Virginia Summer Fun Part I
Virginia is a wonderful destination for any family during the summer months. From June through October, you can expect nice hot and sticky weather to put you in the mood for the beach, pool, or the mountains. Virginia has so much to do and see, I'm making this a two-part post. Virginia is so steeped in history and cultural events as well, making it much more enjoyable for those with intellectual pursuits.
Here's a List of Places To Go and See This Summer in Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH
Fun in the Sun !The obvious first choice, of course, but in no order. Virginia Beach has everything. Its a mix of Southern hospitality and Las Vegas excitement. You can do it all- stroll the boardwalk, swim in the ocean with the hungry man eating sharks, or fish on the pier. The restaurants have excellent local seafood- I highly recommend the soft shelled crab sandwich- fried and battered to perfection. The best places to eat are Rudee's (On The Lynnhaven Inlet), The Jewish Mother, and Rockefeller's. But there are so many other wonderful area hotel resorts that have great food choices as well. Virginia Beach has lots of live music events as well, including the "Neptune Festival", funhouses for the kids, go karts, and their own local Aquarium. Virginia Beach is centrally located so its within a day's drive from any part of the East Coast. Also, visit the famous "Cavalier Hotel"- one has an Oceanfront, and the more historic one lies behind it. Pat Robertson and the 700 Club call Virginia Beach home, as well as Regent University.
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Step back in time to Colonial Williamsburg- Virginia's Amusement Park for History buffs! See Mildred churn butter, learn about life in the 18th Century, and visit the historic College of William and Mary. Duke Of Gloucester Street has somewhat authentic replicas of the Colonial period- and there are lots of neat Taverns to eat in- including The King's Arms, and Christiana Campbell's. Merchant's Square has many places to shop and explore, and you can catch a horse drawn carriage down the street to the Capital or the Governer's Palace. Just beware of the manure if you travel on foot! Also near Colonial Williamsburg is Bush Gardens- an amazing theme park with several different countries, thrill rides, and live shows and events for the whole family. Its somewhat of a tourist trap, but Colonial Williamsburg offers a little something for everyone, and its a wonderful place to get stuck in a time warp. Travel down the Colonial Parkway and visit nearby historic Yorktown and Jamestown settlement- the oldest thriving settlement in the Southern United States.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns (Loo-ray) is a neat place that offers a glimpse of an underground cave. You can really see an interesting throng of things sticking down at you that were formed many years ago. In the center of the cave is an organ that plays "A Might Fortress Is Our God". After you finish your exploration under the earth, you can stop at the gift shop, and chat with the locals a bit. Luray is at the foot of skyline Drive and nearby Front Royal opens up to the long stretch of parkway that runs down through Virginia and into North Carolina.
Natural Bridge
Considered one of the 8 wonders of the world, Natural Bridge, located near Roanoke, is a really nifty place to visit. The place is really that- a natural formation of rock that resembles a bridge. They also have a wax museum inside for visitors. Natural Bridge has a natural beauty all of its own. There is a legend of the Indian that leaped to her death here. You probably should avoid doing that. Luckily they have security to keep folks from doing crazy things like that
The Shenandoah Valley
The Valley is really too immense to describe in one sitting. The Valley runs from the Eastern Panhandle of what is now West Virginia South towards Winchester and then down to the end at Roanoke where the Valley meets the Appalachian mountain chain. The valley is fertile crescent of rich farm land, and was called "The Breadbasket of the Confederacy". The illustrious blue ridge mountains lie to the east, and to the west is the Appalachian chain. If you plan to visit the Valley, you may not be able to see it all in one trip. Of course the major towns you can always find accommodations in, and you'll have a wonderful time. Your best bet is to start at the bottom of the valley and work your way up. That means the Northern Shenandoah Valley and move South. This is because the valley goes up in elevation as you travel South through it. Winchester- birthplace of Country Legend Patsy Cline is a good place to start. Also check out Harrisonburg (a thriving hippie college town), Staunton- home to Mary Baldwin College and Woodrow Wilson, Lexington- Washington and Lee College, and Stonewall Jackson's home, and the major city of Roanoke. The valley stops at Roanoke, as Roanoke is considered the gateway to Virginia's Southwest country. Which is again- another treasure to behold. The valley offers lots of biking and hiking trails, as well as opportunities to catch some good country and bluegrass music.
