Virginia

Are you a history buff? Do you enjoy beautiful, vast landscapes? Then Virginia is the place to go. With a coast along Chesapeake Bay and located close to Washington, D.C., Virginia is definitely worth a visit.

Virginia State CapitolRichmond
Today the capital of beautiful Virginia, Richmond was once the capital of the Confederacy. Among its most visited sights are the Old City Hall and the White House of the Confederacy, which also serves as a museum today.

Also popular are the John Marshall House, the State Capitol, and the Richmond National Battlefield Park, which gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Civil War battles in and around Richmond. The best way to explore the battle fields is to start at the visitor center, located at the Tredegar Iron Works, which was the Confederacy's largest iron factory. From the visitor center follow the driving tour, which connects all the major battle fields.

Richmond also offers a fantastic park system. Definitely plan to stop at Monroe Park and the two islands in the James River: Belle Island and Brown's Island. And take a stroll along the streets of Richmond, many of which are line by amazing mansions.

Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown

Colonial WilliamsburgVirginia's capital in the 18th century, Williamsburg is famous for its historic district, Colonial Williamsburg. Restored to much of its original self, Colonial Williamsburg is a tourist magnet. People in costumes reenact and interpret daily colonial life. The most famous buildings are the Old Capitol Building, the Governor's Palace, Robertson's Windmill, and Raleigh Tavern.

Close by is Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the United States. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the original colony as well as Jamestown Settlement, a recreation of the original settlement. As in Williamsburg, interpreters in costumes take the visitor back in time.

Just fifteen miles away, Yorktown offers the Colonial National Historical Park, which offers battlefield tours of the battle of the American Revolutionary War that ended in the surrender of the British forces.

More Historical Landmarks

Monticello, CharlottesvilleCharlottesville
Charlottesville is the hometown of Thomas Jefferson and one of its most famous tourist attractions is Monticello, Jefferson's home. He started building the estate in 1768/69 and it took him forty years to complete it. Today tours of the house as well as the grounds are offered to visitors.
Another attraction is the University of Virginia, founded by non other than Jefferson himself.

Appomattox Court House
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is another site that has seen its share of important historical events. It was here where the Confederate Army surrendered to the Union, which effectively ended the American Civil War.

Mount Vernon and Fredericksburg
Located near Alexandria on the Potomac River, Mount Vernon is the home of the first president, George Washington. Today a National Historic Landmark, it is open to the public, offering a variety of tours of the mansion as well as the grounds.

Fredericksburg, sited south of Mount Vernon, offers a historic downtown and four Civil War battlefields. A major tourist attraction is the National Historic Landmark Kenmore Plantation. Operated as a museum by the George Washington Foundation, it was the home of Washington's sister Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis. It is open to the public for guided tours.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park
Blue Ridge ParkwayIf you want to take a break and just enjoy the beautiful nature Virginia has to offer, Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park are safe bets.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching through the states of Virginia and North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway along the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains and famous for its breathtaking scenery. Offering many overlooks and lakes, a drive along this parkway is especially beautiful during the fall.

Shenandoah National Park
This National Park covers the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains located in Virginia. Its main attractions are Skyline Drive with its amazing outlooks and a number of waterfalls, including the six waterfalls in Whiteoak Canyon. The park is very popular for hiking and camping activities.