Michaela Riva Gaaserud - Moon Virginia

MICHAELA RIVA GAASERUD

Virginia embodies history like few other states in the Union. From the first permanent English settlement in the New World at Jamestown and the heady days of the Founding Fathers in Williamsburg through the end of the American Revolution at Yorktown and the tragedy and heroism of the Civil War, many of the major events that shaped this country happened in the Old Dominion. Most of the buildings, battlefields, and artifacts involved are now preserved and on display in a host of world-class parks, museums, and historic homes such as George Washingtons Mount Vernon and Thomas Jeffersons Monticello.

Virginia not only connects the storied past and thriving presentits also a bridge between the mountains and the sea. Home to one of the most scenic roads in the country, Shenandoah abounds with spectacular ridgeline vistas, lush forests, and otherworldly caverns. On the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is one of the East Coasts premier resort destinations, with a bustling boardwalk and a bevy of great seafood restaurants. Detached from the rest of the state, the Eastern Shore is a time-warped land of unspoiled marshes, fishing towns, and the famous ponies of Chincoteague.

Lucky for you and me, Virginia offers the best of the many worlds it bridgesand then some.

Washington DC is nestled between Virginia and Maryland on the banks of the Potomac River. Best known for politics, government, and monuments and museums, the city is also home to universities, nightlife, art, theater, and sports. One of the largest (and cleanest) cities in the country, Washington DC offers trendy neighborhoods, upscale shopping, the National Cathedral, the National Zoological Park, and professional sports arenas. The nations capital is easy to navigate, especially with the help of landmarks like the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building.

the National Cathedral in Washington DC

Northern Virginia

From the busy halls of the Pentagon in Arlington and the trendy streets of historic Old Town Alexandria to the quaint alleyways of Middleburg, Northern Virginia is a cornucopia of culture, history, business, outdoor recreation, culinary delights, and shopping. It is a central corridor for the technology industry, yet houses key attractions such as Mount Vernon, the plantation home of George Washington. Northern Virginias residents make up roughly one-third of the entire state population.

Coastal Virginia

Visiting Coastal Virginia is a great way to take a break from everyday stresses and learn about history or relax on the beach. Colonial Williamsburg, a living museum that vividly displays what life in colonial times was like, is one of the most popular historical towns in the country. Just a short drive away is the resort area of Virginia Beach and the sleepy seaside communities on Virginias Eastern Shore. The region offers port towns, battleships, and beautiful clean beaches all within a short drive of one another.

Rent a kayak and explore Virginias coastal region.

Shenandoah and Northwestern Virginia

Shenandoah National Park and Northwestern Virginia are a very special part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning vistas, rivers, and streams traverse the area and loosely connect the towns that sit on the parks doorstep. Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, white-water raft down the Shenandoah River, spend an afternoon underground in mysterious Luray Caverns, or take a hike on the famous Appalachian Trail. Choose adventure or opt to relaxthere is no wrong answer.

Central and Southern Virginia

Sprawling Central and Southern Virginia offer some of the most beautiful countryside in America. Awesome mountain vistas, rolling foothills, and enchanting fall foliage can be found in this region, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The site of many colleges and universities including the University of Virginia, the region was also home to famous Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The state capital, Richmond, and historic Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Roanoke are key destinations in this vast region.

Thomas Jefferson called Virginia home.

ONE WEEKEND: Visit Richmond and Colonial Williamsburg

FIVE DAYS: Add Old Town Alexandria and Virginia Beach

ONE WEEK: Add Washington DC

TWO WEEKS: Add Skyline Drive and Charlottesville

the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond

When to Go

If you have the luxury of choosing your time to visit,