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10 Best Places to Stay While in Virginia

admin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A trip through Virginia can be a beautiful, relaxing time for the whole family. With a little planning, the trip can be made better by choosing the best places to stay that will put you close to the action.

Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s top tourist destinations. The park features waterfalls, quiet woods and beautiful vistas, and camping is available. If you don’t want to rough it, Front Royal and Waynesboro have nice accommodations and restaurants.

Colonial Williamsburg is a living interpretation of a Colonial American city. The historic district encompasses 300 acres of land and offers a chance to stay in recreations of Colonial homes or to enjoy the best amenities at a premium hotel.

While in Williamsburg, a day could be spent across the city at Busch Gardens. This theme park boasts some of the largest and fastest roller coasters in the world, and it is the perfect place to get back to the future after a day in Colonial Williamsburg.

Before the trip is over, you should definitely make a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. The sheer size of the cemetery will give any visitor a good sense of the sacrifices our soldiers have made. Arlington County has a number of lodging options.

5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Virginia

admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There is much to see and do on a trip to Virginia, and for those with a sophisticated plate there are plenty of unique and fine dining to choose from A prime location for vacations is in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Vintage Tavern – Suffolk, Virginia

Nestled away in a suburban area of the city of Suffolk is Vintage Tavern. Gourmet dishes are served that are sure to impress, and the atmosphere is amazing.

Cafe Europa – Portsmouth

Like a taste of Europe in America, an escape from the modern world.

Fat Canary – Williamsburg

Unique combinations along with superb service make this restaurant a must visit for an all around more-than-satisfying experience.

Amber Lantern – Chesapeake

This restaurant has won best of Hampton Roads fine dining years in a row, what more evidence does one need?

Terrapin – Virginia Beach

Flair and fusion are featured at this restaurant. Patrons will leave more than satisfied with the food, atmosphere and service.

Top 10 Family-Friendly Museums in Virginia

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Contrary to what many people believe, Virginia is home to many inspirational and educational family-friendly museums. Here’s a look at the top 10 family-friendly museums in Virginia.

1. Children’s Museum of Richmond.

This popular museum features a little farm, an open art studio, and a living tree house.

2. Friendship Firehouse Museum.

Popular exhibits at this particular museum include the Rogers pumper, the hose reel, and the speaking horn.

3. Matthews Living History Farm Museum.

This family-friendly museum grants visitors the opportunity to tour herb gardens, view farm animals, and enjoy live, local musicians.

4. Harrisonburg Children’s Museum.

Popular exhibits include the science lab, TV studio, super service center, and farmers market.

5. Crewe Railroad Museum.

This museum displays a diesel engine and a caboose.

6. Museum of the Confederacy.

This popular museum features Confederacy artifacts and manuscripts.

7. Pamunkey Indian Museum.

The Pamunkey Indian Museum displays unique artifacts associated with the Pamunkey people.

8. Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.

This children’s museum features art and natural history exhibits.

9. Virginia Living Museum.

This popular museum boasts an aquarium and a science center.

10. Northern Neck Farm Museum.

This low-key museum focuses on the agricultural life and heritage of north Virginia.More info here: Doraemon museum opens its doors

10 Must-See Natural Wonders in Virginia

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are some great natural wonders in Virginia. The first natural wonder is Luray Caverns. Luray Caverns is known for its stalactites, stalagmites and columns inside of the cave. The second natural wonder is Natural Tunnel. Natural Tunnel was naturally created when water that contained acid dissolved the surrounding rocks. The third natural wonder is Blue Ridge Mountains. Blue Ridge Mountains are all over the state of Virginia. The fourth natural wonder is Crabtree Falls. Crabtree Falls is the tallest waterfall in Virginia at 1,200 feet. The fifth natural wonder is Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is a very popular tourist attraction.

The sixth natural wonder is Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge is a rock formation that is 215 feet high and 90 foot wide. The seventh natural wonder is Great Falls of the Potomac River. Great Falls of the Potomac River is several 20 feet high waterfalls all in one. The eighth natural wonder is Skyline Caverns. Skyline Caverns is known for their rainbow waterfall that is about 37 feet tall. The ninth natural wonder is Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah Valley has some of the best views. The tenth natural wonder is Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park. Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park has waterfalls on some of the best hiking trails.If you like what you see, keep going: September Bridal Show Highlights Wedding Destinations in the Blue Ridge Shenandoah Valley

Is Virginia a Safe Place to Live?

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The state of Virginia is not only a great place to live, it is one of the most interesting areas for anyone who loves history. Often the area is called the “mother of the presidents’ because eight men who later became presidents were born there. It is a great place for children to spend a week or two enjoying and learning about the country they live in. Civil war museums and other reminders are scatter throughout the state. Of course when someone is visiting, they want to make sure the area is safe. Often because they are not familiar with the places they are going to be staying, it is a good idea to so some research.

