Virginia Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

Since eight of the country's presidents were born in Virginia, it has the nickname as the "Mother of Presidents". There you can visit the grave of John F. Kennedy at Arlington Cemetery and the home of George Washington when you visit Mount Vernon. With more than 250 Civil War sites in the state, you can easily see that history is alive and well preserved.

Virginia, with a population of 7.5 million people, is home to some of the best tourist attractions in the country. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to both the Allegheny and Blur Ridge Mountains affording some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever see.

The awesome beauty of the Shenandoah Valley is just a prelude of what is to come. With the many caverns to explore and the gently rolling hills, you are truly in horse country. Visit the many farms where horses are bred for racing, taste superb wines at any of the more than 40 wineries or take a horseback ride to see the sights off the beaten track.

There are many country roads and trails in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains as well as waterfalls and national parks. This is the area that Daniel Boone crossed the mountains to find a new home in the west. Visit the oldest part of the country in Jamestown and explore the archaeological sites. Numerous home still survive from the early 1700's allowing you to take a fascinating walk back through the pages of history.

Virginia Towns & Cities

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is located in the eastern central part of the state. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top museums in the southeast. It has collections from Europe, Asia, and America, such as the Faberge Russian Imperial Jewels and the Lewis Collection of Art Nouveau. There are several other interesting museums in Richmond, including: the Science Museum of Virginia, the Children's Museum, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, the Valentine Museum and the Museum of the Confederacy. Maymont is a 100-acre public park and museum set in a Victorian estate. It offers tours of the Victorian mansion, and tram & carriage rides, and a zoo with bison, black bear, otters, and hundreds of other animals. Richmond is a great place to enjoy live music and the performing arts. The Richmond Symphony, the Virginia Opera Association, the Richmond Ballet, and the Concert Ballet of Virginia present productions throughout the year. Richmond is a top golf destination in the region with fourteen public and eighteen private golf courses in the area. The James and Appomattox Rivers provide an excellent opportunity for water sports, swimming, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and fishing.

Sandston is near Richmond and home to the Richmond Dragway, a quarter mile, International Hot Rod Association sanctioned drag racing. The track has been in continuous operation for 42 seasons of racing featuring over 60 racing events annually with some of the best championship racing in the country. There are a lot of excellent restaurants in Sandston. Aunt Sarah's Pancake House is a good place to get a full breakfast. Soul Delicious serves up class Southern soul food such as collard greens, pig feet, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, and baked fish. Hillbilly Red's Barbeque has excellent pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, steaks, chicken, beans, and slaw.

Petersburg is in southeast Virginia on the Appomattox River south of Richmond. The Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a National Historic Landmark and considered one of the finest Civil War attractions. It has a 422-acre campus with four high-tech museums, hands-on experiences, three antebellum homes, and costumed living history guides. The Brickhouse Run is a classic British Pub and Restaurant located along a cobblestone alley in the heart of Old Towne. It has a nice old atmosphere with good beer, delicious food, and friendly welcoming staff. Their menu features traditional British Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, and Shepherd's Pie.

Ruther Glen is located approximately 30 miles north of Richmond. Be sure to stop by the Caroline County Visitor Center to see a free exhibit and the skeleton of a 28-foot prehistoric whale, estimated to be 14 million years old. Many people visit Ruther Glen to play at the famed Mattaponi Springs Golf Club, a world class design spanning across from 330 acres of countryside. It is the premier golf destination in central Virginia, and the par 72 course has dramatic perched tee boxes and plunging fairways. The Timbers Restaurant has a great atmosphere of old pictures and great country cooking. They have excellent steaks, fish, chicken soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also sever large breakfast platters, made to order omelets, and buttermilk pancakes.

Charlottesville is in central Virginia northwest of Richmond. The University of Virginia is located here and Thomas Jefferson's estate, Monticello, is nearby. An Independence Day celebration and Naturalization Ceremony is held annually at Monticello. James Monroe's home, Ash Lawn-Highland, is right down the road from Monticello and in the summer, serves as the home of the Ash Lawn Opera Festival. The University of Virginia Art Museum has exhibits from its collection of more than 10,000 items and also presents special temporary exhibitions on loan from other collections. In October, Charlottesville hosts the annual Virginia Film, the Festival of the Photograph in July, and the Virginia Festival of the Book in March. In April and October the Foxfield Steeplechase Races take place in Charlottesville. The Old Mill Room at the Boar's Head is distinguished as the only restaurant in Virginia to have retained AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond award. A dining experience here is one you will thoroughly enjoy and remember. And the wine list is also excellent.

Orange is in central Virginia northeast of Charlottesville. The James Madison Museum commemorates the 4th President of the U.S. and Father of the Constitution. It has exhibits on the life and times of Madison and includes furnishings from Montpelier, correspondence, fashions, and books from the Madison library. There is also an unusual Hall of Agriculture with a 1753 "cube" house, farm devices, machinery, and tools. Elmwood at Sparks is an innovative restaurant with a constantly changing menu that incorporates high quality local ingredients. The cuisine is American South and French, with a focus on organic food from natural sustainable farming.

Ashland is located in central Virginia 15 miles north of Richmond. For some reason this turn-of-the-century railroad town has the phrase, "The Center of the Universe" around town. If you want to check out some of the universe you can go to Ashland's Keeble Observatory, a teaching laboratory of Randolph Macon College open to the public during the academic year. If you happen to be visiting in 2061 you may get a great view of Halley's Comet. The restaurant at the Henry Clay Inn is a nice opportunity to dine on some excellent food in a 100 year old building. The menu change with the seasons but always offer a variety made to order steak, seafood, pork, pastas, homemade soups, and desserts. There is seating available on their screened-in porch.

Glen Allen is in central Virginia, north of Richmond. In the summer, Glen Allen hosts the Innsbrook After Hours concert series, with mid-week outdoor concerts. The Meadow Farm Museum is a living history farm focused on pre-Civil War rural life, and one of the last remaining 19th century farms in the county. Visitors can participate in workshops and special events with costumed interpreters throughout the year. The Crossings Gold Club and the Hunting Hawk Golf Club are both excellent courses. Hunting Hawk plays through wooded areas and has some scenic wetland features. Crossings Gold is more open with elevation changes and difficult water hazards. Capital Ale House is the ultimate destination for beer lovers. They offer over 250 different bottled beers and 77 drafts from around the world. The food is excellent and the knowledgeable staff can recommend beer and food pairings.

