing. In fact, two of Busch Gardens’ roller coasters are among the Top 25 in the world! The most recent addition to Busch Gardens is the Tempesto roller coaster, which features complete 154-feet inversions and 63-mile-per-hour tight turns. Between the park’s 23 rides, 4-D movie, and nine main stage shows, you’ll need to spend at least a weekend here to see all there is to see. Water Country USA Situated near Busch Gardens and considered its sister water park, Water Country USA has the claim to fame of being the Atlantic’s largest water park. You can even opt to purchase a 2-park ticket to make the most out of both sites. Water Country USA offers 43 acres of lazy rivers, pools, and water rides. There’s even a thrilling water slide called Vanish Point that offers a 75-foot-tall drop. The park’s brand new thrill ride is the Colossal Curl. This mega-slide starts with a funnel feature before swirling guests through colorful tubes on their way down to the waves. Each raft on this slide accommodates up to four people, making it a great ride for the whole family. In addition to the thrill rides, there are several kid-friendly attractions designed for the youngest guests. Kings Dominion If you want incredible thrill rides and a variety of roller coasters, including wooden ones, then Kings Dominion may be right for you. Located just 20 miles north of Richmond, Kings Dominion is larger than Busch Gardens and even features a 20-acre water park called WaterWorks. Experience 15 roller coasters, including The Dominator, which is the world’s longest floorless coaster. There’s also the Intimidator 305, a mega coaster that boasts speeds of 90 miles per hour. Even the littlest family members can enjoy Kings Dominion thanks to the park’s Planet Snoopy, which offers a variety of family and kids’ rides and beloved PEANUTS characters. Another great feature of Kings Dominion is Dinosaurs Alive!, an area of the park featuring animatronic dinosaurs. You can even experience what it’s like to be a paleontologist at the dig site. With so much variety close to home, why wouldn’t you take a trip to one of Virginia’s most iconic amusement parks? Start planning your trip today! Image Via Pixabay

Fishing is an inherent pastime on the coast of Virginia. For residents in the Chesapeake area, there are several prime fishing holes within driving distance that make for a great afternoon of fun and relaxation. If you’re ready to load up your gear and head out to the water, consider visiting one of these fishing locations: more Briery Creek Lake Located about three hours west of Chesapeake, Briery Creek Lake is known for its trophy fish. This 845-acre lake is part of the Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area and has been open to fishing since 1989. Before that time, the lake was stocked with both northern and Florida strain largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Timber in the floodplain resulted in a thriving fish habitat, and now Briery Creek Lake is recognized as one of Virginia’s premier bass fisheries. The daily bag limit is five bass, with only one exceeding 24 inches in length. Jackson River Situated in the northwestern part of the state just outside of Covington, Jackson River is an excellent location for rainbow trout, rock bass, smallmouth bass, and brown trout. The river offers six public areas below Gathright Dam that make access easy. There are no fishing gear restrictions between the dam and Covington’s water treatment plant, and the only stipulations are that brown trout less than 20 inches and rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches be released immediately. When you want to enjoy a scenic getaway with a mountainous backdrop, Jackson River is the place to be. Northwest River Park Lake If you prefer to stay closer to home, opt for nearby waters in the Urban Fishing Program. Northwest River Park Lake is routinely stocked with trout and has a trout creel limit of four per day. What’s more, you only need a trout license from November 1 through April 30; it’s not required the rest of the year. The 763-acre park is also a great area for boating and hiking, and with two rental cabins and 66 campsites, this is one place you’ll want to pitch a tent and stay the weekend. Upper Rappahannock River The Rappahannock River runs from the Chesapeake Bay past Fredericksburg, and the upper portion of the river keeps a well-guarded secret: a redbreast sunfish fishery. Described as feisty and fat, these sunfish are highly prized by local anglers, who typically launch their canoes from the Rappahannock River Campground or any of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries launches. There’s also plenty of live bait to be found in the fallen woods and sandy pits. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Bordering the Atlantic, this 8,000-acre freshwater wildlife refuge is teeming with fish. Whether you prefer freshwater or surf fishing, Back Bay has it all. White perch are particularly prominent here. Although they’re typically thought of as a spring fish, white perch are frequently caught here during the summer. There’s even a night surf-fishing program with special beach access in the fall. Grab your bait and tackle and head to your favorite fishing location any time of year to enjoy one of the best pastimes Virginia has to offer. Image Via Pixabay

