A travel guide for Virginia, focusing on the mountains, beaches, history, cities and scenic hot spots.
From mountains to beaches, unbeatable history to innovative hot-spots, Virginia has just what you're looking for in a vacation. The following is a state-wide travel guide, broken down by interest and category.
Mountains:
The western border of Virginia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. From Skyline Drive through the George Washington National Forest, this area hosts backpackers, climbers, cavers and campers from all over the world.
The Appalachian Trail just off the Skyline Drive is traversed year round by serious backpackers as well as day hikers out to bask in the world-famous waterfalls.
Bearfence Mountain just east of Harrisonburg, Virginia is a popular attraction for families. Spend a night at the nearby campground, where you can listen to tails of the wild from local forest rangers in the amphitheater. Wake up early to the smell of eggs frying on your neighbor's outdoor stove and spend the day scrambling over the rocky mountain summit.
Home Quarry in the George Washington National Forest is a popular camping spot situated in the bowl of a mountain range. Drive up to Reddish Knob at nighttime to bask in the 360 degree view of the Virginia Valley and West Virginia border. Without the disturbance of city lights, stargazing is a popular and attractive feature of this nighttime hide-out.
For some more serious climbing and spelunking head further south to the Blacksburg region on the border of Virginia and West Virginia. Explore the Natural Bridge in Roanoke Valley, one of the world's greatest wonders. Sign up at the visitor center for a day trip into the mountains, where you will have the opportunity to walk across swinging bridges hundreds of miles high or repel into deep crevasses on a thin rope.
Beaches:
Virginia Beach is a popular beach option located just north of North Carolina's Nag's Head and Kitty Hawk. Known for its nightlife and water adventure sports, Virginia Beach is a destination for Virginians and activity-loving tourists of all shapes and sizes.
Grab dinner at Rudy's inlet - a famous seafood restaurant frequented by the locals. Adjacent to Rudy's, grab a seat on a parasailing boat, where you can have the option of flying thousands of feet above the coastline in an attached parachute. Surfing is also a popular sport - especially for beginners (as the waves rarely reach competition-level heights.) Children will love to body surf and wave-ride in the gentle east-coast waves.
Additionally, the Eastern Shore provides tranquil alternatives to the wave-friendly Virginia Beach. Home of Chincoteague ponies, the Eastern Shore is less populated and far quieter. Hotels are scarce but bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the peninsula. Bring walking shoes, bug spray and a good book for this relaxing get-away.
Lakes:
History:
Williamsburg and Jamestown are popular stopping-places for historians and families alike. Williamsburg, home of the Governor's Mansion, is a virtual Disney World for colonial-history lovers. Stop by the town square for some old-fashioned candies and toys. Spend an afternoon touring the Mansion garden or getting locked-up in the mock guillotine. Local restaurants, such as the Tavern, provide colonial fare and are even lit only by candle light.
Jamestown, home of the original settlers in the US, celebrates its 400 year anniversary in 2007. Visit the beaches where settlers erected their first establishments in the new world. See glassmakers blow glass just as they would have done 400 years ago. Costumed actors walk the streets and speak in traditional dialect.
Captial City:
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is the former capital of the Confederacy. Rich in history and corresponding museums, Richmond is a popular destination for those interested in civil war history. Visit Tredeggar Iron Works, located right on the river, for a tour of one of the civil wars gun-making shops. Hollywood Cemetery, just up the hill, is home to many of the US's former presidents as well.
Richmond is the only city in the world with class five rapids in the city limits. Additionally, the parks have won national praise, one of which is an island located in the middle of the river.
In addition to slave history and civil war history, Richmond is known for its railway history. Once the crossing point for many tracks across the US, Richmond has the only spot in the whole world where three tracks cross on top of one another.
Head into St. John's Church Churchill to view the spot of the original "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death" speech. Tour the neighborhood where the nation's first African American Governor, Douglas Wilder, grew up. Maggie Walker, the first African American woman banker also called Richmond home.
Scenic:
Take an afternoon drive down Route 5 to view some of the country's most historic and scenic land. Home of Shirley Plantation, Westover Plantation and Sherwood Forest, Route 5 is a popular Sunday track for families young and old.
To the west of Richmond, take a stroll down route 33, where you will find yourself in the heart of Virginia's wine country. Head into Orange County and Charlottesville for a taste of Horton and Barboursville's finest red wine. Situated among the grape yards and atop rolling hills, you will find James Madison's famous home of Monticello.
Head south down Highway 81 into the Valley for some of the county's most breathtaking vistas. Stop along the way for some maple syrup or fresh apples from the tree. This area of Virginia is known for its fresh, homemade country food.
Whatever your vacation desires, Virginia has just what you're looking for. As the oldest state in the union, Virginia maintains a reputation for being rich in history, vibrant in culture, and stimulating in outdoor adventure.