Waynesboro is a pedestrian friendly town in central Virginia. The South River runs through downtown and makes for an interesting fishing experience. It is one of only two urban fisheries in Virginia. The Artisans Center of Virginia is an official statewide craft center dedicated to the work of Virginia artisans. The Plumb House Museum has maps and a story of the Civil War Battle of Waynesboro. Dulaney's Steak & Seafood is located on top of Afton Mountain, and sometimes in the morning the restaurant will be in the middle of a cloud. It makes for a completely unique dining experience. On a clear day, guest can overlook the Rockfish Valley Gap, in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley. Prime rib is one of their specialties, along with the shrimp, fish, and chicken.

Fredericksburg is in northeast Virginia north of Richmond. Historic downtown Fredericksburg has many specialty, retail, craft, and antique shops in restored 18th and 19th century buildings. Mary Washington College and the Fredericksburg Theater Company present cultural and entertainment events throughout the year. Visitors can tour Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington. Kids may enjoy a visit to the Bug Box Insect Zoo, which includes thousands of live insects, spiders, and scorpions from around the world. The adults will enjoy a trip to Hartwood winery which holds Open Houses, Barrel Tastings, Mid-Winter and Mid-Summer Mini Fests, and Dinners at the winery. Hartwoods's wines include Chardonnay, Seyval, Rappahannock White, DeWeese White, Rappahannock Red, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Roanoke is in southwest Virginia southwest of Richmond. Roanoke and surrounding communities host the annual Commonwealth Games of Virginia, an Olympic-style amateur sports festival. The Mill Mountain Zoo is a five acre zoo that has a collection of over 50 species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including: a Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Japanese Macaques, Bald Eagles, and many other interesting animals. The Texas Tavern has been a family owned restaurant and Roanoke landmark since 1930. It is jokingly referred to as the "Roanoke's Millionaires Club,” and serves chili, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheesy westerns 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Troutville is near Roanoke. The Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center has a hawk-watch platform, feeding stations for songbirds and hummingbirds, and butterfly gardens. There are trails from butterfly gardens through hardwood forests, spruce and cedar stands, open fields, and pond habitats. Endeavor Ballooning offers leisurely hot air balloon rides over the open countryside, rivers, and fields of the Troutville area. It is expensive but certainly a unique experience. The Greenwood Family Restaurant is a popular roadside restaurant that has been in business since 1952. They server fresh food and home made hamburgers. The produce is delivered straight from the farmer's field to the Greenwood's backdoor during growing season.

Lexington is located in central Virginia, about 50 miles north of Roanoke. Lexington is home to the Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University, which contribute to a high level of cultural activities and athletic events in the community The Rockbridge Historical Society and the Rockbridge chapter of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts also contribute to Lexington's culture, and in the summer there are performances at the Lime Kiln Theatre. History buffs will enjoy the Stonewall Jackson House and the George C. Marshall Museum. The Virginia Horse Center provides year-around equestrian activities including: horse sales, competitions, and instruction. Nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are great places to experience the great outdoors. The Sheridan Livery is a family owned and operated restaurant that offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Their menu includes steaks, fresh seafood specials, and made from scratch desserts. They also have a full bar available and outdoor seating on the patio.

Abingdon is a town in southwest Virginia, approximately 135 miles southwest of Roanoke. It is a designated Virginia Historic Landmark because of its historical importance. Abingdon has a vibrant fine art and craft scene centered around the galleries and museums along Main Street: The Star Museum, Barr Photographics and Gallery, Cave House Craft Shop, Zazzy'z Cafe and Gallery, The Blue Windmill Gallery, and Stone Mill Studios. This historic Barter Theatre is one of the longest-running professional regional theatres in the nation, and was designated as the "State Theatre of Virginia" in 1946. Visitors can enjoy winery tours and tastings at the 50-acre Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, located along the South Holston River. For an historic meal, dine at Abingdon's oldest building, The Tavern, build in 1779. It is a casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating. Some of their signature dishes are: Oysters Rockefeller, Herb Encrusted Duck, Scallops au Gratin, Crab Cakes Imperial, and a Slow Roaster Black Angus Prime Rib.

Blacksburg is a town of southwest Virginia in the Allegheny Mountains west of Roanoke. This is the location of Virginia's largest university, Virginia Tech. Many cultural, educational and sporting activities can be enjoyed at Virginia Tech throughout the year. On the first Saturday of April, Blacksburg hosts The International Street Fair & Parade, where over 110 countries are represented by the student body of Virginia Tech and individuals from the community. College Avenue is closed for food and craft booths and the there are on-stage musical performances from around the world. Blacksburg is also host to the annual Steppin' Out Festival, held on the first Friday and Saturday of August. The festival features over 150 artists and crafts people from around the country selling unique handcrafted items, local merchants holding final clearance sidewalk sales, local restaurants selling food through outdoor vending, multiple stages for live performances, and fun for the entire family. Visitors to Blacksburg can take a guided tour of Smithfield Plantation, which was built in 1773 and was the home of Revolutionary War patriot William Preston. A popular bicycle tour, part of the TransAmerica Bikeway, is Catawba Road. It is a scenic byway that passes through pastoral landscapes, including historic buildings, mills, a tanyard, a brick kiln, 19th-century churches and an early 20th-century school.

Salem is on Roanoke's western boarder and is the home of the Salem Red Sox minor league baseball team. Dixie Caverns is a fun cave experience. There is a 45 minute guided tour. The best known attraction is a bell-shaped flowstone formation known as the "Wedding Bell," and some weddings have been held under the Bell. They have a gift shop with some interesting souvenirs. Awful Arthur's Seafood Company has a complete raw bar, fresh seafood, steaks, pastas, soups, salads, and sandwiches, all made to order.