Chesapeake, Virginia offers plenty of culinary delights that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re in the area, bring your appetite and check out a few of these favorite locally owned restaurants, diners, and dives. more Amber Lantern Restaurant When an occasion calls for fine dining, head to Amber Lantern Restaurant on Bainbridge Boulevard on the Intercoastal Waterway. This Mediterranean-style restaurant offers a wonderful ambiance that’s great for that big date night, but there’s also a banquet hall that’s ideal for those larger get-togethers. Unlike most fine dining options, Amber Lantern Restaurant has a casual flair with steaks, wine, and seafood that have been voted the best in Chesapeake. And since it’s located at Top Rack Marina, you can enjoy amazing views of the water while you eat. Passion the Restaurant Situated in the Shoppes  at Greenbrier, Passion the Restaurant is a gorgeous restaurant that offers innovative cuisine from local fisherman and farmers. You can even choose from a selection of more than 50 affordable wines. The restaurant features both seasonal and holiday specials, and happy hour is from 4pm to 7pm Monday through Saturday. While you can’t go wrong with any choice from the menu, if you want to savor the specialty of the house, order the delectable rack of lamb. Wickers Crab Pot Seafood This family owned restaurant has had ties to the seafood business for more than 60 years, and it’s no secret that they offer the freshest seafood and crabs in the area. Located on Indian River Road, Wickers Crab Pot Seafood puts on live entertainment each night, so bring your appetite for great food and local music. Selections range from creamy clam chowder to hot steam pots, from po boys to brunch favorites, making it a great choice for the entire family. The Cutting Edge Finding a great lunch spot is easy in Chesapeake, but when you’re craving a panini, there’s no place else you’d rather be than The Cutting Edge. This eatery offer a traditional feel with a unique twist, so expect sandwiches like wasabi braised beef panini and kimchi grilled cheese. The restaurant is located in the Battlefield Boulevard Shopping Center and serves up its specialty grub from 10:30 to 4:00 Sunday through Tuesday, but offers extended hours until 8pm the rest of the week. The Egg Bistro When you’re craving a hearty breakfast, stop by The Egg Bistro on Kempsville Road. This hip, family friendly eatery serves American bistro favorites by night, but during the day, it boasts a sizable breakfast menu loaded with southern biscuits and gravy, omelets, French toast, and other favorites. And while you may not think of a great breakfast joint as the place to order drinks, you won’t want to miss The Egg Bistro’s Blood Marys. Buttercream Cupcake Café Leave room for dessert? Head over to the Buttercream Cupcake Café. The cupcakes are varied and flavorful and the homemade buttercream icing offers the perfect amount of sweetness. Be sure to try one of the specialties, including the Lemon Drop Dream, Cinnamon Roll, and Duchess Royale. Come to Chesapeake hungry and you won’t be disappointed! This town serves up a number of great eateries that satisfy. Image Via Pixabay

Touring the Virginia countryside in search of the state’s best wineries is one of the most memorable and romantic weekend escapes you can plan. If you have a special occasion coming up and want to treat your significant other to a winery road trip, consider stopping at these favorite locations. more Glass House Winery Located in Free Union about half an hour north of Charlottesville, Glass House Winery offers a private lake, tropical conservatory, and on-site confectionery where the owner makes homemade chocolates. This boutique winery is in the heart of the renowned Monticello Wine Trail, so countless visitors stop by each year to enjoy the crafted artisan wines made from grapes grown solely on the winery property and in central Virginia. There’s an award-winning bed and breakfast on-site, too, so you can easily make this one a unique weekend getaway. The winery itself is open Thursday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays from noon to 5:30. Stone Tower Winery Situated on Hogback Mountain along the rolling hills of Loudoun County, Stone Tower Winery was once old farmland down a long country road. These 206 exquisite acres have been transformed into a world-class vineyard. The brand new tasting room is ideal for sipping the current vintages, and a la carte snacks are also available, including charcuterie, artisan chocolate, crackers, and imported cheeses. You can even opt for a specialty tour of Stone Tower Winery and learn about the winemaking process from growth to harvest. Otium Cellars Located in Purcelleville, this German-inspired winery is situated among silos and horse pastures. If you love German wine and want to explore its Bavarian roots, Otium Cellars is the place to be. Enjoy the winery’s rich, buttery chardonnay, the spicy blaufrankisch, the powerful dornfelder, or the elegant cabernet sauvignon. The winery is part of Goose Creek Farms, a private equestrian facility, so the setting is picturesque and perfect for creating romantic memories. Doukenie Winery If you happen to be a wine novice, head to Doukenie Winery in Hillsboro. The winemaker here is recognized for his helpfulness