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Suggested Itineraries in Virginia

Virginia is a relatively large and varied state with numerous attractions across its length and breadth. Where you go and what you see will depend on your special interests -- whether you're into history or into hiking, for example. Ideally you should use the "Best of Virginia" chapter to work out a route that appeals to you. I have suggested a few itineraries below that will take you throughout Virginia, to its Colonial-era attractions and its Civil War battlefields, to some of its vineyards, and up the Shenandoah with a little Shakespeare thrown in. I've also suggested how parents can travel with their children in Virginia without going stark, raving mad.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

15 Fun Virginia Road Trips For Your Bucket List

June 3, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

There are so many Virginia road trips to enjoy whether you love to explore nature, visit cities, or have niche interests and hobbies. Virginia really has something for everyone!

They say “Virginia is for lovers,” but it is also for history buffs, hikers, foodies, and bird-watchers. There are plenty of Virginia road trips perfect for couples, families, or friends to make memories.

If you have a few days or even a week or more to spend in this beautiful Southern state, you should plan a road trip to make the most of your time and ensure you see everything you want. What are you waiting for? Here are some Virginia road trip suggestions to help you start planning an epic trip!

Small Towns In Virginia Road Trip

Highlights:.

There are so many cute, small towns in Virginia . It would be easy to make a fun road trip itinerary incorporating these places if you love small-town vibes. Start your trip in the mountain town of Roanoke. Hike to the famous Mill Mountain Star for amazing views of this town nestled in the mountains. Then, check out downtown and enjoy shopping and eating out.

Next, check out Lynchburg. Found on the James River and surrounded by mountains, this Virginia small town is full of civil war history. There are over forty miles of trails that loop through the town perfect for walking or bike riding.

Lexington is a college town in the Shenandoah Valley. This small town has many historic sites and museums as well as plenty of boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and local restaurants and cafes. There are also great trails for biking.

End your small town Virginia road trip in Alexandria, just south of Washington D.C. and next to the Potomac River. With beautiful brick sidewalks and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, you will find yourself in one of the cutest small towns in Virginia. This is where George Washington lived for part of his life and there is plenty of colonial history.

Haunted Virginia Road Trip

• Wythe House, Williamsburg
• The Boxwood Inn, Newport News
• Cold Harbor Battlefield, Mechanicsville
• Bacon’s Castle, Surry

Virginia is a very old state and there are many historic buildings found here. With a history involving slavery and wars, there are sure to be lingering ghosts. There are many infamously haunted places in the South , and Virginia has its fair share for you to explore. Anyone interested in being spooked or in paranormal investigations will want to take some haunted Virginia road trips.

Williamsburg is a colonial city with a few haunted sites including the Wythe House which dates back to 1753. In 1779, Lady Ann Skipwith died here unexpectedly, but she did not leave. Maybe she stuck around to haunt her husband who married her sister.

The Boxwood Inn in Newport News is another spooky location filled with up to seven ghost residents. After being built in 1896, the building has gone through many stages. Today, visitors can expect a spooky encounter if they chose to walk the halls.

The Battle of Cold Harbor took place in 1864. Since thousands of soldiers died here in such a violent way, it makes sense that some still walk here. Visitors to the battleground have reported seeing lights, smelling gunpowder, or hearing horses.

Lastly, make sure to visit Bacon’s Castle in Surry County. During the home’s long and sordid history, many enslaved people died here which might have lead to it being haunted. If you visit this 1650s era building, do not be surprised to hear strange sounds or see objects moving on their own.

Virginia Waterfalls Road Trip

• Great Falls Park
• Upper White Oak Falls
• Dark Hollow Falls
• Devil’s Bathtub
• Cascade Falls
• Stiles Falls

There are dozens of amazing waterfalls dotted throughout Virginia. You could easily do a weekend getaway to find some or make it a longer trip to see even more. No matter which waterfalls you travel to, you will find gorgeous scenery. This is one of the prettiest road trips in Virginia.

Start your Virginia waterfalls road trip at Great Falls Park on the Potomac River and on the border with Maryland. The waterfalls here are not very big, but they are dramatic. If you want, you can get a kayak out on the water and paddle through the white water. There are also hiking trails with great overlooks.

After Great Falls, head to Shenandoah National Park. This beautiful location is a suggestion on many of these road trip lists. There are a few notable waterfalls here to discover, including Upper White Oak Falls and Dark Hollow Falls.

Devil’s Bathtub is a unique waterfall that runs into a pool in a gorge. If you don’t mind cold water, you can go for a dip after the hike there. You can find Cascade Falls by hiking a relatively easy four-mile round-trip trail. Stiles Falls is a 40-foot waterfall found at the end of a picturesque four-mile, round-trip hike.

Coastal Virginia Road Trip

• Virginia Beach
• Cape Charles
• Assateague Island National Seashore

Virginia is on the Atlantic coast and while there are not a ton of beaches, there are plenty of cute coastal towns to visit. A coastal Virginia road trip is bound to a be fun and memorable. Begin in Virginia Beach, the biggest beach town in the state. Here you will find great family-friendly beaches and unique attractions.

Next, head over to nearby Norfolk. Best known for its military base and large port, there are a ton of fun things to do here for everyone. If you like seeing shows or operas, check out Chrysler Hall and the Virginia Opera. You might also enjoy the Chrysler Museum of Art or the National Maritime Center where you can find the world’s largest battleship.

Drive the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to reach the small town of Cape Charles. This cute, coastal town is a great place to find a quaint B&B or camp. Spend time here fishing, boating, or exploring the nature that surrounds the town.

Keep heading north to the Assateague Island National Seashore. You will find the idyllic seaside town of Chincoteague, wild ponies, and miles of beaches perfect for fishing and water sports.

Virginia National Parks Road Trip

• Shenandoah National Park
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Booker T. Washington National Memorial

There are a bunch of national parks and memorials within Virginia to visit whether you are into nature, history, or a mix of both. Shenandoah National Park is one of the most visited natural areas in Virginia. With amazing hiking trails, pretty waterfalls, and gorgeous overlooks, you will have fun exploring and camping in this park.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is the place to go to see birds and wild horses. The famous Chincoteague ponies are the descendants of horses that belonged to early Spanish settlers. Now you can find these majestic animals wandering on the beach.

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a mountain pass that was used by Native Americans, pioneers, and settlers. In the Civil War, both sides fought to control the pass. Now you can hike in the footsteps of famous people like Daniel Boone and visit the historic Hensley Settlement.

There are many famous homes to find in Virginia, including the farm where Booker T. Washington was born. While he was born a slave, he went on to become one of the most influential Black men of his time. At the Booker T. Washington National Memorial, you can walk the quarter-mile Plantation Trail and see where Washington lived as a child.

Epic Nature Road Trip

• Luray Caverns
• Natural Tunnel
• Great Dismal Swamp

Virginia is full of epic nature, and it is not all in Shenandoah National Park! Go in search of some unique and hidden gem areas where you can become one with nature. You will fall in love with the amazing Luray Caverns. Their cathedral-sized rooms hold grand stalactites and stalagmites and even a lake.

The Natural Tunnel near Duffield runs 300-yards through the Appalachian Mountains. The tunnel is so large, that it has been used as a train route since the late 1800s. You can take a tour into the depths. If you visit around Christmastime, then check out the light display they create inside.

You might not pair Virginia and swamps in your mind, but the Great Dismal Swamp is found in this state and is worth a visit. This is a great place to see wildlife, including birds, deer, black bears, bobcats, and river otters. The preserved forests and marshland are a great place to get lost.

Abandoned Places Road Trip

• Swannanoa Palace
• Fleetwood Church
• DeJarnette Center

If you like exploring abandoned places, there is a Virginia road trip in the making for you! Urban exploration is a popular hobby for many people. Some like to photograph eerie, abandoned places while others like the thrill of walking through these creepy areas. When you visit abandoned places in Virginia, make sure to be safe and follow the law!

One of the best abandoned places to visit in Virginia is Swannanoa Palace in the mountains of Afton. You can take tours of this 1912 palace and witness its grandeur. It is not as decrepit as some of the other places included in this abandoned places road trip but it is definitely worth the visit. It is said to be haunted as well!

Next, Fleetwood Church in Brandy Station is a colorful, wooden structure partially hidden by trees. This church was built in 1850 and stood watch over a Civil War battle. Now it stands with peeling paint and ghosts hiding inside.

In Staunton, you will find the DeJarnette Center, an old sanatorium that practiced eugenics. The building has a long history that began in the 1930s. It has stood empty and formidable since the ’90s.

Presidents of the USA Road Trip

• Mount Vernon

Virginia is known as the “Birthplace of Presidents” and if you are interested in history or U.S. politics, then you should plan some Virginia road trips. The one we highlight here focuses on presidential homes only, but there are other sites and monuments related to presidents that you can visit.

Start at the beginning with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, not far from Washington D.C. This estate had been in Washington’s family for years before he eventually inherited it in 1761. He lived there until his death in 1799. You can come tour the home and farm as well as see the tomb of America’s first president.

Next, visit Monticello near Charlottesville. This home was designed by Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president. Construction took place from 1769 to1809. Jefferson was a slave-owner and those he enslaved built the home and farmed the land. It is important to learn about this dark and sad part of American history. Visiting Monticello gives you an opportunity to see what it would have been like to live on a plantation.

Montpelier is less than an hour from Charlottesville and is where James Madison, the fourth U.S president, called home. This grand estate has great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also find Madison’s grave here.

Another historic home to visit belonged to fifth president James Monroe. Also found near Charlottesville, the Highland estate is rich in colonial history. Today, much research is being done to learn about the enslaved people who lived here.

Fall Foliage Road Trip

• Grayson Highlands State Park
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
• Hungry Mother State Park

Virginia is one of the best states for a fall foliage road trip. When autumn rolls around, the trees pop off in bright reds, oranges, and gold. You will need to take multiple Virginia road trips to hit every fall location. People from all over the country flock to Shenandoah National Park for fall foliage viewing, but there are smaller, less crowded areas to discover as well.

Grayson Highlands State Park is near the North Carolina and Tennessee borders. Along with colorful meadow and forest vistas, you might see some of the wild ponies that live here. Make sure to hike the mile-long Rhododendron Trail.

Within the Jefferson National Forest, you will find the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. This gorgeous slice of nature holds mountain peaks, meadows, and plenty of flaming trees. This is a great place for a bike ride or hike.

Next, travel to Hungry Mother State Park. The lake here helps to add magic to your Virginia fall foliage photos by creating a reflection of the pretty trees. There are a few different trails to check out with water and forest scenery.

Wineries Road Trip

• Rappahannock County Wine Trail
• Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop
• Chesapeake Bay Wine Country
• Loudoun County Wine Trail

Virginia is famous for its scenic wine trails and a road trip to some wineries makes for a great girl’s trip. There are many wine trails throughout the state. You can pick one for an easy weekend trip or check out multiple trails on a longer vacation.

The Rappahannock County Wine Trail is within an hour of Washington D.C. and features many artisanal wineries. For a boutique wine tasting experience, check out Chester Gap Cellars, Gadino Cellars, Narmada Vineyards, and more!

The Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop provides great drinks with fantastic mountain views in the Shenandoah Valley. You will be able to taste test not just at wineries. but at whisky distilleries and breweries as well.

Chesapeake Bay Wine Country has wineries surrounded by historic sites and cute, small towns. Plan one of your Virginia road trips to coincide with one of the Oyster Crawls for even more fun. You can also stay the night at some of the wineries.

Loudoun County is D.C.’s wine trail and is known as the “Napa Valley of the Mid-Atlantic.” There are over forty wineries in this area to discover. Some of the wineries offer fun activities such as vineyard hikes, dinners, yoga among the vines, and cellar tours.

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

• Crabtree Falls
• Apple Orchard Mountain
• Natural Bridge State Park

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic U.S. road trip connecting North Carolina and Virginia. Drive through the mountains and lush forests to discover cute small towns, jaw-dropping overlooks , and folk history. This is one of the best scenic drives in Virginia.

Make sure to pull off near milepost 339 so you can hike to Crabtree Falls. The two and a half mile loop trail is ranked as moderate to strenuous and involves steep and rocky areas. The payoff is catching sight of the waterfall flowing down a sixty-foot rock face.

At milepost 171, you will find the historic Marby Mill, which dates back to 1903. It is one of the most photographed stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Next, stop at milepost 76.5 and Apple Orchard Mountain. This is the highest point on the parkway on the Virginia side. Make sure to hike to Apple Orchard Falls while you are here.