Bluefield is located in southwest Virginia along the Bluestone River on the boarder with West Virginia. Bluefield throws an annual Autumn Jamboree party on the second Saturday in September with a free public concert of soul, R&B, Boogie and Beach Music. A popular tourist attraction is the Sanders House, which is rumored to be haunted by the restless spirits of the original residents. The 19th century mansion features, solid oak woodwork, original murals and furniture, and the grounds around the mansion include a granary, smokehouse, cottage outbuildings, and an oak tree that is over 250 years old. Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders is an excellent locally owned restaurant that is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. Their Taco Pizza is delicious and different. Bluefield has a sister city, also called Bluefield, right across the boarder to West Virginia. For bars, it is worth the short taxi ride to check out the Mountaineer Sports Lounge and Cowboy Up. The Mountaineer is a good place to watch the game and drink some beers, but is very popular and gets crowded. Cowboy is not your typical bar, but it is a lot of fun. They have a mechanical bull, country music, line dancing, live bands, and ladies drink free on Fridays.

Christiansburg is in southwest Virginia near Blacksburg in the Blue Ridge Mountains Region. Montgomery County Parks and Recreation has the largest and most extensive Whitewater Kayak Program in Southwest Virginia. They provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience. For a fun retro experience, Christiansburg's Starlite Drive-in is one of the few surviving Drive-in theaters in Virginia. The Farmhouse Restaurant has been a local favorite since 1963. The authentic farmhouse was built in the 1800s, and in the early 1970s an old train caboose was added to provide a unique dining area. Their menu features prime rib, charcoal steaks, fresh fish, chicken, and pasta.

Hillsville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. A two block area of downtown was designated as a state and national historic district. In September the Hillsville VFW hosts a large annual Flea Market and Gun Show which attracts thousands of visitors. The Hillsville Diner is the oldest continuously operating streetcar diner in the entire state of Virginia, and has been a landmark in the town since 1946. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Hillsville Historic District. Their specialties are their home cooked stewed beef, gravy biscuits, and buttermilk pancakes.

Lebanon is in southwest Virginia. Jessee's Mill is a national historic landmark and was previously designated a Virginia historical landmark. It began operation over two hundred years ago and around 1890 was made into the three story structure which stands today. Vincent's Vineyard is a winery lying within the foothills of the scenic Clinch and Beartown Mountains. Vincent's offers free tastings and tours of the vineyard and winery. There are blue herons, ducks, Kathadin sheep, and dogs on the property. Nearby Big Cedar Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.

Bristol is located in the Blue Ridge Highlands region of southwest Virginia and lies directly on the Tennessee state line with its sister city of Bristol, Tennessee. Bristol is known as "The Birthplace of Country Music," because it was the location of the first country music recordings made for national distribution, and the US Congress made it official in 1998. There are many country music murals and monuments lining Bristol's State Street. Bristol's new Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum provides a venue for live performances and also features collections of musical instruments and memorabilia from country music legends Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and Tennessee Ernie Ford. On the Tennessee side, race fans can check out all the fast paced action at the NASCAR Bristol International Speedway. Bristol is also home to the Bristol White Sox, a Chicago White Sox minor league franchise. There are plenty of great outdoor activities to participate in at Bristol's 15 parks and two 650-acre recreational areas for horseback riding, hiking and wildlife watching. The Bristol and Appalachian Caverns are 500,000,000 year old and amazing natural sites to visit. The Clear Creek Golf Club is a nice course that is challenging but should not cause you too much stress. The hole locations are very approachable. The Troutdale Dining Room is an excellent choice for special occasions or just a romantic dinner for two. The food is delicious, beautifully presented, and the service is outstanding.

Hot Springs is located near Covington on Virginia's western boarder with West Virginia. Sam Snead originally started caddying at the Cascades Golf Course before playing the PGA. The Cascades is the finest mountain golf course in America and among the top courses in Virginia. The high quality, brilliant William Flynn design, and interesting elevations have this course consistently ranked in the top fifty courses in America. It lets experienced golfers use the slopes to their advantage, but does not necessarily penalize players with forced carries and unfair hazards. Hot Spring's Sam Snead's Tavern is a tribute to PGA golfer and the place to go to for dinner and drinks after a round at Cascades.

Marion is located in the western part of Virginia. It is one of the few towns in Virginia to be officially recognized on a state and national level as a Main Street Community. The historic Lincoln Theater is an Art Deco building that hosts live performances including a nationally syndicated Bluegrass show. The town also hosts an ArtWalk on the second Friday of the month, May through December, featuring the work of local artists and musicians. The most important thing about Marion is that the flavor of Mountain Dew was created here. Although the drink was originally created in Tennessee, the current syrup mixture was designed in Marion.

Bedford is in the western part of central Virginia near Poplar Forest, the rural retreat of Thomas Jefferson. Bedford is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the James River on its northeast, and Smith Mountain Lake to the south. The National D-Day Memorial is located here because Bedford lost more soldiers per capital than any other American city. The city of Trevieres, France, sent Bedford an exact replica of its own World War I memorial statue, which now stands on the grounds of the National D-Day Memorial. The face of the original Trevieres statue was damaged in World War II by artillery fire from US forces retaking the town, so the Bedford statue also has the same marks. Holy Land USA is a unique attraction to say the least. It is a 200 acre park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which offers self-guided walking tours or guided motorized excursions of displays representing events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is a bizarre experience that some people may enjoy for spiritual or novelty reasons, regardless of their religious affiliation. If the Jesus tour gets you thinking about wine, consider a visit to nearby Peaks of Otter Winery. In addition to traditional wines, they offer a variety of fruit wines and ciders including, apple, pear, crabapple, peach, nectarine, plum, and pear. Their apple pepper cider is certainly a different taste.

Dublin is a small town in the west of Virginia. Claytor Lake State Park is an ideal setting for boating, swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking, and sport fishing. Boating supplies, fuel and refreshments are available at the marina. Guided charters are available through the New River Fishing Guide Service. The historic Howe House features interactive exhibits that cover the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas. Dublin hosts public concerts throughout the year at the amphitheater in Randolph Park. For a retro meal, visit Jim's Drive Inn, where you can order a burger and fries and have it delivered to your car. Jim's is know for its uniqueness and is not your average dinning experience.

