To think that people complain there’s nothing to do in this area.

True, Western Tidewater does not have the round-the-clock excitement of a major city such as big D.C. or the Big Apple. Nor does it have the metropolitan feel of our neighboring cities in the Greater Hampton Roads region. If you want such, move there. We won’t stop you.

Meanwhile, this area does provide activities and events suitable to our desired slower tempo. The Down Home Days earlier this month is a recent example.

As contributing writer Lauren Sloan pointed out last Sunday, there’s plenty to do this coming weekend. Just yesterday morning we were reminded of the annual Southampton Renaissance Faire taking place both Saturday and Sunday. No need to spend dozens and dozens of dollars at a theme park for an event that’s intended to “transport” you back into the past. Admission and parking will be free at the local fairgrounds.

If you still have a “need for speed,” then come by downtown for the Franklin Cruise-In, which returns on Saturday. In addition to the antique, classic and specialty vehicles, there’ll also be a swap meet. A bonus will be the premiere Vintage Festival. It doesn’t hurt just to look.

Lest we forget, so far the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the low to mid-70s, and if should that hold true, all the better for everyone.

Looking to take in the elegance and beauty of other homes and gardens? The Franklin Garden Club is hosting the tour of several houses this year for Historic Garden Week, which begins on April 27. Tickets for the one-day-only tour on Saturday are $30 now ($40 the day of) at local businesses such as The Cat’s Meow, Freds, Peanut Patch and Aesthetics by Naomi, or go online at www.virginiagardenweek.org.

We hope to see around at all of these events!