Virginia's Best Kept Secrets - A Tourist's Guide
Don't get lost in the Old Dominion!
The state of Virginia offers a plethora of things to do for tourists, from historical sites to natural wonders. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit:
Start with the basics: Make sure you have a map of Virginia (or the trusty GPS on your phone) so you don't get lost.
The state is fairly large, so you'll want to have an idea of where you're going before you set out.
Knowing the coordinates of your destination is always a good idea for navigational reasons. And once you return home, having a custom coordinate bracelet with the precise coordinates of your vacation spot is the perfect souvenir to remind you of your travels.
Plan your route well in advance – There are a lot of different attractions in Virginia, so you'll want to plan your route accordingly. If you're interested in historical sites, for example, you'll want to hit up places like Jamestown and Williamsburg.
If you're more interested in natural beauty, you'll want to check out the Shenandoah Valley or the Appalachian Trail.
Pack for all seasons - Virginia has a variety of climatic regions, so you'll want to be prepared for all seasons. The mountains can be quite cold in the winter, for example, while the coastal areas can be quite hot and humid in the summer.
Don't forget your camera – Virginia is a beautiful state, so you'll want to make sure you have a camera (or your phone's camera) handy to snap some pictures.
Shenandoah Valley
The Shenandoah Valley, home of Virginia's Highland County, is a beautiful, hidden gem that lies on the border of West Virginia.
This part of the state is most popular during the Highland Maple Festival, which takes place every March for two weekends.
This event is chock-full of maple-related activities and products. Also in the fall, the Hands and Harvest Festival is held.
Luray Caverns
One of the nation's best kept secrets, Luray Caverns are a 10-story-tall underground wonder.
Guests can walk through the caves and marvel at the natural limestone formations that form the ceilings.
The caves are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and admission also includes access to the nearby Car & Carriage Caravan Museum and the restored historic buildings of Luray Valley.
Visitors can also explore a massive train collection and a life-sized Garden Maze.
Tours take an hour to complete. Visitors first begin their journey on a covered walkway. From there, they follow a paved walkway that loops around the cavern.
A guide will point out the different colors of stalagmites and tell them when they were formed. The caverns were discovered in 1878 by five local men.
Luray Caverns is а complex of enormous chambers and smaller halls and passageways. The formations inside are colorful and rich with rock formations. Visitors can see hundreds of flowing stone icicles, massive rock draperies, a wishing well, and even a totem pole-like pillar.
Luray is located 20 minutes from Interstate 81. This town is near the West Virginia/Maryland border, and is close to the northern portion of Shenandoah National Park. While the caverns are the main attraction, Luray has plenty to offer visitors.
Luray Caverns is one of Virginia's best-kept secrets and a must-visit attraction. Visitors can explore its cathedral-sized rooms, ten-story-tall ceilings, and monstrous stone formations.
There are also several museums and attractions on the property, including the Toy Town Junction, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, and the Luray Valley Museum.
The town of Luray, VA is nestled at the base of Massanutten Mountain and the southern fork of the Shenandoah River.
Its lands were once home to the Manahoac People before colonization. While they no longer exist as a separate tribe, they have merged with other nearby tribes.
One of Luray Caverns' most interesting discoveries is its Great Stalactite Organ. It was designed by a man named Leland W. Sprinkle after he and his son discovered a stalagmite that had a unique tone.
Sprinkle carefully shaped the stalagmites to make the sound he was after. Now, the Great Stalacpipe Organ echoes the songs played in the cavern.
Nightmare Mansion Haunted House
One of Virginia's best kept secrets is Highland County, located on the border with West Virginia.
This picturesque area is known for its maple syrup and many other goodies. Every March, the Highland Maple Festival takes place. Visitors can also experience the Hands and Harvest Festival held in the fall.
Virginia is home to a diverse landscape with mountains on one side and ocean on the other. The state has many hidden places to visit and see. Find out which are the best nature spots in
Virginia and what to do off the beaten path. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, this travel guide will help you make the most of your time in the Old Dominion State.
The Poe Museum
Richmond is home to one of Virginia's best-kept secrets.
If you're a fan, don't miss the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, which contains the world's largest collection of Poe artifacts.
You'll find rare manuscripts, letters, and the famous daguerreotype of Poe. Plus, you'll see several of the poet's personal items, including furniture, clothing, and writing utensils.
Located on East Main Street, the museum complex includes the Old Stone House, Elizabeth Arnold Poe Memorial Building, and Exhibition Hall. It showcases Poe's personal items, family artifacts, and first editions. There's also a display of the poet's lock of hair.
This museum houses the largest collection of Poe's writings. The museum is also the home to more than 100 interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will enjoy.
You can play games and tightrope walk through the Museum's Kitchen Stadium, and experience a full-length movie in the Dome Theater, Virginia's largest film screen.
National Maritime Center
Nauticus is an interactive museum highlighting maritime science, history, and the naval and economic power of the sea.
Guests will find hands-on exhibits, a giant screen featuring high-definition films, and interactive theaters. The museum is open every day except Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving. Besides the museum, the facility also features a sailing center and the Schooner Virginia.
The city of Norfolk is the second most populated city in Virginia and is the financial and historic center of the region. In addition to the largest Navy base in the world, Norfolk is home to numerous national and international corporations. The city is also home to many museums and performing arts companies.
If you have children, check out the kids' Discovery Cruise. There are kids' activities on the ship, and the adults can enjoy a buffet and a DJ.
For adults, the American Rover offers a two or three-hour cruise. The American Rover also offers a Kids Discovery Cruise. Nearby, visitors can see the Armed Forces Memorial, which stands above the Elizabeth River. The memorial features 20 letters from lost troops who are memorialized at the site.
Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world, and a bustling port for international commerce.
This historic city is a great destination for a day trip from Virginia Beach and the Virginia Historic Triangle. You will find many shops, museums, and historic buildings. The downtown area has undergone a major revitalization in the last decade.
About Richmond, Charlottesville and Williamsburg
Virginia's capital city, Richmond, has a thriving cultural scene and offers a variety of cultural attractions. The city is home to at least 258 attractions, including more than 80 historic sites and 48 performing arts venues.
In addition, visitors can visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, where they can experience a variety of interactive exhibits and outdoor activities. You can also be sure you’ll find some of the best brunch in Richmond nearby.
The city is also home to the Edgar Allen Poe Museum and Enchanted Garden, which is the literary shrine of the great poet. You can also visit the American Civil War Museum, which offers a balanced view of the conflict. And, if you like the arts, the Glen Allen Arts Center has every kind of entertainment you could desire.
The city was originally a county seat. In 1721, Spotsylvania County was established from previously unincorporated territory. Then, the county was renamed after Governor John Murray.
This meant that it would no longer be a county seat, but would be considered a "town" by Virginia law.
Virginia's other major cities include Charlottesville and Williamsburg. While Richmond was once the state capital, it was not a major center of government.
After the American Revolution, the state's population grew in western Virginia. Lynchburg, for example, had good transportation links and was close to the Mississippi River watershed.
Final Word
Virginia has a lot to offer visitors. There are many different types of attractions, so there is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, the arts, or the outdoors, you'll find plenty to do in Virginia.