Wytheville is in the western part of Virginia. Each year on the third weekend of June, Wytheville hosts the Chautauqua Festival at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park, featuring live concerts, stage magic, arts & crafts, hot air ballooning, dances, children's activities, and diverse carnival-style food. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and enjoy a leisurely walk to some of the oldest and most interesting structures in Wytheville. The tour begins in downtown at the Thomas J. Boyd and Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museums and leads to more than 50 sites. Information is available at the Visitor's Center. Beartown Wilderness is one of the most remote parts of Jefferson National Forest. It covers 5,609 acres and is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Danville is in southern Virginia on the Dan River near the North Carolina border, and was the last capital of the Confederacy in 1865. The Danville Science Center is a satellite museum of the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond and is located in a renovated, historic train station. There are many interesting exhibits including the Butterfly Station and Garden. Danville has an extensive park system, the newest park of which is the 150 acre Dan Daniel Memorial Park which has the home field of the Appalachian League's Danville Braves baseball team. Millionaire's Row is the most impressive area in Danville, with many beautiful mansions built in the 1800s and early 1900s by descendants of American planters. This tree lined street is an important part of the history of Danville and the South which includes the Confederate capital building, Sutherlin Mansion, which is now the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

Covington is located towards Virginia's western boarder with West Virginia, along the Allegheny Mountains. Falling Spring is the largest water falls in Virginia is an amazing site and a great place to take pictures. Falling Spring was surveyed by Thomas Jefferson and is the only bridge of its design in the United States. Another good photo opportunity is Covington's Humpback Bridge. It is the only single span 100 foot wooden arched covered bridge in VA, and maybe in all of America.

Martinsville is located west of Danville, near Virginia's southern boarder with North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is best known as the home of the 86,000-seat Martinsville Speedway track, part of the Winston Cup series and the shortest track in NASCAR stock care racing. The Mabry Mill is a working grist mill built in 1910 and is a very popular spot for photography. The National Park Service operates a restaurant there which specializes in authentic buckwheat cakes and country ham. The Virginia Museum of Natural History is a new world class museum with some very interesting exhibits, a complete Allosaurus skeleton, and a 14 million-year-old whale. There is great fishing to be had at Philpott Lake and at Smith River.

South Hill is in southern Virginia near La Crosse. Lake Gaston, a large reservoir popular with boaters and fishermen, is a short distance to the southwest. There are several museums in South Hill, the Model Railroad Museum, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum of Virginia, and the Virginia S. Evans Doll Museum. South Bound Shooting Preserve is a fine place for guided hunts for Quail, Pheasant, and Chukar. Purists may find it a little bit canned and on the luxury side, but others prefer this format. They also offer guided horse back riding, fishing tours, ATVs, and skeet shooting.

Portsmouth is in southeast Virginia across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has legendary sports memorabilia, exhibits, hands-on activities, and Hall of Honor. A good place to bring the kids is the Children's Museum of Virginia, which has two floors of hands-on educational exhibits, trains, and a planetarium. The Portsmouth's Seawall Festival takes place the same time as Norfolk's Harborfest, and makes the parties some of the most popular in Virginia. Visitors can take a quick run ride on the Elizabeth River Ferry from Olde Towne Portsmouth to get to Norfolk. Brutti's is a European bistro with an eclectic menu including, certified Angus Beef, steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, wood stone oven pizzas, and other European & American specialties. Brutti's is famous for its breakfast of omelets, French toast, and pastries, but the most popular item is the BagelNutz, a soft puff of bagel dough with cream cheese baked inside.

Carrollton is located in southeast Virginia near the southern end of the James River Bridge, across from Newport News. Carrollton's Amazing Grace Stables has fine horses and provides lessons, children's camps, horse shows, and pony rides. They can teach first-timers how to ride or improve the skills of experienced riders. Drop the kids off there then head over to the Smithfield Downs Golf Club. It plays a short flat 5917 yard par 71 across lush Bermuda grass and has many challenging water features. Virginia Barbeque Carrollton is a reason in itself to visit this town, and arguable the de facto standard of what new Virginia barbecue should taste like. They start by dry rubbing the finest bone-in pork Boston Butts with their secret spice blend then slow cook it in a rotisserie smoker loaded hickory wood. The pork turns into barbeque after twelve hours of low smoky 220 degree heat. After a cool-down period they hand pull the barbeque to remove all visible fat and gristle, which is a departure from tradition but gives the meat a more lean clean taste which enhances the flavor.

La Crosse is a very small town in southern Virginia near Clarksville and South Hill, towards the North Carolina boarder. The South Hill Country Club has a nice 9-hole practice course with small greens and tight fairways. Almost every approach is uphill one or two clubs and the greens can be tricky. Kahill's Restaurant & Bar is not the down home cooking you would expect in a small town the heart of tobacco country. Their epicurean menu features such dishes as Quail Stuffed with Oysters, Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo, and an exquisite Lobster Bisque.

Clarksville is located in the southern part of the Central Virginia region, bordered on the south by the North Carolina state line. Clarksville has many 18th century buildings and the downtown area of Clarksville has been designated an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia's Historic Register. The town is located on Kerr Lake, which is also known as Buggs Island Lake, a 50,000 acre manmade freshwater lake with over 800 miles of beautiful shoreline. The lake is popular for boating water skiing, sailing, hunting, swimming, camping, and fishing, especially for catfish and many varieties of freshwater bass including largemouth bass, striped bass and crappie. The Kinderton Country Club has the toughest par fours in the state. Each July, Clarksville hosts the annual Virginia Lake Festival. “Lakefest” attracts approximately 80,000 visitors during this three-day event, which culminates with a fireworks show on the lake. Clarksville's Prestwould Plantation is a famous 19th century plantation home of Sir Peyton Skipwith. It has one of the largest collections of slave writings in the country, and is known as one of the most haunted places in Virginia.

Emporia is located in southeast Virginia near the southern boarder. Each September Emporia hosts the Annual Virginia Peanut Festival, with rides, games, food, arts & crafts, marching bands, a car show, blue grass music, pony rides, civil war exhibits, educational exhibits, antique farm equipment, tours, a bike race, and a huge fireworks display. The Greensville County Courthouse played an historic role as a battle site in the Civil War. It was built in 1831 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historic building in Emporia is the Village View Mansion House, built in the 1790s. During the Civil War, the front parlor of the house served as the site of a council of war for Generals W.H.F. Lee, Wade Hampton and Matthew Butler.

