Welcome to Virginia

Virginia, often referred to as the 'Old Dominion', is a state with rich history and diverse geography. From the picturesque Shenandoah Valley to the serene beaches of the Atlantic coast, Virginia offers a wealth of choices for romantic getaways.

Attractions in Virginia

Historical Sites: Virginia is home to a wealth of historical sites, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, that offer a glimpse into the state's past. Outdoor Adventures: The state's diverse geography makes it a perfect destination for outdoor activities. You can hike the trails in Shenandoah National Park, go bird-watching at Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy a romantic beachside picnic at Virginia Beach. Wineries and Vineyards: Virginia is also known for its burgeoning wine industry, with numerous vineyards offering wine tasting and vineyard tours.

Culture and Activities

Virginia's culture is a blend of Southern charm and cosmopolitan sophistication. The state offers a variety of activities for couples, such as attending a concert at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, watching a play at the American Shakespeare Center, or enjoying a meal at one of the state's renowned farm-to-table restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

Virginia offers four distinct seasons, each with unique appeal. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, with blooming flowers and colorful foliage, respectively. Summer offers warm weather perfect for beach visits, while winter has its own charm with snow-covered landscapes.

Traveling in Virginia

Whether you prefer scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, exploring the state's historical sites, or relaxing at a beach resort, Virginia offers a plethora of options for a romantic getaway. Plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your visit.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beat-Path

Virginia is rich with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Away from the bustling cities and crowded tourist spots, you'll find a host of lesser-known attractions that offer a unique taste of the Old Dominion.

• Abandoned Renaissance Faire, Fredericksburg: This eerily beautiful spot is an abandoned Renaissance Faire site that offers a unique photo opportunity. It's an offbeat destination that's perfect for history buffs and fans of the unusual.
• The Channels Natural Area Preserve, Hayters Gap: A geological wonder with a series of sandstone boulders forming maze-like channels. It's a moderate hike to the top, but the otherworldly landscape is well worth the effort.
• Foamhenge, Centreville: A full-size replica of the famous Stonehenge made entirely out of foam. It's a quirky and fun attraction that's sure to make for some memorable photos.

Local Traditions & Culture

Virginia's rich history and diverse population have given rise to a wealth of traditions and cultural practices. From annual festivals to local customs, the state offers a vibrant cultural experience.

• Virginia Folk Life Program: This program seeks to showcase and preserve the traditional music, crafts, and foodways of Virginia. Attend one of their events to get a real taste of local culture.
• Chincoteague Pony Swim: Every July, the wild ponies of Assateague Island are herded across the channel to Chincoteague Island in a spectacle that has become a beloved local tradition.
• Williamsburg's Historic Area: This living-history museum provides an immersive experience of colonial-era Virginia, with costumed interpreters, traditional crafts, and period-specific architecture.

Best Viewpoints & Photography Spots

Virginia's diverse landscape offers plenty of stunning viewpoints and photography spots, whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories of your trip.

• Shenandoah National Park: Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially during fall when the leaves change color. The park also has over 500 miles of hiking trails, each offering its own unique perspective on the park's beauty.
• Luray Caverns: Known for its enormous stalactites and stalagmites, this is one of the most popular attractions in the Shenandoah Valley. Its cathedral-like chambers and crystal-clear pools offer endless photography opportunities.
• The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This iconic spot offers fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to stick around for the sunset - it's a view you won't want to miss.

Seasonal Highlights

Virginia's four distinct seasons each bring their own unique highlights, ensuring there's always something special to see or do.

• Spring: The arrival of spring is marked by the blooming of the state's many dogwood and cherry trees. The Historic Garden Week, with tours of the state's most beautiful gardens, is a must-see.
• Summer: Virginia's many beaches are the star attraction in the summer. The Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach is a highlight, featuring a grand parade, sand-sculpting competitions, and plenty of seafood.
• Fall: Fall foliage in Virginia is a magnificent sight, particularly in Shenandoah National Park. The Virginia Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro celebrates this natural spectacle with a range of activities.
• Winter: Virginia's ski resorts come alive in winter, with snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating on offer. The holiday season is marked by festive events like the 100 Miles of Lights, a spectacular light display stretching from Richmond to Virginia Beach.

Local Cuisine & Food Scene

Virginia, fondly known as VA, is a culinary haven offering a rich tapestry of flavors. The food scene is an eclectic blend of traditional Southern cuisine, Atlantic seafood, and a burgeoning farm-to-table movement. Virginia's gastronomic culture is defined by its history, geography, and the diversity of its people.

Traditional Southern Fare

The state has a deep-rooted history in Southern cooking. Classics like Virginia ham, fried chicken, and biscuits are a must-try. Head to 'Comfort' in Richmond for the finest Southern comfort food. Their Virginia ham, served with a side of red-eye gravy, is a local favorite.

