Whale watchers will search for humpback and fin whales off the coast of Virginia Beach. You may see brown pelicans, northern gannets, double-crested cormorants and other sea birds, all of which make a dramatic show while feeding on schooling fish.

Admission Fee: $21 Adult (12 years and over); $15 Child (4 - 11 years old) For current schedule visit us online at VirginiaAquarium.com.  To make reservations call (757) 385-FISH.

This groundbreaking focus show will explore the implications of tactile perception for enjoying sculpture by melding the research of a Johns Hopkins University neuroscientist studying how the brain reacts to tactile stimuli and a Walters’ curator interested in the increased appreciation of tactility as an aspect of European Renaissance art – a period marked by a new availability of small “collectibles” meant to be held. Did artists anticipate a reaction to tactile stimulus in shaping sculpture, specifically statuettes of female nudes? Displays will illustrate the Renaissance attitudes toward touch, the sensation of touch being stimulated without actual contact, and the neural processing and perception of objects during touch.

Monticello and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) present a new exhibition entitled "Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty ," set to open in the NMAAHC Gallery in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on January 27, 2012 .

By exploring Jefferson's ideas and slavery at his plantation, Monticello and NMAAHC are examining one of the most difficult topics in American history. The exhibition will explore how the paradox of slavery in Jefferson's world, and at Monticello, is relevant for generations beyond Jefferson's lifetime. It will provide a glimpse into the lives of six slave families living at Monticello.

The MAC Events Home & Maymont Flower & Garden Show at the Greater Richmond Convention Center combines the beloved tradition of glorious garden displays, seminars, how-to presentations and inspiration with ideas, tools and solutions for the home. This year the show honors the streets of Richmond and celebrates what makes the city so distinctive. Come for a day or several and enjoy informative workshops, shop, tour the gardens, meet home and garden experts and get ready for spring. Special guest speakers add something new to each day of the show. Bring the entire family to this garden and home paradise.

We will be offering a special adventure package for couples: $75/couple for three hours on the course with free hot chocolate, Hershey kisses and gifts from the wonderful merchants at Savage Mill. Show your love by sharing a wonderful romantic adventure. 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 per couple

What better place to celebrate the first president's birthday than at the place where he grew up! Come out to George Washington's Boyhood Home--Ferry Farm, the site where he lived from ages 6-19. Enjoy birthday cake, reenactors, games, make-and-take crafts, and a commemorative stone throw across the Rappahannock River in honor of the legend of the "Silver Dollar". History Stone Toss Event: Weather permitting. Also tour the archeology lab and exhibit room. 10am-4pm

Taste over 300 artisan wines from Virginia in one fabulous, convenient spot - all the best Virginia winemakers will be there showing off their new releases!

You are invited to the recreation of this famous celebration of Washington's Birthday set in the year 1799 at Gadsby's Tavern Museum. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and cost is $100 per ticket for banquet and ball, with additional sponsorship levels available. This event sells out every year so make your reservation early.

Celebrate the national observance of George Washington's birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE-of-charge on this day. The traditional wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's Tomb takes place at 10:00 a.m., followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green. Join characters from the 18th century as they help visitors surprise General Washington with rousing birthday cheers! 8:00am - 5:00pm

The expanded 5th Annual Virginia Wine Expo (VWE) has firmly established itself as Virginia’s premier wine event, exclusively featuring Virginia wine. Voted “Best Wine Fest Overall” in Virginia by the readers of Virginia Wine Lover Magazine, the VWE offers attendees a unique opportunity to taste and buy over 400 bottles of Virginia wine. Benefiting the Virginia Wineries Association, the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, over 10,000 attendees are expected at this year’s three-day event. Tickets are on sale now at VirginiaWineExpo.com. All attendees receive a beautiful Riedel® crystal wine glass and are permitted to sample wine from over 60 Virginia wineries and gourmet food from some of the regions finest chefs and specialty food purveyors.