Beginner's Guide to Virginia http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/ Virginia en Copyright 2007 Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:38:02 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.35 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Virginia Vacations - A Week-Long Itinerary Overview There are many things that you can do when taking a vacation to Virginia. From theme parks and historical monuments to hot-air balloons and opportunities to just enjoy the lovely mountains and beaches, Virginia offers a lot. Some of these activities can be experienced over just a few days or combined for a longer trip. If you have a week and want it to be as diverse as possible, consider camping, skydiving, shopping, visiting Virginia Beach, riding rollercoasters at King’s Dominion, and experiencing the Air and Space Museum. All of these are excellent choices and can be both fun and educational.

However, it you’re taking a week-long vacation to Virginia and would like to do more than just skip from place to place and all kinds of activities, it is possible to plan a more cohesive itinerary – something with a sort of theme for your entire vacation. While there are too many possibilities to mention in a short article, some of the most popular itineraries for a week-long vacation include spa retreats, historical driving tours, winery visits, golf vacations, and all-family activities.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary-overview.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:43:10 +0000 Spa Retreat Perhaps this week-long vacation needs to be therapy for you – pure relaxation. If so, consider staying at a resort such as the very popular one in Wintergreen, VA, where you can purchase a spa package including everything from lodging and spa treatments to fitness sessions. Of course, you will probably be able to work with the resort of your choice on customizing your package to fit your needs; however, here are some of the general possibilities for you:

• A Consultation. This will help those who are going to be serving you to best know your skin type, massage needs, product likes and dislikes, etc.
• Lodging. Usually, for these spa retreats, you must stay a minimum of three days. However, a week would be about perfect. And the accommodations are luxurious in and of themselves. While it’s possible to get a studio room or 2-bedroom condo, packages usually come with large condos or cottages.
• Body Treatments. Usually, a spa retreat package will include a couple or several body treatments. These could include a facial, a manicure and pedicure, a mineral whirlpool bath, or a variety of other pampering sessions.
• Massage Treatments. Several full-body massages or specialty massages for your particular trouble spots will probably be part of your spa retreat. And you may get to choose the type of massage, whether it be deep tissue, hot stone, or something else.
• Fitness Sessions. Whether it’s yoga, water aerobics, or something else, spa retreats offer activities that will both relax and revitalize you, toning your body and helping to energize you. Most of these class sessions are fun and free – you can go to as many as you’d like while on the retreat.
• Product. Many spa retreats include some free product for you such as facial and skin care lines, massage oils, bath salts, etc.
• At-Home Care Sessions. While the week would still be beneficial because of the relaxation that it provided even if you went home and never did anything else “spa”ish again. However, one of the things that some places offer is a session or two with experts teaching you how to take care of your skin and use tools for relaxation at home.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/spa-retreat.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/spa-retreat.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:43:55 +0000 Historical Driving Tours Because the state of Virginia is so rich with history, one of the most well-liked vacation ideas is to take a historical driving tour. There are many individual monuments, battlefields, and other places that can be visited within a day or two. However, for a truly powerful effect that is both interesting and enlightening, a week-long driving tour visiting important locations that tell the story of a people and a time can be an excellent option. Two of the most common are the World War II driving tour and the African American History driving tour.
 