in steering novices toward the right wines, so you never have to feel like you’re out of your element. Tastings at Doukenie Winery are just $8 and include a total of six wines: three reds, two whites, and a dessert wine. When you’re exploring your wine palate for the first time, this kind of tasting provides the perfect opportunity. Winery at La Grange A cozy, comfortable winery reminiscent of a coffee shop, the Winery at La Grange is located in an 18 th -century manor in Haymarket. The staff are more than happy to relate any ghostly experiences that have been encountered throughout the house, including the supposed haunting of the previous owner. Wine tastings are $13 a person, and you can’t beat the peaceful country setting and outdoor walkways. Wine tastes vary, but thankfully, Virginia offers numerous wineries that showcase the best of their harvests. When you’re planning a weekend escape and want to make the most of the state’s wine trail, be sure to add a couple of these stops to your list. Image Via Pixabay

When was the last time you went off-roading? If it has been a while, you may be looking for some new areas to explore — or maybe you have a new 4Runner, and you are ready to take it out and see what it can do. Whether you are looking for a new place to explore or you need some ideas on where to take your 4Runner, check out these great places near Norfolk. more Peters Mill Run In George Washington National Forest off SR 675, you will find the Peters Mill Run Trail. This trail is 12 miles of fairly rough, rocky, and treacherous trails. In a few places, there are creek beds to cross, which may or may not have water in them depending on the time of year. Watch out for ATVs in this area, as it's a popular place for families to bring four-wheelers and ride around on the trails. Little Fork Camp Ground Peters Mill Run actually consists of two separate areas where you can go off-roading. The smaller of the two areas is located at Little Fork Camp Ground. This campground is off SR 675, with the closest town being Woodstock. There is a small area for camping, but it is not recommended for RVs or trailers. The campground is open year-round and provides you with direct trail access. Although this is not the roughest of areas to off-road on, it does offer a great place for you to have fun. Taskers Gap Less than a mile down SR 675 from Peters Mill, you will find Taskers Gap. If you prefer to use your GPS to pinpoint trails for you to off-road on, Taskers Gap is located at N 38 degrees 45' 55.7" W 78 degrees 30' 49.2" 1480 ft. elevation. Similar to Peters Mill Run and Little Fork Camp Ground, this area offers a variety of rough roads, with some being rockier than others. Between what you find in the nearby area as well as Taskers Gap itself, you have over 40 miles of trails to explore and enjoy. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail The Potts Mountain Jeep Trail is not for the faint of heart. This intense trail features forest service roads and trails with lots of pot holes and deep crevices. You will need large tires, with 35s being the very smallest you will want to drive on; you'll more likely want 37s. Also, you might want to bring along a winch just in case you get stuck and need to pull yourself out. If you are up for this kind of adventure, though, you can get access to the trail 25 minutes out of Covington off SR 617, within the George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests. Off-roading is an exciting adventure, especially when you have a 4Runner that is loaded with off-road options. Now that you know where to go with your 4Runner, there are no excuses as to why you can't get out and have some fun — so get going. Image Via Pixabay

What maps off a week better than a couple of nights of sleeping under the stars? Fortunately, Chesapeake, Virginia offers a couple camping destinations for singles, couples, families, and groups of friends alike. Whether you prefer to camp in your tent, in your RV, or without any protection at all, these destinations will provide you with the entertainment and relaxation you need to recuperate from the stresses of daily life. Northwest River Park and Campground With more than 750 acres of wide open spaces and secluded hiking trails, the Northwest River Park and Campground is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy your loved ones. It's part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, which means you'll never lack for wildlife sightings, and there are enough modern amenities to keep you comfortable even while you're roughing it. Play horseshoes, take a boating ride, dip your toes in the water, or take a long morning hike at this park. You can rent canoes or paddleboats by the hour and take a long excursion or watch the kids while the scamper across and around the playground equipment. In addition to the available campsites, you can also rent cabins on the property for a more luxurious camping excursion. more If you're planning on visiting the Northwest River Park and Campground for more than an afternoon, load up your Toyota SUV or crossover with your favorite gear. Models like the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander offer plenty of cargo space to fit your favorite belongings. Chesapeake Campground Camping spots abound at the Chesapeake Campground, which