Experiences, Family Activities, Nature

Eternal Rings: Rainbow Myth, Physics, & Full-Circle Wonder

Long before wavelengths were discovered or refraction studied, humanity looked up in awed contemplation: How can the same light that warms the skin and the same rain that feeds the earth suddenly become a wordless hymn of color? Is the universe whispering something holy?Across every continent and every age, these questions have called forth stories: In Norse myth the blazing Bifröst bridge linked Midgard to...
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Experiences, Nature

Final Supermoon of 2025: The Spectacular December Cold Moon

Tonight, December 3rd, the moon appears full in the night sky, but the Cold Moon officially reaches peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. EST on December 4th. It will be nearly as close and bright as November's supermoon, only about 244 miles farther away, marking the third in an extraordinary celestial series that won't repeat for over a decade.What is a Supermoon?A supermoon happens when a...
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Hikes, History and Museums, Nature, Shopping, Waterfalls

Discovering Treasures: The Barn Antiques & More… – Thrives Under New Ownership in Lexington, VA

Situated in the rolling heart of Rockbridge County, where the Blue Ridge Mountains whisper secrets to the valleys below, The Barn Antiques & More stands out as a true haven for lovers of history, craftsmanship, and the thrill of the hunt. Formerly Thriftiques Tack & Antiques, The Barn Antiques & More thrives under new ownership: a sanctuary for equestrian enthusiasts, vintage aficionados, and anyone seeking...
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Experiences, Family Activities, Nature

May’s Flower Moon: A Celestial Celebration of Spring’s Peak

The next full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will reach its peak illumination on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 12:56 p.m. Eastern Time. This full moon marks the height of spring, named for the abundance of blooming flowers that signal the season’s vibrant growth across much of North America. About the May 2025 Flower MoonName & Meaning: The May full moon is traditionally called the...
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Experiences, Nature

The Violet: A Flower of History, Myth, and Beauty

The violet, with its delicate petals and vibrant hues, has enchanted admirers for centuries. More than just a fleeting bloom, this remarkable flower—thriving across woodlands, meadows, and gardens of the Northern Hemisphere—carries a rich legacy steeped in mythology, folklore, and quiet resilience. In the Southern Shenandoah Valley, where spring arrives early and violets linger well beyond Summer, their enduring presence sets them apart from other...
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Experiences, Family Activities, Nature

Easter Week’s Sky Lights Up with Shooting Stars, Plus Two Meteor Showers Coming in May

As Earth journeys along its path, it sweeps up trails of comet debris that ignite our skies with meteor showers, also known as shooting stars. This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is poised to deliver a spectacular celestial show, peaking on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22. As the first major meteor shower since the Quadrantids, it’s a highly...
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Experiences, Nature

The Pink Full Moon Rises Tonight – And It’s Showing Up With A Few Surprises…

Tonight, Saturday, April 12, step outside a little before 8 PM to witness the fourth full moon of 2025 rising above the horizon. Known as the Pink Moon, it’s the first full moon of spring — and this year, it’s showing up with a few surprises.Called the Pink Moon, it marks the first full moon of spring. Its name comes from Phlox subulata, or moss...
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Experiences, Family Activities, Food and Beverages, Hikes, Nature

Wild Berry Bonanza: A Guide to Berry Seasons from May to August in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

This guide is based on foraging southern Shenandoah Valley, around Lexington and Natural Bridge, Virginia down through Roanoke, VA. Berry enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse array of wild and cultivated berries throughout the late spring and summer months in Shenandoah Valley. Here's a guide to the berry seasons in this region:Spring BerriesMulberries: These are typically the earliest berries to ripen, usually available from late May...
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Experiences, Family Activities, History and Museums, Nature

Rockbridge Rocks: Spreading Love with Painted Rocks

“Rockbridge Rocks” is a Facebook page with over six thousand followers, many who paint rocks and combine that with easter bunny mojo to spread positive vibes and connect with others. We interviewed Joanna Higginbotham on how she got started with the group and her experience in the pro-bono rock painting and giving away business. Spoiler alert…. having a hobby that brings joy to others is...
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Experiences, Hikes, History and Museums, Nature

Who Knew? Bigfoot Lives in Rockbridge County – You Learn a New ‘Legend’ Every Day!

The legend of Sasquatch or Bigfoot has captivated imaginations for centuries, with reports of large, ape-like creatures roaming remote forests and wilderness areas around the world.  In Rockbridge County, Virginia, nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of towns like Glasgow, Buena Vista, Natural Bridge, and Lexington, tales of encounters with this elusive creature have long been a part of local folklore.  The rugged terrain of Rockbridge County,...
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