There are so many stops you can make on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip that it is impossible to name them all! One last stop to mention, though, is the Natural Bridge near Lexington and milepost 63. This 215-foot tall rock bridge has been awing people for centuries, including Monacan Native Americans and Thomas Jefferson, who actually owned it at one point.

Historic Triangle Road Trip

• Williamsburg

The famous Virginia historic triangle road trip will take you to the three colonial towns of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. This road trip can be done in just a weekend since the towns are all within thirty minutes of each other. You will drive the Colonial Parkway to each location as you experience one of the most popular Virginia road trips.

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas with the founding year of 1607. Today, you can walk through the living history museum, including a reconstructed Native American village, colonial fort, and other replicas. The archaeological museum has almost two million artifacts.

Colonial Williamsburg is another living history museum. There are 88 original buildings and even more recreations. Re-enactors walk around helping you feel as if you have stepped back in time. Ride down the streets in a horse-drawn carriage for an even more authentic feel.

The last stop on the Virginia historic triangle road trip is Yorktown. This was the site of the 1781 Battle of Yorktown, the last battle of the American Revolution, and where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington. You can visit the battlefield and the Victory Center.

Civil War Road Trip

• Fredericksburg
• Appomattox Court House and National Historical Park

Virginia was the site of many bloody battles and important events during the U.S. Civil War. Because of this, Virginia is a destination for serious history buffs. This is one of the best Virginia road trips for anyone interested in America’s turbulent past.

Richmond was the Confederate capital during the war and has a couple of places to visit for a history lesson. Richmond National Battlefield Park was the site of two Union attempts to capture the city. You can also visit the American Civil War Museum in Richmond.

Two battles occurred near Manassas. The First Battle of Bull Run happened in 1861 and is considered the first major battle of the war. Today you can come to the Manassas National Battlefield Park to honor those who died.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park is a somber place to visit but is necessary to see the full scope of this tragic war. Over 100,000 soldiers were killed or wounded over the course of eighteen months. This is the world’s second-largest military park.

You have to visit the Appomattox Court House and National Historical Park in order to see where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. Come stand in the place where the Confederates laid down their weapons. There are reconstructed buildings, a museum, and ranger programs.

Virginia Lighthouses Road Trip

• Jones Point Lighthouse
• Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
• Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
• New Cape Henry Lighthouse
• Cape Charles Lighthouse

There is just something about lighthouses that draws people in as much as they repel ships. These structures are perfect for nautical photographs and offer great views. You could easily pair this road trip with coastal Virginia road trips.

The Jones Point Lighthouse in Alexandria is the last remaining river lighthouse in Virginia. It has been standing on the Potomac River since 1855. Though you can’t go inside, you can still see it from the ground.

The Old Point Comfort Lighthouse is the second oldest light on the Chesapeake Bay and is found at Fort Monroe. It was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and built in 1802. It is not open to the public, but you can snap photos of it from the street.

The oldest lighthouse on the bay as well as the third oldest in the country is the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. It was built in 1792. You can go up this ninety-foot structure for views of First Landing State Park and nearby Virginia Beach.

Just across the street from the old lighthouse, you can see the New Cape Henry Lighthouse which replaced the other in 1881. This one is a bit taller and is a stark black and white.

At 191 feet, the Cape Charles Lighthouse is the tallest in Virginia and second tallest in the country. Unfortunately, it is not open to climb, but you can see it from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Bird-Watching Road Trip

• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Kiptopeke State Park
• Huntley Meadows Park
• Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

If you are a birder, then Virginia should be on your radar. Birding in Virginia will allow you to see hundreds of species of birds including raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds. From beaches to mountains to forests, there are plenty of diverse habitats for a variety of bird species.

Virginia was one of the first states to create an official, statewide birding trail. The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail features 65 trails throughout the state. You can use this as a guide as you plan your own birding trip.

There are a ton of wildlife preserves and parks in Virginia where birds are plentiful, whether they live there year-round or migrate through. For instance, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge hosts flocks of migratory waterfowl in the winter. The endangered Piping Plover nests here as well.

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a good place to spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and more. If you are interested in seeing more raptors, head to Kiptopeke State Park where nineteen different species have been spotted. Huntley Meadows Park and Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve are also notable bird areas to visit, but there are so many more places as well.

There are Virginia road trips for everyone! Whether you are planning a family vacation, girl’s trip, or couple’s getaway, this beautiful, Southern state has something to offer. Pack your bags, gas up your car, and get ready for memorable road trips in Virginia!

Reader Interactions

[…] Fredericksburg is full of early American history, the town motto is, “Americans most historic city”. Some of the more well-known facts about Fredericksburg is that the first president George Washington was born there and many of his family members lived there while he was the president. There are so many fun things to do in Fredericksburg with kids, during a romantic getaway, or even if you are a solo traveler you will not regret your time in this cute little Virginia town. […]

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• Mechanicsville
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Trip Planning

7 days in virginia: road trip itinerary with packing suggestions.

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You could spend weeks traveling in Virginia, but for the visitor who wants an introduction to the entire state, below is a seven-day road trip itinerary starting and ending in Richmond, the capital and closest city to the airport. 

This itinerary hits some of the most famous tourist attractions, but leaves out many. This is partly to give you a few off-the-beaten-path experiences and partly to cover as much geographic area as possible within a week.

Following this itinerary, you will visit Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Farmville, Abingdon, and Grayson Highlands State Park. This itinerary will not take you to the beaches or the American Shakespeare Center.

This itinerary is designed to give you a focus each day while also allowing you time to walk through neighborhoods, explore attractions you learned about along the way, and in general, not have every minute planned out. 

Virginia Road Trip Itinerary Breakdown

• Trolley Tour
• Self-Guided Street Art Walking Tour
• VA Museum of Fine Arts
• Day 2: Colonial Williamsburg
• Grand Caverns
• High Bridge Trail State Park
• R. R. Moton Museum
• Barter Theatre
• Day 6: Grayson Highlands State Park
• Valentine Museum
• Edgar Allan Poe Museum
• Riverfront Canal Cruise
• Riverfront Canal Walk

Day 1: Richmond

About Richmond

Richmond is the capital city of Virginia and offers many museums, restaurants, festivals, and outdoor activities.  You could easily spend a whole week exploring the greater Richmond area, but this itinerary will give you a taste of what’s available. The listed activities were selected from those available year-round.

As a side note, Richmond, Virginia is locally often abbreviated to RVA. You’ll see this abbreviation used in many festival titles and other local advertising.

Packing Suggestions

• Jeans or trousers (hiking pants are fine)
• Plain top (long sleeves for winter)
• Jacket or cardigan (for air-conditioned buildings or as a mid-layer in winter)
• Comfortable walking shoes (sandals are good for summer)
• Warm coat, gloves, and hat (winter) – Here are some cold weather packing tips to help.

You’ll see students dressed in pajama pants, politicians in suits, and everything in between, so dressing in nicer casual clothes should serve you for all the places in this travel plan. Also note that it is rare to see people in non-Western clothing in Richmond, so be prepared for stares and questions if you dress in non-Western clothes. 

The summers are very humid, so quick-dry, breathable clothing is most comfortable. You may want to pack a rain jacket. The James River runs through Richmond and the city often gets rain, but few people use an umbrella. Most people get wet or wear a rain jacket.

• Get the Virginia trip packing list here.

Your Day in Detail

Be prepared to pay for parking in downtown Richmond. There are websites to help you plan where to park and how much it will cost.

Today, you’ll be taking a trolley tour (be sure to buy tickets in advance) to get a feel for the layout of downtown.

• Alternatively, try out a guided segway tour instead!

After the trolley tour, go on a self-guided walking tour and see some of Richmond’s murals and other street art. Depending on when you’re in Richmond, you might even get to visit the RVA Street Art Festival and watch artists at work.

For lunch, head to the VA Museum of Fine Arts. This museum has a restaurant and a cafe. There is a paid parking garage on site that typically has ample availability.

Plan to spend all afternoon at this museum. Even the free exhibits can take hours to walk through. Besides paintings, there are objects from African countries, jewelry from the United States, and more. The free, permanent exhibits mostly feature art from Europe and the United States, but the paid, temporary exhibits come from around the world.

After leaving the museum, find street parking near a restaurant for supper or head out of downtown for restaurant options that are more likely to have free, onsite parking.

Book a Tour in Richmond

Day 2: colonial williamsburg, charlottesville, and travel day.

• Drive to Williamsburg (About 1 hour without traffic)
• Visit Colonial Williamsburg
• Drive to Charlottesville (About 2 hours without traffic)
• Walk through the Historic Downtown Mall (From here, it’s easy to explore downtown and the square that was the site of the 2017 riot.)

About Colonial Williamsburg and Charlottesville

Colonial Williamsburg is an entire village dedicated to colonial history. You will need to purchase tickets for building tours. There is plenty of free parking at the Visitor Center. From there, you can take a complimentary shuttle to the historic district.

Charlottesville is the home of the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. Downtown Charlottesville is also the site of the 2017 white supremist rally that turned into a deadly riot. This riot made national news and pushed race conversations into the forefront of American consciousness.

Expect to pay for parking in downtown Charlottesville.

• Warm coat, gloves, and hat (winter)
• Small backpack
• Reusable water bottle

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially in historic Williamsburg where some streets have cobblestones and you will be walking a lot. You may want to pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and a raincoat.

You can also pack a picnic lunch. Here are some ideas to help with packing food when traveling .

Today, you’ll drive about an hour from Richmond to Colonial Williamsburg. Depending on the day of the week and what time of day you leave Richmond, your drive may take longer if you get caught in morning traffic. 

Pay attention to your route, as some may have tolls and if you don’t have an EZ-Pass, you may need cash or exact change.

Stop at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and buy tickets. Plan your itinerary, if you haven’t already. Catch the free shuttle to the historic district. 

Most of the outdoor Colonial Williamsburg attractions are wheelchair accessible, but many historic buildings are not. There are accessible restrooms throughout the historic district. Foldable, manual wheelchairs may be rented from the Visitor Center.

Enjoy a morning in colonial Virginia, then eat lunch at one of the many restaurants ranging from fine dining to grab-and-go cafeteria style or sit outside with your packed picnic. Visit one more attraction, then take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center to start the drive to Charlottesville.

Without traffic delays, expect a 2-hour drive from Colonial Williamsburg to Charlottesville. Again, plan your route carefully if you need to avoid tolls. 

After checking in at your hotel, go downtown (expect to pay for parking) and visit Market Street Park. There are websites that can help you plan where to park. 

Market Street Park is important to 21st-century U.S. history. It is the site of the 2017 riot and the site of the statue of Robert E. Lee, removed in 2021, that sparked discussions and protests across the nation and that led to the removal of more statues of Confederate soldiers in Virginia. 

From Market Street Park, it is a short walk to the outdoor Downtown Mall where you can browse shops and eat supper at one of the many restaurants. 

Be aware that there are few benches in downtown Charlottesville and you will need to go to the public library (across the street from Market Street Park), a restaurant, or a convenience store to use the restroom.

Book a Tour in Colonial Williamsburg

Day 3: charlottesville, grand caverns, and travel day.

• Drive to Grottoes, VA (About 1 hour without traffic)
• Grand Caverns (Tickets must be purchased in advance.)
• Drive to Farmville (About 2 hours without traffic)

About Monticello and Grand Caverns

Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home in Charlottesville. You will need to buy tickets if you want to see the house, but parking and walking around some of the grounds is free. 

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation recommends planning at least three hours to explore the grounds and take a house tour.

Grand Caverns, near the town of Grottoes, is a National Natural Landmark and the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States. It is less well-known than Luray Caverns, farther north in Virginia, but it is still a spectacular cave to visit. It is about one hour’s drive north of Charlottesville. 

Reservations are required; you will need to buy tickets in advance. Note that children under age three are not allowed on Grand Cavern tours. Tour lengths range from 70 minutes to four hours. There is no accessibility information on their website.

• Jacket or cardigan (for Grand Caverns)
• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers are best for the caverns)
• Small backpack (for Monticello)
• Reusable water bottle (for Monticello)

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. You may also need sunscreen or a rain jacket at Monticello. You will not be allowed to eat or drink in Grand Caverns.

You’ll start the day by driving to Monticello and exploring the grounds while waiting for your tour to start. 

The house at Monticello is accessible to small wheelchairs. Wheelchairs of the correct size are available upon request. Contact Monticello for accessibility questions. 

Monticello has a grab-and-go café, you may bring a picnic to eat on the grounds, or you can grab lunch in Charlottesville.

An alternative to visiting Monticello is walking through the University of VA campus. This is free and will take less time than a visit to Monticello, but nearby parking may be difficult to find, there are no public restrooms, and you may need to search for a pathway that is accessible to mobility devices.

