bigtravelbuzzVirginia is a state in the eastern part of the United States, known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The state has played an important role in the country’s history, serving as the location for many of the country’s earliest settlements and the birthplace of several U.S. presidents. Virginia is also known for its diverse geography, with mountains in the west and coastal beaches in the east. The state capital is Richmond, and other major cities include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Virginia is home to several universities, including the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
Places to Visit in Virginia
There are many interesting and historic places to visit in Virginia. Here are some popular ones:
Colonial Williamsburg: This living history museum takes visitors back to the 18th century, with reenactors in period dress, historic buildings, and craft demonstrations.
Monticello: This was the home of Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s founding fathers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its neoclassical architecture and beautiful gardens.
Shenandoah National Park: This park is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Arlington National Cemetery: This is the final resting place for over 400,000 military veterans and their families, including President John F. Kennedy.
Virginia Beach: This popular beach town offers a boardwalk, amusement parks, and miles of sandy beaches.
Mount Vernon: This was the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is a historic estate with a museum, gardens, and a working farm.
Jamestown: This was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607. Visitors can explore the historic site and learn about the lives of the early colonists.
Luray Caverns: This is the largest cave system in the eastern United States, with impressive formations and underground pools.
Assateague Island: This island is home to a herd of wild horses, which roam freely on the beach and through the salt marshes.
Richmond: This is the capital of Virginia and has a rich history, including the Civil War. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and galleries, and enjoy the city’s many restaurants and shops.
Best Time To Visit Virginia
The best time to visit Virginia depends on the activities and attractions you plan to enjoy.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports, the best time to visit is during the warmer months from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s °F (15 to 27 °C).
If you’re planning to explore Virginia’s historical sites and museums, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is still pleasant, but crowds and prices are lower compared to the summer months.
Winter (December to February) in Virginia can be chilly, with average temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s °F (-6 to 4 °C). However, if you’re interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Virginia’s ski resorts offer great winter recreation opportunities.
Things to Do in Virginia
There are many things to do in Virginia, here are some popular options:
Visit historical sites: Virginia is home to many historical sites, including Mount Vernon, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Jamestown Settlement. These sites offer a glimpse into early American history and the lives of some of its most prominent figures.
Explore Shenandoah National Park: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Visit Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach is a popular vacation spot on the Atlantic Coast, with miles of beautiful beaches, a lively boardwalk, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Tour wineries and breweries: Virginia has a growing wine and craft beer industry, with many wineries and breweries offering tours and tastings.
Visit museums and galleries: Virginia is home to many museums and galleries, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Go on a scenic drive: Virginia has many scenic drives, including the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Attend a festival: Virginia hosts many festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to history and culture.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many American soldiers and includes many notable gravesites, including that of President John F. Kennedy.
Explore the Virginia State Capitol: The Virginia State Capitol is a historic building in Richmond that houses the offices of the governor and other state officials.
Take a ghost tour: Virginia has a rich history of hauntings and ghost stories, and many cities offer ghost tours that explore these spooky tales.
How to get around in Virginia
Virginia has a number of transportation options, including:
Car: The most common way to get around Virginia is by car, as many of the state’s attractions are spread out across various regions. There are a number of car rental agencies available at airports and throughout the state.
Public transportation: Virginia has a well-connected public transportation system, particularly in the northern part of the state. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provide train and bus services in the northern Virginia region.
Air: Virginia has a number of regional airports that connect to major cities across the country, including Richmond International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Bike: Virginia is home to several bike trails, including the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail. Biking is a great way to explore the state’s scenic landscapes and historical sites.
Walk: Many of Virginia’s cities and towns have walkable downtown areas, with shops, restaurants, and attractions located within walking distance of each other.
Uber/Lyft: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Virginia’s major cities and can be a convenient option for getting around.
Where to eat in Virginia
Virginia has a rich culinary tradition, featuring a variety of seafood, barbecue, Southern cuisine, and international influences. Here are some popular dining destinations in Virginia:
The Inn at Little Washington: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington, Virginia, is known for its inventive American cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
L’Auberge Provencale: Located in the Shenandoah Valley, this French-inspired restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine featuring local ingredients.
