Why rush off to Mexico or Florida for your spring break when there are plenty of options right here in the Old Dominion? Whether you are a family looking for fun, lovers in search of romance, or a student planning to drink yourself silly, Virginia has plenty to offer.

Virginia’s mixture of small towns and larger cities, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and culinary and wine destinations offer something for everyone. Virginia’s fine inns and boutique hotels are some of the most sought after in the country.

Here are in-state spring break suggestions, with something for families, couples and frat-boys alike.

FAMILY FUN

Shenandoah National Park – Load the kids into the car and cruise along Skyline Drive, taking in mountains and greenery from all angles. Or, to get the most out of Shenandoah National Park, exit the automobile and get involved with nature. Kids should enjoy the park ranger led Junior Ranger program, which includes guided nature hikes, horseback riding, camping and wildlife watching.

Virginia State Parks – There are 35 Virginia State Parks sprinkled throughout the Old Dominion, from the Atlantic seashore to the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can hike the trails, take in scenic views, hit the beaches, go boating, go tubing down a river, explore an abandoned gold mine, spot a bald eagle in the wild and plenty more.

Williamsburg – In the Historic Triangle of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement, kids and adults alike can see what life in early America was like, and learn a little about how America got started. But if that gets too educational (you’re on vacation remember) then there’s always Busch Gardens, which offers an old world European theme for the adults and roller coasters for thrill-seeking youngsters.

Eastern Shore – Because it’s separated from the rest of Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay, visiting the Eastern Shore can feel like you’ve left the state without crossing any borders. But provided you don’t venture too far north and stray into Maryland, you’re still on an in-state spring break vacation. Sporty kids can take a lesson at the SEE Kite Boarding School, while the more scientifically curious will be fascinated by the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center. And anyone not interested in seeing the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island doesn’t deserve a spring break in the first place.

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

Onancock – Breathe in that sea breeze. Onancock is a tiny harbor town of less than 2,000 people, established in the late 1600s and located in Accomack County in the Eastern Shore region of Virginia. Couples can enjoy the quaintness of gingerbread porches, clapboard steeples and old-fashioned glass storefronts, before sleeping tight at the Inn at Onancock, a bed and breakfast promising feather-topped beds, luxury linens and a gourmet breakfast when you wake up.

Staunton – As Virginia Living editor Richard Ernsberger Jnr. discovered on a recent visit, you pronounce it STAN-ton, without the ‘u’ sound. Staunton is a walkable town, boasting art galleries, restaurants and the Blackfriars Playhouse, where the American Shakespeare Center performs Elizabethan plays in their original conditions. Stay at any of the nine bed and breakfasts, all located within the sort of restored historic buildings that saw Staunton named amongst the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Charlottesville – Walk the historic Grounds of the University of Virginia and visit Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson. Or simply stroll around the boutique stores downtown. Better still, get above it all with a hot air balloon ride over Central Virginia.

Loudoun County – Loudoun County is in northern Virginia, less than an hour’s drive from he hubbub of Washington, D.C., but now claims more wineries than any other county in the state. Take the Loudon County Wine Trail and enjoy the clusters of boutique wineries while admiring the backdrop of beautiful rolling hills.

PARTY TOWN

Virginia Beach – Head for the bright lights of Virginia’s biggest city, which offers 28 miles of beaches, 11,000 accommodation options, 3 miles of boardwalk and more restaurants, bars and nightclubs than you could ever hope to conquer in one visit. Just remember to drink plenty of water before going to bed so you can get up the following day and enjoy some water sports.

UNCATEGORIZABLE

Tangier Island – Visiting Tangier Island is like going back in time. Located in the Lower Eastern Shore, Tangier Island is nearly car-less and very much ATM-less, so bring cash and be prepared to rent a bike. One of the many odd attractions is the accent of the locals, which due to the relative isolation of island life is almost unchanged from when the island was settled in 1686.

Enjoy your Spring Break!

Let it Shine!!

Spring Cleaning Checklist!

There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable — and even enjoyable. This checklist offers an overview of everything you need to know.

Throughout the House
The tips below outline basic techniques that will help you clean almost every surface (or object) in any room. The tasks are broken down by location, including outdoor spaces. The final page of this foldout focuses on window washing and upkeep, which is essential if you’re going to let the sun shine in on the bright days to come.
Wipe Walls and Ceilings: Use a vacuum to remove dust. Tackle stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface).

Reseal Grout Lines: The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer; it’s best to apply it with a small foam brush.

Vacuum and Shampoo Rugs: Synthetic carpets and rugs with wa- terproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, require professional cleaning, you can BOOK A SPRING CLEANING NOW  with us (include inside window glass, inside oven, inside refrigerator , inside vacuum and Dust closet.)

Dust Books and Shelves: Take everything off the Shelves, and brush shelves and books with a feather dust- er. Use the dust-brush or crevice tool on a vacuum to reach into tight spots. Wipe the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth.

Clean Upholstered Furnishings: Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the pieces for care labels. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions.

Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware: Liquid polishes and polish-impregnated cloths work well for medi- um-tarnished surfaces; pastes and creams are for heavier work. If tarnish doesn’t come off, try a stronger product.

Dust Your Home Thoroughly: This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. Always work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Avoid using dusting sprays.

Wax Wooden Furniture: Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butch- er’s wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let wax dry; buff with a clean cloth.

Ensure Fire Safety: Change batteries in smoke detec- tors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans.

Wash Window Screens: Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly.

Clean Window Treatments: Many draperies and curtains are machine washable; check labels. Dry-clean fab- ric shades. Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds.

Wax Non-Wood Floors: Vinyl and linoleum floors that have lost their shine should be waxed with a polish designed for these surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either a paste or a liquid wax designed for the material.