Franklin is in southeast Virginia near Emporia. Bear Path Acres Animal Educational Center has a nice collection of animals and many educational exhibits. It is geared towards children and a nice place to bring the family. Fred's Restaurant is a nice family owned establishment in downtown Franklin, Virginia. They have been cooking great food with very good customer service since 1945. Fred's has weekly lunch and dinner specials including a lunch buffet, and Saturday mornings are popular for their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and fish fry. There is sometimes life entertainment on the weekend, and your choice of indoor or outdoor seating.

Williamsburg is in southeast Virginia northwest of Newport News. Williamsburg is the "Colonial Capital" of Virginia and is internationally known for its restoration activities and re-creation of 18th-century America at Colonial Williamsburg. Busch Gardens is an amusement park with more than 50 rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine, and world-class shops. Their newest roller coaster "Griffon" sends riders through 205 feet up in the air and 90 degrees straight down at more than 70 mph. The Williamsburg Winery, the largest winery in Virginia, is open daily for tours, tastings, & lunch. The guided tour includes a video presentation on grape growing & winemaking. Their museum has a collection of unique and rare vintage wine bottles. The tour ends with a grand finale tasting of seven wines and visitors each get to keep an etched souvenir wine glass. Kingsmill is Virginia's largest golf resort, with 63 holes of championship golf and a renowned golf academy. It is located on 2,900 acres along the historic James River and has a 15-court Tennis Center, a full-service marina, six restaurants and lounges, and a sports club.

Newport News is located in southeast Virginia at the mouth of the James River northwest of Norfolk. Along with Norfolk and Portsmouth, Newport News constitutes the Port of Hampton Roads, the site of one of the largest shipyards in the world producing luxury liners, aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines. There are many historical, cultural, and recreational activities in Newport News, such as the Mariner's Museum, which features more than 800 model ships, figureheads, and an entire ongoing restoration display of the USS Monitor ironclad battleship from the Civil War. The Virginia War Museum has the largest collection of war relics in the United States. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News features cultural performances such as the Virginia Symphony and the Virginia Opera. Newport News Park is the largest municipal park east of the Mississippi River and is a great place for boating, fishing, camping, biking, hiking, tennis, and golf.

Norfolk is in southeast Virginia near Newport News and Virginia Beach. It is one of the world's largest and busiest port cities and is the financial and legal center of southeastern Virginia. Norfolk is a major military center and naval complex extending from Norfolk to Portsmouth has the largest operating base in the United States. The headquarters of the 5th Naval District, the Atlantic Fleet, the Second Fleet, and the Supreme Allied Command are here. Popular sites to visit are St. Paul's Church, built in 1738, the only building to survive the burning of 1776, Fort Norfolk from 1794, the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial where he is buried, and many old homes. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk is considered as one of the top 20 museums in the United States and features masterworks from every major civilization, historical period, and culture of the past 5,000 years. Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, is also in Norfolk and features the USS Wisconsin, the world's largest battleship.

Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia and located near Norfolk. Virginia Beach has 28 miles of public beach area and a 3-mile Boardwalk with a giant mythical statue of Neptune. It is a premier resort area with many recreational, historical, and cultural attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Cape Henry Lighthouses, the Association for Research & Enlightenment, and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a world class aquarium near the oceanfront that houses the 300,000-gallon Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, with sting rays, sand tiger, nurse, and brown sharks, and other large open-ocean dwellers. The aquarium has a 70,000-gallon sea turtle aquarium, sea turtle hatchling laboratory, hands-on ocean exploration exhibits, jellyfish, and octopus aquariums, and a life-size model of a humpback whale. Virginia Beach hosts events almost every weekend and some of the most popular are the Boardwalk Art Show, Neptune Festival, the East Coast Surfing Championship and the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon. The Neptune Festival is the biggest event of the year and attracts 500,000 visitors to the Oceanfront and 350,000 visitors to the air show at NAS Oceana. First Landing State Park is the most popular state park in Virginia and has trails for hiking and biking, camp sites, swimming, and rental sports equipment. Rockafeller's Restaurant is one of Virginia Beach's most popular seafood restaurants, It has great views of Rudee Inlet and serves the freshest local seafood along with great steaks. All the soups, desserts, and even salad dressings are made from scratch each day.

Chesapeake is in southeast Virginia south of Norfolk. Chesapeake has some urban areas as well as many square miles of protected forests and wetlands, including a significant portion of the Great Dismal Swamp. Despite its name, the Great Dismal Swamp is actually a fun place for boating, hunting, fishing, and photography. The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a multipurpose-use trail accommodating horse owners, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and boat owners, which runs along the Dismal Swamp Canal, on the eastern edge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Great Dismal Swamp Refuge. Visitors to the Chesapeake Planetarium can see exhibits on the universe and participate in free weekly guided telescope viewings. The Chesapeake Golf Club is one of the best kept secrets in the Tidewater area. This beautiful par 72 course features unique doglegs and strategically-placed water hazards.

Hampton is near Chesapeake in southeast Virginia and is the hometown of basketball superstar Allen Iverson. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is home to Fort Monroe, Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Air and Space Center. Hampton is an entrance to the Chesapeake Bay and has miles of waterfront and beaches. The Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe has exhibits on the imprisonment of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and the Fort's role during the Civil War. The Cousteau Society headquarters is a fascinating museum dedicated to the pioneering underwater work of master oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau. The water-related activities are the focus in Hampton and visitors can enjoy harbor tours aboard the 65-foot "Miss Hampton," a day of fun and sun at Buckroe Beach, and sport fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. NASCAR fans can enjoy Last Model and Grand Stock races at Langley Speedway. One of the most popular annual events in Virginia is the Hampton Jazz Festival, held at the Hampton Coliseum.