After lunch, drive an hour north to Grottoes, where you will have already reserved a tour time of Grand Caverns. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a jacket for the cavern tour. 

After admiring the caverns, head south on the two-hour drive to Farmville, where you can eat supper and window-shop the furniture stores lining Main Street.

Book a Tour in Charlottesville

Day 4: farmville.

• R. R. Moton Museum (By appointment only)

About Farmville

Farmville is in a rural farming community and the home of Longwood University. The town played an important role in the mid-20th-century civil rights movement, as well as being a home of Dorothy Vaughan of Hidden Figures fame. 

Besides locations important to the civil rights movement, the town has live theater, a free art museum (Longwood Center for the Visual Arts), and live music at various restaurants.

There is some street parking and plenty of free parking near downtown, but you may need to walk a few blocks to get from public parking to Main Street. Be alert to parking spots that require a parking permit. 

The town has few benches and some streets are on hills. The shops and restaurants vary in their ability to accommodate wheelchairs. There are public restrooms in the downtown square off of Main Street, but they are sometimes locked. You may need to go to a restaurant or Wal-Mart to find restrooms.

• Hiking pants or trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers are best for High Bridge Trail)
• Small backpack (for walking High Bridge Trail)
• Reusable water bottle (for walking High Bridge Trail)
• Hiking snacks

Farmville has a more relaxed, outdoor clothing style than the cities, so dress to be comfortable. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for the weather when walking High Bridge Trail.

Start your day with a walk on part of High Bridge Trail, a 31-mile-long converted rail bed. 

Instead of walking, you can rent a bicycle from a shop downtown and access the trail right across the street. It is a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) ride to the bridge from downtown. 

If you are walking the trail, drive to the Camp Paradise Road access point and bring cash for the parking fee. From this parking lot, it is an easy walk to the famous bridge – one of the longest recreational bridges in the United States and sitting 125 feet (38 meters) above the Appomattox River. 

Be aware that the Camp Paradise access point only has vault toilets. There are few rest benches along the trail, but it is accessible to wheelchairs that can manage packed sand. 

Picnic on High Bridge or return to Farmville for lunch, then arrive at the R. R. Moton museum by your appointment time. This museum is adjacent to the site of a student walkout to protest poor learning conditions at the all-Black school in the 1950s. This walkout led to Farmville being one of the key destinations in the legal battle for school integration. When you make your reservation, ask about accessibility in the museum.

Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax or check out a free music event at Longwood University or a local restaurant. If live theater is more your style, the Waterworks Players may have a play on.

Day 5: Travel Day and Abingdon

• Drive to Abingdon (About 3.75 hours without traffic)
• Catch a show at the Barter Theatre

About Abingdon

Abingdon is a small arts town in southwest Virginia and is a jumping off point for many outdoor recreational adventures , including the multi-use Virginia Creeper Trail. The town claims to have more restaurants per capita than New York City and offers multiple music venues, being a prime stop along the 300-mile Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail.

Hiking and outdoor apparel will be right at home in Abingdon. Bring a jacket as evenings, even in high summer, can get chilly. Because Abingdon is located at the start of the Virginia Creeper Trail, don’t be surprised to see people of all ages and body types wearing spandex cycling clothes. This mountain town is a down-to-earth, practical place where you should feel comfortable wearing what’s practical and feels good.

After breakfast in Farmville, you’ll drive southwest past Roanoke to Abingdon. Without traffic, this drive takes just under four hours. 

When you arrive in Abingdon, stop by the Visitor Center for a restaurant recommendation, have lunch at one of the town’s many restaurants, then stretch your legs with a stroll down historic Main Street.

Check in at your hotel and have a rest before heading out for supper and a night at the Barter Theatre. You’ll have gotten tickets in advance, so you can park in the theater’s lot and enjoy an evening of regional music. The Barter Theatre has handicapped parking and tickets specifically for seats that accommodate wheelchairs, as well as other assistive options.

Day 6: Travel Day and Grayson Highlands State Park

• Drive to Grayson Highlands State Park (About 1 hour without traffic)
• Hike up the mountain and see the wild ponies.
• Drive to Richmond (About 5 hours without traffic)

About Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands State Park is near two of Virginia’s highest peaks and offers scenic mountain views of peaks more than 5,000 feet high (1,524 meters). The park is considered the best bouldering site in Virginia and offers access to the Appalachian Trail.

Ponies were introduced in 1974. These small, stocky ponies are wild and should not be approached, petted, or fed, but they are ruggedly beautiful.

This stop is the most rugged and physically demanding of the itinerary.

• Jacket (consider a water-resistant one)
• Sneakers for hiking
• Hiking snacks – Use this guide on packing snacks in your carry-on for ideas.

Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable for hiking up a steep mountain. Because of the elevation, you may want sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. The weather can change quickly on mountain slopes, so check the forecast and be prepared for harsh sun, cold winds, and heavy rain all in the same day.

After breakfast in Abingdon, you’ll drive about an hour to Grayson Highlands State Park. Remember to bring cash for the parking fee. Pick up a map at the payment station, plan your route, and enjoy a steep, beautiful walk up the mountain. Bring hiking snacks and picnic beside the trail while enjoying the mountain views. If you’re lucky, you might see the park’s famous ponies, but don’t feed or pet them!

If you’d prefer not to visit a rugged mountain park that is inaccessible to mobility devices, then an alternate destination is to drive from Abingdon to Roanoke and explore the shops and restaurants downtown. The Roanoke Star is a local landmark that gives a birds-eye view of the city. This park has wide, paved trails that appear to be fully wheelchair accessible.

After a tiring hike, get in the car and settle in for the five-hour drive back to Richmond. You’ll pass by Roanoke and Lynchburg, two of Virginia’s larger cities. These are good places to get gas, use the restroom, and grab a snack. Sheetz is a large convenience store chain in Virginia that typically has clean restrooms, plenty of gas pumps, made-to-order food, and is reasonably safe for women traveling alone.

Day 7: Richmond

• The Valentine Museum
• Riverfront Canal Cruise with History Narration (Seasonal, Tickets must be purchased in advance.)

Virginia’s capital city has so much to do that the itinerary ends with another day exploring this city. 

For the museums in the morning, jeans/trousers, a nice t-shirt, and sneakers will be fine. For the afternoon, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Today is all about history! Start with the Valentine Museum, which is dedicated to preserving Richmond’s history. Museum tickets include parking validation (free parking) at select parking locations. 

The museum and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Call ahead for assistance with finding accessible parking. The museum has standard wheelchairs for visitors’ use.

When you’re finished learning about local history, head to The Poe Museum to learn about this famous poet who claimed Richmond as his hometown. There is free off-street parking onsite. 

The Poe Museum’s website says that it is largely wheelchair accessible. When I visited, the museum did not appear to be wheelchair accessible as there are small steps to get into the buildings and space around the exhibits is limited. Their website recommends calling ahead to inquire about accessibility.

The museum’s website says that there are cats in the museum, but I did not see them on my rainy day visit in January 2023. If allergies are a concern, consider calling ahead to find out if the cats will be present.

After learning about Edgar Allan Poe, relax with lunch downtown, then head to your reservation for the Riverfront Canal Cruise. This 40-minute, wheelchair-accessible water tour of Richmond will give you a fresh perspective on the city. 

Afterwards, get some exercise with the 1.25-mile (2 km) Riverfront Canal Walk that goes along the James River. Access points are along almost every block and you will see public art, statues, exhibits, and locals along the way. This is more of a city park and much of the walk is wheelchair accessible, although benches may be few and there are no restrooms.

Try a new restaurant for supper, then head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening before you head home the next morning.

Other considerations when planning a road trip through Virginia

• Virginia does not have a good public transportation system . You will need your own vehicle.
• You will need to pay for parking in many cities, but smaller towns are more likely to have free public parking.
• The best places to find restrooms are in a sit-down restaurant (as a customer), a large gas station like Sheetz or WaWa, or a large retail or grocery store.
• Virginia is beautiful to visit in all seasons, but September and October are especially pretty and a more comfortable temperature than the summer months.

Is Virginia Accessible?

• Virginia is not universally accessible.
• Attractions may be ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act), but still not be accessible to people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. I suggest that you call each location and confirm that they can accommodate your needs. 
• You are more likely to find mobility accommodations than assistance with hearing and vision limitations.
• Towns and cities are unlikely to have benches along sidewalks or to have public restrooms.

Now you have an idea of the variety of activities Virginia has to offer! I hope this itinerary gives you a starting point for your road trip in Virginia. To learn more about Virginia tourism, visit Virginia.org .

For a carry-on only packing list, check out our Virginia Packing List post .

Written by Jill

Jill Hames is a freelance writer, musician, and ESL teacher who, at the age of four, said she wanted to learn every language in the world. She hasn’t managed that yet, but is proud to have taught herself enough Swahili to understand context from native speakers. She's too busy having fun with music and language to be found online.

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My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Do you include history in your travels? If so, this Colonial Williamsburg itinerary is a must-do for history lovers visiting Virginia . This itinerary helps you plan before you go, identifies the best historical buildings in Williamsburg to see, along with tips for the best places to dine and stay plus other things to do while you are in the area.

Colonial Williamsburg is a meticulously researched look at life in early America. Debi Lander ( ByLanderSea ), who has visited many times over the years, has written a Colonial Williamsburg travel guide that’s perfect for boomer travelers. Enjoy!

Colonial Williamsburg, America’s oldest and largest living history experience, remains near and dear to my heart. At times, I have felt like I lived and walked along Duke of Gloucester Street when Williamsburg was Virginia’s 18th-century capital.

A mile-long stretch runs from the 1693 Wren Building of the College of William and Mary to the reconstructed Capitol. “The Revolutionary City” covers 301-acres with 88 original buildings, 500 reconstructed houses, shops, public buildings, gardens, working craftsmen, and costumed interpreters.

While visiting Williamsburg, folks stroll along car-free cobblestone paths or take carriage rides, stopping to see artisans at work and merchants behind shop counters. They hear stories about the patriots from actor-interpreters called Nation Builders.

These individuals portray actual historical figures, male and female, black and white, free and enslaved—who made significant contributions in Williamsburg. In some cases, Nation Builders have made it their life’s work to study and deeply understand the character they portray.

Ask them a question, and they will respond in their persona, occasionally with exact quotes.

The opportunity to understand our nation’s past, the struggles to break away from British rule and gain freedom makes a powerful reason to visit. Equally compelling stories come from the enslaved for whom a nearer power than Great Britain held them in a greater form of bondage.

While history usually whispers, it speaks loud and clear in Colonial Williamsburg ( official website ).

However, the destination offers much more than history; it’s the kind of getaway most Boomers prefer. You’ll find a city with fine dining, world-class museums, resort-like lodging, heritage gardens, championship golf, spa, antiques, and for those who wish – lots of walking.

Williamsburg, Virginia is also ideal for taking the grandkids or the extended family. It’s a surefire winner when you add nearby Jamestown, Yorktown, and modern attractions like Busch Gardens ( purchase tickets here ).

Table of Contents

Before you go: Planning your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary

Before your trip, go online at colonialwilliamsburg.org and visitwilliamsburg.com . These sites will help you make plans.

• Be sure to check out any special events happening during your visit—they abound most seasons.
• Save time by purchasing your tickets and making dining reservations online. Also, Viator offers a wide assortment of tours and experiences. Purchase them here .
• Plan for a minimum of two days for a Williamsburg visit.

While roads circle the historic district, the streets inside the tourist area are closed to traffic. Begin at the Visitor Information Center, where parking is plentiful and free. You can use the hop-on/hop-off shuttle buses to traverse the perimeter of the historic city, offering multiple stops.

Teens and adults should not miss the introductory movie, Story of a Patriot . Yes, it was filmed in 1957 but restored recently.

Where else can you catch a view of Jack Lord before his Hawaii Five-O days? You can also watch it on YouTube .

Guide to Colonial Williamsburg: the must-see historical buildings

While there is no right or wrong way to visit Williamsburg, the Capitol building offers an ideal starting point for your Colonial Williamsburg walking tour. What happened within its walls shall we say, brewed discussions leading to discontent, the Revolutionary War, and the eventual formation of the independent United States .

Capitol building

The original Capitol , completed in 1705, functioned as a two-story H-shaped structure, connecting two buildings by an arcade. Each wing served one of the two houses of the Virginia legislature, the Council and the House of Burgesses.

The building burned in January 1747, and a second built on the same site suffered the same fate. 

Today’s replica Capitol, on the same foundations and per the same plans, became one of the first sites to open in February 1934. Guided tours start in the General Courtroom, the highest judicial court in the colony.

