Local weather: Heading out for a picnic or to the park? Check the local forecast before you go.

Gas prices: Find the cheapest gas near you with our handy gas guide, complete with pop-up map.

Staycation Tips: How to get the most of your local leisure. Read all about it

More Staycation Stories:

•  Close to home The rising cost of everything getting you down? Here are some thrift tips for 4 Virginia destinations.   •  Blue Ridge Parkway stresses courtesy Officials are asking visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway to be polite on the narrow and curving mountain roadway during the summer tourist season. Parkway officials said cyclists, recreational vehicles and anyone driving slowly should move over for regular traffic along the roadway in North Carolina and Virginia. Parkway officials say slower traffic can move into overlooks as needed.   •  Independence Day events and activities Get ready for Independence Day with fireworks at Busch Gardens, Genworth Financial, Dogwood Dell and more.   •  Va. holiday travel expected to decline Mirroring the national trend, the number of Virginians traveling during the July Fourth holiday is expected to drop when compared to the 2007 holiday.   •  Rafting on the James It's a fun, safe way to spend a day playing, having fun and maybe learning a little about the river and Richmond.

Belle Isle: Walk across the suspended footbridge to get to an outdoor oasis in the heart of downtown. Read more...

Hollywood Cemetery: Get a map of the cemetery's famous graves for $1 at the visitor center and drive to the graves of James Monroe, John Tyler, and Jefferson Davis. Read more...

Metro Richmond Zoo: The zoo is home to more than 450 animals, including kangaroos, giraffes, tigers, monkeys and more. Read more...

Carytown: Cary Street is great for window shopping and grabbing lunch, which is exactly what you should do. Plus, don't forget to take in a flick at the Byrd Theatre. Read more...

Summer Concert Guide
Find out what's playing this summer with our Summer Concert Guide.

Summer Movie Guide
Get capsule reviews, release dates and reviews of summer blockbusters. Summer Movie Guide

Festival Guide
Hanover Tomato Festival and Virginia Beer Fest this weekend. Festival Guide.

Weekend Newsletter
Looking for something fun to do? Sign up for the free Weekend newsletter.

Exploring Shenandoah Valley
Escape city life and discover the pastoral scenes and popular attractions in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley region. Use our interactive map and chart to help you find out about the area's fairs and festivals.