9. 11 Cozy Winter Getaways in Virginia (that You'll Love!) Shenandoah National Park is in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. Here are the best Virginia destinations, including Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Alexandria, Roanoke, Richmond and Hampton. For more information about this site, including its fascinating history, read about why you need to visit this, Located near the border of Kentucky and Virginia awaits a magnificent park featuring a massive sand cave that relatively few know about. My pro tip is to bring something long-sleeved if youre visiting in summer, as the temperature in the Luray Caverns is 54 F all year. 66K views, 821 likes, 1.3K loves, 9.7K comments, 1.5K shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.: July 18th, 2023 ~. 2 Little Orleans Campground. Today, the garden appears much as it would have in the 1920s and hosts monthly "Unhappy Hours" and weddings. Places To Stay In Virginia Beach. It was modeled after one of Poes more obscure poems, "To One in Paradise." The home itself was George Washingtons home until his death in 1799 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1960. Here, you'll. Places to Avoid in Virginia: Your Guide to a Safe and Enjoyable Trip. Burkes Garden was formed when subterranean limestone caverns collapsed, creating a dip measuring 8.5 miles in length and 4.5 miles across. To help you make informed decisions about your travels, weve compiled a short comparison of crime rates in various cities across Virginia. The Appalachian Trail passes along the rim of this giant ovular depression at the top of a mountain. Do you know of others? Whether youre going to explore nearby Washington D.C. or the famous Busch Gardens, returning to a family-friendly place with all the comforts of home is a welcome respite from everyday life. Bar - Set-up in the style of a Bavarian beer hall, the Bavarian Inn & Brewery offers brewery tours, tastings, firepit and light dining. Virginia 305 acres of sweeping landscape, dotted with a 200-year-old barn and a darling guest cottage, surely makes for a memorable venue. Westmoreland State Park has about 1 miles of shorefront, with sandy beaches broken up by sedimentary cliffs. One of the best places to visit for a romantic Virginia getaway is beautiful Charlottesville. Sky Meadows State Park. Maymont Farm is a dose of pastoral Virginia in the middle of the city, and has all kinds of barnyard animals, including goats, which can be fed by hand. McAfee Knob is claimed to be the most photographed location on the entire trail, jutting out of the Catawba Valley, with a 270 view that also encompasses the Roanoke Valley in the east, the Tinker Cliffs to the north, and North Mountain in the west. While this isn't a natural attraction, the beauty it mirrors from the surrounding landscape is extraordinary. Located in Albemarle County, Charlottesville is a city of around 47,000 people and is the former home of two U.S. presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Avoid wandering into less-visited parts of the city, especially at night, to ensure safety. Beginning at the High Knob Trailhead and High Knob Observation Tower, the Chief Benge Scout Trail winds through tranquil forests, along the shores of High Knob Lake, along the Little Stony, crossing the Mountain Fork Creek and past Bark Camp Lake. Kerr Lake covers around 50,000 acres, and was impounded by the John H. Kerr Dam, completed in 1952. Foamhenge. Downstream from Washington, D.C. on the Potomac, Alexandria is a gorgeous little waterfront city founded in 1749. Campers have to abide by a leave no trace policy before they are allowed to camp there. Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Virginia. Besides, it will help you make new friends and connect with the local community. When it comes to the single most beautiful hiking trail in Virginia, many people agree that it's Old Rag Mountain. Old Town Alexandria. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Virginia. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge a popular Virginia beauty spot, 9. The area attracts both young people and professionals, and once you visit it, it will become clear that this town is so much more than just an extension of the Capitol city. With a violent crime rate of 7.49 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 37.78 per 1,000 residents, this city is three times more dangerous than the average in the area. They are your best source of information and can give you the latest updates on safe paths, attractions, and even great restaurant recommendations. Thank you! If youre in need of further convincing, look no further than these 10 of the most beautiful places in Virginia: How many of these most beautiful places in Virginia have you visited? Because of the mountains, the park offers serene, natural views for its visitors. The weirdest attractions in Virginia include: Discover more about the weirdest attractions in Virginia. The town is renowned for its stunning architecture, tree-lined streets, and the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Its smart to seek top-notch experiences when stepping into the vibrant landscape of this state. The citys quaint Old Town offers a lovely atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. 