Hopewell is located in the southeast part of central Virginia near the James and Appomattox Rivers. The City Point Open Air Museum is a self-guided walking tour of 25 points of interest, mostly focusing on the Civil War. Outdoor storyboards explain the people and events of the locations, including General Grant's headquarters, as visitors walk down the same streets as General Grant and President Lincoln. Tour brochures are available at the Hopewell Visitor Center. There is a golf course and yacht marina at Jordan Point, with a full service fishing shop. Jordan Point is known for great big blue catfish, bass, and striper fishing. The record catfish catch was an 83 pounder. Luna International Restaurant is a fine dining establishment that servers authentic dishes from Bolivia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Spain, using only the best meats, seafood and freshest vegetables.

Collinsville is located on the center of Virginia's southern boarder. Collinsville's Jaycee Park is located on 27 mostly wooded acres and has a 1 ¼ mile hiking trail in the park where hikers can see a variety of wildlife. The park is located in a neighborhood, but has the feeling of being in a remote wooded location. There is a new dinosaur playground, four lighted tennis courts, and two picnic shelters with cooking grills. Village Spa is a full service salon offering a wide range of for men and women including: massages, nail care, professional skin care, spa pedicures, waxing, ear candling, body treatments and wraps, hair care, weight loss programs and 4 levels of tanning. The Amsterdam Dining Room is a high quality restaurant with excellent breakfast and lunch buffets. On Friday nights they have a fresh seafood buffet, and on Saturday's they have an ever popular Prime Rib buffet.

Chester is located in east central Virginia. The Henricus Historical Park has displays on the experiences of the first English settlers in America. Established in 1611 by Sir Thomas Dale, Henricus was the second successful English city in the New World, built along the James River on land inhabited by the Appomattocks tribe, where Pocahontas grew up. The marriage between Pocahontas and John Rolfe helped bring about peace. R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks is a 188-acre park with picnic shelters, play equipment, tennis and basketball courts and fields for football, soccer and baseball. The park has a system of trails, which includes a boardwalk through a freshwater tidal marsh. River's Bend Golf Course is a championship course situated on the scenic James River in Chester, Virginia. It offers golfers of all skill levels tight fairways, deep bunkers and plenty of water. River's Bend stretches 6,671 yards from the blue tees at a par of 71. Chester's Wrexham Hall is said to be haunted by the "Lady in Red", one of the most famous spirits in Virginia.

Harrisonburg is in north central Virginia, northwest of Charlottesville. Harrisonburg is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the Allegheny Mountains to west. Historic Downtown Harrisonburg was established as one of Virginia's first Cultural Arts Districts. With James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Bridgewater College located here, the city offers visitors a wide selection of concerts, plays, art exhibits, and lectures. James Madison University has an interesting meteorite museum and planetarium, which are open to the public. Court Square Theater is a classic and intimate venue for national and regional theater, music, and movies. Wild Guyde Adventures offers action packed guided tours of the area, including: day hiking to peaks and waterfalls in the George Washington National Forest, rock climbing & rappelling at Hidden Rocks or Waterfall Mountain, underground caving, or canoeing on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Luray is located in north Virginia and is the site of the Luray Caverns. The Luray Caverns, the largest and most popular caverns in the eastern United States. They are a natural wonder with amazing colors, large stalagmite and stalactite formations, and pools. It looks like a cave out of the movie Lord of the Rings, and definitely a sight you will remember the rest of your life. Luray Caverns also has a one of a kind Stalacpipe Organ, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations across more than three acres and creates completely unique sounds. The Luray Reptile Center has the largest collection of reptiles in Virginia as well as twenty other wild creatures including exotic cats, Fallow deer, Llamas, African Pygmy goats, Sicilian donkeys, and monkeys. They also have a petting zoo and life size dinosaur replicas. The Victorian Inn serves classic French and American Victorian four and five course meals. Call ahead because the menu is limited to two entrée selections per evening.

Middletown is in north Virginia. The Wayside Theater is the second oldest theater in Virginia. They perform Broadway style comedies, dramas, mysteries, and musicals throughout the year. Civil Cricket Café is a Civil War and Classic Movie themed restaurant with staff costumed in Confederate or Union uniforms and using period accent to match. Guests can eat inside the restored log cabin, outside on the charming porch, or near the water garden on the back patio surrounded by beautifully landscaped plants. Irish Isle is an authentic Irish restaurant that offers traditional items such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, Soda Bread, Fish & Chips, pies, and Irish coffee.

Staunton is located in northern Virginia. It was named as “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Staunton is known for its magnificently preserved architecture and is a nice town to tour on foot. The small downtown are has over 100 shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a play at the Blackfriars Playhouse, tour the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum at his Birthplace, and browse the local shops and art galleries. The St. Frontier Culture Museum is a living history museum with five historic working farms and costumed interpreters enacting the lifestyles of the early pioneers that settled in the Staunton area.

Woodstock is in northwest Virginia near Winchester. George Washington named the town in 1761. The Shenandoah County Courthouse was designed by Thomas Jefferson and is the oldest working courthouse west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Woodstock Museum Historic Wickham House is an 18th Century log home with period furnishings. The Spring House Tavern has the best ribs in the area and they have a good beer selection. The place gets crowded during Redskins games.

Winchester is located in northwest Virginia. Each May, Winchester hosts the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which has existed since 1924 and attracts over 250,000 visitors to the area. The festival includes a carnival, the longest fireman's parade in the US, a grand feature parade, several dances, parties, and a coronation where the Apple Blossom Queen is crowned. History buffs will enjoy visiting the office of George Washington from when he supervised the construction of Fort Loudoun. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley has exhibits on the art, history, and culture Winchester area. Winchester is the birthplace of Patsy Cline and current home of Dan Akroyd.

Leesburg is an historic town in northeast Virginia between Winchester to the west and Alexandria to the east. Leesburg's Morven Park, once home to two governors, is the site of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting, the only foxhunting museum in the world. Leesburg Animal Park is a 21 acre attraction with exotic and domestic animals including: Serval cats, giant tortoises, lemurs, and llamas. They have pony rides and a safari wagon ride tour. In the Fall, Leesburg Animal Park throws a festival, Pumpkinville, with giant hill slides, hay mazes, and games. Raspberry Falls Gold and Hunt Club is Virginia's only Gary Player Signature Design. The 7,191 yard, par-72 layout features rolling terrains, rock outcroppings, streams, and native hardwoods. The most dramatic feature of Raspberry Falls is its Scottish style stacked-sod bunkers. Wine lovers should plan ahead because there are about eight wineries in the Leesburg area.