The bay features stunning woodwork and round windows. In the House of Burgesses, you can see the original 1735 Speaker’s chair. Council and Conference Rooms occupy the second floor.

Governor’s Palace

Before gaining independence, British royal rule in Virginia came locally– a royal governor. A grand brick structure, irreverently nicknamed “the Palace” by colonial subjects, was built in 1714.

The overall design sought to impress visitors with a display of authority and wealth, and it does indeed. The Palace became the home to seven royal governors until the last one fled.

Following the Revolutionary War, the structure acted as the executive mansion for the first two elected governors in Virginia— Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. In 1780, the capital of Virginia moved to Richmond .

The main building succumbed to fire in 1781 while in use as a hospital for the American wounded at the Siege of Yorktown.

A tour of the Palace, reconstructed in the early 1930s, takes you through the front door into an entrance hall. You’ll find it lined with an ornate display of swords and muskets. (Many European castles and mansions feature similar presentations.)

The first floor also includes a parlor, dining room, and an office. A grand supper room and ballroom were added to the rear. Their bright blue and vibrant green paint surprise many visitors. According to Kim Ivey, a CW curator, “Every single item  installed was done so for a well-documented reason.”

The tour exits into the lavish formal gardens that invite leisurely strolls. The plots incorporate clipped hedges, rectangular parterres, and garden species used in the early eighteenth century.

Stunningly beautiful tulips fill the gardens in the springtime. Other highlights include a tree-shrouded tunnel walkway and boxwood maze that kids (and I) adore.

Some 90-acres and 25 smaller gardens remain open to the public around town.

Bruton Parish Church and Graveyard

The steepled Bruton Parish Church was designed by Royal Governor Spotswood and completed in 1715. In 1907, this original building became the first structure to undergo restoration.

Rev. Goodwin used this example to convince John D Rockefeller, Jr. to commit funds to bring back the historical city. The big dreams of these two men helped spark the restoration movement around the world.

The Bruton Parish Church and graveyard both invite explorations. Two of Martha Washington’s children rest there.

If possible, attend one of the evening candlelight harpsichord and organ concerts in the sanctuary. It’s hard to describe the lost-in-time feeling that period instruments, candlelight, old pews (maybe a seat George once occupied) create.

Raleigh Tavern

The Raleigh is open for tours , not like several others serving today’s guests with period dining, drinking, and music. Learn how the building functioned as an important social meeting place and a tavern for drinking, debate, and lodging.

One room contains a billiard table dating to 1738. Outback lies a large kitchen.

In the summer of 1956, I was a young girl visiting Colonial Williamsburg with my family for the first time. We finished a tour in the Raleigh Tavern when the clouds burst open. We scurried into the rear kitchen building, cramming in with many others.

A delightful aroma of gingerbread baking in the beehive oven surrounded us. The scent became irresistibly enticing, and everyone bought cookies handed over in brown paper sacks.

My cookie was so yummy the memory and smell still linger in my brain. Make sure to buy one!

Duke of Gloucester Street

You will walk back and forth along the lengthy street packed with homes, taverns, craftsmen, and merchant shops. Look for colorful signs hanging outside that denote the type of craft.

Stop into the 1770 Courthouse and the Powder Magazine, where the town’s artillery was stored. Peruse the outdoor Market Square, perhaps buying a tri-corner hat or sunbonnet.

You may be lucky enough to see a musket or cannon firing or the fife and drum corps. Be sure to make a reservation and take a carriage ride.

Turn off the main route onto the Palace Green lined with catalpa trees. It remains one of my favorite places to sit, rest, and contemplate the people who lived here in the past. 

If time permits and your legs aren’t too weary, join a guided tour inside the nearby Peyton Randolph House or the brick home of lawyer George Wythe.

A nighttime stroll becomes one of the loveliest ways to absorb the atmosphere along Duke of Gloucester. Lanterns light the way while candlelight glow seeps from house and tavern windows.

If you’re an early riser, meander Duke of Gloucester before it comes alive for the day. The setting evokes a marvelous sleepy feel, especially when foggy. Or consider joining the college students and fitness enthusiasts jogging the mile-long stretch.

The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary

Most first-time visitors don’t get around to touring the Wren Building on the campus of William & Mary. It ranks as the oldest college building in the United States, built between 1695 and 1699, even before Williamsburg’s founding. The college itself was chartered in February 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II.

At least take a sightseeing drive around the beautiful 1,200-acre campus. The grounds incorporate ponds, bridges, and sunken formal gardens, especially enchanting in spring.

The college’s modern Muscarelle Museum of Art, with 4,000 works, might also be of interest. 

Craft Houses/Demonstrations

The craftsmen working their trades fascinate all visitors, young and old. They use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in — and eventually master —woodworking, gunsmithing, or basket weaving, to name a few.

These world-renowned experts make goods for sale or for use by other institutions around the world. They welcome questions.

Children are drawn to the blacksmith, shoemaker, milliner (hat maker), and brickyard. When possible, kids can even create a brick. Did you know the bricks and nails used for Williamsburg reconstructions were handmade there, just like the originals?

Most tourists don’t understand the research behind the authenticity of this destination, rarely found elsewhere. Colonial Williamsburg presents the accurate location and design of homes and buildings where our forefathers lived and worked.

Leave the Wiliamsburg museums for a second day, but explore the newly expanded joint venture: the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. See colorful and whimsical collections of toys, portraits, weathervanes, and much more in the Folk Art Museum.

Take time to appreciate the beautifully crafted furniture, musical instruments, home goods, textiles, and artworks in the DeWitt Wallace. Don’t miss the famous Charles Wilson Peale portrait of George Washington. The site includes a fantastic gift shop and convenient café.

Dining in Colonial Wiliamsburg

Although the food served in the taverns traces back to similar fare cooked by colonists, the preparation takes place in modern kitchens. The servers, however, are dressed in period clothing.

The dishes, flatware, and goblets are authentic reproductions of 18th-century items. Minstrels frequently provide musical entertainment. Look forward to tasting Peanut Soup, Sally Lunn bread, Brunswick Stew, or a syllabub.

• Christina Campbell’s Tavern : 101 South Waller St (behind the Capitol)
• Josiah Chowning’s Tavern : 109 East Duke of Gloucester St (temporarily closed)
• King’s Arms Tavern : 416 East Duke of Gloucester St
• Shields Tavern : 422 East Duke of Gloucester St

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

To get the true feel for this historic city, I suggest you overnight in one of the Colonial Homes . I’ve done this three times, and each experience felt different and fun.

You choose between stand-alone colonial houses or a private room within a larger colonial home, known as a Tavern Room. Meticulously reproduced spaces resemble the period but with modern amenities. Rentals usually come with an admission pass. 

My favorite lodging experience was spent in the Robert Carter Kitchen, tucked behind the house next to the Palace. I stayed there with my two daughters, and our little room was enchanting.

We could overlook grazing sheep, and the Palace illuminated at night. I reserved the last carriage ride of the day, and the driver dropped us off in front of “our” house! Talk about a memory.

Those looking for five-star and AAA Five-Diamond luxury should choose the iconic Williamsburg Inn ( book here ). Many presidents and even the Queen of England have slept there.

No worries, if you can’t afford the rates, drop in and tour the property. Consider indulging with an extraordinary breakfast in the elegant Rockefeller Room or lunch in the Terrace Room overlooking the golf course.

The Williamsburg Lodge (now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection) offers a relaxing retreat, just steps away from all the action. Book here .

Williamsburg Woodlands ( make a reservation ) becomes an excellent choice for a family. It conveniently rests next to the Visitor Center.

Nature surrounds the newest lodge, the Griffin Hotel ( book your room here ), but it sits out of the historic district.

Other options not managed by Colonial Williamsburg include the sprawling Kingsmill Resort ( reserve here ) or the family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge ( make a booking ).

More things to do in the Williamsburg area

Treat both your mind and body to a rejuvenating experience at The Spa ( official website ). Arrive early for your treatments and linger afterward to enjoy steam rooms, showers, and whirlpools, as well as the relaxation lounges.

Take your pick of 45-walkable holes over three courses at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club ( official website ) designed by Robert Trent Jones and his son Rees Jones.

I never miss browsing the goods in Prentis, Greenhow, and Tarpley’s,  my favorite shops within the historic district. The Prentis Store showcases wares constructed using 18th-century techniques. Choose between handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, pottery, writing instruments, papers, ink, and seals.

The J. Greenhow General Store sells gifts, books, candy, historical items, toys, and trinkets. Their selection includes items imported from England for the colonists, like the delicate creamware dishes.

Tarpley’s, Thompson & Company, another fine shop, offers clothing, hats, and many of the above items.

Merchant’s Square

You will undoubtedly run into the area between the college and the historic car-free zone known as Merchants Square ( official website ). Hard to resist this retail village with over 40 modern-day shops and some fabulous restaurants, like the Blue Talon Bistro .

Be sure to check out the college bookstore or other stores selling souvenirs.

Christmas and the Grand Illumination

In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or a new colonial governor.

Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination began in 1935 with holiday candles in windows and fireworks. In the years that followed, the Grand Illumination became such a popular event that it expanded to three weekends.

Friday evenings introduced a new event, the Yule Log procession. It includes music from the Fifes and Drums, musket fire from Continental Army reenactors, and a visit from Father Christmas.

During a torch-lit march, the Yule Log progresses by wagon from the Capitol to Market Square. It then burns in a bonfire where guests gather to throw greenery sprigs into the fire and make a wish.

A grand display of fireworks is set off simultaneously rising above the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol on Saturday evenings.

Wreaths made from natural greenery with intricate designs of fruits, nuts, and pinecones decorate doorways and balconies. The homeowners and merchants go all out, hoping to win the annual local contest.

Having grown up in Northern Virginia, I am always excited to return to Williamsburg, one of my favorite places in the world. I look forward to dining in a colonial restaurant, shopping for handcrafted items, sitting in colorful gardens, and just soaking in the 18th-century ambiance.

Yes, Virginia is for lovers, and I do love Williamsburg. 

How to get to Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg lies 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach on Interstate 64. Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown make up the three corners of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. A 23-mile Colonial Parkway connects the sites.

Three airports serve Williamsburg within a 50-minute drive. Start your search for flights here .

• Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) – a 20-minute drive.
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – a 50-minute drive.
• Richmond International Airport (RIC) – a 50-minute drive.

City of Williamsburg Transportation Center, located in downtown Williamsburg, offers Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, rental car, and taxi services. 

Visit more Virginia history

Make a Virginia history road trip by including these destinations:

• Visit historical Fredericksburg (83 miles from Williamsburg)
• Tour Abingdon and the Crooked Road on a Southwest Virginia road trip (360 miles from Williamsburg)

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

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6 Days. 9 Iconic Sites.

Immerse yourself in our nation’s history as you travel across Virginia.

On this Virginia road trip, experience the sites that witnessed our nation’s founding. See what life was like for early settlers and visit the estates that our founding fathers called home.

Historic Destinations

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg brings to life the years leading up to the American Revolution.

Jamestown Settlement

Explore the world of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, at this living history museum.

Jamestown Rediscovery at Historic Jamestowne

Walk in the footsteps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas at the original site of Jamestown.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Step into a re-created Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm.

James Monroe’s Highland

Highland, the home of James Monroe, is adjacent to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Visit Monticello, the mountaintop plantation of our third president, Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville.

James Madison’s Montpelier

Located in the foothills of Central Virginia, Montpelier is the home of President James Madison and his wife Dolley, America's first "First Lady."

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

The estate of our first president, George Washington, is open daily and is just outside of Washington, D.C. 

George Mason’s Gunston Hall

Sometimes referred to as the Forgotten Founder, George Mason was an architect of the American Revolution and a leading proponent of both limiting government tyranny and protecting citizens’ rights.

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This Historic City Is One of the Best Places to Live in Virginia — With Incredible Museums, Delicious Restaurants, and Diverse Neighborhoods

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Richmond, Virginia.

Best Hotels

Best things to do, best restaurants, best shopping, best time to visit.

• How to Get There

Neighborhoods to Visit

How to get around.

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“There is not one story of Virginia, but many,” reads the entrance to one of the long-standing exhibitions at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond. It’s a message that resonates across the state, but it’s especially poignant here in the capital, where the history is complex, the residents are passionate, and there’s an unmistakable dedication to conservation, education, art, and entrepreneurship. 

