VIRGINIA
Summer
in Virginia
VIRGINIA IS FOR EVERYONE
We already know that “Virginia Is for Lovers,” but did you know
that this scenic commonwealth also calls to fans of fiddling,
seasonal delicacies (like blueberries, watermelons and peaches)
as well as tea-time treats with former first ladies? Summertime
brings out Virginia’s quirkier side, inviting folks outside for fests
that celebrate the season with a twist. The temperature isn’t the
only thing on the rise these months when vibrant gatherings and
music-filled jams enliven communities and send fireworks soar-
ing into the summer night sky.
Far left: Check out the
bluegrass fiddlers at
this year’s FloydFest.
left: it’s time again
for a Fourth of July
celebration.
SAVE THE DATE
WILLIAMSBURG
July 4 and anytime • History Re-created
Any time of year is a good time to visit the historic district and get
transported to the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Costumed
interpreters, tradespeople and guides wander the 301-plus acres of
original and reconstructed buildings—sites where George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry helped write U.S. history. And
what better place to celebrate the Fourth of July? Independence Day
here means a daylong celebration ( 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) of fifes and
drums, militia parades, a reading of the Declaration of Independence,
and fireworks. 757-229-1000; history.org
LURAY
July 10 & 26, aug. 14 & 23 • Tea Time
Redux
In conjunction with the 75th anniversary of Shenandoah National
Park, Big Meadows Lodge on Skyline Drive hosts a tea party fit for
royalty. Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt played
important roles in establishing the park, and this event honors their
spirited wives—Lou and Eleanor. Historian Babs Bodin gives an
informative narrative, and guests enjoy cups of piping hot tea and
desserts from the first ladies’ favorite recipes. $18 per person.
visitshenandoah.com
VIRGINIA BEACH
July 23 • Crab Challenge
Families flock to the beach at 30th Street for crab-centric events
ranging from the Crustacean 500 Race to the Miss Curvaceous
Crustacean Beauty Pageant, where contestants present hermit crabs
in creatively decorated displays. Past winners include “Hermit the
Hulk,” “Beauty the Crab” and “Pirates of the Crabibbean!” Judges
distribute special trophies to the “friendliest crab,” “most athletic
crab” and the “most traveled crab.” Festivities kick off at 10 a.m.
beachstreetusa.com
FLOYD
July 28–31 • FloydFest
At milepost 170.5 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, a four-day celebration
comes to an 80-acre mountain plateau. The festival of music and
art features seven stages and 50-plus performers like Old Crow
Medicine Show, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Toubab Krewe, Xavier
Rudd and Railroad Earth. Revelers also find 100-plus artisans, a
“Global Village” offering workshops and demos, a healing arts area,
a “Children’s Universe” with activities for youngsters and food ven-
dors selling dishes from sushi to pulled-pork BBQ. Tickets: $140 for
the three-day weekend; $155 four-day. floydfest.com
GALAX
aug. 8–13 • Fiddle Fanatics
Each summer, hundreds of talents gather to celebrate the country
and mountain music that’s been passed down for generations in the
Blue Ridge region. This year, the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention, the
oldest, consistently held such gathering in the U.S., returns for the
76th time. Contestants bring instruments from mouth harps to bull
fiddles strapped to cars, while onlookers relish music and dance
performances plus food, drink and crafts vendors. Tickets are sold at
the gate; camping spaces ($70 per site) are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. oldfiddlersconvention.com
