• Why is Virginia a great vacation destination?
    • Virginia is a beautiful vacation destination, filled with historical attractions, sandy beaches, and the Blue Ridge Mountains where visitors can spot an array of species of birds and land animals.
  • What historical significance does Virginia have?
    • The birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents, Virginia has a rich history and many well-preserved historical sites.
  • What are the best destinations in Virginia?

Best Time to Visit Virginia

  • April to June – Mild spring weather, blooming gardens, and ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
  • September to November – Crisp fall air, colorful foliage, and scenic Blue Ridge drives.
  • July & August – Warm and humid with busy beaches, festivals, and outdoor concerts.
  • December to February – Quiet winter season, cozy mountain retreats, and historic charm.
  • Late October – Peak fall color and perfect for vineyard tours and harvest festivals.

Old Town Alexandria

Stroll along cobblestone streets and savor waterfront dining on a romantic weekend escape.

Old Town Alexandria

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  • What is the historical significance of Alexandria?
    • Alexandria is the place that George Washington called home.
  • What can you find in the Old Town Historic District?
    • The Old Town Historic District, with its traditional cobblestone streets, is a hive of activity. There are historic buildings, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, all set against the backdrop of the Potomac River.
  • What is special about Market Square?
    • The center of the district is Market Square, which has been operating since 1753 and was once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States.
  • What George Washington-related sites can you visit in Alexandria?
  • What is the Torpedo Factory Art Center?
    • The Torpedo Factory Art Center, which was an actual torpedo factory in World War II, is now a creative space for over eighty artists, and visitors can watch them as they create modern masterpieces.

Virginia Beach

Relax on sandy shores and explore boardwalk attractions during a fun, affordable trip.

Virginia Beach

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  • What makes Virginia Beach a great vacation destination?
    • There is a wealth of things to do in Virginia Beach, and first and foremost is the beach itself. Three different beaches and fourteen miles of sandy shores give every visitor the beach vacation they desire, whether it’s in the heart of the action or in a secluded cove.
  • What is special about the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?
    • The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for walking, inline skating, and cycling. Along the way, there are excellent outdoor restaurants, nautical statues, shopping, and four oceanfront stages featuring live entertainment.
  • What activities can you do in Virginia Beach?
    • Virginia Beach offers amusement rides, golfing, sea kayaking, boat tours, and nightlife, making it perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
  • What historical sites can you visit in Virginia Beach?
  • What wildlife can you see at Back Bay National Wildlife Preserve?
    • Back Bay National Wildlife Preserve connects visitors with nature and offers the chance to see wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, and bald eagles in their natural habitat.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time and discover colonial sights on an exciting family-friendly adventure.

Williamsburg, Virginia

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  • Why is Williamsburg historically significant?
    • Williamsburg will always be associated with America’s Colonial History and is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Virginia, close to lovely beaches.
  • When was Williamsburg founded?
    • Founded in 1632 as a fortified settlement between the James and York Rivers, Williamsburg was the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699-1780.
  • What are Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown?
  • What can you see in Colonial Williamsburg?
    • These historic areas feature restored buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and are staffed by historical reenactors dressed in period costumes.
  • What is the highlight of Colonial Williamsburg?
    • The highlight of Colonial Williamsburg is the Governor’s Palace, a stately structure that was the residence of two of Virginia Colony’s early governors.
  • What other attractions are in Williamsburg?
    • There is also a lot of excitement to be found in the Williamsburg area, including:
      • Busch Gardens – featuring thrill rides, notably rollercoasters, and fun rides for smaller children.
      • Water Country USA – offering exciting slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, making it the perfect place for a day with the kids.

Shenandoah National Park

Hike scenic trails and admire panoramic views on a peaceful fall retreat.

Shenandoah National Park

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  • What is Shenandoah National Park?
  • What rivers and roads run through the park?
    • The winding Shenandoah River and its valleys run through the park, as does the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs the length of the entire park.
  • What is special about Skyline Drive?
    • Skyline Drive is meant to be driven slowly, and drivers stop regularly at one of the seventy-five lookout posts along the route that have stunning views of the park’s scenery.
  • How many hiking trails are in Shenandoah National Park?
    • The park has 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
  • What accommodations are available in the park?
    • Camping, lodges, and restaurants can be found throughout the park.
  • What natural features can be found in Shenandoah National Park?
    • The park is filled with cascading waterfalls and beauty spots, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.
  • What wildlife can be seen in the park?
    • The park has a multitude of wild creatures, including black bears, coyotes, beavers, foxes, deer, and cougars.
    • Over 200 species of birds can be spotted, including wild turkeys, tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees, and barred owls.