Preservation remains central to Richmond’s character, particularly when it comes to museums and architecture, but this is also a destination that continues to push for change and support new ideas. “It’s not the same Richmond,” says Kelli S. Lemon, a social entrepreneur, community activist, and owner of Urban Hang Suite . She encourages visitors to “come with an open mind of seeing something new” and understand that Richmond is “not what we were known for [in the past], but what we are now.” It’s this multi-faceted, dynamic nature, forever rooted in a sense of place, that makes the city so enticing — and even more transformative. “Be careful,” warns Bill Martin, director of The Valentine , “Richmond… might change you.” 

As Martin tells Travel + Leisure , Richmond is “filled with the powerful stories of people who created our nation and with a variety of experiences where you will find your own story.” Whether your journey includes a walk along the James River, an afternoon browsing the exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), or several hours laughing with a friend over dinner in Church Hill, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation of this storied Southern city. Or you may not want to leave at all — Richmond is one of the best places to live in Virginia , according to real estate experts.

Interested in planning a trip, but not quite sure where to begin? Read on to discover T+L’s guide to Richmond, Virginia.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a room at The Jefferson, the grandest hotel in Richmond. 
• Walk the Pony Pasture Rapids Trail along the James River — or float down the waterway on a tube. 
• Discover the individual personalities of Richmond’s neighborhoods, including Church Hill, Jackson Ward, The Fan, and Scott’s Addition. 
• Enjoy afternoon tea at Floris, the VMFA’s elegant tearoom that opened at the end of 2023. 
• Plan your visit for the fall, when most of the Virginia humidity has departed.

Courtesy of The Graduate Richmond

The Jefferson

“There’s nothing like staying at The Jefferson ,” says Lemon. The 181-room historic property is the most regal hotel in Richmond, with a history that dates back to 1895. Upon entering the Palm Court lobby, your eyes are immediately drawn upward to the colorful stained glass ceiling; the impressive architecture continues throughout the common areas, most notably into the Rotunda. One of the dining areas for the popular Champagne Sunday Brunch (which requires reservations made well in advance), the Rotunda is outfitted with Corinthian columns, a resplendent staircase, and decor that harkens back to the Gilded Age.

There are touches of this design style in the traditionally decorated guest rooms and suites, but they don’t feel overly heavy or outdated, thanks to a full-scale renovation that took place from 2013 to 2017. To complete the experience, guests will want to dine at the hotel’s restaurant (and local favorite) Lemaire . “Be sure to order the peanut soup or the pimento cheese for a taste of Richmond,” says Jeanita Harris, The Jefferson’s director of guest services.   

Quirk Hotel 

Recommended by both Lemon and Martin, Quirk Hotel is the younger, more modern accommodation option in town. Opened in 2015, the property aims to be a destination “where art and history intersect.” That means you’ll find original artwork throughout the property (which was built as the J.B. Mosby & Co. Dry Goods Store in 1916) —  from the bright guest rooms to the on-site gallery. Before a big day of exploring Richmond, fuel up at The Coffee Bar, then return to The Lobby Bar or Q Rooftop Bar for pre-dinner cocktails. 

Graduate Richmond

Richmond may be a big city, but it’s also a college town. The University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Randolph Macon College are all located within the greater Richmond area, so it makes sense that the Graduate Hotels brand would have an outpost in the city. Along with its cozy rooms and a fitness center, Graduate Richmond has an outdoor pool, a rooftop cocktail bar, and an all-day café and bar. 

Check out some of the city’s top-tier museums.

Visiting Richmond’s museums is at the top of Martin’s must-do list. “Of course, start with The Valentine for your introduction to the region’s history,” he says, “Then the options are limitless: the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , Virginia Museum of History & Culture , Maymont , Science Museum of Virginia , Children’s Museum of Richmond , The American Civil War Museum , and Agecroft Hall & Gardens .”

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Spend a day along the glorious James River.

“The James River runs right through downtown,” says Harris, who adds that visitors can choose from the “excitement of class four rapids, a leisurely float down the river in a tube, or a hike along the miles of nature trails.” For rafting, tubing, and kayaking trips, check out Riverside Outfitters . Martin also suggests a more relaxing activity of simply “packing a lunch and finding a rock;” you’ll find a number of large picnic-perfect rocks around Belle Isle .

Take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol.

Free one-hour tours are offered throughout the week at the Virginia State Capitol, located in the aptly named Capitol District. “The tours are about 45 minutes long, and the knowledgeable docents provide a wonderful introduction to Richmond and Virginia history,” says Harris. Plus, she notes, it’s home to a life-size statue of George Washington, which is said to be one of the most accurate depictions of the historic figure. 

Discover local artists and musicians. 

Richmond’s creativity isn’t just relegated to one neighborhood or one category. Rather, it takes on a variety of shapes throughout the city. To admire and shop for locally made artwork, check out Art Works , Iridian Gallery (which focuses on works by LGBTQ+ artists), Arts in the Park (a free outdoor event that takes place in May), Eric Schindler Gallery , or the Crossroads Arts Center . Richmond’s music scene is equally diverse and impressive. To see which performances align with your travels, follow local venues — like The Camel , The Canal Club , or The Broadberry — and local bands and performers — including Cleophus James , Butcher Brown , and The Shack Band .

Courtesy of The Roosevelt

The Roosevelt

While Martin says pinpointing just one or two top Richmond restaurants is “impossible,” he does mention The Roosevelt (along with Grisette) is one of his neighborhood favorites. Here, Chef Leah Branch brings her own touch to Southern cuisine, with a menu consisting of delicacies like cornbread with whipped maple butter, fried catfish, and tobacco-smoked pork butt. 

There are regular cheese and charcuterie boards, and then there are the expertly curated cheese and charcuterie boards at Grisette . The thoughtful, cozy space is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, and reservations are recommended. Fair warning, though: You’ll want to avoid filling up on meats and cheeses. It’s crucial to save a bit of room for the fan-favorite profiteroles.  

“Located in the charming Church Hill neighborhood, this is a favorite recommendation for guests interested in seafood. The cocktails are tasty as well,” says Harris. Alewife ’s signature sampler platter, the Siren’s Song, is a classic, although the menu does change weekly. 

Floris at VMFA

After making your rounds through the VMFA’s exhibits — don’t miss the extensive Fabergé collection — it’ll be time for afternoon tea at Floris . The museum’s tearoom features a rotating menu that takes inspiration from the neighboring collections, and the atmosphere and structure are akin to a British afternoon tea. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and the $45 tea service comes with pastries, sweet treats, and savory bites. 

You’ll want to come hungry to Mama J’s , a family-owned restaurant in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Think fried chicken, crab cakes, pork chops, brisket sandwiches, and a whole host of delicious sides — macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and seafood salad included. 

“ Carytown is a favorite area for local shopping,” says Harris. The mile-long stretch of Cary St. is filled with various one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops — and you could spend hours popping in and out of the storefronts. “Guests always come back with lots of shopping bags from World of Mirth , Ten Thousand Villages , For The Love of Chocolate , Traveling Chic Boutique , and GlassBoat ,” she explains. 

Shops at Libbie and Grove

In Richmond’s West End neighborhood, you’ll find a collection of boutiques and gourmet eateries all located along Libbie, Grove, and Patterson Avenues. To update your wardrobe, there’s Nellie George , Peter-Blair , the Shops at 5807 , and Jean Theory . To refresh your home, browse the selections at Fraîche , Gild and Ash , and Beckon Home .

Joe_Potato/Getty Images

According to Harris, the best time of year to visit Richmond is the fall: “The weather is perfect for going to the river, [or] exploring the city by bicycle, Segway, or on foot.” Plus, she says, “The cooler temperatures also make for pleasant evenings out to enjoy Richmond’s vibrant nightlife.” Spring is also a beautiful time to visit; the daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, magnolias, and azaleas are blooming at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden — and you’ll be able to avoid summer’s muggy weather and larger crowds.

How to Get There 

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the larger airports in the state of Virginia, and it’s served by nine major air carriers — including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United. The airport is only about 10 miles from downtown Richmond, so travelers should factor in about a 15- to 20-minute drive between the two. Uber and Lyft rides are readily available for pickup. Alternatively, Richmond is home to two Amtrak stations; the Main Street Station is located downtown while the Staples Mill Road Station is eight miles northwest of downtown (you’ll need to take a cab to get into the city). 

“Richmond is a city of neighborhoods,” says Martin, and Lemon adds that it’s important for travelers to “go into the local neighborhoods, talk to the people [who] have lived there for a long time, see the architecture, [and] see the local businesses that have been there for years.” 

Church Hill

“Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous ‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death’ speech, and the architecture and attractions take you back in time,” says Harris. If you’re hungry while in the area, snag a freshly baked treat at Sub Rosa Bakery . 

Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward, a historically Black neighborhood in Richmond, is filled with important cultural and historical markers — including the home of Maggie L. Walker (the country’s first Black female bank president), the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia , and a statue of American tap dancer Bill Robinson. Cuisine in the area is also first-rate, so definitely add Adarra , Mama J’s, and Penny’s Wine Shop to your trip itinerary. 

Scott’s Addition

If you’re interested in a brewery crawl, there’s only one place to go: Scott’s Addition . The area is packed with taprooms, cideries, and distilleries — most of which are located in repurposed warehouses. Consider starting your tour at Bingo Beer Co. , Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop , or Three Notch'd Brewing .

The Fan District

“The Fan, given its name by the streets that ‘fan out,’ is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and museums,” says Harris. It’s in this part of the city where you’ll find the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, as well as Monument Avenue, the picturesque boulevard featuring stunning homes and the Arthur Ashe Monument (Ashe was a native of Richmond.)

Manchester 

“Another area to explore is Manchester along Hull Street. This neighborhood has its own unique history and is one of the fastest-growing parts of the city with local food favorites like Croaker’s Spot ,” says Martin. 

Brookland Park Boulevard

“I would also recommend exploring the Brookland Park Boulevard (Barton Heights and Highland Park) area,” says Martin. “In these early streetcar neighborhoods, you will find great architecture, history, and small local businesses and restaurants — don’t miss Ruby Scoop’s Ice Cream !”

There are a few ways to explore Richmond. Having a car is helpful, particularly if you plan to cover a lot of ground in one day (just be prepared to test your parallel parking skills). Biking is also a great way to get around the city; Riverside Cycling and The Kickstand both offer half-day and full-day rentals. 

There’s also the local bus system, operated by the Greater Richmond Transit Company, and the GRTC Pulse route is an excellent option for visitors. The “high-capacity bus rapid transit system,” as it’s called, serves a nearly eight-mile route along Main Street and Broad Street. It stops at 14 key destinations, like Scott’s Addition, the Science Museum, and VCU. Find the full route and schedule here . It is currently free to ride.

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Planning your trip to Williamsburg has never been easier because we’ve got everything you need to make every minute unforgettable. From the convenience of getting here to the simplicity of getting around, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are all easily accessible. Our fully accessible hotels, historic sites, restaurants, museums, and more invite everyone to enjoy the best the area has to offer. No matter the season or the reason, get ready to start planning your best-ever getaway today.

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VIRGINIA BEACH

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Plan Your Trip To Virginia Beach

Planning to visit Virginia Beach? Virginia Beach is a fantastic travel destination, whether it is a family vacation, romantic escape, trip with friends, or solo excursion. Obviously, the warmer months of the year are a great time to visit as you can chill on the beach and enjoy the ocean, but there is plenty to see and do during the colder months, too. Like any trip, planning is key to maximizing your time here. This post will show you how you can plan a trip to Virginia Beach so that you can plan the perfect trip and start looking forward to discovering everything that Virginia Beach has to offer.

Work Out Your Budget

First, you need to determine how much you can afford. As with any holiday, overspending can be easy, so you need to establish a budget. This will then help when it comes to booking accommodation, deciding on the length of your trip, and daily activities.

Choose Travel Dates

Next, you should choose travel dates. As you might imagine, it can get very busy here during the summer months! This can make it a fun and lively place, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Therefore, if you are looking for a quieter experience, you might want to consider spring or fall. You should also find it to be cheaper to travel during these periods.

Book Flights

You can book flights once you know when you want to travel to Virginia Beach. The closest airport is Norfolk (ORF) airport, which is 13 miles away, so you must also plan onward travel. If you come from overseas, you will want to find fun activities on the flight. Online roulette at places like spincasino.com is a great option, as these games are easy to play but enthralling. Casinos like this have many different roulette games to choose from, including live roulette. On top of this, you know you are playing safely with SSL certification and encryption.

Book Accommodation

The accommodation options in Virginia Beach are plentiful, but you will want to book in advance to avoid disappointment. You will want to consider your needs, but there are luxury beachfront resorts, Airbnbs, budget hotels, cabins, and hostels to choose from.