also offers picnic pavilions, boating rentals, and a country store that sells toiletries, food, and memorable souvenirs. Water and electric hookups ensure you have a comfortable visit, and the miniature golf course will delight kids and adults alike. You can schedule a hay ride or an afternoon at the driving range, depending on your favorite hobbies. You can also rent a bicycle for just $5 a day to explore more of Chesapeake without wearing out your legs. On the weekends, the Chesapeake Campground also organizes pony rides for the little ones. You can drive your Toyota off the campground for a few hours to shop and dine in Chesapeake. However, the campground also features a store—Markley's Antiques—that is full of restored and refinished treasures. Since you brought your spacious Toyota SUV with you, you shouldn't have trouble loading up a unique find. For evenings, you can borrow board games and other entertainment from the country store. Maybe you and your family would like to try your hand at Monopoly or organize a Pictionary tournament. You can rent DVDs and books, as well, if you're looking for less active entertainment. Regardless of your camping preferences, Chesapeake offers you a safe and comfortable place to park your Toyota and get back to nature for a few days. If you get bored at your camp site, drive into Chesapeake to explore the quaint downtown area and other nearby attractions. Image Via Pixabay

Whether you live within the city limits and need a few ideas about entertainment or you're visiting Norfolk for the first time, you can drive your Toyota to many awesome destinations. Start with these four suggestions that make sense any time of year. Norfolk Botanical Garden While the Norfolk Botanical Garden is arguably the most beautiful during the spring and summer, it comes to life in other ways throughout the fall and winter. For example, around the holidays, the gardens receive one million bulbs of Christmas lights to celebrate the season, transforming the paths and trails into a magical wonderland after dark. The venue includes the titular botanical garden as well as a children's garden, a trolley ride during group tours, a well-stocked library, and a cozy café. Admission costs $11 for adults and $9 for children, though if you plan to visit often, consider an annual membership so you can visit when you want for free. more Nauticus National Maritime Center The Nauticus National Maritime Center offers fun for the whole family, including 3D movies, battleship personnel equipment exhibits, interior tours of the ship, and more. You will also find seasonal attractions and events, such as the haunted pirate ship exhibit that takes place every Halloween. You'll learn about historical events like the Jamestown Exposition. You can experience hurricane winds in a simulator, learn about how tsunamis form, listen to talks by Navy personnel, and view creatures common to the area's tide pools in a simulated environment (but with real animals). Virginia Zoo The Virginia Zoo is also located in Norfolk. Bring the kids (or just your camera) and get up-close views of some of the most majestic creatures in the world. Park your Toyota in the parking lot, then walk down the zoo's picturesque pathways in pursuit of wildlife. The venue hosts animals like elephants, bears, tigers, meerkats, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras. The amphibian and reptile displays are equally enchanting, with residents such as snakes, frogs, and turtles. For kids who can't get enough of the creepy-crawlies among us, you won't want to miss invertebrates like tarantulas, millipedes, and walking sticks, as well as the infamous Madagascar hissing cockroach. Ocean View Beach Park If you visit during the summer (or if you've brought a jacket), don't miss Norfolk's amazing beaches. Ocean View Beach Park is the perfect destination for first-time visitors. It covers nearly seven acres of waterfront property and keeps the area safe during the summer with professional lifeguards. Take a dip in the ocean, walk the beach for seashells, or lounge in the sand for some quality rest and relaxation. In addition to the sandy beaches, the park also boasts plenty of green space. Play a round of frisbee golf with the family or take a long walk to clear your head. If you want to visit with the fewest crowds, aim for late fall. Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the most dynamic destinations in the Commonwealth. Drive your Toyota into town and start your adventure with one of the above attractions. Image Via Pixabay

