It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 46th to visit is none other than Virginia, abbreviated VA. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, Old Dominion is an exciting state to explore.
Visit state # 46–VA
| State Motto | Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants) |
| State Flower | Flowering dogwood |
| State Bird | Northern Cardinal |
| State Rock | Nelsonite |
| State Capital | Richmond |
| Famous Foods | Oysters, peanut, BBQ, country ham & biscuits, blue crabs, trout, apples, Brunswick stew, pimento cheese, fried pies, Rappahannock oysters, apple butter, peanut pie, trout, macaroni and cheese, shrimp & grits, baked oysters, soft-shell crabs, peanut soup & more |
Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies of the United States. This commonwealth state is bordered by Maryland to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, Kentucky to the west, and West Virginia to the northwest. Virginia was nicknamed the Old Dominion for its loyalty to exiled Charles II of England during the Puritan Commonwealth and Protectorate. Historic Jamestown is home to the ruins of the first permanent English settlement in North America. The town served as the colonial capital from 1616 to 1699. The state was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 10th state. Virginia, part of the Confederacy, became a major battleground of the American Civil War (1861-1865). West Virginia, later admitted as the 35th state in the Union, separated from Virginia and the two never reconciled as a single state.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of the top sites for visitors. It is considered as “the largest outdoor educational living museum of the country” and features authentic 18th-century programming. It is a must-see destination for folks interested in early American history. The town served as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, before the location was moved to Richmond. The restoration of Colonial Williamsburg began in 1926 as a collaborative effort between Rev. William A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The town contains more than 100 original and reconstructed buildings from the 1700s. The town boasts costumed interpreters, candlelight tours, carriage rides, historic buildings and museums, shops, taverns, gardens and more. Governor’s Palace is a lovely historic replica built in 1934 to reflect the original 1722 home that burned to the foundation. The building was the scene of gala dinners and balls and was home of the first two governors of Virginia.
Another important historical site to see is Arlington National Cemetery, a military cemetery just outside of Washington D.C. and covering 625 acres of ground. It’s the final resting place of the 35th US President, John F. Kennedy and many other eligible veterans, and is home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The cemetery is among the most famous in the country, and is the final resting place for America’s greatest heroes to include more than 300,000 veterans of every American conflict from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan. One may pay respect, honor, and reflect upon the remarkable service, dedication, and sacrifices made by those who are laid to rest.
Virginia holds so much intrigue. Nature lovers will delight in Shenandoah National Park. Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are noted for protected land of rich forests, quiet wood hollows, dramatic waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, an abundance of wildlife, and more. Enjoy Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic byway that runs the entire length of the National Park and featuring 75 overlooks that connect travelers to trailheads, picnic areas, campgrounds, and more. The East is more mountainous with abundant forest land, whereas the West offers more expansive views of the region. Fall season is a popular time to go, especially from late September to mid-November when foliage is at its peak. However, no matter what time of year one visits, the views are stellar. And, if it’s a vibrant coastal experience you seek, head to Virginia Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay for some beach fun and indoor and outdoor entertainment.
Richmond features the Virginia State Capitol, an historic landmark featuring a grand colonial style structure build in 1785 and housing the nation’s oldest legislative body. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with a sizable collection of modern art, antiquities & Asian art, plus Fabergé eggs, is most intriguing. Also not to be missed is Maymont, a 19th-century estate hosting tours of its Gilded Age mansion, gardens, and wildlife center, and the Poe Museum, displaying photos, documents & memorabilia of the famed American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic.
The state’s popular slogan, “Virginia is for lovers,” is not only iconic but the state lives up to those words. People who enjoy rich cultural or historical journeys or delight in spending time in nature will discover great excitement in the beautiful state of Virginia. No matter where you choose to go, a visit to this state will not disappoint, for there is adventure at every turn.
Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica (VA History)
https://state1keydata.com (VA)
onlyinyourstate.com (VA food)
Top sites in Richmond (official sites of Poe Museum, Virginia State Capitol, Maymont, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
www.planetware.com (15 Top attractions in Williamsburg)
Trip Advisor
www.nps.gov (Shenandoah)