Create An Itinerary

You will want to have a loose itinerary for your trip so that you can make the most out of each day. There are all kinds of highlights to see here, so you want to research your options and create a plan. A few of the most notable highlights include:

• Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Centre
• History Museums
• Military Aviation Museum
• Old Coast Guard Station
• Cape Henry Lighthouse
• Virginia Beach Performing Arts Centre
• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Virginia Beach Farmers Market

Virginia Beach also has a thriving dining scene, with many charming restaurants and bars to check out (seafood is a must while here!).

This post should help you to plan the perfect trip to Virginia Beach. It is important to have a plan in place so that you can maximize your time here and see why Virginia Beach is such a lively travel destination.

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How to Plan a Virginia Road Trip with Kids (7-14 Day Itinerary)

L iving in Rhode Island, we have taken many east coast road trips over the years as we slowly tick off all of the States. Coming from such a small state, it is hard to imagine that you would need at least a week to properly explore Virginia, but Old Dominion is larger than you think. With important historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Monticello and natural wonders like Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Virginia Beach, you will want to take your time and plan a Virginia road trip that encompasses a bit of everything.

The easiest way to see the highlights on a Virginia road trip is to take a circular route through the state, starting in Norfolk, Virginia and ending in Washington D.C. (which you should also tack on a few days to see if you haven’t visited yet.) Since we were traveling from New England, instead of flying we drove down Highway 13 through the Delmarva ( Delaware / Maryland / Virginia) peninsula and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to our first stops on our mother-daughter Virginia road trip.

From there, we continued across Interstate 64 with stops in Williamsburg/Jamestown and Charlottesville. We then drove through Shenandoah National Park and then continued up Interstate 81, with stops along the Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Woodstock, and Winchester. We finished up just across the border in Harper’s Ferry , West Virginia, but it is easy to circle back to Washington D.C. for a flight home.

Virginia Road Trip Itinerary

When planning your Virginia road trip, you can shorten this itinerary to fit into a one-week trip or extend it with more time at each stop for a full two-week vacation.

• Day 1: Arrive in Norfolk, Virginia
• Day 2-4: Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Newport News
• Day 5-7: Williamsburg and Jamestown
• Day 8-9: Charlottesville
• Day 10-12: Shenandoah Valley

This map was created using Google My Maps and covers your Virginia road trip itinerary above. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email.

Day 1: Arrive in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Editor’s Note: Part of our trip was hosted by Visit Hampton, Newport News, Visit Charlottesville, Shenandoah County, and Visit Harrisonburg. All opinions are my own.

If you plan on flying to Virginia and renting a car, for this itinerary it is best to fly into Norfolk, Virginia (you can get great deals on Breeze Airlines from a number of cities) and out of Washington D.C. (Dulles or Reagan National). Alternatively, you can fly into and out of D.C. and make a loop.

If you have at least 10 days for your Virginia road trip and you are visiting during the warmer months, I’d suggest spending at least your first night or two in Virginia Beach. However, if you aren’t looking for a beach vacation, head straight to either Hampton, Virginia or nearby Newport News to have a home base for your first few days of exploration.

Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Coliseum Central in Hampton, VA or the Courtyard by Marriott Newport News .

Day 2: Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia is an under-the-radar destination for history buffs. With the Naval station just across the bay, Hampton sits at the entrance of important waterways and has played an impactful role in U.S. history, from its negative history as a landing spot for colonists and the first place that captured Africans were brought to America and enslaved to work the growing tobacco plantations to its more positive history as a NASA Research Center that earned its “sea to the stars” motto through its critical role in sending men to the moon.

There is so much to see and do in Hampton that you can easily spend two to three full days exploring its rich history. On your first day, I’d recommend:

• Visit the Hampton History Museum for some insight on all the area’s fascinating history from the early colonists to the first astronauts. (Allow one hour)
• Take a stroll to the nearby Virginia Air & Space Center with a stop first to ride Hampton’s antique carousel. Enjoy learning about the history of flight and the manned space program and take in an IMAX show, included in your ticket. (Allow one to two hours)
• If it is not a beach day, stop at the Bluebird Gap Farm to play on the playground and meet their resident farm animals or just head back to the hotel for a short swim in the small pool.
• Head over to Fort Monroe for dockside dining at The Deadrise .

Read more: Things to do in Hampton, Virginia

Day 3: Hampton, Virginia

If you have time for a second day in Hampton, there is still more to see. I would recommend:

• After breakfast, head over to the harbor front for a tour boat cruise on the Hampton Queen .
• Walk over to Venture Kitchen & Bar in downtown Hampton for lunch on their wood-grilled pizzas and homemade tater tots.
• Tour the Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe and Fort Monroe to see the place where the first African slaves arrived in the U.S. and the cell where Jefferson Davis was imprisoned after the Civil War. Other famous soldiers stationed here include Edgar Allen Poe and Robert E. Lee. (Allow one to two hours)
• Either head over to Newport News to check in to the Courtyard by Marriott Newport News Airport, or extend your stay  at the Hilton Garden Inn (it is only 20-30 minutes away.)

Day 4: Newport News, Virginia

If you are short on time, you could combine some Newport News attractions with your time in Hampton, but there are a couple of gems here that your kids will love.

• Start your day at the Virginia Living Museum , which houses more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia. It’s here that you can walk through an Appalachian mountain cove and a southeastern cypress swamp, touch a horseshoe crab or a sea star, go eye-to-eye with a red wolf and a bald eagle and watch otters frolic on the outdoor natural trail!  (Allow two hours)
• Stop for lunch at Taste Unlimited at City Center in Oyster Point and enjoy a stroll around the fountain, stopping to pose for a photo at the Love NN sign.
• Next up, visit the The Mariners’ Museum . The real highlight here is the U.S.S. Monitor Center — be sure to stop into the Battle Theater for a great overview of the battle of the Ironclads at Hampton Roads. Also check out the detailed craftsmanship on the miniature ships in the Great Hall of Steam. (Allow two hours)
• For dinner you might want to head back to the City Center , where there are plenty of family-friendly options to choose from.
• After dinner, check out a movie at the Paragon City Center 12 in City Center or head over to Newport News Park for a walk or a hayride. Stop at Pelican’s SnoBalls for a snowcone dessert.

Day 5: Williamsburg, Virginia

If your kids need a break from history and sightseeing, enjoy some family fun at either Busch Gardens Williamsburg or Water Country USA . However, you really shouldn’t miss spending a day in Colonial Williamsburg. If you can manage three to four days in the Williamsburg area, that would be ideal.

Read more: How to spend a day in Colonial Williamsburg

Where to stay: Williamsburg Inn or Club Wyndham Kingsgate

Day 6: Jamestown & Yorktown, Virginia

This area is so rich with early U.S. history that you will want to spend a day visiting both Yorktown and Jamestown to learn more about colonial and revolutionary history:

• Start off with a visit to Jamestown Settlement . This attraction has recreated the original Colonial fort, offers an interactive representative Powhatan village, and has three ships that are replicas of the ones that Captain John Smith and the original settlers used to travel to the New World. There is also a very good museum on site and a cafe for lunch, so plan to spend at three hours.
• Visit  Historic Jamestowne , the location of the original fort where English settlers first colonized Virginia. Here you will see the outline of the original fort, some ruins from the town, and the archeological digs where they are still unearthing artifacts from the 17th century. (Allow one to two hours)
• Finish your day with a visit to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown .
• After dinner drive two-and-a-half hours to Charlottesville.

Read more: Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne, Which is Better?

Day 7: Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville is home to the University of Georgia and two of the Founding Fathers including Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. In addition to historical sites there are wineries and natural attractions nearby.

• Spend the morning exploring downtown Charlottesville . The pedestrian mall offers a great selection of shops and restaurants.
• Head out to Michie Tavern for an all-you-can-eat colonial mid-day meal of fried chicken, pulled pork, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and more! Allow time to visit the tavern museum and explore the quaint shops next door. Kids might enjoy the scavenger hunt and win a candy stick to boot! (Allow two hours)
• After lunch, head up to Monticello , Thomas Jefferson’s home. Purchase tickets in advance for the tour of your choice and learn all about our nation’s third president. (Allow two to three hours)
• To relax after all that history, stop by Carter Mountain Orchard , just down the road, and have a run around their lawn overlooking Charlottesville and the valley while sampling some of their fresh produce, baked goods, or cider. On Thursday evenings in the summer you can also enjoy a free music concert on the lawn and visit the snack bar for a light bite to eat.

Read more: Things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia with kids

Where to stay: The Graduate Hotel Charlottesville

Day 8: Charlottesville, Virginia

If you have time, there is plenty more to do in the Charlottesville area including:

• Start off with a bit more history with a visit to Highland , home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States. (Allow one to two hours)
• Get ready to head out of town to nearby Scottsville and stop for lunch at Tavern On the James .
• After all that history, it is time to relax and enjoy nature with a kayak or raft down the James River with James River Reeling & Rafting (or you could sneak in a little wine tasting nearby!) (Allow three hours)
• At this point, we headed out for a drive on the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park  (allow two to four hours) to Harrisonburg. If you can, try to extend your trip to spend at least a full day hiking in the park.

Where to stay: Residence Inn Harrisonburg

Day 9: Harrisonburg, Virginia

While it is easy to spend a few days hiking in Shenandoah National Park, there are many cute towns and attractions to see in Shenandoah Valley. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and this small college town is a good place to stay when visiting Shenandoah. If you are short on time, you can skip Harrisonburg and head straight to Woodstock.

• If you are there on the weekend, start your day at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market downtown and then spend some time exploring this college town.
• We visited the Rockingham County Fair in the afternoon, but if that isn’t going on, there are some nearby hikes, caverns, or arboretums to explore. You may also want to head back to Shenandoah National Park for the afternoon.
• Be sure to stop at Klines Dairy Bar  on the way out of town for their famous custard-style ice cream.
• From Harrisonburg, drive up to the small town of Woodstock.

Where to stay: Cabin rentals in Woodstock

Day 10: Woo dstock, V irginia

Woodstock is a cute small town in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, making it a perfect home base for exploring the caverns, river, and local attractions for a day or two.

• Start your day with breakfast at the Woodstock Cafe & Shoppes then head up the mountain to the Woodstock Tower for beautiful views of the valley.
• Get ready for some more fun in nature with a rafting or kayaking trip on the Shenandoah River . (Allow for two to three hours) OR,
• Head over to Bryce Resort in in Bayse for some ziplining or other adventures. (Allow half a day)
• After lunch, stop off at Route 11 Potato Chips to taste test their different flavors and see how they process over 14,000 pounds of potatoes a day. (Allow 15 minutes)
• Nearby, visit Shenandoah Caverns and be prepared to be wowed by room after room of rock formations. Afterwards, stop in at their other attractions, including American Celebration on Parade, an impressive collection of parade floats. (Allow two hours)
• Finish up with a casual dinner at the Woodstock Brewhouse .

Read more: 10 Fun and adventurous things to do in Shenandoah Valley

Day 11: Winchester, Virginia

Founded in 1744, Winchester is the oldest Virginia city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the Apple Capital, there are plenty of farms nearby to visit, along with a charming downtown with historic sights and a pedestrian mall.

• Make a stop at the Posey ThisIsIt Llama Farm in Toms Brook to meet their many, friendly llamas. (Allow one hour)
• Drive up to Winchester (Virginia) for lunch on the pedestrian mal l.
• Spend some time exploring the scenic downtown, with possible stops at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum for kids 10 and under or the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley .
• At this point we headed up to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and spent the night at the Bavarian Inn  in Shepherdstown, however, it is only an hour and a half drive to Washington D.C.

Read more: 3 Days in Washington D.C. itinerary

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The post How to Plan a Virginia Road Trip with Kids (7-14 Day Itinerary) appeared first on We3Travel .

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Planning a trip to Virginia

Plan your trip to the USA with Insight's travel advice on visas, embassies, transport, health care, currency and what to read.

• Visa and entry requirements

• Embassies and consulates

• Transport

• Health and safety

• Money and budgeting

• What to read

Visa and entry requirements 

Visitors coming to the United States must have a valid passport, visa, or other accepted documentation. However, in an effort to attract more tourists, the US initiated the Visa Waiver program for those coming on vacation for a maximum of 90 days. With 36 countries participating, the program allows for select travelers to enter the US with only a machine readable passport. Recent increased security now requires all VWP participants to apply with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Done on-line, authorization does not take much time and can occur at any point before entry into the US.