Here's a List of Places To Go and See This Summer in Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH
Fun in the Sun !The obvious first choice, of course, but in no order. Virginia Beach has everything. Its a mix of Southern hospitality and Las Vegas excitement. You can do it all- stroll the boardwalk, swim in the ocean with the hungry man eating sharks, or fish on the pier. The restaurants have excellent local seafood- I highly recommend the soft shelled crab sandwich- fried and battered to perfection. The best places to eat are Rudee's (On The Lynnhaven Inlet), The Jewish Mother, and Rockefeller's. But there are so many other wonderful area hotel resorts that have great food choices as well. Virginia Beach has lots of live music events as well, including the "Neptune Festival", funhouses for the kids, go karts, and their own local Aquarium. Virginia Beach is centrally located so its within a day's drive from any part of the East Coast. Also, visit the famous "Cavalier Hotel"- one has an Oceanfront, and the more historic one lies behind it. Pat Robertson and the 700 Club call Virginia Beach home, as well as Regent University.
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Step back in time to Colonial Williamsburg- Virginia's Amusement Park for History buffs! See Mildred churn butter, learn about life in the 18th Century, and visit the historic College of William and Mary. Duke Of Gloucester Street has somewhat authentic replicas of the Colonial period- and there are lots of neat Taverns to eat in- including The King's Arms, and Christiana Campbell's. Merchant's Square has many places to shop and explore, and you can catch a horse drawn carriage down the street to the Capital or the Governer's Palace. Just beware of the manure if you travel on foot! Also near Colonial Williamsburg is Bush Gardens- an amazing theme park with several different countries, thrill rides, and live shows and events for the whole family. Its somewhat of a tourist trap, but Colonial Williamsburg offers a little something for everyone, and its a wonderful place to get stuck in a time warp. Travel down the Colonial Parkway and visit nearby historic Yorktown and Jamestown settlement- the oldest thriving settlement in the Southern United States.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns (Loo-ray) is a neat place that offers a glimpse of an underground cave. You can really see an interesting throng of things sticking down at you that were formed many years ago. In the center of the cave is an organ that plays "A Might Fortress Is Our God". After you finish your exploration under the earth, you can stop at the gift shop, and chat with the locals a bit. Luray is at the foot of skyline Drive and nearby Front Royal opens up to the long stretch of parkway that runs down through Virginia and into North Carolina.
Natural Bridge
Considered one of the 8 wonders of the world, Natural Bridge, located near Roanoke, is a really nifty place to visit. The place is really that- a natural formation of rock that resembles a bridge. They also have a wax museum inside for visitors. Natural Bridge has a natural beauty all of its own. There is a legend of the Indian that leaped to her death here. You probably should avoid doing that. Luckily they have security to keep folks from doing crazy things like that
The Shenandoah Valley
The Valley is really too immense to describe in one sitting. The Valley runs from the Eastern Panhandle of what is now West Virginia South towards Winchester and then down to the end at Roanoke where the Valley meets the Appalachian mountain chain. The valley is fertile crescent of rich farm land, and was called "The Breadbasket of the Confederacy". The illustrious blue ridge mountains lie to the east, and to the west is the Appalachian chain. If you plan to visit the Valley, you may not be able to see it all in one trip. Of course the major towns you can always find accommodations in, and you'll have a wonderful time. Your best bet is to start at the bottom of the valley and work your way up. That means the Northern Shenandoah Valley and move South. This is because the valley goes up in elevation as you travel South through it. Winchester- birthplace of Country Legend Patsy Cline is a good place to start. Also check out Harrisonburg (a thriving hippie college town), Staunton- home to Mary Baldwin College and Woodrow Wilson, Lexington- Washington and Lee College, and Stonewall Jackson's home, and the major city of Roanoke. The valley stops at Roanoke, as Roanoke is considered the gateway to Virginia's Southwest country. Which is again- another treasure to behold. The valley offers lots of biking and hiking trails, as well as opportunities to catch some good country and bluegrass music.
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