Alexandria is in northeast Virginia on the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. It is primarily a residential suburb of Washington, D.C. but has many historic buildings. George Washington helped lay out the streets in 1749. A fun way to see the city and learn about Alexandria's storied history is Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Colonial costumed guides will lead you by lantern light and tell you ghost stories, legends, and folklore. The Greendale Golf Course is a beautiful 6,353 yard par 70 municipal course. It plays short with some interesting and challenging holes, but presents a lot of forgiving lies from the rough. If you can manage to snag an invite to the Mount Vernon Country Club, you will probably have a good chance of playing a round with a congressman at this immaculate private course. Kids will love Candi's Candies, an old-style candy shop in the heart of Old Town Alexandria with a nostalgic atmosphere and free samples. Step back into the past and impress your date at the Carlyle Club, located in the heart of Alexandria. There is nothing like it in the Washington, D.C. area. It is designed in grand Art-Deco style, has white-tablecloth fine dining, and live world-class big-band entertainment.

Fairfax is located in northeast Virginia and is a residential suburb of Washington, D.C. Every year around Valentine's Day, Fairfax hosts the Chocolate Lover's Festival with craft shows, historic building open houses, children's activities, collections of vendors selling various edible chocolate products, and chocolate sculpture contests. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate is located here in Fairfax and his and Martha Washington's wills are on display at the old courthouse, built in 1799. The Tastee 29 Diner is a Fairfax historical landmark. It is a rare survivor among the streamlined 1940's diners still in operation, and the high quality of this diner has withstood the test of time.

Dumfries is on Virginia's northeast boarder near the Quantico Marine Corps Base and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Weems-Botts Museum has exhibits on the history of Dumfries, Virginia's oldest chartered town, and about two famous residents who lived in the house, Mason Weems and Benjamin Botts. Weems, the first biographer of George Washington, invented the famous cherry tree myth and used the museum building as a bookstore. Botts Aaron Burr's defense lawyer for his treason and conspiracy trial and used the building as his law office. The house is believed to be haunted by the Merchant Family who owned the house in the Victorian Era. Tim's Rivershore Restaurant is located on the Potomac River and serves the freshest seafood including crabs, oysters, scallops, shrimp, mussels and fish, all prepared to order.

Woodbridge is in northeast near Dumfries. The Potomac Mills Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Virginia and is the largest outlet mall with over 225 stores. The Potomac Nationals minor league baseball team stadium is located in Woodbridge, and they play 140 games between April and September each year. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge preserves natural habitats that are rare or nearly extinct in Virginia. There are tidal shorelines, marshes, meadows, woods, and a variety of creatures around the banks of the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers. Old Hickory is a popular course in the Washington D.C. area, with bentgrass fairways, super-fast greens, and outstanding customer service. The unique thing about this course is  that it has a 19th hole, “The Challenge Hole.

Stafford is in northeastern Virginia south of Washington, D.C. and about 60 miles north of Richmond. Aquia Church, built in 1751, is one of the oldest active colonial churches still in operation in America today. Visitors travel from around the world to study its example of hand-painted calligraphy on wood behind the altar. There are names and units of Civil War soldiers carved in the stones and written on the walls. The Potomac Point Winery is a Mediterranean style winery with private arbors, veranda seating, an internal Tuscan style courtyard, tastings, tours, and olive oil bar, picnic pavilion, and an extensive gift shop. They have a Mediterranean bistro menu to go along with the wines. A nice feature is a supervised area for children to play while their parents are enjoying Potomac Point's fine wines. Entree Act Dinner Murder Mystery Troupe puts on interactive performances set during the Renaissance, Captain Smith's journey to Jamestown, the Lee family of Stratford Hall in 1776, the antebellum south, the Wild West, or the Roaring 20s.

Arlington is located near Alexandria, in northeast Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.  Arlington is the location of the Arlington National Cemetery, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, the Pentagon, the U.S. Marine Corps & Air Force memorials, Marymount University, a campus of George Mason University, and the Ronald Reagan National Airport. The Arlington National Cemetery is where American war heroes and other famous Americans who served their country, including William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy, are buried. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier commemorates members of the Armed Forces killed in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Iwo Jima Memorial depicting the rising of the American Flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima is also located here. Ray's the Steaks is consistently rated as the best steakhouse in the area. You chose the cut and the preparation and the chefs will prepare you exactly what you want. This is a popular hangout for lobbyists, politicos, and power brokers. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and the Pentagon Row shopping and entertainment complex offer a complete shopping experience, and if you cannot find what you are looking for here, it probably does not exist. Arlington's Crystal City and Shirlington neighborhoods are also top shopping and entertainment destinations.

Warrenton is located in northeast Virginia between Stafford and Washington, D.C. Warrenton is in the heart of Virginia's wine country and there are sixteen wineries and vineyards in the area. The Old Jail Museum is housed in an old jail but has much more to see including: Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, and WWII artifacts, a Rappahannock canal boat, a wine cellar exhibit, and 19th Century toys. Visitors can practice shooting at Clark's Gun Shop. They have a pistol and rifle range, and a shotgun range for shooting clay pigeons. They also have a gift shop that sells fireworks.

Ashburn is in northeast Virginia between Leesburg and Chantilly, about 30 miles west of Washington, D.C. Ashburn is the location of "Redskins Park", the NFL headquarters of the Washington Redskins. The Old Dominion Brewing Company Brewpub is the Washington, D.C. area's first microbrewery, and one of the top microbreweries in America. They produce 31 beers and three soft drinks. The brewpub has a complete kitchen and serves great burgers, soups, salads and other pub fare. They also have various size kegs available for takeaway, so consider a stop here before a Redskins tailgate party. Ashburn's Ice House has two NHL regulation size ice skating rinks, a video arcade, restaurant, and pro shop. The Brambleton Regional Park Golf Course is a par 72 course offering plenty of variety with woods, water holes, expansive bunkers, and cushy putting greens.

