Virginia, famously known as the birthplace of a nation, is a state rich in history, natural beauty, and entertainment. From the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach to the art-infused streets of Richmond, this state is a treasure trove of lasting experiences. Whether you’re a history aficionado, an outdoor enthusiast, in search of culinary delights, or simply a thrill-seeker, Virginia offers a surreal experience from its unique and exciting packages that come with it.
This article will uncover Virginia’s best sites and activities to boost dopamine levels. Let’s dive in.
Exploring the Natural Beauty and Sandy Shores of Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a bustling city in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, known for its magnificent beaches and attractions. The three-mile-long oceanfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, people-watching, and trying out local delicacies. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a hub of activity and enjoyment, is open 24 hours a day, year-round, ensuring the fun never stops.
And while the oceanfront never sleeps, it’s crucial to note the absence of lifeguards after dark.
First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park are two state parks that allow nature lovers to indulge in biking, camping, hiking, swimming, and beach activities while admiring diverse wildlife. Pleasantly, Virginia Beach requires no admission fees to its sandy shores. Dining, shopping, and other activities have varied costs, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Discovering History at the Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is a revered site commemorating the history of the United States across its vast 624-acre expanse. It was established during the Civil War and was the final resting place for over 400,000 military members.
Some of the major attractions include:
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
A solemn monument dedicated to the unidentified soldiers who fought in major wars is guarded 24/7.
President John F. Kennedy’s Gravesite: This site is marked by an eternal flame and also pays homage to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two of their children.
Arlington House:
The historical residence of Robert E. Lee offers sweeping views of the cemetery.
The cemetery opens daily, and visiting hours vary depending on the season, ranging from 8 AM to 5 PM or 7 PM. Visitors are recommended to check official channels for the latest information on timings.
Explore Your Gaming Side at The Bank Arcade and Skill Games in Waynesboro
Step into The Bank Arcade and Skill Games at 2101 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA, where skill meets fun in an electrifying atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for anyone who enjoys fun, interactive games that require skill. Assorted games, such as reel games that mix the excitement of slots with the challenge of skill-based play and fish table games that require precision and timing to win, are available.
The arcade is open from noon until the early hours (12:00 PM to 4:00 AM), so there’s plenty of time to find a game you love. Whether you’re a gaming pro or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. And as skill games could be legalized in Virginia, the future of gaming in the state looks promising.
Art Appreciation at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond truly represents artistic diversity. Its collection of 50,000 works spans global cultures.
Some of the highlights of the museum include
- Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces that Sydney and Frances Lewis donated.
- French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, which Paul Mellon gifted.
- The Pratt and Gans families own Fabergé and English Silver collections.
- South Asian, Himalayan and African Art collections are world-renowned.
The VMFA is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and from Wednesday to Friday, the museum extends its visiting hours until 9 PM. The permanent exhibits at the museum are free, but special exhibitions may have an admission fee. Museum members enjoy added benefits, including free entry to all exhibitions.
Embark on a Delicious Culinary Journey in Virginia
Virginia is the place to be if you want a culinary adventure. With so many excellent restaurants, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. We’ve picked out two of our favorites to get you started.
Shoemaker’s Grille:
Located at 1312 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA, Shoemaker’s Grille offers an elegant dining experience in an upscale industrial atmosphere. The menu boasts exquisite dishes such as the Slow Roasted Big Island Chicken with Wild Mushroom Medley, Sweetcorn Puree, and White Truffle Sauce. Try their Caesar Salad with Shaved Parmesan toppings, Herb Croutons, Baked Parm Crisps, and Creamy Parmesan Dressing.
Operating Hours:
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Price Range:
Prices vary depending on the website. On different review pages, TripAdvisor suggests a range of $20-40 and $33-66, while OpenTable proposes a range of $31-50.
Waterstone Pizza:
Located at 1309 Jefferson St, Lynchburg, VA,
Waterstone Pizza is pizza-lover heaven. Here, hand-tossed, fire-roasted pizzas are made with fresh, gourmet toppings. The menu also includes appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches.
Operating Hours:
It is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It closes at 8 PM on Sundays.
Price Range:
According to TripAdvisor, the options start at $6 and go up to $10. You can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. To discover more unique restaurants in Virginia, check out Inside Virginia’s Instagram page for more locations to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most popular thing about Virginia?
Virginia is often called the ‘Mother of Presidents’ since it is the birthplace of eight former U.S. Presidents.
This state is renowned for other attractions, such as the Appalachian Trail, oysters, Presidential homes, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
Is Virginia expensive to live in?
In Virginia, the cost of living is usually reasonable, with an all-inclusive cost of living index of 95.7. This is less than the national average of 100, which means it is relatively low. Housing expenses are affordable, with a score of 92 on the index.
What is the cheapest area to live in Virginia?
Among the most affordable places in Virginia, Roanoke stands out with a median home price of $201,000 and an average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment at $906.
Conclusion
Virginia is a state full of excitement and adventure. There are so many unique places to visit and things to do that we couldn’t possibly cover them all in one article.
Are you planning a trip to Virginia? We recommend carefully researching and planning your activities to maximize your time there and create lasting memories.
So come on, let’s explore Virginia!