The first full weekend of August is shopper’s paradise in Virginia. Each year, residents and visitors of the Commonwealth of Virginia enjoy a sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing. This year’s tax-free holiday will take place August 7 – 9, 2009 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

So what’s tax exempt? Sorry, computers don’t qualify but certain school supplies selling for $20 or less do. This is the weekend to stock up the closet on shoes for the fall fashion season because clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item are tax exempt. Read up on the sales tax exemption guidelines from Virginia’s Department of Taxation.

When vacationing in Virginia Beach, hit the Hilltop Area for shopping centers with familiar names ranging from K-Mart to Talbot’s, the Lynnhaven Mall to browse some of the 180 shops including three department stores, the Towne Center and Pembroke Mall for premier shopping and dining, and the Virginia Beach Resort Area between 2nd Street and 40th Street for the perfect vacation memento.

As for shopping in Williamsburg, the Historic Triangle is a shoppe’s paradise with more than 200 retail and designer outlet stores. Yeah, that’s right. More than 200. After a day of visiting Colonial Williamsburg, plan a shopping day at Prime Outlets at Williamsburg, Patriot Plaza Premium Outlets, Williamsburg Outlet Mall and Merchants Square.

Before hitting the road for a Virginia vacation, clean out the closet and toss those cloths you haven’t worn in a year or two. And yes, we know about those garments you haven’t worn in a decade, they need to go, too.  Donate these items to Goodwill, Salvation Army or any other charity of your choice. Better yet, take the vintage items to a thrift shop and try to make some spending money to update the wardrobe during your Virginia vacation.

Bank of America has partnered with more than 100 museums across the U.S. in the “Museums on Us” program. Here’s the deal, the first full weekend of each month through 2009 and into 2010, Bank of America cardholders with an ATM, credit or check card receive a free general admission.

This is a great opportunity to check out a museum in your backyard during a “staycation” or when tripping across the country on summer vacation. Museums are participating in some of our favorite vacation destinations. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk (adult admission is $7) is something to do when vacationing in Virginia Beach. Nearly 40,000 objects spanning nearly 5,000 years of history are housed in the Italianate-style building facing the Hague Inlet of the Elizabeth River. Check out the world-renowned glass collection, expansive photography program, Art Nouveau furniture along with the comprehensive survey of European and American painting and sculptures and art representing African, Asian, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian and Islamic cultures.

Or, if flying into Miami for a vacation in Key West or to take a cruise, check out the Miami Science Museum (adult admission is $18). The South Florida museum provides fun, interactive and educational exhibits focused on science and technology. Innovative exhibits are changed out every three to four months, offers wildlife and planetarium programs and holds special events throughout the year.

There are at least 100 more museums we could describe but we’ll let you check out the Bank of America Museums on Us site here to find a museum near you. Remember, this offer is valid the first full weekend of each month. Being a Bank of America cardholder definitely has its benefits.

Hey, foodies! Yes, we’re talking to you. The hottest thing about Arizona this June isn’t the pavement but the inaugural Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest. The 16-day culinary event is guaranteed to be a party for the taste buds as well as the wallet.

Here’s the scoop, a variety of Sedona restaurants are offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus beginning Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Diners will be able to select an appetizer, entree and dessert. There are three different price points fitting every foodie’s dining budget.

The Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest Web site lists all the participating restaurants but here are our picks from each price point:

Modest Dining $19.95
Dine like a Sedona local at the hopping Blue Moon Café with cooked-to-order entrees and portions mama used to serve. Dining options are outdoors on the patio (where Fido’s welcomed) and inside.

Classic Dining $29.95
Okay, we admit the name of this Sedona restaurant piqued our interest and although it’s a favorite with tourists, the Southwestern cuisine on the menu is worth the trip. We’re talking about the Barking Frog Grill which proclaims to be “An American restaurant with a Southwest bark!” Don’t worry, you won’t find any dishes made with amphibian frogs on the menu.

Elegant Dining $39.95
Planning a date night during the Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest? Reserve a table at Cucina Rustica for the romantic atmosphere, magical musicians and Continental cuisine. Enjoy an adult beverage before or after dinner on the outdoor patio to take in a perfect Sedona evening.

Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest is coordinated by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Ready to book your Sedona vacation? Check out the best accommodation rates available June 15 – 30, 2009. Importantly, don’t forget to tip your server!

Photo Courtesy: Sedona Chamber of Commerce