Washington is a very small town in north Virginia about 70 miles west of Washington, D.C. The Blue Ridge Mountains boarder Washington to the west and the Rappahannock River is its northeastern boundary. The town is sometimes called Little Washington because of the proximity to Washington, D.C. The National Museum of Crime & Punishment is an interactive museum that lets visitors explore the history of crime, law enforcement, forensic science, crime scene investigation, and the consequences of committing crimes. The Theatre at Washington has a series of musical performances throughout the year, one of which is the Smithsonian at Little Washington chamber music series. The restaurant in the Inn at Little Washington is a favorite for visitors and has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Gourmet.

Sterling is located in northern Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. area. Downpour Algonkian is a family water park with a uniquely shaped main pool, two 140-foot water slides, two small children's slides, and 30-foot tall interactive splash tower, with a 400-gallon water bucket that dumps every 3 minutes. They also have a mini-golf course. Another good place to bring the kids is Heritage Farm Museum, an interactive historical farm where they can milk a life-like cow, explore an old fashioned general store, and take part in hands-on classes. The Claude Moore Park and Recreation Sportsplex is a good place for picnicking, hiking, fishing, biking, and baseball. Sweetwater Tavern serves hickory-fired Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, and poultry along with award-winning handcrafted beers which brewed on the premises.

McLean is a residential suburb of Washington, D.C., located in northern Virginia west of Arlington. It is home to many diplomats, members of Congress, high-ranking federal government officials, entrepreneurs, and service businesses. McLean is a top shopping destination for the Washington D.C. area. The Tyson's Corner Center and Tyson's Galleria are popular for their world-class department stores. Tyson's Corner Center has over 300 well-known stores and restaurants, and is the fifth largest mall in the U.S. Tyson's Galleria focuses on upscale high fashion and luxury goods. Maggiono's Little Italy uses the freshest ingredients and authentic Italian recipes. Meals can be served family style or one dish at a time.

Springfield is a suburb or Washington, D.C. near Fairfax. Accotink Park's covers 493 with a 55-acre lake, wetlands, streams, waterfowl, and marsh life. There are canoe, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tour-boat rides, boat launch, bait and tackle sales, a 9-green double holed miniature golf course, an antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters, picnic areas with grills, restrooms, a playground, a 3.75-mile hiking and biking trail, and two open play fields. Small sailboats are permitted but swimming, windsurfing and gas powered boat motors are prohibited. Hurricane Fishing Charters organize excursions on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River meets the bay. Their boat can accommodate up to 15 passengers, and all bait, tackle, and licenses are included. Shoppers will enjoy the Springfield Mall, which has over 200 stores and eateries.

Chantilly is in northeast Virginia, near Arlington and Alexandria. Dulles International Airport is located here along with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, with its soaring observation tower and the largest collection of aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and missiles in the world. The collection includes The Wright Flyer, The Spirit of St. Louis, The Enola Gay, and moon rocks from Apollo 17. There are also flight simulators, an IMAX theater, and astronaut ice cream in the gift shop. The Sully Historic Site gives visitors a look back into Virginia's history at the home of Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia's first representative to congress and Robert E. Lee's uncle. This site shows what life was like 18th century. If you feel the need for speed, rent a new Harley-Davidson, Honda or BMW motorcycle from EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals. Enjoy the beauty of Virginia's roads and mountains Easy Rider style and cruise over to Sully's Restaurant & Supper Club‎, a biker bar with decent food, darts, pool, and foosball games.

Falls Church is a suburb of Washington, D.C. and is located in northeast Virginia near Alexandria. Edgar Allen Poe dies here in 1849 and there are rumors that his ghost can be seen around town. Falls Church was the site of the first Roy Rogers fast food location, opened in 1968. Originally a popular movie theater, The State Theater was renovated and turned into a favorite new venue in the Washington Metro area for live music and private events. 2941 Restaurant is has exceptional French-American Cuisine, excellent service, and beautiful waterfront views.

Manassas is in northeast Virginia west of Alexandria. Manassas's SplashDown Waterpark is a great place to take the family for a fun day. They have five water areas over 11 acres which includes: two 70 ft waterslides, two fast cannonball slides, a boat slide, a 770 ft lazy river, and volleyball & tennis courts. Magic Putting Place is another fun family destination, a 36-hole putting course with waterfalls, fountains, a windmill, and a castle. For something faster check out Old Dominion Speedway, featuring regular NASCAR, Winston Cup, and drag racing, and special events such as the popular Memorial Day "Bug Out" VW swap meet, and Fall car show. The Foundation is a unique dining experience where guests have a choice of sitting at the Chef's Bar or Dining Room. At the Chef's Bar, the chefs guide guests through the preparation of five to seven course meal and wine parings. The Dining Room is a more relaxed traditional atmosphere.

Herndon is near Chantilly in northeast Virginia. Herndon Depot Museum has displays on railroad memorabilia, artifacts from World War II, the U.S.S. Herndon destroyer, and other history of the town. The building was built in the 1850s was an active train station until 1968. The Herndon Centennial Golf Course, a Golf Digest's “Places to Play,” is one of the premier public golf courses in the area. The course is beautifully landscaped and is very well maintained. Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano is a wonderful restaurant housed in a hundred-year old building in Historic Downtown Herndon. Zeffirelli's offers homemade pastas, veal, poultry, and seafood specialties in a romantic candle light dining room.

The history of Virginia is in many ways the history of America. Virginia has a storied history and was the pivotal state of the Civil War. Virginia built by the founding fathers of America and the founding fathers were very influenced by what they learned in building Virginia. It was the model for America and embodies the best of the North and the South. Today's Virginia has some of the best America has to offer: untouched forests, historical building, beach resorts, amusement parks, fine dining, sports, art, and music. Also, there are allegedly more ghosts here than any other state in America. Visitors will have one complaint about a trip to Virginia – there is not enough time to see it all. The variety in the towns and in the landscape make the state makes it an interesting place to visit. Virginia is constantly changing and with time the history and the culture of the state keep one foot firmly in the past and one stepping forward into the future. There is one thing that does not change here, Virginia is for lovers.

Virginia Towns & Cities