·        World War II Driving Tour. Some of the main stops will be the US Naval Torpedo Station, the Fort Hunt Park (former POW interrogation camp) and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s estate) in Alexandria; the Arlington National Cemetery and Fort Meyer, US Marine Corps War Memorial, Netherlands Carillon (thanks from the Dutch after the war), and the Pentagon in Arlington; and the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, Herndon Dulles Visitors Center, the Quantico Marine Corps Base and its National Cemetery, and the Training Ground of the OSS during WWII in Dulles, Virginia.
·        African American Driving Tour. On this journey, you will visit Richmond where the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia are located as well as the Bill Robinson Statue, Capital Square, Virginia Union University, the Richmond National Battlefield and some Civil War sites. In Petersburg, you will visit the Petersburg National Battlefield Park, the Pamplin Historical Park, and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier as well as Pocahontas Island, the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Memorial, the Underground Railroad House, and famous desegregation parks. Near the North Carolina border is the Prestwood Plantation and the Booker T. Washington National Monument. In Lynchburg, you will find the Legacy Museum of African-America History, the Anne Spencer House and Gardens, and the Black History Walking Tour of the Old City Cemetery. Also, in Charlottesville, you will be able to see the Thomas Jefferson estate Monticello with its slave quarters, the University of Virginia and the Carter Woodson Institute as well as numerous African American cemeteries.
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/historical-driving-tours.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/historical-driving-tours.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:44:32 +0000 Virginia Winery Visits Beautiful Charlottesville has the highest concentration of wineries throughout Virginia along with fine restaurants and delightful places to stay. This is why it is so popular for adults – especially couples – who are looking to vacation for a week or more and want to tour the various wineries. In this Central Virginia area almost 30 wineries are located, and even a week may not be enough to fully experience all of them. Plus, the experiences associated with each can vary greatly; while some wineries are little, family-owned and run ventures, others are large facilities with high production rates. There are even wine tours and tasting available at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, where winemaker Filippo Mazzei grew European grapes for him in 1774. The variety of opportunities makes winery visits as a vacation an exciting and educational choice.

Some of the wineries in Central Virginia that you may consider visiting during your vacation are:

In Charlottesville –
• Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery
• Afton Mountain Vineyards
• Veritas Vineyards and Winery
• Wintergreen Vineyard and Winery
• Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery
• Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery
North of Charlottesville –
• Barboursville Vineyards
• Autumn Hill Vineyards/Blue Ridge Winery
• White Hall Vineyards
• Other Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive Vineyards and Wineries

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/virginia-winery-visits.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/virginia-winery-visits.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:45:28 +0000 Golf Vacations One popular vacation in Virginia is Golfing. Especially in Northern Virginia, there are areas that, because of their mild year-round temperatures, always have gorgeous greens and perfect weather for golf. However, even though you can make just a weekend out of it, golf vacations in Virginia are best when taken for a week or more.

One of the most popular locations for golf vacations in Virginia is Fredericksburg. Located about an hour from Washington DC and an hour from Richmond, Spotsylvania County not only has seven incredible golf courses and golf/accommodation packages available, it is also centrally located among excellent dining, shopping, and sight-seeing opportunities.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/golf-vacations.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/golf-vacations.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:46:12 +0000 Week of Family Fun If you’re traveling with your family for a week-long vacation in Virginia, there is much to fill your itinerary with. Many cities in Virginia are more than just family-friendly; they are designed with a plethora of opportunities geared specifically toward children and families. Here are some examples of possibilities for your family vacation:

• Richmond. The Virginia Historical Society features a kid-friendly “Story of Virginia” with fun, interactive learning for the whole family. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is also available, as well as the Science Museum of Richmond. In addition to these, you can visit the IMAX Dome and Planetarium, the Maymont Nature Center, and the Children’s Farm. In nearby cities, you can also visit the Virginia Aviation Museum, the Henricus Historical Park, and Paramount’s King’s Dominion. Or take a free ride on the Historic Hatton Ferry on the James River.
• Charlottesville. See the Virginia Discovery Museum, Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s home), the Walton’s Mountain Museum, and the Roaring 20’s Antique Car Museum. All of these feature hands-on exhibits and an exciting learning experience.
• Luray. Stay in a cabin along the Shenandoah National Park. With a pond, stream, and nature trail located on the property, as well as nearby sites to visit, camping packages are perfect for week-long family vacations in Virginia.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/week-of-family-fun.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary/week-of-family-fun.php Virginia Vacations A Week-Long Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:46:41 +0000 Virginia Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Overview Your vacation itinerary can make or break a trip: what you do completely determines the mood of the holiday as well as whether or not the vacation successfully meets your goals for it. So your first step in planning a vacation is to determine its purpose. Is it just for fun? Do you need to relax? Or perhaps you’re looking for an exciting way to better educate your children? Whatever you hope for your vacation to accomplish, the way you schedule your itinerary will directly affect whether or not it happens.

