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What Richmonders will see at Brown's Island's reopening next month

Visitors will see fresh sod, new stairs, more shade and major accessibility upgrades in October.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brown&#x27;s Island&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/24/browns-island-richmond-history-civil-war-pleasure-garden" data-vars-content-id="2ff106a6-4893-4c54-87a6-b4837270b922" data-vars-headline="What Richmonders will see at Brown&#x27;s Island&#x27;s reopening next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/24/browns-island-richmond-history-civil-war-pleasure-garden" target="_self">Brown&#x27;s Island&#x27;s</a> years-in-the-making glow-up is nearly complete, and Richmonders will get to see the progress for themselves at next month&#x27;s Folk Festival.Why it matters: Locals can wander the island for the first time in nearly a year and see how the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$30 million makeover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/richmond-browns-island-park-revamp-2026-amenities" data-vars-content-id="2ff106a6-4893-4c54-87a6-b4837270b922" data-vars-headline="What Richmonders will see at Brown&#x27;s Island&#x27;s reopening next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/richmond-browns-island-park-revamp-2026-amenities" target="_self">$30 million makeover</a> is taking shape.

Short Pump traffic relief moves closer with new I-64 exit

Officials just approved the first on-the-ground work for the new exit. But construction won't start until 2028.

A new I-64 exit at North Gayton Road has finally secured the funding needed to build it.Why it matters: Short Pump drivers could have some long-awaited traffic relief on the way, taking pressure off the notoriously congested West Broad Street interchange — a hellscape during rush hour.

Virginia early voting starts Sept. 18: What's on the ballot

Among the major decisions: the future of abortion rights and marriage equality.

Early voting starts Friday in Virginia for an election that could reshape the state constitution on abortion, marriage equality and voting rights — and help determine control of the House.The big picture: On Nov. 3, voters will decide three constitutional amendments and pick members of Congress while Richmond and Chesterfield voters weigh new taxes for school construction.

Virginia prepares for potential FDA approval of psilocybin

A new state law has already created a path for the treatment — and Richmond is on one company's expansion map.

FDA-approved psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called &quot;magic mushrooms&quot; — could be on the horizon, and some Virginia providers are already gearing up to deliver it if approved.Why it matters: Virginia has laid the groundwork for the treatment to become available if it wins federal approval, and a company preparing for a potential rollout tells Axios that Richmond is in its expansion plans.

The world's largest yurt is for rent in Luray, Virginia

The three-story Shenandoah getaway sleeps 16 for about $1,000 a night — with a shot at winning $5,000.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world’s largest yurt" data-vars-click-url="https://lurayyurt.com/" data-vars-content-id="e65a986a-e9d6-495c-8a46-79545ca8f2c6" data-vars-headline="The world&#x27;s largest yurt is for rent in Luray, Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lurayyurt.com/" target="_blank">world’s largest yurt</a> — by bedrooms — is in Luray, Virginia.Why it matters: “Glamping” now looks like six king-sized bedrooms, a private home theater, an arcade, a barrel sauna and a private pond with kayaks.

Solo travel searches hit a record high in 2026

More people are embracing the freedom of going wherever they want, whenever they want — without waiting for someone else.

Travel

Google searches for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solo travel" data-vars-click-url="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=US&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" data-vars-content-id="34ae642b-f4d6-4d58-8a63-dd6a43aaffa2" data-vars-headline="Solo travel searches hit a record high in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=US&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" target="_blank">solo travel</a>&quot; hit a nationwide record high in 2026, including in metro Richmond, where searches peaked between May and June.Why it matters: Solo travel is booming as more people embrace the freedom of going wherever they want, whenever they want — without waiting for someone else&#x27;s PTO to line up.

Why Richmonders are rethinking their OBX summer vacations

More than 100 Axios Richmond readers shared their summer plans, and most aren't headed to the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks still have Richmond in a chokehold, but the region&#x27;s summer travel habits are getting less predictable.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opinionstage.com/page/8b011bf4-cfdf-4b56-8c33-93be52ce1903" data-vars-content-id="c7167818-584e-4f25-ae2a-ac6c29376ffc" data-vars-headline="Why Richmonders are rethinking their OBX summer vacations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opinionstage.com/page/8b011bf4-cfdf-4b56-8c33-93be52ce1903" target="_blank">survey</a> of over 100 Axios Richmond readers suggests Richmond&#x27;s summer vacation identity is becoming more diverse, shaped by rising costs, crowds and adventure.

As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals

The beach destination's return to normal demand could mean more choices for summer renters.

Outer Banks vacation rentals are trending flat for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2025/04/25/a-mixed-bag-and-its-changing-daily/" data-vars-content-id="53460c15-195e-48c8-adb9-8f1115351c2b" data-vars-headline="As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2025/04/25/a-mixed-bag-and-its-changing-daily/" target="_blank">second</a> year in a row as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular summer destination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/08/30/virginia-best-beach-reader-choice-corolla-carova-outer-banks" data-vars-content-id="53460c15-195e-48c8-adb9-8f1115351c2b" data-vars-headline="As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/08/30/virginia-best-beach-reader-choice-corolla-carova-outer-banks" target="_self">popular summer destination</a> for Richmonders heads into its busiest season.Why it matters: After years of pandemic-era price spikes and fully booked rentals, this could be the year locals can score a deal on an OBX summer vacation.