When you visit Chesapeake, Virginia, you'll never lack for entertainment and attractions. The city offers a host of venues and destinations to keep your schedule packed and your excitement level raised. When planning a trip to Chesapeake, gas up your Toyota and consider a couple of these five suggestions. Dismal Swamp Canal The name might not sound appealing, but the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national historic site and a great place to take the family for a day of natural excitement. Several hiking trails meander through the park that surrounds the Dismal Swamp Canal, and you're sure to see your fair share of wildlife during your visit. Rent a kayak to experience the water for yourself or bring your bicycles for a fast-paced trek through the park. Stop by the Visitor's Center to learn about the canal's history. It's the oldest surviving man-made canal in the country, and it still exists as part of the Intercoastal Waterway that extends all the way to the Florida Keys. more Chesapeake Arboretum The Chesapeake Arboretum is one of the most unique venues of its type in Virginia. There are no admission or parking fees, but the Chesapeake Arboretum accepts donations if you're so inclined. You'll enjoy learning about all the flowers, trees, shrubs, and other greenery that are native to the area, and the 40-acre venue contains plenty of hiking trails. The Chesapeake Arboretum offers free classes for people who want to learn more about horticulture and the venue in general. Plenty of birds and other wildlife make their homes in the arboretum, so don't forget your camera. Glazenfyre If you're interested in creating a unique experience in Chesapeake, Glazenfyre offers the perfect opportunity. It's a chance to release your inner artist, even if you don't possess sufficient talent to draw a proportionate stick figure. The venue offers three distinct crafts for visitors of all ages: pottery painting, glass fusing, and canvas painting Costs range from $6 to $8 depending on your age. It's a great place to bring kids who love expressing themselves creatively, but it also provides a creative outlet for adults. Just keep in mind that you'll only want to try the pottery and glass crafts if you live in the general area because you can't pick up your masterpiece for a week. If you paint on canvas, however, you can walk out the door with it. Greenbrier Mall If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake provides you with a different kind of shopping experience. The two floors of shops, restaurants, and other venues provide you with hours of entertainment, whether you're looking for a gift for a friend or something for yourself. Oak Grove Lake Park Interested in some good old-fashioned outdoor fun? Oak Grove Lake Park provides you with wide open outdoor spaces and secluded hiking trails. Park your Toyota in the generous lot and take a stroll, plan a picnic, or toss your lure in the lake with the hope of catching dinner. As you can see, Chesapeake, Virginia, offers plenty of places to go in your Toyota. Image via Pixabay

If you brave I-64 every morning and evening on your daily commute, you need a car that can handle the traffic without giving you further problems. Several Toyotas perform better than their peers in heavy traffic conditions, so head to your local dealership and give one of these models a test drive. Toyota Prius Stop-and-go traffic can damage more than your good mood—it can also wreak havoc on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. According to the Christian Science Monitor, hybrids offer the best gas mileage, especially in heavy traffic. The Toyota Prius steps in to save the day with its EPA rating of 51 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg in the city. more You'll also like the Prius for its comfortable seating, uncluttered instrument clusters, and remote air conditioning features. The Hybrid System Indicator helps you monitor your gas usage, and the Dynamic Radar cruise control helps keep you safe when the traffic finally clears and you can step on the gas. The 2015 Toyota Prius features a starting MSRP of $24,200. It comes in six distinctive trim levels so you can personalize your driving experience, and it can save you serious money at the pump, especially if you're stuck in Norfolk traffic on a daily basis. Toyota Camry The 2015 Toyota Camry received excellent reviews for its comfortable seats, excellent visibility, and quiet cabin. However, it also boasts the Toyota Entune system, which provides you with enhanced audio quality, controls, and features. Entune connects with your smartphone, helps you navigate to your destination, and supplies you with music so even rush-hour traffic doesn't seem like such a drag. More importantly, Entune has a traffic module that helps you decide which roads to take during the worst traffic conditions and shows you how to stay safe. For example, if you activate the predictive traffic map, you'll see what the traffic conditions will look like within a set amount of time, such as 15 or 30 minutes. The Entune system also responds to voice commands and provides you with a list of traffic incidents in your immediate area. Of course, the Camry is good for more than just traffic updates. It also features an excellent safety rating and a long history of excellence in its class. Toyota Sienna The Toyota Sienna is one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, but it's also one of the more luxurious. With a starting MSRP of $28,700, you might think the Sienna comes with just the bare bones, but it's actually a feature-packed entry with extremely comfortable seating and the top safety ratings in the minivan class. It doesn't look like a minivan. The elongated body and sleek, rounded corners give it an SUV's styling with a minivan's convenience. When you're not battling traffic during your daily commute, you can take the family on road trips and vacations or haul your sporting gear to the field. If you're looking for best-in-class comfort, safety, features, and fuel efficiency, these Toyota cars rise to the top of the pile. Image Via Pixabay