Virginia Travel Guide
Mother of Presidents and States & so much more..
Virginia, known as the Old Dominion and the “Mother of Presidents” and “Mother of States,” is one of the most historic US destinations to visit. Not only is the state packed with historic sites, but it’s also full of beauty offering the Blue Ridge Mountains, Atlantic coast, Shenadoah National Park, and the state’s beautiful rivers.
Virginia is the birthplace of 8 presidents and historic sites including Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s home), and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s estate).
The Historic Triangle, comprising Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, offers immersive and historic visits through the colonial period and American Revolutionary past.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park offer plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy and scenic views. Virginia also has stellar beaches along the Atlantic coast offering beach to mountain getaways just hours apart.
Virginia is also considered the South (the northernmost state in the south) and is famous for its hospitality! The Appalachian area is well-known for its bluegrass music, most notably Abington. And cities like Alexandria, Richmond, and Norfolk are known for their arts scene.
Quick Tips for Visiting Virginia
When is the best time to visit Virginia?
The best time to visit Virginia really any time of year as each season offers something special.
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit as temperatures are mild and spring blooms start showcasing the natural beauty of the state including cherry blossom season!
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather perfect for enjoying the outdoors, especially the beaches on the coast, enjoying summer around the Chesapeake Bay, and outdoor fun at the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The coastal areas are more hot and humid while you’ll find that the higher elevations are refreshingly cooler temps.
Fall (September to November) is the most popular season for scenic drives to catch the fall foliage around the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Winter (December to February) sees mild temperatures in the coastal regions and occasional snow in the mountains and northern areas.
How Much Time Do I need in Virginia?
The time needed to visit Virginia depends on what you plan on visiting. A minimum of a long weekend of 3-4 days is ideal for destinations like Colonial Williamsburg, Fairfax County, Richmond, and Shenandoah National Park.
To see more of the state and everything it has to offer, plan on 7-10 days. This timeframe lets you visit historic sites like Jamestown and Mount Vernon, while still having enough time to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, and relax on the beaches of Virginia Beach or the Eastern Shore.
What is Virginia most famous for?
Arizona is most famous for its role in American history and founding. Virginia is home to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate to name a few.
The state played a significant role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, with numerous historic battlefields and sites such as Yorktown and Appomattox Court House.
Virginia has no shortage of stunning landscapes either including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, to the Atlantic Ocean coastline and Chesapeake Bay.
The state also has a well-known cultural scene, with cities like Richmond and Alexandria offering museums, art galleries, and great culinary scenes.
Virginia also has scenic drives including the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
What’s the best way to get around Virginia?
The best way to get around Virginia as a traveler is by car. This gives you the most flexibility on your trip and there are plenty of great road trip destinations within the state.
Virginia’s scenic routes, like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, offer spectacular views and easy access to national parks and historic landmarks.
In major cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington, public transportation options such as buses, light rail, and metro services are an option. If you’re solely visiting one of these destinations, you may not need to have a car.
Amtrak routes connect key destinations across the state, including service between Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Charlottesville, offering an alternative way to travel without driving.
Must Try Food in Virginia
One of the top must try foods in Virginia is the Virginia ham. This ham is a standout as its cured, then smoked over apple and hickory wood fires, and hung to age in the smokehouse. The meat is sourced from razorback pigs that are fed a diet of peanuts and peaches.
Another ham famous to Virginia is the Smithfield Ham. Genuine Smithfield hams are required by Virginia law to be processed, treated, smoked, aged, and dry-salt cured for at least six months within the town limits of Smithfield. the technique of salt curing used in these hams originated in Bermuda by a merchant Mallory Todd who moved to Smithfield in 1767 and brought this technique here.
Being on the Chesapeake Bay you have to try the blue crabs, typically enjoyed in crab cakes or as part of a crab boil, typically from spring through fall.
Did you know ballpark peanuts come from Virginia? The soil here makes the ideal conditions to grow peanuts and they are well known in Virginia! A few local specialties made with the state’s peanuts include Peanut Pie and Peanut Soup!