Embassies and consulates

UK: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-588-6500; www.gov.uk/world/usa   Canada: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-682-1740; http://international.gc.ca   Australia: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-797-3000; www.usa.embassy.gov.au   New Zealand: 37 Observatory Circle, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-328-4800; www.mfat.govt.nz   Ireland: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-462-3939; https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/USA/   South Africa: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; tel: 202-232-4400; www.embassy-worldwide.com

Getting to the USA

By air Dozens upon dozens of airlines serve the US on domestic and international routes. Websites for the largest and most popular are:

American Airlines: www.aa.com

British Airways: www.britishairways.com

Continental Airlines: www.continental-corporation.com

Qantas: www.qantas.com

Virgin Atlantic: www.virginatlantic.com

Every major American city has an airport. Two of the biggest international hubs are New York City's JFK International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Within the US, there are several non-stop flights every day betwen major cities. From Europe, the UK usually has the best airfares to the US, so some Europeans fly to London and then on to New York to take advantage of the lower rates.

Getting around the USA

Air travel is the quickest and easiest way to travel between major centers. Once you're in a given region or city though, driving is often the most convenient way to get around. In some cities, especially in the Northeast, public transit is the most efficient (and cheapest) way to explore.

Domestic flights

The largest and most popular airlines providing extensive coverage of domestic routes are:

American Airlines

Continental Airlines

Delta: www.delta.com

Southwest Airlines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Airlines

It takes roughly six hours to fly non-stop between east and west coasts. Flights running north and south between coastal cities, such as routes between LA and San Francisco, take anywhere from one to four hours. Aggregator websites for discounted airfares are an easy way to simultaneously search several airlines for their best prices. Some, such as Momondo and Kayak, act as search engines just to review prices. Online travel agencies such as Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia let you compare costs and book tickets directly.

Many of the most reliable routes are those that are popular with daily commuters, such as the Northeast Corridor line between Boston and Washington, DC. There are also good services along popular scenic routes, such as the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle. Otherwise, intercity train travel is far more limited than in Europe.

Amtrak ( www.amtrak.com ) is the national rail provider. Tickets can be bought online, via the hotline, or at train stations from an agent or automated kiosk. The cheapest tickets are usually reserved several weeks in advance. Amtrak also offers several rail-pass options: the USA Rail Pass and the California Rail Pass. These passes cover multiple days of travel over a set time period. In addition to having a pass, you must reserve a seat for each leg of your journey.

By inter-city coach

Greyhound Lines ( www.greyhound.com ) is the largest national company, with services around the clock. In addition to single-journey tickets, Greyhound offers a Discovery Pass for unlimited travel within a certain time frame - for 7, 15, 30 or 60 days. Regional companies include Peter Pan Bus Lines (www.peterpanbus.com), which provides services between New England and Mid-Atlantic cities. For destinations that are a few hours apart, bus fares can run at less than $30.

Some discount bus lines have sprung up in regions with heavy commuter traffic. For instance, BoltBus ( www.boltbus.com ) runs between New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Newark and Washington, DC, with tickets costing less than $20.

Despite the rising cost of gas, driving can be one of the cheapest ways to get around. A few cities are known for being difficult to drive in because of their confusing street systems and aggressive drivers. Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Dallas are perhaps the worst. LA has notoriously bad traffic, but since this sprawling city is built around freeways, it is almost impossible to get around without driving.

Road conditions

The interstate highway system is extensive, well-signposted and well-maintained. Odd-numbered highways run north to south, while even-numbered highways run east to west. Many, but not all, highways or turnpikes are toll-free. Gas stations stay open late or 24 hours along main arteries.

The average minimum driving age in the US is 16, but this limit is determined by individual states. Foreign drivers' licenses are generally accepted in the US if they are in English; otherwise, it is best to get an international driver's licence before your visit. All states have adopted .08 as the legal limit of blood alcohol content for drivers.

Health and safety

Medical care.

No vaccinations are required for travel to the US, though you should make sure you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Health-care provision in the US is generally of a good standard, but it doesn't come cheap. Free medical services are not available in the US and a visit to a doctor or hospital can be very expensive. Federal law obliges emergency rooms to admit and care for any patient, but hospitals may balk at international-insurance carriers. Holiday medical insurance is essential.

For relatively minor health problems, such as coughs and colds, seek out a walk-in health clinic. Many pharmacy chains are adding these inexpensive treatment counters. The Walgreens chain, for example, offers Take Care Clinics, staffed by nurse practitioners, in over 300 drugstores across the country.

While there is no general symbol indicating a pharmacy, you will soon become familiar with the national drugstore chains such as Rite-Aid, Walgreens and CVS. In larger cities, you can usually find a 24-hour pharmacy or drugstore. In smaller communities, pharmacies may only stay open from 8am to 6 or 7pm.

Drugstores fill prescriptions and sell over-the-counter remedies. Some medicines you may buy over the counter in another country must be filled by a prescription in the US. The ban on HIV-positive travelers entering the US was lifted in 2010. 

American police officers are generally fair and friendly. Don't hesitate to approach one for assistance or information. City police handle local crime and traffic violations. Highway patrol officers or state troopers ensure road safety and watch for people speeding or driving while under the influence of alcohol. If you have been the victim of a crime, seek out the nearest police precinct station to file a report.

Since September 11, security checks have been stepped up at airports and other transportation hubs. In large cities, you may see armed security officers in train stations, subways, and other transit centers. Bags may be searched. Government buildings, museums, and other institutions usually run basic security checks as well. Tourist-centric areas are generally safe - though the risk of pickpockets is ubiquitous. 

Emergency contacts

Call 911 for all emergencies, including police, fire and ambulance. This call is toll-free. Emergency responders speak English; in large cities there may also be assistance in Spanish or other common languages.

202-546-1127: Travelers Aid International. This is another resource for visitors who need assistance. This network connects travelers in need with affiliate organizations in each state, which can help anyone who is stranded, lost, or otherwise seeks help.

Money and budgeting

The US dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins: 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter), 50 (half-dollar), and $1. Bills: $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Larger denominations ($500 and $1,000) are not in general circulation. Travelers arriving and departing are required to report currency or checks that exceed a total of $10,000. 

Cash and cards

You can find ATMs (cash machines) at banks, convenience stores, some pharmacies, and some shopping malls. A transaction fee is usually charged, which varies between locations. (Tip: avoid using casino ATMs). Before your trip, ask your bank about their withdrawal policies abroad. If you bank is a member of the Global ATM Alliance, it won't charge you a withdrawal fee for taking out money from another bank in the network.

These play an even greater role in the US than in Europe. The major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted almost everywhere, as is American Express.

This is a very common practice in the US. Service charges are generally not included in bills. Shelling out gratuities to all kinds of service staff, from hotel wokers to coffee-shop baristas, is the norm. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 15 to 20 percent. Porters and doormen are slipped a couple of dollars per bag; hotel cleaning staff should get a few dollars per day of your stay. Waiters are tipped 15 to 20 percent of the total restaurant bill, though at higher-end restaurants 20 percent is standard. At bars, leave the bartender a dollar or two per drink. Tour guides may suggest, implicitly or explicity, 15 percent or so.

There is no federal sales tax in the US but instead, sales taxes are levied by individual states or counties. Most states have sales taxes ranging from 4 percent to 8.25 percent; a few states, such as Oregon and New Hampshire, do not have sales taxes. In most states, but not all, food and medicine are not taxed. Hotel rooms usually get their own extra tax, which can be as high as 12 percent. Travelers also have to pay a $16.30 international transportation tax on any flight arriving in or departing from the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.

Budgeting for your trip

Top-class/boutique hotel: $250-300 and upwards for a double Standard-class hotel: $120-150 for a double Bed and breakfast: $80-150 for a double Motel: $70-100 for a double Youth hostel: $20-40 per person Campsite: $12-30 per tent Domestic flight: $250-500 to fly between coasts one-way Inter-city coach ticket: $20-35 between NYC and Boston, or between NYC and Washington, DC. Inter-city train ticket: $68-100 between NYC and Boston Car hire: $25-100 per day Airport shuttle bus: $15-35 Breakfast: $8-15 Lunch in a cafe: $8-15 Coffee/tea in a cafe: $3-6 Main course, budget restaurant: $8-14 Main course, moderate restaurant: $15-24 Main course, expensive restaurant: $25-35 Bottle of wine in a restaurant: $15-50 Beer in a pub: $4-7

What to read

Here is New York - E.B. White's poignant observations are both particular and universal. On the Road - Jack Kerouac's Beat classic about the American road trip. Roadfood - Jane and Michael Stern travel all over America's smaller back roads to report on the best regional home cooking. Travels with Charley - John Steinbeck's travelogue of his 1960s cross-country journey. Walden - Henry David Thoreau's memoir of rural Massachusetts in the mid-19th century.

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Four-star guard Lewis talks UVa official visit, fit with the Wahoos

Having visited UVa a handful of times unofficially, last week four/star 2025 guard Acaden Lewis took an official visit to the school. Coming off a spectacular junior season at Sidwell Friends where he recently named the Gatorade Player Of The Year for Washington (DC), it’s an experience that clearly left an impression.

“I think it was pretty good,” he told CavsCorner of his season. “I was able to help lead my team to a lot of accolades and I think I really improved a lot overall as a player and I have to thank Coach Singletary for that, he is one of the best coaches in the country. I feel like I did a better job of getting my teammates involved and I think I really improved as a defender.”

As mentioned above, Lewis knows a lot about UVa as he has been there multiple times over the years. This time he was able to get a different and deeper look at the program.

“I have been there a couple of times already because I have really built a great relationship with the coaches there,” he explained, “but it was really good to see a day in the life of a student there. I was able to hang out with some of the players which was fun and it just gave me a different look at UVa which is always good.”

One of the main takeaways Lewis had from conversations with the staff during the visit was that they are looking to change their offense in order to score more points.

“They mentioned many times that they are willing to change,” Lewis explained. “They know they have not had the best success in the tournament the past few years so they know they have to change some stuff to get more points. They mentioned to me about letting their offensive players become a little more free.”

The Virginia staff also talked about how Lewis fits perfectly for them on both sides of the ball.

“They think I have a lot of defensive potential and they believe that I have improved a lot on that side of the ball so that was obviously good to hear because of how much they put an emphasis on defense,” he said. “They mentioned that they could really see me fitting in well because of my creativity and success I have off ball screens.

“They also talked about how I could be used either on or off the ball,” Lewis added. “They also mentioned about how they like how hard I play, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”

One thing that Lewis enjoyed learning more about was how long Tony Bennett ’s coaching staff has been together.

“A lot of their staff has been there for a long time,” he said. “The assistants have been with Coach Bennett for a while. It was cool to hear from the entire staff just how much they all trust each other while working together for such a long time.”

As of now, Lewis mentioned that he does not have any visits planned in the near future as he is focused on playing in the Nike EYBL with Team Durant. This past weekend he averaged 17.0 points during the first session of the EYBL season in Memphis.

Majority of Americans over 50 worry they won't have enough money for retirement: Study

Among aarp survey findings: 61% of americans 50 and up are worried they won’t have enough money for retirement. and only 21 percent of people have a retirement plan..

An increasing number of people are worried that they won’t have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, and men aren’t as financially secure as they once were, according to an annual survey from AARP.

The AARP Financial Security Trends Survey , conducted in January and released in April, included interviews with more than 8,300 Americans over 30 across every state in the country. Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago , the survey aims to analyze the financial experiences and attitudes among Americans.

One of the survey’s biggest findings is that 61% of those 50 and up are worried they won’t have enough money for retirement, Indira Venkat, senior vice president of research at AARP, told USA TODAY on Wednesday.

And if you break those numbers down even more, one in five of people who have not retired have no savings at all, Venkat said.

“Among retirement savers who are 50 and over, there's a growing number compared to last year that don't expect that they will save sufficiently if they continue at the current rate that they save,” she said. 

Those numbers “should be a wake-up call for all of us,” she said.

Adults are worried about having enough for retirement. What does this mean?

Venkat said the reason some people may be worried about saving for retirement is because they don’t have access to retirement plans through their jobs.

“Today, almost half of those who are in the private sector workforce, and that's 57 million workers, don't have the option to save for retirement through their work,” she said. 

People who have access to retirement plans are more likely to save, she said.

Another reason for retirement woes is inflation. Calling it a “bread and butter” and “kitchen table” issue, she said many people are struggling to afford basic necessities and gas. 

In fact, over 70% of all respondents expressed concern about prices rising at a faster rate than their income. 

Many people also have month-to-month balances on credit cards, she said. According to the researchers, the average amount of credit card debt carried from month to month increased from $7,538 in January 2023 to $8,169 in January 2024.

Gender and financial planning

AARP noted findings among men specifically.

Among men who are regularly saving for retirement, 28% are saving 10% or more of their income. In January 2022, more men – 35% – were saving 10% or more.

