Virginia Vacations

Virginia Vacations Idea #1: Your vacation trip to Virginia should include a Scenic Harbor Cruise of the world's largest natural harbor, Hampton Roads. Offered by Venture Inn Charters in Hampton. View the Northrop-Grumman/Newport News Shipyard and the site of the famous battle between the Civil War ironclad ships, the Monitor & Merrimack. Other sites include Chesapeake Bay's oldest lighthouse, Old Point Comfort, and the carriers, destroyers and submarines at Norfolk Naval Base.

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #2: The African American Heritage Park, located in Alexandria, is a preserved 19th-century African American Baptist cemetery. At the center of the nine acre park is the memorial sculpture, "Truths that Rise from the Roots Remembered" which commemorates the contributions of African Americans to the growth of Alexandria.

Virginia Vacations Idea #3: Paramount's Kings Dominion is a Vuirginia vacations theme park that scores extremely high with the kids. They have everything from 12 different thrilling roller coaster rides to waterslides and kiddy rides. There is the antics of SpongeBob SquarePants and a nostalgic Carousal ride. Take an elevator to the top of the 275 foot high replica of the Eiffel Tower. There is plenty to do for all ages.

Virginia Vacations Idea #4: Would you like a close up look at a traditional working dairy farm? Then go to Clinch Haven Farms, in Big Stone Gap. The family can take a tour to see how the work gets done and visit the animals in the petting area. There is an observation tower in the middle of the 7 acre corn field. Everyone will enjoy picking your own vegetables such as green beans, sweet corn, indian corn and pumpkins. They especially love it when you bring the kids.

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #5: For a look back at the Civil War in Virginia try a Virginia vacations visit to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Military Park. The four major battles fought here were so fierce that it is known as the bloodiest ground on the North American continent. It is also one of the largest military parks in the world. Come learn about the history and honor the brave men who died here.

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #6: The birthplace of George Washington is memorialized in this 550-acre park located in Fredericksburg, and has become a pilgrimage for people from all over the world. The brick foundation is all that remains of the house where he was born. There is much to see at the Visitor Center including the Washington family cemetery where George's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are buried and the Memorial House. Picnic and walk the nature trails.

Virginia Vacations Idea #7: It's Sheep Shearing Day at the Thistle Cove Farm in Tazele County. The thick winter fleece must come off and you can watch the actual shearing take place. And it's not just the rare Shetland and Jacobs sheep or the horned Dorset, Suffolks. The Angora goats get a haircut too! You can also see demonstrations of spinning, weaving, knitting, and felting as well as fleece and finished products for sale. Bring the family.

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #8: Natural Tunnel State Park is centered around an 850-foot long tunnel carved about a million years ago. It is a natural rock formation that has been called by some the "Eighth Wonder of the World." A chairlift takes you down the 230 feet to the floor of the Tunnel's natural amphitheater. Other Virginia vacations activities include fishing, swimming, cave tours, and Interpretive Programs.

Virginia Vacations Idea #9: Colonial Williamsburg, where history literally comes to life. Every aspect of colonial life in America is here in the world's largest outdoor living history museum. Take a step back in time for an experience you will never forget.

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #10: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, is mountains and trees and 500 miles of trails including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail. In the fall go to see the leaves change color. Wild flowers bloom all spring, summer and fall. Many of the trails lead to scenic waterfalls.

Virginia Vacations Idea #11: Visit the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly. Get a look at a real space capsule. The IMAX Theater will have you feeling weightless with their film recreation of a space flight. On display are over 100 aircraft and space artifacts. You can see the Space Shuttle "Enterprise", an SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, the Dash 80 prototype of the Boeing 707, and the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" .

Vacation Ideas in Virginia #12: The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum in Bristol City, Virginia, is dedicated to two weeks in August 1927 when recordings were made that would change country music forever. Johnny Cash, Ernest "Pop" Stoneman, Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family were all part of "the most important event in the history of country music." While on your Virginia vacations in Bristol you can visit Tennessee Ernie Ford’s birthplace which is now the Bristol Historical Association.

Virginia Vacations Idea #13: Appalachian Trail Days is a great reason to vacation in Damascus, Virginia during May 12-20. This is where you will find the largest annual backpackers' festival in the US. Backpacking the famous Appalachian Trail is the center of attention but the surrounding area's mountains and forests also make an excellent playground for hiking, mountain biking, rafting and climbing. There are plenty of outfitters who can help you get it all going. A few of them are Brown Dog Adventure Tours, Sundog Outfitter, ClimbMax Climbing Center and Nantahala Climbing Center.

Virginia Vacations Idea #14: Contributed by Front Royal resident Celeste Brooks.

Front Royal, Virginia is exactly the type of town my family would look to vacation in if we didn’t already live here! A lot of folks don’t know about the true Front Royal, because as the town at the northern tip of Skyline Drive, many visitors drive through on Rte 55 and never get to see the rest of this gem. For a small town, it is amazing how there really is something for everyone.

Nature enthusiasts can hike in Shenandoah National Park or the Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park. Both have excellent trails and educational programs running regularly. The views at either park or on Skyline Drive are gorgeous. Nature buffs can also canoe, kayak, or raft down the Shenandoah River, courtesy of a couple of local outfitters. There are also several stables offering guided horseback rides within Warren County, the home county of Front Royal.

If you’re into caverns, make Skyline Caverns a definite stop—it’s the only place in the world with anthodites, which are beautiful crystals that grow in odd directions—gravity means nothing to these little things. At the caverns, you’ll also find a miniature train ride and a mirror maze, both at reasonable costs, to entertain the kids for a bit. There’s also a picnic area.

History buffs will have plenty to do as well—Front Royal changed hands several times in just one day during the Civil War, and on Chester Street you’ll find the home of Belle Boyd, the famous Confederate spy. You can also wander over to Killahevlin Bed and Breakfast (an AWESOME place to stay, by the way) and see the descendent of the tree on which John Mosby and his men were hung.

Shopping, you ask? Well, don’t miss downtown Front Royal, which is NOT just Rte 55. Main Street, Chester Street, and North Royal Avenue have quaint antique and specialty shops, as well as some excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for home-style cooking at good prices, you need to go to Wynn’s or the Mill, both on Main Street, or South Street Grill on Rte 55. Want something a little more upscale? Try Element/Apt 2G, Soul Mountain Café, Lucky Star Lounge, or Wine & Duck, all in the historic district. And if you just can’t live without Target and Wal-Mart...well, we have those too, just north of town off of I-66.

Virginia Vacations Idea #15: Contributed by Mary Douglas of Virginia beach, Virginia.

History, culture and outdoor activities come alive in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. Walk in the footsteps of famous Civil War Generals. Tee off at championship-caliber golf courses. Savor the taste of a crisp and refreshing Chardonnay as you tour a Mediterranean-style winery. Cast a line along the banks of the Rappahannock.

The Fredericksburg area offers a diverse mix of history, local culture, dining, shopping and outdoor activities. Comprised of Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties, and the City of Fredericksburg, the area showcases its Colonial and Civil War era history while offering the excitement of modern day sophistication.

The City of Fredericksburg boasts a historic downtown area, featuring unique chef-owned restaurants and a local artist community. Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties are home to the Civil War battlefields where Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant met for combat.