Sponsored Content
Travel and Outdoors

Plan a weekend getaway without the hefty price tag

April 9, 2026 • 
Alexandra Garian
Sponsored by
RIC_BlueRidge_Affordable_APR2026

Just think: This could be your family enjoying the waterslide along the Roaring Run Trail.

Photo provided by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Fact: Travel can get expensive fast. Reality: It doesn’t have to.

In the Roanoke Region of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, free experiences are everywhere — perfect for an easy, affordable getaway.

Your budget-friendly weekend could look something like this:

  • Explore the Taubman Museum of Art or Salem Museum
  • Take in the view from the Roanoke Star
  • Walk or bike the Roanoke Valley Greenways
  • Hike to Roaring Run Falls

Pro tip: Download the VBR Savings Pass for exclusive deals at attractions, restaurants, and more.

More from RICtoday
image0
History
How to dine at some of the oldest restaurants in Richmond
Take a look at seven of the oldest restaurants in Richmond, Virginia, ranging from diners to restaurants and pubs.
April 10, 2026
 · 
Robin Schwartzkopf
RIC_wisteria_spring_APRIL
Travel and Outdoors
How to identify and track invasive wisteria in Richmond
Wisteria is a tell-tale sign of spring in Richmond, but there’s more to this beautiful plant than meets the eye.
April 9, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
Stacks of produce on a table with a blue tablecloth and images of fruit; a paper signs reads, "cebolla / spring onion / $3.00."
Live
Farmers markets in and around Richmond
See where to stock up on seasonal produce around the city, from year-round shopping to in-season markets.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Robin Schwartzkopf
Two hands holding up clear plastic cups of limeade with clear plastic lids and black straws; in the background, a street intersection and across the street, the blurred facade of Kuba Kuba.
Gas prices vs. local food and drink deals
As gas prices spike, which Richmond businesses offer deals when it comes time to treat yourself?
April 7, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
The band The Black Keys mid-concert on stage; The band assembles on stage with various instruments; Behind the band is an art display of letters reading "The Black Keys"; The display nearly reaches the height of the stage light fixtures at the top of the frame.
Play
20 summer concerts to plan for in Richmond, VA
Grab your tickets ahead of time for these upcoming summer concerts bringing big names to the River City.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
Three fruit sandos stacked on top of each other and held out; the bottom fruit sando features three sliced strawberries in the center of the sandwich, the middle, three sliced grapes, and the top, two sliced mangoes.
Where to try a “fruit sando” in Richmond, VA
We took the advice of a local content creator and ventured to find Japanese fruit sandos in Richmond.
April 3, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
A "Violation (Warning)" flier stuck underneath the windshield blade of a car.
City
City of Richmond swaps bike lane parking citations for penalty-free warnings in April
Throughout the month, Richmond Police will forgo citations and instead issue violation warnings to drivers illegally parked in bike lanes.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
A brown-feathered hen in resting on hay with two eggs next to it; the hen is an an enclosure.
City
Guide to owning chickens in Richmond
Cracking the code to urban farming.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
A blue sky with dozens of kites; people at the bottom of the frame hold kite strings and tilt their heads up toward the sky.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Richmond
Bookmark this page to your favorites tab so you can quickly return and find the top events happening each month in Richmond.
March 27, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
A vibrant cityscape at night with a brightly lit tower at the center, under a starry sky with the Milky Way visible, creating a majestic and serene atmosphere.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Richmond’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west, cities across the world await.
March 27, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell