• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Charlottesville ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

2. Richmond ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

3. Williamsburg

© Paul Hakimata/stock.adobe.com

4. The American Visionary Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The American Visionary Art Museum

5. Brookside Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© fotoVISION360/stock.adobe.com

6. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Romantic Islands
© Melinda Fawver/stock.adobe.com

7. Clifton

© jackienix/stock.adobe.com

8. Fort Washington

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

9. Gaithersburg

© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

10. Georgetown

© dwight9592/stock.adobe.com

11. Harpers Ferry

© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

12. Jamestowne

© Jenny Thompson/stock.adobe.com

13. Laurel, MD

© Tobias Arhelger/stock.adobe.com

14. Leesburg

© cindygoff/stock.adobe.com

15. Loudoun County

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16. Luray Caverns

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

17. Manassas

© refrina/stock.adobe.com

18. The Maryland Science Center

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© The Maryland Science Center

19. McLean

© Joe Benning/stock.adobe.com

20. Purcellville

© Zsolt Biczó/stock.adobe.com

21. Shenandoah National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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22. Staunton

© Richard/stock.adobe.com

23. Stafford

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24. Washington, D.C.

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Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Northern Virginia rests along the southern border of the capital city of Washington, D.C., located within easy driving distance of some of the nation's most historic attractions, including the preserved historic buildings of Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne.
  • Visitors can step back in time to the city's colonial-era days and take part in living history demonstrations depicting typical 18th- and 19th-century life throughout the region at a number of living history sites.
  • D.C. Wine Country, which is anchored around the city of Purcellville, is home to dozens of wineries, along with the region's first post-Prohibition craft distillery.
  • Lovely harbor city Baltimore is also home to family-friendly attractions, including the American Visionary Art Museum and the Maryland Science Center.

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