The roots of modern Virginia trace back to the founding of the Virginia Colony in 1607 and later becoming the first permanent New World English colony. Virginia took part in the American Revolution, and subsequently became the heart of the Confederacy in the American Civil War.
A Free Virginia Vacation Guide will help you learn about the historic sites to visit as well as modern fun-filled attractions.
Golfing, boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, water skiing, hiking, biking, and snow skiing are all there for the outdoor enthusiast.
Shoppers can enjoy the hunt at craft shops, factory outlets, malls, antique shops found on country roads and auctions at many different locations. Visit wineries, theaters, concerts, and museums.
You can’t do without a free Virginia Vacation Brochure which will help you choose everything from fine dining to regional dishes that the whole family will enjoy.
Shouldn’t the first U.S. English colony be first on your vacation list?
Gordon's Guide
Check out vacations and adventure travel in Virginia
Virginia Travel Deals
If you’re planning on vacationing to Virginia soon, you’re probably looking for great travel deals. The tourism industry in Virginia can be very competitive, and there are many deals available if you know where to look. Deals on hotels, car rentals, and area attractions are all available for people who are willing to find them.
Start your search for virginia travel deals at the states’s official tourism website, Virginia.org. Here you will find the resources you need to choose the best hotel accommodations and activities in the state. The Sharon Roanoke Hotel offers residents of the state a special 15% discount off published rates. If you’re not a Virginia resident, you can still get a room at the Travelodge in Hampton for only $40 per night!
The site also offers special deals on area attractions as well. Couples looking to spontaneously tie the knot can have a drive-through wedding during the winter months at the Bayside Wedding Chapel in Virginia Beach for just $35. Who said weddings had to be expensive?
A special section of the website is devoted to military discounts. There are many military installations in and around Virginia, so members of the armed forces will enjoy the many military discounts available throughout the state. If you’re not a member of the military, you can still get special savings if you have a group ID card. AAA and AARP are both welcomed at many of the most popular restaurants and retailers throughout the state. With so many deals available, a vacation to Virginia is more affordable than ever before!
Virginia Overview
Virginia, sometimes referred to as the old dominion, has been luring tourists to its historical places and important landmarks for a long time. The Eastern state borders the Atlantic Ocean and has many miles of beautiful coastline. Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies and played an important role in the formation of the United States.
During the Civil War, Virgina joined the confederacy. It was also during this time that the Northwestern counties separated from the state and formed West Virginia. Over the years, eight US presidents have come from Virginia.
The state of Virginia is home to more than eight million people and is the 12th most populous state in the Nation. One third of the state’s economy is made up of service jobs, and Virginia enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States. Technology also plays a vitally important role in the economy.
A variety of plants and animals call Virginia home. White tailed deer, coyote, skuns, and racoons are all common throughout the state and the forests are dominated by hickory, hemlock, and oak trees. Over 65% of the state is forested. A variety of aquatic life exists just off the shores of the Mid-Atlantic state.
With such variety, it’s easy to see why so many people call the state home, and why so many other people choose to vacation in Virginia each year.
Places of Interest in Virginia
Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Though it is certainly not the largest state, this is still plenty of things to do and see on your vacation. With so many choices, deciding where to go first may seem like an impossible task. Rest assured that no matter what types of things you enjoy doing and seeing, Virginia has what you’re looking for.
For most travelers headed to the old dominion, historical places tops their list of things to see. There are numerous battlefields, monuments, and preserved buildings to keep any history enthusiast busy for years. Many of the popular historical attractions are available to the public free of charge, with optional paid tours. Signs along the high way and throughout the state will help you locate historical places of interest.
If you prefer more modern attractions, then head over to the coast where you will find Virginia Beach. The famous beach is home to the East Coast Surf Championship, which draws thousands of tourists. Sunny skies, sandy beaches and an attractive boardwalk are all reasons why people flock to the renowned beach.
After soaking up the sun, take a trip to the Arlington National Cemetary in Arlington, Virginia. Pay your respects to the brave soldiers buried here who gave their lives to ensure your freedom. The cemetery is open to the public year round and those wishing to locate loved ones can do so by using the grave site locator tool on the cemetery’s website.
There are many other things to do in Virginia, and brochures located at popular area attractions will help you locate other things you may enjoy doing or seeing. No matter what part of the state you travel to, you are sure to find something fun in Virginia!
Be sure to visit Stafford County, home of North Stafford High School and the mighty Wolverines.
Parks and Activities in Virginia
If your idea of a great vacation includes spending plenty of time outdoors, then Virginia is the place to be! The state has numerous parks and countless activities ranging from the mundane to the extreme. State parks are spread throughout the state so no matter where your vacation adventures take you, there’s an opportunity to get outdoors nearby.
In central Virginia, you’ll find Holiday Lake State Park. The park offers plenty of fishing opportunities, and a nearby hatchery keeps the lake stocked with plenty of trout. Kayak, rowboat, and canoe rentals allow visitors easy access to the lake. There’s even a “critter hole” play area for hours of family fun.
Located on an island just off the coast of Virginia is the Kiptopeke State Park. The park boasts one of the Nations best hawk observatories. From mid-August to November, workers at the park capture, tag, and release dozens of migrating birds. Swimming, hiking trails, and wildlife observation areas are all offered in the park for visitors to enjoy.
On the extreme Southwest corner of the state you will find Wilderness Road State Park. Bikes can be rented in the park for travel along the eight mile Wilderness Road trail. Volleyball, picnic areas, and horseshoe pits will entertain visitors for hours on end.
No matter what type of outdoor activities you prefer, or where you’re traveling in Viriginia, there are plenty of parks and activities to suit your interests.
Getting to Virginia
If you’re headed to Virginia, you have many choices of travel to get there. Whether you prefer to drive, fly, take a train or arrive by boat, there are plenty of ways to get in and around the dominion state to suit your preferences and budget.
Travelers who choose to drive into Virginia on the state’s extensive roadways will find over 70,000 miles of pavement to get them to their destination. The state’s government handles the roadways instead of smaller local governments as is the case in most states. Northern Virginia is part of the Washington D.C. metro area, and as a result, the traffic in this part of the state is some of the worst in the Nation.
If you choose to fly into Virginia, you’ll have five major airports to choose from. All major carriers fly in and out of Virginia, and the airports in the Washington D.C. metro area are some of the busiest in the Nation. Luckily, the airports are large and designed to carry the heavy air traffic burden.
Amtrak runs most of the passenger rail service throughout the state. The Virginia Railway Express operates two commuter lines into Washington D.C. so commuters and tourists can avoid traveling by car in the highly congested area.
Finally, you could arrive in Virginia by boat. Ferries run frequent schedules throughout the states coastal waterways, and large ports welcome cruise ships and tourists.
No matter how you arrive in Virginia or choose to travel around the state once you’ve arrived, there are plenty of travel options to help you find your way to your favorite destinations for family fun.