Virginia is a beautiful and historically rich state to visit. With its many battlefields, museums, amusement parks, mountains, beaches, and other attractions, a trip to Virginia could take you months. However, if you only have a few days and are attempting to schedule an itinerary for those few days, that too is possible. Decide where you’d like to go in Virginia, investigate the recommended stops for tourists and locals in those areas, and then custom-design the perfect trip for you and your family.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary-overview.php Virginia Vacations A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:47:46 +0000 A One to 3 Day Vacation in Tidewater & Hampton Roads, Virginia There is a lot to do and see in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Not only can you go to Virginia Beach or Chesapeake Bay and enjoy the crashing surf and the fresh seafood, but you can also explore some of the intricacies of the city. Here are some of the most popular points on a one to three day vacation in Tidewater and Hampton Roads:

• Virginia Air and Space Center. Located in Hampton, this is the official visitor center for the Newport News NASA Langley Research Center and was the location at which the original Mercury Seven astronauts were trained. With many traditional educational displays (like informational videos and moon rocks) as well hands-on exhibits like the Shuttle Landing Simulator, this is a must-see!
• Fort Eustis U.S. Army Transportation Museum. In Newport News, this houses the Aviation Pavilion as well as other exhibits showing the developments of the Army over the last 200 years, military vehicles, etc.
• Children’s Museum of Virginia. A great place designed specifically for kids, this Children’s Museum is located in Portsmouth and is probably best known for its planetarium – which features a Moonwalk and a special Spacelabs exhibit.
• Virginia Living Museum. This museum is a combination of a native wildlife park, a science museum, an aquarium, a planetarium, and a botanical preserve. Found in Newport News, it features opportunities for you to experience birds, mammals, reptiles, and much other life from all over Virginia.
• Busch Gardens. This Williamsburg delight named “The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” is exciting for kids and adults. Highlighting six countries that you can visit and enjoy as well as roller coasters including two of the top 25 in the world, Busch Gardens is a thrill to say the least. There is also a Wild Reserve that allows families to experience wildlife and learn about the conservation efforts happening in Virginia for those animals facing extinction.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-tidewater-hampton-roads-virginia.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-tidewater-hampton-roads-virginia.php Virginia Vacations A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:48:51 +0000 A One to 3 Day Vacation in Northern Virginia While Northern Virginia doesn’t feature the beach, it is certainly not lacking in its own beautiful scenery and exciting things to do while on a short vacation. If you’re visiting Northern Virginia for one to three days, here are some of the places you might consider visiting:

• National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Located very close to Dulles Airport, this museum is not only easily accessible, it is also magnificent. Actually a leg of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, this center has everything from information on the pioneers of the universe exploration to hands-on exhibits like flight simulators.
• Marine Corps Air-Ground Museum. This Quantico museum is just about an hour from Washington DC and gives visitors an opportunity to learn about aviation of the Marines from both of the world wars and others.
• The Nation’s Capital. When you’re staying in Northern Virginia, you should definitely try to visit Washington DC for a day. Close enough for you to drive in and park, you can visit many museums, historic buildings, and other must-see attractions.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-northern-virginia.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-northern-virginia.php Virginia Vacations A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:49:28 +0000 A One to 3 Day Vacation in the Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands Though this seems to be a very large portion of Virginia to cover all in one category, the truth is that the western regions of Virginia are very mountainous and thus quite sizeable geographically. This means that a vacation in these areas could entail a little more driving than one in the Tidewater area, where everything is located within several miles from you. However, the majesty of the mountains and the simple serenity of the Shenandoah River and Valley are enough to make most people want to visit, even if only for one to three days. If you are vacationing in this area, of course one of your biggest attractions will be the Blue Ridge and the Shenandoah themselves; however, here are some of the other opportunities you can consider:

