The culture map of Virginia
Virginia is located at the very northern tip of the South- or the Southern end of the Mid-Atlantic region, whichever way you look at it. We Virginians are Northern-Southerners. Because of this, Virginia is in a unique position. Her cultural identity was firmly rooted in the Old South, but with the advent of the jet plane, Virginia is at New York's doorstep! Northern Virginia, close to Washington D.C., is a melting pot of people from all nations and all backgrounds. Spreading out as far as Winchester to the west, and stemming from Fairfax and Loudoun County to the East, and as far south as Fredericksburg. This area with its transient feel, represents a culture far removed from Old Virginia, despite having its old roots left in the plantation homes and historic markers and schools named after Confederate Generals. This is also the most liberal area of Virginia, and pushed Virginia into a "blue state" during both the 2008 and 2012 elections, although by a narrow margin. "NOVA" is traffic heavy. The beltway loops around the region they call "the mixing bowl". Its a land of disgruntled government employees, and wealthy people in their McMansions.
When you get South of Fredericksburg, a whole different culture of Virginia emerges. The "real Virgina"- the way Northern Virginia used to be, along with other parts. This area is staunchly different. You can feel it in the air, and the pace of life. Head towards Richmond, and you've made the transition into a sweetly Southern area, and you'll never forget you're in Virginia. Richmond's distinct architecture and personality, is rooted as the Capital of the Confederacy. Southern style row houses with large verandas. Large white columned mansions, and dogwood and magnolia along Monument Ave. Statues to the Old Confederacy of Lee and Jackson. Richmond is as Old South as a "Gone With The Wind" marathon. As you go South of Richmond, heavy traffic patterns melt away, and you see Virginia culture merging with North Carolinian. Richmond's closer proximity to North Carolina than to Washington, D.C. makes a unique blend of Virginian and North Carolinian, and many people from North Carolina came to get jobs in the Richmond-Petersburg area, as it was the most promising city closest to the region. You can start to see cotton fields in this area of Virginia, and an accent drenched in molasses and boiled peanuts. Virginia hams rule the roots here. But cross over more to the East, and you find yourself in Hampton Roads, and touristy Williamsburg. An area that has become much like Northern Virginia, with large military families and fortifications.
Let us not forget the great Shenandoah Valley. Winchester at the top- home to Country music legend Patsy Cline, has now become a bedroom community for Washington D.C. ,as discussed earlier. Then you have the market towns of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Lexington. Country music and bluegrass blooms here. Roanoake is at the end of the valley, as you make your transition west and south to Appalachia. When you reach Virginia's toe- you are at the "Birthplace of Country Music"- home to The Carter Family. In between the Valley and the East of Virginia, lies Lynchburg and Charlottesville- nestled amongst the blue ridge mountains. Charlottesville is a happening college town. With a bustling hip vibe and a live music scene. Lynchburg is home to Liberty University. You can feel the atmosphere change and arrive towards Danville- heart of tobacco country. All of these regions and places make up Virginia. Her stately mansion homes , some of which now gone. Her ever changing landscape, but still remaining historically rooted. Virginia is the epitome of transition. At the cusp where North and South meet. What is bitter and sweet- for yes she even has her own vineyards! Virginia is a culture map treasure.
When you get South of Fredericksburg, a whole different culture of Virginia emerges. The "real Virgina"- the way Northern Virginia used to be, along with other parts. This area is staunchly different. You can feel it in the air, and the pace of life. Head towards Richmond, and you've made the transition into a sweetly Southern area, and you'll never forget you're in Virginia. Richmond's distinct architecture and personality, is rooted as the Capital of the Confederacy. Southern style row houses with large verandas. Large white columned mansions, and dogwood and magnolia along Monument Ave. Statues to the Old Confederacy of Lee and Jackson. Richmond is as Old South as a "Gone With The Wind" marathon. As you go South of Richmond, heavy traffic patterns melt away, and you see Virginia culture merging with North Carolinian. Richmond's closer proximity to North Carolina than to Washington, D.C. makes a unique blend of Virginian and North Carolinian, and many people from North Carolina came to get jobs in the Richmond-Petersburg area, as it was the most promising city closest to the region. You can start to see cotton fields in this area of Virginia, and an accent drenched in molasses and boiled peanuts. Virginia hams rule the roots here. But cross over more to the East, and you find yourself in Hampton Roads, and touristy Williamsburg. An area that has become much like Northern Virginia, with large military families and fortifications.
Let us not forget the great Shenandoah Valley. Winchester at the top- home to Country music legend Patsy Cline, has now become a bedroom community for Washington D.C. ,as discussed earlier. Then you have the market towns of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Lexington. Country music and bluegrass blooms here. Roanoake is at the end of the valley, as you make your transition west and south to Appalachia. When you reach Virginia's toe- you are at the "Birthplace of Country Music"- home to The Carter Family. In between the Valley and the East of Virginia, lies Lynchburg and Charlottesville- nestled amongst the blue ridge mountains. Charlottesville is a happening college town. With a bustling hip vibe and a live music scene. Lynchburg is home to Liberty University. You can feel the atmosphere change and arrive towards Danville- heart of tobacco country. All of these regions and places make up Virginia. Her stately mansion homes , some of which now gone. Her ever changing landscape, but still remaining historically rooted. Virginia is the epitome of transition. At the cusp where North and South meet. What is bitter and sweet- for yes she even has her own vineyards! Virginia is a culture map treasure.
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