Memorial Day travel dips in Virginia amid higher gas prices

AAA says rising gas prices and economic uncertainty are keeping some Virginians off the road.

Fewer Virginians are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to AAA.Why it matters: &quot;Economic uncertainty&quot; and surging gas prices will keep thousands at home for the unofficial start of summer travel, AAA says.

Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise

Richmond's average gas price is now $4.23, up from under $3 before the Iran conflict.

The gasoline price surge is reigniting political chatter about suspending the federal tax on the fuel, thanks to a recent round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="populist proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" data-vars-content-id="2503730e-fc60-4442-a282-1fb73352513e" data-vars-headline="Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" target="_self">populist proposals</a> from some high-profile Democrats.Why it matters: Average gas prices in Richmond have jumped by more than $1 a gallon since the conflict with Iran began over two months ago.

6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now

And they're available for a sunny weekend trip this month.

When the local airport recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" target="_blank">asked</a> Richmonders which nonstop routes they want added, many of the over 1,400 comments mentioned flights that already exist.Why it matters: We have a feeling people might need a refresher, especially for those wanting to escape the freezing cold.Catch up quick: Richmond International Airport&#x27;s nonstop Bermuda flight paused this month after launching in June, spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.<ul><li>But RIC offers more than a dozen other direct flights that&#x27;ll drop you straight into warm weather. </li><li>Come <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" target="_blank">March</a>, that&#x27;ll include year-round flights to Puerto Rico.</li><li>And its nonstop flights to Los Angeles will resume in May, Bell says.</li></ul>Zoom in: In the meantime, here are nonstop flights you can take from Richmond to a sunny destination in the next month.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">👙 Miami and Fort Lauderdale</h2>Weather this weekend: Around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high 60s" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" target="_blank">high 60s</a> until Sunday.Days it runs: Almost every day on Spirit, Jet Blue and American Airlines.Round trip prices: Ranges from around $200 to FLL to under $400 to Miami (if you play it right).Flight duration: 2.5 hours.Plus: Key West is only about a three-hour road trip away.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🏝️ West Palm Beach (just launched in September)</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mid-to-high 60s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" target="_blank">Mid-to-high 60s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $248 to $538 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: Roughly 2.5 hours.Pro tip: The Palm Beach Post put together a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bucket list guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" target="_blank">bucket list guide</a> for the best things to do there.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🩴 St. Pete, Florida</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Not so great" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" target="_blank">Not so great</a> but it&#x27;ll be back to being in the 60s after a brief bout of cold.Days it runs: Essentially every day on Breeze Airways or Allegiant.Round trip prices: As low as $100.Flight duration: About two hours.Fun fact: It was named the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next great food city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" target="_self">next great food city</a> by Food &amp; Wine last year.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🌵 Phoenix, Arizona</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" target="_blank">High 70s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $358 to $618 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip: Read our Axios Phoenix colleagues&#x27;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" target="_self"> local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix.</a><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎰 Las Vegas, Nevada</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Low 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" target="_blank">Low 70s. </a>Days it runs: Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: As low as $338 for a Thursday-Tuesday flight and as low as $498 for a Thursday-Sunday route.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip for the hikers: Vegas is also close to Red Rock Canyon and about 2.5 hours from Zion National Park.What we&#x27;re watching: If RIC adds any of the international destinations people asked for in response to its post. <ul><li>Multiple commenters mentioned adding Europe flights (like London, Dublin, Lisbon or Paris) for better access to inexpensive connections throughout the continent.</li><li>Some pushed for beach destinations in Latin America, like: Dominican Republic, Cancún and El Salvador.</li></ul>

Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour

And this time, Sen. Tim Kaine wasn't at the mercy of it.

Sabrina here, back from being subjected to life in Northern Virginia for two days due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the snow." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" target="_self">the snow.</a> Why it matters: It might be the longest a Richmonder has been stranded on a D.C. winter storm commute since Sen. Tim Kaine&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="27-hour ordeal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" target="_self">27-hour ordeal</a> in 2022.

The cities Richmonders want to travel to in 2026

Pitbull, aka Mr. 305, famously lives in one of them.

The flights Richmonders are most searching for this year are headed to the Sunshine State, per Kayak data shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re also among the only nonstop flights from Richmond to a toasty destination.

Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul

RIC's new security design will double capacity and open the door to international flights.

The Capital Region Airport Commission recently shared renderings of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consolidated checkpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" target="_self">consolidated checkpoint</a> in the works at the Richmond airport. Why it matters: The new screening area will transform RIC and somehow make its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already speedy TSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" target="_self">already speedy TSA</a> process even faster.