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Herman Melville even alluded to the bridge in his book Moby Dick. 21 Top Things to Do in Virginia - U.S. News Travel OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Theres so much to explore, and when youre done for the day, here are a couple of perfect places to unwind. These awe-inspiring falls have an interesting history. Emporia is another small town in Virginia that you should be mindful of when planning your visit. Swimming Pool - Stunning elevated infinity pool overlooks the Potomac River. 25 Best East Coast Family Vacations That All Ages Love! 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Offering picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, grills, playgrounds, walking paths, and a fitness trail, the park provides beautiful streams, hidden caves to explore, and a peaceful setting that is often hard to find in a city setting. In fact, the LOTUS has a sister site in India which looks remarkably similar. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966 and was originally 5000 acres. Virginia is replete with vast expanses of natural beauty and no shortage of cozy cabins and cottages where you and the one you love can enjoy a romantic getaway for just the two of you. With its sapphire-blue waters, this reservoir is every bit as picturesque as it is inviting. For more incredible waterfalls, be sure to read about this, This attraction is far less accessible than others on the list, yet it's certainly worth mentioning. Theres a gentle beauty to this property on a broad and fast-changing stretch of the Potomac River, being molded by the water as I type. My pick for a less trafficked spot is within the huge boundaries of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, straddling the tri-state area in the far west of Virginia. The view and the rooms are great. Sandbridge Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Virginia, 10. In particular, theres a wealth of flowstone drapery here, a standout being the mesmerizing Saracens Tent, which has an almost gossamer quality. Its such a concern that unsecured homes are 300% more likely to be broken into while the owners are away, according to House Grail. In the course of a year around 320 birds nest or stop at the national wildlife refuge, and one attractive year-round inhabitant is the snow egret, seen pecking around the salt marsh. Something that will strike you is how arrow-straight the shoreline is, disappearing into the distance north and south. More people visit this coastal property at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay than any other state park in Virginia. The full diversity of ecosystems at the park can be discovered on 19 miles of trails, and you can extend your stay at a campsite or cabin. It has internet, a king sized bed & a hide-a-bed sofa. While walking down the beautiful streets of Virginia, keep an eye out for any sign of suspicious activity and potential thefts. But fear not, Im here to help you navigate your journey effectively. Keep this in mind when planning your trip to the urban center. I recommend avoiding the hike during periods of high water, as the conditions can be hazardous after sustained wet weather. From the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to the Eastern Shore, every corner of the state is marked by natural beauty. 15 Fun Things to Do in Bali with Kids Family Friendly Activities! You'll find there's something for everyone to love about the small town of Staunton, Virginia. Virginia has a rich history, and some areas have higher crime rates due to historical factors. What are the most amazing free attractions in Virginia? 19 Top Romantic Getaways in Virginia Shenandoah National Park is one of several scenic vacation spots for your next getaway with your significant other. You can cross big swaths of the refuge on boardwalks, and take a boating trip along the Dismal Swamp Canal, excavated at the turn of the 19th century. Just south of Church Hill, Richmond is Virginias capital city and has its share of crime. 10 Best Beaches in Virginia | U.S. News Travel The overlook in front of the Mill Mountain Star has an almost vertical vista of downtown Roanoke, with a hazy ridgeline in the distance. A Unique & Historic Place to Stay in Virginia. This is a perfect stay during the fall months to find yourself in a perfect getaway while enjoying the changing of the leaves. Shenandoah National Park - one of the most stunning places to explore in Virginia The very beautiful Shenandoah National Park extends along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. On the surface theres a handful of other attractions to check out, like the Car & Carriage Museum, and the living history of the Shenandoah Heritage Village. Well delve into the places to avoid in Virginia, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the most of your adventure while staying safe along the way. Virginia is an absolutely wonderful state to visit with its lush natural places like Shenandoah National Park, the James River, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as some of the best hotels like the Martha Washington Inn, Boars Head Resort, Primland Resort, and the Omni Homestead Resort. 