As someone who spent the first 20 years of my life in Virginia and returned 10 years later, I can tell you that there are endless places to explore in this state. My childhood was spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains, camping on Otter Peak and canoeing down the James River. My college years took me to Williamsburg, where history and higher education go hand in hand with waterfront views. I currently live in Charlottesville, a small city within driving distance of Shenandoah National Park and Virginia’s wine country.
“Virginia has everything you could want,” said George Hodson, CEO of Veritas Vineyards and Winery in Afton. “For me, it’s the natural resources – rivers, lakes, oceans and mountains – and the seasons that allow us to enjoy them.” Matilda Reuter-Ingle, owner of Middleburg Hospitality and general manager of Red Fox Inn & Tavern and Glenstone Gardens He feels the same way about Old Dominion’s appeal. It is an effort to preserve agricultural heritage, rural traditions and open spaces. ”
No matter where you travel, be sure to experience not only this unparalleled natural beauty, but also the small towns, culturally rich cities, and unforgettable sights that make this state stand out. Read this article to discover the best places to visit in Virginia.
natural bridge
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Travelers of all ages will want to visit Natural Bridge. Located just south of Lexington, it is home to Natural Bridge State Park and Natural Bridge Caverns. The former is a National Historic Landmark and is known for its 60-foot-tall stone archway. The latter allows visitors to descend more than 34 floors above ground, admiring stalactites, stalagmites, and other subterranean wonders.
james river
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Virginia’s largest river, the James River, begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. “It’s a great place to get outside and play,” said Hodson, who recommends playing in the water with the James River Runners in Scottsville.
blue ridge parkway
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“If you want a nice drive, [the] “The Blue Ridge Parkway offers beautiful scenery on its way to Shenandoah National Park,” said Reuter-Engle. Download the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner app to start planning your drive. This is very helpful if you’re not sure what each region or section of the parkway has to offer.
richmond
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Virginia’s capital city has something for everyone, from history buffs and art buffs to foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. However, if you’re interested in the beverage industry, you might want to check out his Scott’s Addition, which Hodson describes as “a playground for big kids.” Here, old factories and warehouses have been converted into taprooms, cider and distilleries.
Smith Mountain Lake
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You may have heard it described as the “Lake Tahoe of the East,” but Smith Mountain Lake definitely has its own unique personality and charm. This reservoir is his second largest body of water in the state, with 500 miles of coastline and 24 islands, providing plenty of room for water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and various water sports. .
Monticello Wine Trail
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Hodson calls this part of the world he knows well “a world-class wine region with many great winery experiences within a 30-minute drive of Charlottesville.” The Monticello Wine Trail spans 40 vineyards, each offering wine tastings with stunning views of Virginia.
historic triangle
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Three points in the Historic Triangle, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, are perfect for a beautiful and educational weekend getaway. Along this route, also known as the Colonial Parkway, you’ll have the chance to visit historic Jamestown, the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield, and Yorktown’s Museum of the American Revolution.
Crozet
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“It’s still a quiet, small town in Virginia,” Crozet said. [it’s] It’s on the rise,” Hodson said. Plus, it’s a great day trip from Charlottesville. When it comes to your ideal itinerary, Hodson can help. “Buy a coffee and bagel at Prague Bakery…head on the Blue Hole hike from Sugar Hollow Reservoir, then return to downtown Crozet for a sauna and cold plunge at Lysette Crozet.”Finally, he said, “Legend. Let’s have dinner at Furdowners.”
middleburg
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Reuter Engle, whose family has lived in Middleburg for generations, admits that although he may be biased, there is plenty to do and see in this historic town in every season. . Her must-see list includes: “Christmas at Middleburg’s traditional hunting parade, which draws thousands of people each year. Middleburg Film Festival in the fall. Historic Garden Week in the spring. Fall and spring events include the Middleburg Spring Races, Virginia Gold Cup, Upperville Colt & There are plenty of equestrian activities, including horse shows.”
lexington
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Lexington may be known to travelers for its connections to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington & Lee University, but it also has one of the most interesting outdoor entertainment venues. Once an abandoned limestone quarry and kiln, the Lime Kiln Theater welcomes 675 guests and plays bluegrass, folk, and other musical genres surrounded by trees, natural stone walls, and stars overhead. You can enjoy the show. The 2024 season is expected to be announced in March.
shenandoah river
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“For water sports enthusiasts looking for an exhilarating experience, the Shenandoah River is a must-see destination,” said Reuter Engle. Rafting, tubing, and kayaking are all possible, and she suggests going to Harper’s Her Ferry Adventure Center “for both adventurous and family-friendly options.”
virginia beach
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Virginia is home to some of the oldest mountains in the country, but don’t forget about its oceanfront destination: Virginia Beach. “I grew up as a surfer’s kid on the beach, and I feel very at home there,” says Hodson, noting that his ViBe Creative District in particular is known for its “great coffee shops and restaurants.” He recommends having a drink or a snack at Three Ships, his coffee and The Pink Dinghy, which is right next door.
Ashby Gap and Sky Meadows State Park
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“Located on either side of Paris, Virginia, just over an hour from Washington, D.C., these two spots are perfect for experiencing the state’s natural beauty while hiking or walking outdoors,” says Reuter Engle. explains. Sky Meadows State Park is especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. While in the area, she recommends stopping by the Ashby Inn for lunch and shopping for local produce at Hollin Farms.
bath county
Virginia Tourism Authority
Like the city of Bath in England, Bath County, Virginia, takes its name from its natural healing waters. Part of the Omni Homestead Resort, you can experience the pool for yourself when you book a reservation at the recently renovated Warm Springs Pool. Travelers interested in the more agricultural side of the county can choose to stay at Apple Horse Farm, a sustainable cattle and hog farm with separate cabins available for short-term rentals.
shenandoah national park
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Reuter Engle said travelers can expect “picturesque hikes” in Shenandoah National Park, where 500 miles of trails lead hikers to waterfalls, scenic landscapes and remnants of pioneer history. One of his most popular passes is Old Rag, his 15.1-mile loop trail that is labeled “difficult.” However, if you can climb a few rocks, the views are well worth the climb.
