15 Day Journeys in Virginia • Kath Eats
I’ve been calling Virginia my dwelling for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is likely one of the greatest locations to reside! It has every thing from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. At any time when I journey to different locations, regardless of how lovely, I all the time come dwelling to the candy scent of Virginia. (Should you haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s beautiful – I’m not kidding!)
What I really like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping by historic websites to spending the day at an amusement park, vacationers and locals alike can discover the state and by no means run out of issues to do. That’s most likely why it’s one of the vital fascinating (and in style!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC on the lookout for a countryside escape.
Perhaps you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Irrespective of the rationale, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can take pleasure in all the identical. Here’s a roundup of the very best day journey alternatives Virginia gives—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which are nonetheless by myself bucket checklist!
15 Day Journeys in Virginia
Shenandoah Nationwide Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Nationwide Park makes for the right day journey. With greater than 200,000 acres of protected land, there are many mountain climbing trails to discover. It’s excellent whether or not you’re up for a protracted trek or a neater hike with the children. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is well worth the journey for the mountain views – particularly at peak foliage.
The season you go to can positively influence your plans. It’s a wonderful spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish to make certain to take a look at their website earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are fantastic, the nighttime can drop fairly low.
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Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, found again in 1878, seems like an journey that each children and adults can marvel at. They’re the most important caverns within the Jap US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the photographs make them look. Inside, you may view stalactites, stalagmites, mud flows, glassy swimming pools, and even the Nice Stalacpipe Organ (Sure, it’s an actual factor!).
Your ticket isn’t only for exploring underground, although. Head above floor to take pleasure in a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automobile & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a kind of locations that you simply and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly certain I went with my dad and mom once I was in highschool, however we’ve to take the boys quickly!
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Colonial Williamsburg
As one of the vital well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful day journey for historical past buffs. Even for those who don’t take into account your self notably excited about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by the cobblestone streets, you’ll notice simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really want to purchase tickets to go inside to see loads of the sights, however in fact it is best to for the total expertise.
With every thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an amazing place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You may take a look at my put up, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went once I took child Mazen! The excursions do differ all year long, so make certain to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
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Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable truth: after we moved to Charlottesville, we have been really attempting to maneuver to the seaside! However someway we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are likely to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seaside is the closest seaside to us and the primary seaside in our state.
There are many enjoyable eating places and little boutiques alongside the primary Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles lengthy. There are many children actions at Grommet Island Park.
Should you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the very best occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless lovely, however it’s a bit quieter. It’s time of 12 months to lease bikes too. Might, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer season crowds.
Should you’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seaside again once I was pregnant with Mazen!
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Mount Vernon
Virginia is dwelling to many presidents (eight to be actual!), and you may go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is situated 22 miles outdoors of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a kind of historic websites that you need to go to no less than as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. Should you plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive technique to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. Should you plan on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so make certain to guide tickets upfront.
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Previous City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Previous City!
Previous City Alexandria has that excellent small-city really feel with cobblestone streets, colourful row homes, and tons of little outlets and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., however it seems like a significant metropolis of its personal. You may stroll King Avenue Mile and take within the historical past. And don’t miss Spite Home, the skinniest home in America!
If the climate’s good, you may hop on a sightseeing cruise and take a look at the town from the water. Truthfully, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of 12 months. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every thing’s embellished and further festive. However heat climate days are onerous to beat for strolling round, window purchasing, and absorbing all of its allure.
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Chincoteague Island
Should you’re a horse lover—or simply need a completely distinctive seaside day—Chincoteague Island must be in your checklist. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the realm. And sure, you actually would possibly spot them whereas stress-free on the seaside. My good friend Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a novel place it’s. (I’ve a reminiscence of going with my dad and mom in highschool and getting 1,000 mosquito bites. That’s most likely not promoting it!)
However Chincoteague isn’t simply in regards to the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has a lot extra to supply. You may spend the day biking, mountain climbing, or taking boat excursions to discover the water. And don’t skip a go to to neighboring Assateague Island, the place there are much more seashores and wild ponies.
Should you’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate continues to be heat however not as sticky as peak summer season. And crowds skinny out after August. It’s simply the correct mix of peaceable and energetic.
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Pure Bridge State Park
Pure Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a kind of spots that feels simply as cool at present because it should have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made observe of it again within the day! The star of the present is an enormous limestone arch (215 ft tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time.
You may take the 137-step staircase down (don’t fear, there’s a shuttle if wanted) and stroll the paved Cedar Creek Path proper beneath the bridge. The path retains going previous issues just like the recreated Monacan Village, Saltpeter Cave, and Lace Falls. It’s half historical past lesson, half nature stroll, and completely value it.
I’d say spring by fall is the very best time to go to—not too sizzling, not too chilly, and loads of further issues happening. You may go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s positively an amazing day journey if you would like a mixture of recent air and a few native Virginia historical past.
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Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has a bit one thing for everybody. And it’s filled with enjoyable issues to do to fill a whole day journey. Whether or not you’re all about historical past, artwork, or simply good meals and drinks, you’ll discover it in Virginia’s capital.
If museums are your factor, begin with the Virginia Museum of Nice Arts. It’s such a wonderful area with every thing from traditional to up to date artwork. For my fellow guide lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And for those who’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Warfare Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy throughout the Civil Warfare, there’s no scarcity of historical past to discover.