Abingdon, Virginia

Enjoy Appalachian charm and explore vibrant arts on a quiet couples weekend.

Abingdon, Virginia

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  • Why is Abingdon, Virginia, historically significant?
    • The entire town of Abingdon, from its outskirts to its brick-paved sidewalks downtown, is a National Historic Landmark and full of historic connections.
  • Where can you learn about historical living conditions in Abingdon?
    • You can see how poverty-stricken people lived until the mid-20th century at the Yeary Cabin, an old Appalachian homestead.
    • Visit the Fairview Historic Homestead, a living history museum, to discover firsthand how immigrants lived in their new land.
  • What historic cemetery is located in Abingdon?
  • Where can you go for scenic walks in Abingdon?
  • What is the center of arts and culture in Abingdon?
  • Which famous actors have performed at the Barter Theater?

Winchester

Visit apple orchards and walk historic streets during a lovely spring getaway.

Winchester

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  • Where is Winchester, Virginia located?
  • What role did Winchester play in the American Civil War?
    • Its strategic location made it a major part of the American Civil War; seven battles were fought in the area, and ruins of five Civil War-era forts still remain.
  • What is Winchester known for today?
    • Today, the city sits in the midst of farmland, mainly orchards, and pick-your-own apples is an important part of the fall season.
  • What is the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival?
  • What historical and cultural attractions can you visit in Winchester?
  • Where can you go horseback riding near Winchester?
    • Visitors can ride horses in the mountains led by guides at the Rocking S Ranch.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

See wild ponies and explore quiet beaches on an unusual nature trip.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

© Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

  • Where is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge located?
  • Why do visitors come to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
    • Visitors to this barrier island come mainly to see the Chincoteague ponies, which are feral horses of diminished size due to their poor diet of salt marsh plants and grasses.
  • What animals can be seen on the Virginia side of Assateague Island?
    • The entire Virginia half of the island is a refuge for animals, including some endangered species such as the sika deer and the piping plover.
    • Visitors may also see brown pelicans, merlins, red foxes, fox squirrels, and white-tailed deer.
  • What recreational activities are available on the island?
    • There are areas for ocean swimming, boating, horseback riding, and driving over-sand vehicles.
  • Why do snorkelers visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
    • Snorkelers love to explore the shipwrecks that dot the island’s shores, which were the reason for the installation of a lighthouse in 1833.
  • What fishing activities are allowed on the island?

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Look at colonial farms and learn early history on an easy weekend outing.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

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  • What happened to George Washington’s original home?
    • George Washington’s home was completely destroyed in a cataclysmic fire in 1779.
  • What is the Memorial House?
    • The house where America’s first president was born in 1732 has been recreated according to typical upper-class homes of the time and filled with period furnishings.
    • The Memorial House may be visited, along with the Kitchen House, where historical reenactors demonstrate how candles and soap were made in Washington’s time.
  • What can you see at the Colonial Herb and Flower Garden?
  • What is special about the Colonial Living Farm?
    • The Colonial Living Farm, with its barn, pasture, and livestock, uses traditional farming methods and even has two Red Devon oxen descended from Washington’s original stock.
  • What can visitors find at the Visitor’s Center?
    • In the Visitor’s Center, there are artifacts from the burned-down home as well as a 15-minute film about the Washington family.
  • Can visitors see Washington family graves?
    • The monument’s cemetery has 32 Washington family graves that may be visited.

Charlottesville

Tour wineries and explore Monticello on a romantic, culture-filled retreat.

Charlottesville

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  • Where is Charlottesville located?
  • What famous historical figures lived in Charlottesville?
  • What is special about the University of Virginia?
  • What is Charlottesville known for in the wine industry?
    • Virginia is producing some of the most popular new wines on the market, and there are twenty vineyards in the Charlottesville area that offer tasting tours.
  • What outdoor activities are available in Charlottesville?
    • The outdoors are perfect for kayaking on the James or the Rivanna Rivers.
    • Visitors can also enjoy hiking or cycling on miles of trails, taking scenic drives, or visiting one of the many orchards in the region.

Staunton, Virginia for Couples

Catch live Shakespeare and enjoy cozy restaurants on a charming weekend trip.

Staunton, Virginia for Couples

© Staunton

  • What is Staunton, Virginia best known for?
    • Staunton, Virginia is probably best known as the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.
  • What can visitors see at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum?
  • What historical attractions are in Staunton?
    • History lovers will enjoy the Museum of Frontier Culture, which features four working farms inhabited by interpreters in historical costumes, displaying life as it would have been in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
  • What arts and culture attractions are in Staunton?
  • Does Staunton have educational institutions?
    • Staunton has several art schools, a university, and historic houses in the old part of town.

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