Other findings include:

• 40% of men are worried about basic expenses (up from 33% in January 2022)
• 42% of all men age 30 and up describe their financial situation as “only fair” or “poor” (up from 34% in January 2022)
• 43% of men carry a credit card balance (up from 38% in January 2022)
• 62% of men have emergency savings today (down from 69% in January 2022)

“We are seeing that men today are a little bit more worried than they were in prior years about their financial security and situation,” Venkat said. “Forty-two percent of men, if they're asked to describe their financial situation, say it's terrible.”

The team also compared responses among men and women, finding that:

• 62% of men are more likely to have an emergency savings vs. 58% of women
• 42% of men are less likely to be worried about managing debt vs. 47% of women
• 61% of men with debt are more likely to view their debt as manageable vs. 52% of women

Limitations of the survey

Venkat said the survey was “very robust” and was done using probability samples, but one limitation is that it was conducted in English and Spanish only. 

“To the extent there are other dominant spoken languages in the home, those individuals are not represented in this study,” she said. “And then, of course, the standard margin of error with any survey applies to this.”

Financial planning among survey respondents

There were some surprising findings surrounding financial planning, Venkat said.

Among older adults who are not yet retired, 94% said it is important for them to have a plan to manage their money during retirement. Among them, just 21% of them have a plan for how to manage their money in retirement, she said.

She said AARP has resources to help people plan, including tools like a Social Security calculator, an AARP retirement calculator, a required minimum distribution calculator and a 401(k) calculator .

The concerns respondents expressed while completing the survey further prove the importance of having a plan for retirement, AARP says.

“Plans need to address not only how to build savings during working years," the company writes, "but also how to spend money in retirement in a way that will allow it to last."

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at [email protected] .

The UK government acted unlawfully in approving a climate plan, a High Court judge has ruled

The Associated Press

May 3, 2024, 8:26 AM

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LONDON (AP) — A High Court judge ruled Friday that the U.K. government acted unlawfully when it approved a plan to meet climate targets without evidence that it could be delivered.

It was the second time in two years that the government’s main climate action plan was found to be unlawful and insufficient in meeting legally-binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Justice Clive Sheldon sided Friday with three environmental groups that brought the case, ruling that the government’s decision to approve its Carbon Budget Delivery Plan last year was “simply not justified by the evidence.”

The plan outlined how the U.K. aims to achieve its climate targets, including pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about two-thirds of 1990 levels by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.

The judge said the details in the draft plan were “vague and unquantified,” and didn’t provide officials with enough information on whether the plan should be approved.

Lawyers acting for the environmental organizations told the court that the government failed to share “risk tables,” or information about whether its policies could be implemented, with Parliament and others, meaning the plan couldn’t be properly scrutinized.

“The courts have now told the U.K. government not once, but twice, that its climate strategy is not fit for purpose,” said Sam Hunter Jones, a lawyer for the group ClientEarth. “This judgment means the government must now take credible action to address the climate crisis with a plan that can actually be trusted to deliver and with numbers that can be relied on.”

The government defended its record on climate change, saying it has set out “more detail than any other G20 country on how we will reach our ambitious carbon budgets,” referring to the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations.

“The claims in this case were largely about process and the judgment contains no criticism of the detailed plans we have in place. We do not believe a court case about process represents the best way of driving progress towards our shared goal of reaching net zero,” it said in a statement.

Officials said they would publish a new report within 12 months following the judge’s ruling.

Last year, the U.K. government’s own climate advisers, which tracks the country’s decarbonization efforts, said that it was losing confidence in the government’s ability to meet its emission targets, and slammed officials for backtracking on fossil fuel commitments.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Enewsletter, a virginia amtrak train itinerary -  “to the coast”.

More people than ever are choosing to take the train to travel around Virginia .  With Amtrak , visitors to the Commonwealth can experience much of the state without relying on personal and rental cars.  So, stow your luggage, settle into your seat, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary expedition that will take you from historic towns right outside our Nation’s Capital, to the coastal getaway that is Virginia Beach, all while unveiling the hidden treasures of Virginia.

Day 1 & 2 – Alexandria

Begin your Virginia adventure either upon arrival via air at Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA).  Not flying into Virginia?  Head direct to Alexandria , home of the northern-most Amtrak station in the state.  For those flying into IAD, getting to Alexandria and the Amtrak station has never been easier with the opening of the Metrorail Silver Line extension.  Now, travelers can simply take the Metro Silver Line from IAD to the transfer station in Rosslyn, then hop on the Blue Line to Alexandria.  For DCA arrivals, you’re only a couple quick stops away from Alexandria via the Blue Line.

Once in Alexandria, grab a quick bite at a local spot such as Mason Social , a neighborhood restaurant focused on local, creative food and craft beer and libations.  Spend some time exploring historic  Old Town Alexandria , a bustling center of  local boutiques  and impressive  arts and culture , all nestled within a landscape of  colonial-era architecture  and cobblestone streets.  As you take a stroll along the waterfront enjoying the Potomac River views, consider a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center , a vibrant art venue showcasing local artists.

After exploring, treat yourself to a lovely dinner at Ada’s on the River .  An upscale, colorful setting right on the waterfront, Ada’s is built around a wood-burning oven, the inspiration for most menu items.

Check-in for the night at the Lorien Hotel & Spa , or the lavish Morrison House , a AAA Four Diamond Hotel offering boutique luxury paired with unrivaled historic charm.

King Street, Alexandria

Start your next morning with breakfast at one of the fine establishments along King Street and the surrounding blocks, such as Fontaine Bistro or Café du Soleil .

Take some time out of the day to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon , the famous home of the United States’ Founding Father and First President, George Washington.  Tour the beautifully restored mansion, four distinctive gardens, and get a glimpse of Mount Vernon’s working farm.  For a more scenic route, rent a bike from one of the many Capital Bikeshare stations and ride the Mount Vernon Trail along the river to the historic estate.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Back in Old Town Alexandria, exploring King Street is one of the most iconic things to do and the free King Street Trolley makes covering ground easy.  With stops every two to three blocks from  Alexandria City Hall/Market Square  to the King St – Old Town Metrorail station, trolleys provide on-off access to conveniently get around Old Town Alexandria.

Grab dinner and drinks along the waterfront at BARCA Pier & Wine Bar – the ultimate waterfront dining experience perched literally on the Potomac River, BARCA offers Spanish & Mediterranean influenced tapas, small plates, wine and cocktails as well as the best views around.

Day 3 & 4 – Alexandria to Norfolk (approx. 4.5 hours by train)

Depart in the morning from the Alexandria train station to Norfolk .  Known for its rich maritime heritage, with a deep connection to the sea, Norfolk will captivate you with its waterfront charm and bustling harbor.  The Elizabeth River runs through the city, providing stunning views and a picturesque backdrop.  You can witness various vessels, from sleek sailboats to massive cargo and Naval ships, navigating the waterways.

Grab lunch in the Waterside District , a vibrant entertainment area located along the Elizabeth River. Enjoy live music, dine at one of the many restaurants, or relax with a drink while taking in the waterfront views.  Try out Stripers Waterside for your lunch fix with a healthy serving of local seafood.

Norfolk Waterside

Use the afternoon to explore Norfolk’s military and naval heritage.  Head to Nauticus , the maritime-themed museum, and take a tour of the USS Wisconsin, a historic battleship.  Explore the various decks and learn about the ship's fascinating past.

Next, leave the land and get your sea-legs ready to embark on a harbor cruise to see the city from the water.  There are many to choose from, including City Cruises Norfolk ,  which offers incredible views of the Norfolk harbor and the America Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.

For those who are more sensitive to seasickness, skip the boat and head to the Elizabeth River Trail .  This popular scenic path allows for walking, jogging, or cycling along the river, to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the waterfront views.   Pedago Electric Bikes – Norfolk is conveniently located right downtown and offers e-bikes for rent to make getting around even easier.

Make your return to the downtown area for dinner at Todd Jurich’s Bistro .  This urbane restaurant serves modern spins on Southern fare complemented by a substantive wine list amid warm-wood decor.

Battleship Wisconsin - Nauticus

The city offers many elegant accommodations for the tired traveler.  The Hilton Norfolk the Main offers amazing views of the Elizabeth River and Downtown Norfolk with a rooftop bar and restaurant.  The boutique Glass Light Hotel & Gallery , part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, features unique glass art throughout.

D-egg Diner , a casual storefront serving traditional diner food, is a great place to grab a quick breakfast before starting your next day.  Then take a cab or rideshare to visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden .  Spread across 175 acres, the beautiful gardens feature a variety of plants, themed areas, and even a Japanese garden.  Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to fully experience the natural beauty.  Be sure to check out their Garden of Tomorrow , a new, sustainable attraction in Norfolk.

Spend your afternoon strolling through the Historic Ghent District .  This neighborhood is known for its charming architecture, tree-lined streets, and unique shops.  Get a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants and browse through the boutiques and art galleries.  Stop by AW Shucks Raw Bar & Grill , focused on local and seasonal ingredients. 

Walk or rideshare over to the Chrysler Museum of Art which houses an impressive collection of American, European, and contemporary art.  Don't miss the glass art collection, featuring works by the famed Dale Chihuly.

Chrysler Museum of Art

Finish the day exploring the nearby NEON District .  Norfolk’s first official arts district, the NEON District, is home to a new wave of passion and creativity.  Their vast collection of murals and local artworks will amaze.  Then wrap up your busy day with dinner at Soirée Bistro , offering an upscale and cozy dining experience.

Day 5 & 6 –Norfolk to Virginia Beach (approx. 1 hour by bus)

Upon arrival in Virginia Beach, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the best destinations on the East Coast with its delightful combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a vibrant boardwalk.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Immerse yourself into the beach life culture at the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk where you can walk, bike, or even rollerblade along the expansive paved lane.  Stretching for three miles, the boardwalk offers stunning ocean views, a lively atmosphere, street performers, souvenir shops, and delicious dining options.  For lunch, stop at foodie favorite Waterman’s Surfside Grille , which has been serving locals and visitors since 1981.

Discover the wonders of the underwater world at the Virginia Aquarium , offering a variety of exhibits, including the impressive Chesapeake Bay Touch Tank, the Restless Planet Aquarium, and the Outdoor Aviary.  Don't miss the chance to witness fascinating marine creatures up close, including sharks, sea turtles, and playful otters.

Continue the local wildlife theme by partaking in a dolphin or whale watching tour where you can enjoy a scenic boat ride along the coast with knowledgeable guides providing insight on the ever-present dolphins and other surrounding marine life.  Try to scope out some of the ‘finned’ locals by boat on one of the Rudee Tours or get right up close and personal on a GoKayak! Paddle with a Porpoise! tour.

Lodging is not hard to find in Virginia Beach with the Cavalier Resort conveniently located along the beachfront.  Consisting of the Historic Cavalier Hotel , the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the new Embassy Suites Hilton , no matter your choice, you are destined for a relaxing stay.

Treat yourself to an upscale dinner at the Cavalier’s Becca, the resort’s Four Diamond dining experience. Wrap up the night with a visit to the onsite Tarnished Truth Distilling Company , the Nation’s first in-hotel distillery, where you will taste and experience award-winning bourbon, as well as rye, vodka, gin, and other specialty spirits.

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

Fuel up for your second day at Virginia Beach with breakfast at Commune , a rustic, chic spot serving seasonal New American dishes, many with produce from their backyard garden.

But save some of your appetite for the next stop as it wouldn’t be a coastal vacation in Virginia without oysters.  Join a Pleasure House Oyster Chef Table Tour for a truly unique on-the-water experience.  This is dining you won’t forget, as you stand in waders knee-deep in the Lynnhaven River at a table set up directly in the water at their oyster farm.

Finish the day exploring the ViBe Creative District , a vibrant and evolving neighborhood that celebrates arts, culture and creativity.  The district is also a food lover's paradise, with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and breweries offering delicious and innovative cuisine.  Try an inspired cocktail at Chesapeake Bay Distillery before delighting in the wood-fired New American cuisine at Hearth for dinner.

Pleasure House Oysters, Chef's Table Tour

Day 7 – virginia beach to alexandria (approx. 5 hours by mixed transit).

After you’ve taken in Virginia’s amazing scenery from right outside D.C. to the stunning coastline, a roughly five-hour mixed transit ride will finish the loop, taking you back to Alexandria where you can continue your train journey out of state or take the Metro back to Dulles International Airport.  Or simply catch a flight at nearby Norfolk International Airport, only 29 kilometers from the Beach.

Cities to Mountains Itinerary

History and culture itinerary.