However Richmond isn’t simply museums and monuments. There are such a lot of nice eating places together with breweries and distilleries. It’s the sort of metropolis the place you may stroll from spot to identify and actually make a day of it. Seize brunch, go to a museum, and end with a drink or two. Take a look at my weblog put up about an in a single day we did there.
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Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to present my city, Charlottesville, a bit love right here! It’s not only a faculty city with the College of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such an amazing mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city allure. You’ll discover some actually superb eating places and native breweries all inside strolling distance of the historic Downtown.
Whilst you’re at it, don’t miss a go to to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s dwelling. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You may take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by the grounds. It’s vital to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved folks. With displays on the lives of the slaves, this historical past isn’t discarded or glossed over. Monticello additionally holds a number of festivals all year long, so plan accordingly if it’s one thing you wish to expertise!
Weblog posts:
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Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia allure—outdated historic significance however a energetic environment. When downtown, you may take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, lots of that are situated in authentic 1800s buildings. Should you’re up for a bit historical past exploration, you may go to Dodona Manor, dwelling to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
Should you’re headed out along with your children, you completely have to go to Leesburg Animal Park. It’s a park that’s unfold out over 21 acres, housing each home and unique animals. Other than viewing, children can even take pleasure in jungle gyms, large slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little city is such a captivating day journey spot!
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Fredericksburg
Head right down to Fredericksberg, a city filled with American Revolution and Civil Warfare historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Warfare battles continuously came about. Now you can go to the once-battle discipline, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour for those who’d like.
Other than the cemetery, you may also view civil conflict landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s loads of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re performed touring, make certain to go to Predominant Avenue for a bit purchasing and snacking. A good friend recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
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Jamestown
Should you’re up for a bit historical past blended with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly value including to your Virginia day journey checklist. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—approach again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears a bit completely different nowadays, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest components? The reside reenactments. You may wander by Powhatan Village and get an actual really feel for a way life was again then. Then transfer on to the English settlement space, the place you may see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
You need to take a look at the ships when you’re down there. It’s an extremely lifelike recreation of what life was like for these touring from England to America. Not solely that, however the tour explores, what they name “the primary threads of tapestry we name America.” Superbly acknowledged and extremely fascinating.
Weblog put up: Supper on the Settlement
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Virginia Museum of Transportation
Should you’ve received a practice lover or a automotive fanatic in your own home (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation in your checklist. It’s proper in downtown Roanoke and makes for a extremely enjoyable outing for teenagers.
The museum is in an outdated Norfolk & Western freight station, which already offers it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every thing from vintage automobiles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my good friend’s suggestion, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and an enormous playroom only for the children. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an out of doors railyard the place children can really stand up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you may simply pair your go to with a stroll by Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the right mixture of enjoyable, studying, and a bit nostalgia.
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Wintergreen Ski Resort
Should you ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. Just a few years again, Mazen and I even performed hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we attempt to go each winter.
Should you’re planning a weekend journey, positively intention to get there early. And by early, I imply pulling into the lot earlier than 9 a.m. The later you go, the longer the raise strains get. Realized that one the onerous approach.
Wintergreen gives ski classes for newcomers, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, keep on with what feels good to your talent stage. East Coast snowboarding positively has a unique vibe than what you’ll discover out west—suppose narrower trails and icier snow. (And it may hit 60 levels!)
After a full day of snowboarding, you may both pack a lunch (we’ve performed that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your approach dwelling for dinner. It’s such a comfy spot with nice meals and native brews. Winter sports activities not your factor? It’s nonetheless value a go to in the summertime months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you identify it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively take a look at my full put up with Wintergreen ski ideas earlier than you go!
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How you can Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with heaps to do.
While you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that provide a bit little bit of every thing. In spite of everything, you’ve received a complete day to fill! Test the map and see for those who can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time suppose the very best journeys have stability of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Slightly historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some purchasing, or grabbing meal. That approach, everybody within the household will get a bit one thing they take pleasure in. Bonus factors if there’s a espresso cease or a cute native store concerned. Selection retains the day feeling enjoyable as a substitute of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s a much bigger state than most individuals notice. While you’re planning a day journey, don’t neglect to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of site visitors except you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Slightly planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! Should you’re visiting Virginia through roadtrip, make certain to take a look at my put up, Highway Journey Suggestions for Households.
Steadiness exercise and rest.
Everybody wants a bit breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You may’t go full pace from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I all the time wish to construct in a bit downtime between actions. Perhaps that’s grabbing ice cream, sitting by the water, or mapping a playground the place the children will get steam out.
Have a backup plan.
Virginia climate likes to maintain us on our toes—sunshine one minute, rain clouds the subsequent. That’s why I all the time advocate having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your outside plans get rained out, it’s sensible to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You may nonetheless take advantage of out of your day with out getting soaked.
Discover Virginia’s treasures with firsthand ideas from a neighborhood!
After dwelling in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up a couple of favorites relating to exploring Virginia. From historic cities to beautiful nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve received a strong checklist of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a couple of must-see spots off your bucket checklist!
Should you’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed below are a couple of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
