Virginia Summer Fun Part II

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The James River Plantations (Charles City County)

Nestled between Williamsburg and Richmond is a hot bed of Virginia plantation homes along the James River. These certainly aren't the only in Virginia, for Virginia is loaded with these illustrious mansions of the bygone Era statewide. However, these are the most historically known and best preserved. Its pretty hard to do all these in one day. I recommend you make accommodations in Richmond or Williamsburg first, and then explore . All along Rt 5, you'll find these treasures. Most are all open to the public- with the exception of Carter's Grove, which is undergoing extensive restoration and at the mercy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The most famous along this route include Shirley, Westover, Berkley (site of the First Thanksgiving), and Sherwood Forest. A guided tour is included for each mansion- Westover is open only on the grounds, but a picnic by the lovely old house is a must! Charles City County is also part of Virginia's Cotton industry. Virginia has some of the oldest and longest running plantations in the South.


Northern Virginia:DC




Northern Virginia is best described as the Gateway to the "Romantic South". Cobblestone streets in Old Town Alexandria lead to George Washington's home on the Potomac called

"Mount Vernon". Also in the region include Oatlands Plantation in Loudoun County- and Virginia's "Hunt Country". Little towns such as Middleburg, Leesburg, and Warrenton are the seat for the horse industry of Virginia, and many estates and rolling hills dot the countryside. Northern Virginia also includes Lee's Mansion in Arlington- and Arlington National Cemetery. Many parks are open for recreation in Northern Virginia. Go for a bike ride along the C&O trail. Many areas to the west are still very rural and unchanged. Bed and Breakfasts are abundant here. Northern Virginia includes the counties of Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, as well as the cities of Arlington and Alexandria. However, the region extends as far south as the city of Fredericksburg, and as far west as the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake Anna, Virginia
Lake Anna offers Log Cabin homes along the lake. People can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating here- and you're within and hour's drive to Richmond or Northern Virginia. The attractive Lake also is close to Fredericksburg, Virginia , a historic city at the base of Northern and Central Virginia with shops, dining, and Kenmore Plantation home, as well as Mary Washington College.


Virginia National Battlefield Parks

Virginia has hundreds of Battlefield Parks associated with The War Between The States. The three most famous are probably The Battle of Mannassas (First And Second), Fredericksburg, and Petersburg. These were pivotal battles during that Era. The Shenandoah Valley has many battlefield parks including- New Market, and Cedar Creek (near Winchester)- as Winchester changed 72 times during the entire war. Just about every area of Virginia was touched by the War, with the exception of Charlottesville , which never saw a major battle or skirmish there.


Charlottesville/Monticello


Thomas Jefferson lived in many areas of Virginia during his life time, but no other part of the Commonwealth is deemed "Jefferson's Country" as is the Charlottesville area. Thomas Jefferson found peace and quiet and relaxation at Monticello- which took several years to complete. Architecturally, it was right different from the typical Virginia Plantation home. T.J. shunned opulence for practicality. People enter Monticello to a very humble entry hall and side staircase- as Jefferson believed to take up less space. Jefferson being the inventor and designer, also helped complete The University of Virginia- which he found repulsive later due to the excessive gambling and carousing by the students. Monticello today showcases how it might have been when Jefferson was living there. Around Charlottesville are lots of wineries and horse farms. You will really want to check out Charlottesville the city- as well as University of Virginia (despite the uppity students, the architecture is superb)- the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville boasts nightlive and music hot spots. Charlottesville is located right at the foot of the blue ridge mountains and is within an hour's drive from Richmond and less than two hours from Washington, D.C.




Virginia's Southwest

A whole book could be written on the big "toe" of Virginia". This area is just to the west and South of Roanoke, and borders on Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Virginia's Southwest is where you will run into the land that sparked the Legendary Carter Family- and the area known as the "Birthplace of Country Music". Visit Macy's Springs, Virginia and you will see how it all began. Long before Nashville had a hand in it. Also, explore the Appalachian trails. Bristol Virginia is a town that runs the line of Virginia and Tennessee (Tennessee Ernie actually grew up on the Virginia side). Also visit Abington's "Barter Theater" for great live entertainment. This is truly God's Country.

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