A crime report will show that the crime statistics for Virginis rank right in the middle for all the states. Because it has an excellent law enforcement, most people feel very comfortable anywhere in the state. Virginia Beach is popular with locals and tourists and although there is some crime in the area, most people feel very comfortable taking the family to this beautiful area. Just like traveling anywhere, the proper precautions should be used, but this beautiful state is a welcome and safe place for anyone who wants to enjoy some of the best vacations spots available.

Take a Visit: Virginia Beach

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What’s not to love about Virginia Beach? You may have saved money on those direct tv Deals this summer but why not save some more and head to one of America’s favorite beach destinations? There are tons of inexpensive and free activities hereall you have to do is look.
The Boardwalk: VA Beach has one of the best boardwalks in the USA and it’s long enough to make a day out of. Stroll hand in hand with your sweetie or rent a bike and ride the length of the walkthere are tons of shops and restaurants right on the strip.
Downtown: Downtown Virginia Beach has very recently undergone a major renovation so there are dozens of high-end hotels, shops and eateries lining this once-barren area. It’s great for a night out or a high-end lunch.
Parks: There are tons of nationally protected wildlife areas in VA Beach where you can hike, enjoy the most northern expanse of Spanish moss in the country or simply soak in the sounds of wild birds. If you’re a nature lover, you’ve found your place.

5 Most Beautiful Gardens in Virginia

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If planning a trip to Virginia, then waste no time by thinking of heading anywhere else. When it comes to Virginia, the one true fact that is beneficial to all is that it is the home of many things. By this being so; especially in this case, coming across a lot of unique gardens will be beyond extremely easy to accomplish. From small gardens to large ones, Virginia has literally hundreds (if not) thousands of gardens of any size throughout its spacious landscape.I found some more information here. With that said, the following information will touch on the five most beautiful gardens that are found in all of Virginia.

Lewis Ginter Botanical garden

Located in Richmond, Virginia, this 40 acre botanical garden is bordered by a lake and has well over 200 orchids and several other beautiful flowers.

Green Spring Gardens

This 27 acre area of land is the home of many gardens. When visiting here, one thing that will prove to be true is that you will find a garden that is beyond perfect.

Maymont

Maymont offers a large park and several exquisite gardens.

Colonial Gardens of Williamburgs Ash lawn

Taking the time out to visit Colonial Gardens or Ash Lawn will allow you to witness over 90 acres of both greens and beautiful gardens.

Top 10 Historical Sites to See in Virginia

admin — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

10. Plantations: Virginia has a long cash cropping history and the plantation culture that developed along with it. Numerous plantations throughout the state offer visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.

9. Transportation: With the its long, important role in U.S. history, it’s no wonder the state is home to some top-notch transportation museums. Sites of interest include the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Mariners Museum and the Virginia Air and Space Center.

8. American Revolution: Petersburg and Great Bridge are notable sites, but Yorktown is where the war ended.

7. Monticello: One of many chances Virginia offers to step back into history, explore the life and times of our thrid president.
6. Military: While the Civil War and Revolutionary war are best known, don’t miss the National Museum of the Marine Corps or the nation’s most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery.

5. Mt. Vernon: Our first president–and one of the most revered–was a native of Virginia. His estate does not disappoint.

4. Colonial Times: Step into the past at one of the nation’s oldest sites of historical importance at Jamestown, which has been reconstructed and gives a hands on feel of history.

3. Richmond: As the capital of the confederacy and a major Union target during the Civil War, there is much to see and do in Richmond.

2. Civil War: Virginia, with its proximity to both capitals saw the brunt of the action during the Civil War. Sites of importance include Appomattox, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and Richmond, to name a few.

1. Williamsburg: This may be the single best historical site in the nation. Not only are buildings preserved or reconstructed, but the interpreters take on their roles much like actors, truly brigining history to life.

5 Best Places to Go Tubing in Virginia

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are some great places to go tubing in Virginia. The top five places are Massanutten Resort, Bryce Mountain Resort, Wintergreen Resort, Homesteed Resort, and Ski Cove. Massanutten Resort is in Massanutten, Virginia and has been opened for over 30 years. People can snow tube at the Peaked Mountain Express Tube Park. It was Virginia’s first snow tubing park and it features a 900 foot long hill. The Bryce Mountain Resort is located in Basye, Virginia. People can snow tube at Bryce Resort’s Ridge Runner’s Tubing Park.You can find a quick rundown here There is no need to have any experience to tube down their 800 foot long tubing lanes. Wintergreen Resort is located in Wintergreen, Virginia. It is the home of The Plunge, which is Virginia’s largest tubing park. There is also a place for children to snow tube too called Ridgely’s Fun Park. The Homestead Resort is located in Hot Springs, Virginia on the Allegheny Mountains. It has two lanes of tubing hills on 45 acres. There is also a Sepp Kober Ski School to teach the beginners how to snowtube. The Ski Cove is located in Gore, Virginia. People can snow tube down a 135 feet hill and the whole trail is 900 feet long.