Seafood

Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, seafood is a staple in Virginia. The state is renowned for its blue crabs, oysters, and clams. Visit 'The Crab Shack' on the James River for an authentic crab-picking experience. Virginia Beach's 'Tautog's Restaurant' is well-regarded for its decadent seafood dishes.

Farm-To-Table Movement

Virginia's fertile land produces a bounty of fresh produce. The farm-to-table movement is thriving here with numerous restaurants sourcing their ingredients locally. 'The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm' in Lovettsville and 'Fleurie Restaurant' in Charlottesville are must-visits for organic food enthusiasts.

Getting Around & Transportation

Virginia boasts an efficient transportation network making it easy for travelers to explore. Whether you're driving, using public transit, or cycling, getting around the state is a breeze.

Driving

Virginia's scenic roadways, such as the famed Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, make driving a pleasure. Car rentals are readily available across the state. Remember, Virginia strictly enforces traffic laws and speed limits.

Public Transit

Virginia's cities and towns are served by buses, trams, and trains. The Virginia Rail Express (VRE) provides services in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) serves the Hampton Roads region, while Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) operates in Richmond.

Biking

For the eco-conscious traveler, Virginia's towns are bicycle-friendly. The Virginia Capital Trail is a popular biking route connecting Richmond and Jamestown.

Budget Tips & Money Saving

Traveling in Virginia can be affordable with a bit of planning and savvy. Here are some budget tips to make your dollar stretch further.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Virginia is home to numerous free attractions. Explore the historic Colonial Williamsburg, hike in the stunning Shenandoah National Park, or relax on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Eat Like a Local

Skip the tourist traps and dine at local eateries. Food stalls at farmers' markets offer delicious meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Travel Off-Peak

Travel costs can be significantly reduced if you visit during the off-peak season. Accommodation and flights are usually cheaper outside of the summer months.

Safety & Practical Information

Virginia is generally a safe place to visit, but like any travel destination, it's important to stay informed and exercise common sense.

Emergency Services

The general emergency number in Virginia is 911. For non-emergencies, you can call the local police station.

Weather

Virginia experiences four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Always check the weather forecast before planning your activities.

Healthcare

Virginia has excellent healthcare facilities. Travel insurance that covers medical expenses is highly recommended. Pharmacies can be found in all cities and most towns.

Day Trip Ideas from VA

Virginia's central location on the East Coast makes it a perfect base for several day trips. Whether you fancy a journey back in time, a city adventure, or a nature retreat, you'll find it within a few hours' drive.

• Colonial Williamsburg

  Step back into 18th-century America at Colonial Williamsburg, where history comes alive. The site features over 40 historical sites, including the Governor's Palace and the Capitol. Don't miss out on the interactive experiences, such as historic trades demonstrations and revolutionary city walking tours.

• Washington D.C.

  A trip to the nation's capital is a must. Visit the iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the US Capitol. Explore world-class museums, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Air and Space Museum.

• Luray Caverns

  Discover the underground beauty of Virginia at Luray Caverns. Marvel at the towering stalagmites, stalactites, and other geological wonders in this massive cave system. After exploring the caverns, visit the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum and the Luray Valley Museum.

Family-Friendly Activities

Virginia offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that will keep the kids entertained and engaged.

• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

  Located in Virginia Beach, this aquarium offers interactive exhibits, a touch pool, and more. Kids will love seeing the sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life. Don't forget to check out the Adventure Park for some outdoor fun.

• Busch Gardens

  This European-themed park in Williamsburg offers thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and animal encounters. Kids will love Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. Don't miss the park's seasonal events like the Food & Wine Festival and Howl-O-Scream.

• Virginia Living Museum

  In Newport News, this museum lets kids explore Virginia's natural and living resources first-hand. The museum features a planetarium, outdoor boardwalk, living exhibits, and native wildlife.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Shenandoah National Park

  Offering over 200,000 acres of protected lands, Shenandoah National Park is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Don't miss the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Piedmont.

• Great Falls Park

  Just 15 miles from Washington D.C., this park offers stunning views of the Potomac River's powerful rapids and waterfalls. The park offers several hiking trails and picnic spots. Don't miss the Patowmack Canal, one of the first canals in the United States.

• Assateague Island National Seashore

  Located near Chincoteague, this barrier island is famous for its wild horses. The island offers beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. It's perfect for bird watching, beachcombing, and camping.

Evening Entertainment & Nightlife

When the sun sets, Virginia comes alive with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.

• The Birchmere

  This legendary music hall in Alexandria has hosted some of the biggest names in music. From bluegrass and country to jazz and R&B, you'll find a show to suit your tastes.

• The Jefferson Theater

  Located in Charlottesville, this historic theater offers a wide range of performances, including concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings.

• Virginia Beach Town Center

  This hub of entertainment and dining in Virginia Beach offers numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries, catch a show at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, or just stroll around the beautifully lit fountains at the heart of the Town Center.