The Shack: This farm-to-table restaurant in Staunton, Virginia, features a frequently changing menu that highlights local produce and meats.
The Local: This farm-to-table restaurant in Charlottesville, Virginia, features seasonal cuisine and an extensive wine list.
Rappahannock Oyster Co.: This restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, serves fresh oysters and seafood in a casual atmosphere.
The Dairy Bar: This historic ice cream stand in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been serving homemade ice cream since 1940.
Peking Gourmet Inn: This Chinese restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia, is known for its Peking duck and other classic dishes.
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que: This barbecue restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been serving slow-cooked meats since 1971.
Burtons Grill: This restaurant chain has locations throughout Virginia, serving contemporary American cuisine with gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The Virginian Restaurant: This historic restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, has been serving classic American cuisine since 1912.
These are just a few of the many great dining options in Virginia, which has a rich and diverse food scene.
Famous street stalls in Virginia
Virginia has a variety of street food vendors and food trucks that offer a range of delicious options. Some popular street stalls in Virginia include:
Borinquen Lunch Box – This food truck serves Puerto Rican cuisine, including delicious pork sandwiches and plantain chips.
Captain Cookie and the Milkman – This food truck specializes in cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and milkshakes.
The Frenchman Food Truck – This truck serves French cuisine, including crepes and croissants.
Doner Bistro – This food truck serves German-style doner kebab and currywurst.
DC Slices – This food truck serves New York-style pizza by the slice.
Seoul Food – This truck serves Korean-style tacos, rice bowls, and sandwiches.
District Taco – This food truck serves tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare.
These are just a few examples, as there are many other food trucks and street stalls scattered throughout Virginia that offer a wide range of cuisines and flavors.
Where to stay in Virginia
Luxury accommodation
Virginia has several options for luxury accommodation, ranging from grand historic hotels to modern resorts. Some of the top luxury accommodations in Virginia are:
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, McLean
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington
The Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg
The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs
These properties offer upscale amenities, world-class dining, and unique experiences.
Where to stay in Virginia
Budget accommodation
There are several options for budget accommodation in Virginia. Some of the popular choices include:
Hostels: There are several hostels in Virginia that offer affordable accommodation options for travelers. Some of the popular hostels include Hostelling International Richmond and HI Charlottesville.
Motels: Motels are a popular choice for budget travelers in Virginia. Some of the popular motels include Super 8 by Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Econo Lodge Pottery.
Campgrounds: Virginia has several campgrounds that offer affordable camping options for travelers. Some of the popular campgrounds include Shenandoah River State Park and Chippokes Plantation State Park.
Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo are also popular options for budget travelers in Virginia. They offer a variety of affordable accommodation options ranging from private rooms to entire apartments or houses.
Budget hotels: Virginia has several budget hotels that offer affordable accommodation options for travelers. Some of the popular choices include Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, and Quality Inn.
Travel Tips Virginia
here are some travel tips for Virginia:
Visit in the Spring or Fall: The best time to visit Virginia is in the Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.
Plan for traffic: Virginia has a lot of tourist attractions, so traffic can be heavy in popular areas during peak season. Plan your itinerary accordingly and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Explore the outdoors: Virginia is home to many beautiful parks and natural areas. Take advantage of the hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities available throughout the state.
Try the seafood: Virginia’s coastal regions are known for their delicious seafood. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local specialties like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and oysters.
Take a road trip: Virginia is a great state for road trips. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer stunning views, and there are plenty of charming small towns to explore along the way.
Learn about history: Virginia played an important role in the history of the United States, and there are many historic sites and museums throughout the state. Visit places like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture to learn more about Virginia’s rich past.
Be prepared for the weather: Virginia’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Take advantage of free attractions: Virginia has many free attractions, including museums, historic sites, and parks. Look for free events and activities in the area you’re visiting to save money on your trip.
Use public transportation: If you’re visiting a city like Richmond or Alexandria, consider using public transportation to get around. This can save you money on parking and make it easier to navigate the city.
Respect the locals: Virginians are proud of their state and their culture. Be respectful of the people you meet and their way of life, and you’re sure to have a great time in Virginia.