Virginia Travel

A Alexandria VA M Monticello R Richmond VA

V Virginia Beach Virginia Bed and Breakfast W Williamsburg VA

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Virginia Travel is varied, historic, exciting, and filled with beautiful landscapes. Virginia, home to over seven million residents, spans from suburban Washington DC in the north through the Blue Ridge Mountains, to Norfolk and Newport News on the eastern seaboard. Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents." The state has been the birthplace of eight presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson -- more than any other state. Virginia, named after England's Queen Elizabeth I (the virgin Queen), was the site of numerous important battles in the Revolutionary War as well as the War between the States.

Northen Virginia

Much of northern Virginia is, today, suburban Washington DC, but towns such as Alexandria VA and Arlington have interesting histories that predate the creation of our nation's capital. Downtown Alexandria's "Old Town" is a beautifully restored area, lined with 18th and 19th century townhomes, pubs, and restaurants. Robert E. Lee's boyhood home is located in Alexandria as is the church where George Washington, and later Robert E. Lee, attended services. Not far outside of town is George Washington's lovely estate, Mount Vernon. The main house, outbuildings, and gardens have been meticulously restored to look as they did when the Washingtons lived there.

Charlottesville and Monticello

Virginia's "Horse Country," nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, is world famous for its steeplechases and its rolling horse farms rimmed with white picket fences. It is here, too, that Thomas Jefferson built his home, Monticello, and left his mark on local institutions and communities, such as the University of Virginia and Charlottesville. Also nearby are the restored homes of Presidents James Monroe and James Madison. Just outside of Charlottesville begins the rugged and picturesque Shenandoah National Park.

Richmond

Richmond, Virginia's capital city, has a long and varied history. The city, settled within a few years of that first colony in Jamestown, was the site of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty" speech as well as the capital of the Confederate States after Virginia succeeded from the Union. All but destroyed by General Sherman during the War between the States, Richmond, today is a vibrant city of around 200,000 residents. Attractions in the city include the Virginia Museum of Science, the Museum of the Confederacy, and St. John's Church, site of that famous Patrick Henry speech.

Historic Virginia Travel

No Virginia Travel itinerary would be complete without including a visit to some of Virginia's historic sites. The most famous of these is Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th century capital of Virgina. Visitors can tour the governor's palace, stay in a restored 18th century home, and watch skilled artisans create authenic candles, woven goods, pottery, glass, and other such items.

Not far from Williamsburg is the original colony of Jamestown. Recent excavations have uncovered remnants of this early colony, so remote in 1607. Also within a short drive is Yorktown, site of an important Revolutionary War battle.