1. Keep in mind that this advice applies to most cities, including Virginia Beach. The clue is in the name, because theres no better spot for a beach vacation in Virginia. When the word "enchanted" is in the title, you have to give it a second look. Take a relaxing stroll through the wooded trails and botanic gardens while learning about the lovely foliage before you. Economic well-being is another critical factor. Best Beaches in Virginia. You may also like my post on the best day trips from Roanoke. 1. Certain urban areas in Virginia, such as parts of Richmond and Norfolk, have higher crime rates. The Best Places to Stay in West Virginia - The Hotel Guru Or hike to the waterfall from your cabin! Great home base for hiking & river fun-all nearby. $220 night. These lodging options will provide a memorable experience and wont break the bank. This peaceful beach community is loved by locals for its calm waters, soft sands, and beautiful sunsets. Apr.24.2020. Thomas Jefferson was such a big fan of this natural wonder that he purchased the property in 1774, and entertained guests here for decades afterwards. Two of the country's most legendary scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, are filled with scenic mountain overlooks, abundant wildlife, historic . Long and relatively narrow, Shenandoah National Park traces the range's ridgeline, and you could say that the park's backbone is Skyline Drive. Whether you're camping out or watching the stars emerge after dusk, you'll feel moved by the natural beauty of this park. There are actually two pools, both fed by waterfalls, and the main swimming hole is reached by climbing the first set of falls. Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Plus, it's a great foodie destination, with countless restaurants committed to supporting local farms. Thank you! There is a picnic area there but no camping sites, and there is no alcohol allowed. If you are looking for action, select a stay near the Boardwalk or on Atlantic Avenue. Downtown Richmond and Church Hill are vibrant neighborhoods with lots of history, but like any city, they have higher crime areas. Museum founder and an avid collector, James H. Whitty, believed the poem to be a reference to an actual garden in Richmond where Poe had courted his first love, who later broke his heart. As a result, its essential to keep this in mind when planning your family vacation. Lets dive in and explore how these factors can impact crime rates in Virginia. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. This amazing natural formation, 850 feet long, 200 feet wide and 80 feet high, has been sculpted over hundreds of thousands of years by dissolution and also erosion thanks to an underground river. Places to Avoid in Virginia - Family Destinations Guide However, Virginia isnt just about the cities and coastline its also known for its world-class parks. Far from the crowds of the boardwalk lies the False Bay State Park, one of the last undeveloped Atlantic Coast areas. A rare joint-operated state park on a single property, Breaks Interstate Park has no lack of amenities, with an olympic size pool, an 80+ room lodge, a large campground, and a visitor center with exhibits about the gorge and the areas history and ecology. On the southern cusp of Chesapeake Bay is a fun-loving coastal city with mile after mile of sandy beaches 300 feet wide. Root 29 Craft Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place to take your date to dine together in a quality restaurant. In the best possible way, its a stop-start journey traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and I recommend taking as much time out as possible to experience this trio of dominant mountaintops, once praised by Thomas Jefferson. Head to the Liberty's Ice Pavilion for ice skating or spend time bird-watching at New Quarter Park. Many of Poes macabre works can be found in the form of their first manuscripts and his own furniture and family photos are on display. Richmond is both historic and beautiful, and it is certainly a city you will never forget. 4. As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. Here are two wonderful places where you can get away from it all, together. 1. This is the 12th year that Virginia Business has compiled the Best Places to Work in Virginia list in collaboration with Pennsylvania-based Best Companies Group. With the evocative nickname, Gods Thumbprint, this lush, crater-like feature is the highest valley in Virginia, at some 3,000 feet above sea level. Love Virginia? After all, a happy adventure starts with keeping everyone safe, right? When you need a getaway in Virginia, whether you venture to the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Chesapeake Bay, you probably want to reserve most of your money for adventuring rather than sinking it all into your accommodations.