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Events|Festivals

This Nighttime River Float Under A Canopy Of Lights Belongs On Your Virginia Bucket List

Published Apr 1, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

What do you think of when you dream of summer in Virginia? Walks on the beach? Camping in the mountains? How about a nighttime river float under a canopy of twinkle lights? That last bucket-list-worthy activity is a special event promised by Franklin County's Waid Park during each weekend in June. Whether you enjoy the star-filled night sky or are looking for a fun summer activity in Virginia, we think you'll agree that River of Lights is one event you won't want to miss!

Few things symbolize summer like a nice, leisurely float down the river.

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Franklin County Parks and Recreation / Facebook

And if you happen to find yourself near Rocky Mount, there's one river event that you simply won't want to pass up on.

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Franklin County Parks and Recreation / Facebook

River of Lights is a fun-filled event that gives visitors and locals a chance to float down the river at night! The event takes place every weekend evening in June.

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Joshua Neuse / Google Reviews

So how does it work exactly? Register in advance, and for $15 you can float down a calm, shallow, half-mile section of the river that flows through Waid Park.

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WSLS / YouTube

You'll love the chance to admire the Christmas lights overhead. It adds a whimsical, ethereal element to the float.

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WSLS / YouTube

Not to mention the night sky above you. The stars in this corner of Virginia seem to shine extra bright!

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Franklin County Parks and Recreation / Facebook

Tickets include tube rentals as well as unlimited trips down the river from 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. No shuttle needed!

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There's so much to love about Waid Park, and this float is no exception. So don't miss out!

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Kevin T. Akers / Google Reviews

What are your thoughts on this nighttime river float in Virginia? Would you consider trying it out? Register for tickets here! Then feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! And, if you need a place to stay afterward, check out these unique cabin rentals in Rocky Mount, Virginia.

Learn more when you watch this YouTube video promoting the event from 2023:

Looking for more? We've outlined some of our favorite ways to spend summer in Virginia:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/summer-day-trips-in-va-2017/

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Events|Festivals

Pile Your Plate With Delicious, Cheesy Noodles at the Norfolk Mac and Cheese Festival in Virginia

Dive into 50 kinds of mouthwatering mac and cheese at the 5th-annual Mac And Cheese Festival in Norfolk this October.

Updated Oct 1, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Do you consider yourself to be a devoted fan of mac and cheese? Or perhaps you’re enthusiastic about Norfolk's iconic culinary scene? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you owe it to yourself to experience the upcoming Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival, scheduled for October 12th and 13th, 2024. The event will take place at the picturesque Waterside District and will showcase the area’s best food trucks and restaurants in one cheesy celebration -- the largest of its kind in all of Virginia. You can go ahead and purchase your tickets to this amazing Virginia food festival!

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Attention, all foodies! There's a festival in the works that promises to delight mac & cheese enthusiasts of all kinds.

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Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival / Facebook

The Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival is a day-long celebration of all things cheesy and delicious. Prepare to be amazed as you sample the offerings from over 18 different restaurants and food truck vendors.

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Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival / Facebook

Sample over 50 different varieties, from peppery to spicy, garnished in breadcrumbs, buttery, and more. You might even be tempted to try a grilled mac & cheese sandwich. Each food vendor works on a voucher system. You'll exchange your food voucher for samples and easily reload at a designated booth whenever you need to.

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Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival / Facebook

Throughout the event, there will be an endless variety of fun and cheese-themed games and activities to enjoy. Live music, an ongoing baggo tournament, craft beer garden, and even a kids zone will ensure that everyone is entertained. Oh, and did we mention the giant cheese fry bar?

Feeling competitive? If so, you can sign up for a macaroni eating contest and eat as much mac & cheese as you possibly can in two minutes. As you might imagine, this challenge isn't for the faint of heart!

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Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival / Facebook

And the best news of all? After sampling as many varieties as your heart desires, you'll be able to cast your vote for the best mac & cheese dish in each category: Best Tasting, Most Unique, and more!

So whether you consider yourself a mac & cheese aficionado or are looking for an unforgettable weekend to enjoy with friends and family, you’ll be glad you attended the iconic Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival.

Do you think you'll attend this incredible food festival in Virginia? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to grab your tickets now!

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Experiences|Activities

A Virginia Tradition For Over 30 Years, The Pumpkin Festival At Sinkland Farms Is A Fall Must

Consistently voted as a top pumpkin festival in Virginia, Sinkland Farms has been a family tradition for over three decades.

Published Sep 20, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Pumpkin patches and fall in Virginia go hand-in-hand, and this season, we're inviting you to experience one of the best. But don't just take our word for it; Sinkland Farms has been nominated as the region's best pumpkin patch for years. Join in on all the fall fun at Sinkland Farms, a fall tradition in Virginia for over three decades.

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This year's event will take place during the weekends between September 27th — November 3rd, 2024.

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Creative Designs by Renee / Sinkland Farms / Contributed Photo

The simple joys of rural living are on full display this time of year at Sinkland Farms, a picturesque property in Montgomery County that began as a dairy farm in the 1980s. Today, the farm has expanded to a wedding and event venue known for its sweeping views and its ability to cultivate lifelong memories.

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Those who join for the annual fall festival will see exactly what we mean. The Pumpkin Festival isn't just the most popular fall event in Virginia; it's been ranked the third-best in the nation.

For six weekends in autumn, the farm transforms into a pumpkin wonderland, complete with music, food, activities, and all sorts of farm fun. Included in the admission price is one hayride to the pumpkin patch, one corn maze, kids activities, and more.

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Creative Designs by Renee / Sinkland Farms / Contributed Photo

For an additional price, festival-goers can enjoy an assortment of interactive farm activities, including a horseback or ponyback tour of the grounds.

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Creative Designs by Renee / Sinkland Farms / Contributed Photo

So many activities are bound to work up an appetite and fortunately, there's no shortage of delicious food to enjoy. From hand-dipped ice cream to real Southern barbecue, dining options abound. There will also be a fun selection of local beer and wine to enjoy.

Have you taken part in the fall festival at Sinkland Farms before? What did you enjoy most about your experience? Feel free to share your thoughts and memories with us -- we would love to hear from you. And don't forget to get your tickets now for this year's event!

Sinkland Farms also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. It makes for a breathtaking wedding venue or field trip excursion for your little ones.

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Need a place to stay while you're in the area? Check out these VRBOs in Montgomery County.

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