Aila Boyd

Fincastle

Editor at Roanoke Times

Editor at The Franklin News-Post

#journalist #educator

Articles

Don’t sleep on these 8 underrated state parks in Virginia

1 week ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Discover the most underrated state parks in Virginia, offering serene landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful escape from the crowds. While many people think of popular destinations like Smith Mountain Lake, Belle Isle, and First Landing, Virginia’s lesser-known state parks should not be overlooked. These hidden gems offer quiet retreats, outdoor adventures, and an authentic taste of nature, from serene lakes to scenic mountain trails.
Iconic Virginia sayings & slang, explained

1 week ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

"Welcome to Virginia" sign along eastbound U.S. Route 58. (Famartin/CC BY-SA 4.0) Discover the meaning behind popular Virginia sayings, from “Old Dominion” to “757” and “Hokie.”If you’ve spent any time in Virginia, you’ve likely heard some phrases that make perfect sense to locals but leave outsiders scratching their heads.
12 things you never knew about Virginia’s agriculture

2 weeks ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

The Oyster Trail connects visitors with eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and culinary adventures centered around Virginia oysters. (Virginia Tourism Corporation) Discover surprising facts about Virginia’s agriculture, from billion-dollar exports to innovative farming methods like hydroponics and vertical berry farming.
Virginia in bloom: 8 flower festivals to check out in 2025

2 weeks ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Discover eight vibrant flower festivals across Virginia in 2025, from the dazzling daffodils in Gloucester to the colorful sunflowers in Buchanan, perfect for springtime celebrations. Spring in Virginia ushers in a vibrant display of color as flowers begin to bloom across the commonwealth. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a lover of festivals, or just looking for a fun outdoor experience, Virginia offers a range of celebrations that highlight the beauty of its gardens and natural landscapes.
Where to munch on mochi donuts in Virginia

3 weeks ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Moon Tea Bubble & Mochi Donut offers a variety of mochi donut flavors. (Moon Tea Bubble & Mochi Donut) Discover the best spots for mochi donuts in Virginia! From Richmond to Virginia Beach, explore where to indulge in these chewy, crispy treats that blend Japanese mochi with classic doughnuts. Mochi donuts are having a moment.
A brief (but far from boring) history of Tangier Island

3 weeks ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Discover the rich history of Tangier Island, from Indigenous fishing grounds to a War of 1812 freedom sanctuary. Rising barely above the Chesapeake Bay’s waters, Tangier Island harbors centuries of history within its shores, from Indigenous peoples’ ancient fishing grounds to a crucial British fort that offered freedom to enslaved Americans during the War of 1812.
Your guide to container gardening in Virginia

4 weeks ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Virginians can learn how to grow vegetables in small spaces with container gardening. Discover tips for choosing the right containers, soil, and plants for successful home gardening in limited areas. Container gardening is a versatile and accessible way to grow plants in pots, planters, baskets, or other containers instead of directly in the ground.
10 best farm-to-table restaurants in Virginia

1 month ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Chef harvesting fresh vegetables for a farm-to-table restaurant. (Jacob Lund/Shutterstock) Discover Virginia’s innovative farm-to-table restaurants, from eco-friendly cafes to fine dining establishments, all celebrating local ingredients and sustainability. Virginia’s dining scene is brimming with innovative restaurants that prioritize local ingredients, sustainability, and community.
Silver savings: The best senior discounts in Chesapeake

1 month ago | vadogwood.com | Aila Boyd

Several Chesapeake hotels offer senior discounts. (Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock) Discover the best senior discounts in Chesapeake, including savings on attractions, lodging, and dining. For seniors looking to save money while enjoying all that Chesapeake has to offer, a variety of local attractions, hotels, and restaurants provide discounts to older adults.
Women Who Lead

1 month ago | theroanoker.com | Aila Boyd

The story below is a preview from our March/April 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you! These women are building a stronger Roanoke Valley through service-minded leadership. Over the past 10 years, women’s representation has increased at every level.