Editor's Note: The winner of “So You Think You Can Dance?” is featured on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine. A previous version of this story included incorrect information.

NORFOLK

Sade brings coolness to late summer.

A few weeks ago, as I charged forward on my mission of finding fun things for you to do, I discovered that Hampton Roads plays host to a diverse range of sports.

I borrowed my kid sister's copy of the first "Harry Potter" book.
Such was the power of the boy wizard, whose world I entered as a grown woman. My sister was in grade school then; she's in college now. Harry Potter gave me an entrance into her world, a way to bridge the nearly two decades that separate us.

In the office, we've become accustomed to hearing film critic Mal Vincent talk about the vintage movies of yesteryear. Mal's a natural storyteller, and when the subject is movies, hang on. He'll regale anyone who will listen with behind-the-scenes plot twists, personal encounters with the stars, and you-should-have-been-there moments.

Stay around Hampton Roads this long holiday weekend, but take a road trip that reminds you how our wonderful nation came to be and pay respect to those who fought for the United States of America. Inside this section await our suggestions for a few patriotic places so close that you can reach them with just a short car trip.

I'm writing my husband a note outlining our weekend itinerary so we don't miss any of the fun.

Man, I love picnics.

Grab the kids and get out the door, because there's family fun all over the place this weekend.

One of my favorite pictures of my sister shows her singing into a broom-handle microphone, cowboy hat cocked to one side of her head, as she wails out a tune of desperation then incomprehensible to her kindergarten heart.