• Science Museum of Western Virginia. Located in downtown Roanoke, this attraction features the Hopkins Planetarium and other exhibits.
• Shenandoah Valley Hot-Air Balloon and Wine Festival. A three day festival every autumn, this is a tourist and local favorite in Long Branch. Another hot-air balloon celebration takes place on the fourth of July at Virginia Military Institute.
• Chairlifts. Available from May to October, these scenic rides are available in Massanutten and Wintergreen. They are considered a perfect way to view the lovely mountains and other sights of this area.
• Skydive Adrenaline Air Sports. If, perchance, you’re looking for something a little more thrilling than chairlifts and mountain views, this Blacksburg attraction features skydiving, something fairly certain to raise your adrenaline levels.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-the-shenandoah-valley-and-southwest-blue-ridge-highlands.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-the-shenandoah-valley-and-southwest-blue-ridge-highlands.php Virginia Vacations A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:50:03 +0000 A One to 3 Day Vacation in Central Virginia Central Virginia is often perfect for Virginia vacations because – well – it’s central. Not only can you visit Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Richmond, and other historical yet progressive cities, but you can also travel a few hours to reach most other areas of Virginia. Whether you’re planning an itinerary that will be action-packed, educational or both, there are plenty of things in Central Virginia to find to do on vacation. Here are some of the most popular:

• Hot-Air Balloon Corporations. Bear Balloon Corp, located in Charlottesville, Monticello Country Ballooning, and Bonaire Charters in Troy allow people to hot-air balloon over lovely hillsides and manors.
• Skydive Orange. If hot-air ballooning isn’t quite enough for you, you can drive to Orange and try skydiving.
• Monticello. Visiting the home of Thomas Jefferson is a must if you’re in the area. Educational and fun, you’ll experience what life for our Forefathers was like.
• Science Museum of Virginia. Located in Richmond, this museum is interesting for kids and parents alike, with its IMAX Theater, planetarium, Space Gallery, and other attractions.
• Virginia Aviation Museum. Next to the Richmond International Airport in Sandston, this facility shows vintage aircraft and other exhibits.
• Paramount’s Kings Dominion. Theme and water park, King’s Dominion is located near Richmond and features over 200 rides and other attractions that appeal to kids, teens, and adults. It is also the home of Nickelodeon Central, where kids can interact with their favorite cartoon characters – lifesize. Whether you want to make a stop at King’s Dominion a one-day extravaganza or even spend your whole vacation there, you will probably not be bored by all there is to do and see.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-central-virginia.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/virginia-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/a-one-to-3-day-vacation-in-central-virginia.php Virginia Vacations A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:50:48 +0000 Virginia - Real Estate virgre.jpg

Virginia - Real Estate Overview

What kind of property is available in Virginia?

What does the Virginia real estate market look like right now?

How are the major Virginia real estate neighborhoods?

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-real-estate.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-real-estate.php Newbie's Picks Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:16:37 +0000 Virginia - Restaurants and Activities virgrest.jpg

Virginia - Restaurants and Activities Overview

Virginia Dining

Virginia Outdoor Activities/Sports

Virginia Historical Attractions and Museums

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-restaurants-and-activities.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-restaurants-and-activities.php Newbie's Picks Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:30:01 +0000 Virginia Hotels and Accommodations virghote.jpg

Virginia Hotels and Accommodations Overview

Northern Virginia

Central Virginia

Eastern Bay

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-hotels-and-accommodations.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-hotels-and-accommodations.php Newbie's Picks Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:32:09 +0000 Virginia Vacations - A Week-Long Itinerary virgvaca.jpg

Virginia Vacations - A Week-Long Itinerary Overview

Spa Retreat

Historical Driving Tours

Virginia Winery Visits

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/virginia/newbies-picks/virginia-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary.php Newbie's Picks Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:38:02 +0000