Virginia Tourist Attractions
Virginia is one of the thirteen original colonies of the United States. It is located in the southeastern United States, along the Atlantic coast, and stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. The state is home to numerous historical and cultural sites, including the Jamestown Settlement and Monticello, which are both living history museums.
Maymont Mansion
Maymont Mansion is a historic house museum located in Richmond, Virginia. This property reflects the lavish lifestyle of American millionaires during the Gilded Age.
The Mansion’s interior is decorated with ornate furniture from earlier centuries. Many rooms feature Tiffany stained glass. Its upper floors were relatively untouched until 1970.
The Japanese garden is one of the highlights of the Maymont estate. It features a scenic waterfall and small canals. There are also red maple trees and bamboos.
Visiting Maymont is a great way to spend a few hours. You can enjoy a picnic on the mansion lawn.
Visitors can also explore the property’s arboretum. This collection of 200 species of native and exotic trees grows on Maymont’s 100-acre lawn.
The grounds of Maymont are open daily from 10:00 to 5:00. Admission is free. There are gentle paths that wind through the grounds.
Maymont is a popular destination among families. They can take horseback rides, visit the children’s farm, or watch wildlife. Some of the animals that live in the area include bobcats, black bears, elk, foxes, and white-tailed deer.
Maymont’s nature and visitor center is another popular spot. In the center, visitors can find aquariums with fish from the Chesapeake Bay. Other exhibits include snakes, frogs, and other aquatic creatures.
In addition to its beautiful mansion, Maymont Estate offers several attractions. Guests can take an educational tour of the home or enjoy a special event throughout the year.
The Estate’s grounds are located next to William Byrd Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide panoramic views of the area.
Maymont’s Victorian-style Mansion was constructed in 1893. It was home to Major James H. Dooley and his wife, Sallie May. After Dooley’s death, his estate was bequeathed to the city of Richmond.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a great place to spend a day exploring marine life. It offers interactive exhibits for kids as well as educational programs for teachers. These include keeper talks, boat tours and boat rentals. The facility is also home to a three-D IMAX theater and several exhibits dedicated to the ocean.
The facility is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. You can take a tour of the facility, visit the aquarium or simply enjoy a meal at the cafe. Located near the main building, the cafe serves nachos, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
There are more than 350 species of animals in the Virginia Aquarium. You can learn about sea turtles, otters, crocodiles and sharks. In addition to the large aquarium, the facility features marshlands and a marsh animal habitat.
For the aficionados, there’s also a zip-line adventure park, an aerial course, and a three-D IMAX theater. Aside from the aquarium, there are also special events, educational programs, and a number of programs that foster conservation of local resources.
Although the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is not as flashy as some of its larger counterparts, it is an impressive venue that is worth visiting. Besides, the facilities are very well maintained.
Among its many features, the facility has an aviary that is now being used for educational purposes. It includes a half-acre habitat that was once home to 70 different birds. Some of these birds are currently being dispersed to other wildlife centers.
This attraction has been in operation since 1986. Since then, it has expanded its facilities by 12,000 square feet. Exhibits are spread out over two main buildings, and you can expect to see hundreds of hands-on exhibits.
Virginia Butterfly House
The Flying Flowers Butterfly House is the only real life butterfly house in Southwest Virginia. If you have a love for butterflies or are interested in the biosphere, you should stop by this quaint little garden in the southwestern corner of Virginia. You can also sign up for a two-day lavender academy.
A trip to this butterfly oasis is a must for kids and their parents. There are several hiking trails for families to enjoy. One of the more interesting sections is the Rainforest, which features hundreds of free-flying butterflies in addition to a myriad of other flora and fauna.
Not to be outdone, the Papilion Gardens and Butterfly House offers daily viewing opportunities and a host of special events. It’s not hard to see why this place is one of the best kept secrets in the region. With a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions to choose from, this venue is sure to please the whole family.
While you’re here, consider visiting the nearby Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The site, which is managed by the local community, has plenty to offer in terms of fun and educational experiences. And don’t forget to look up, there is an impressive 100-foot observation tower that offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. So, before you head out of town, be sure to check out all that this gem has to offer.
The Beagle Ridge Herb Farm in Wytheville, VA, is a veritable cornucopia of native plants and flowers, plus a couple of other fun attractions. They have a bevy of themed display gardens, as well as hiking trails and an afternoon tea experience you won’t soon forget.
Hatfield-McCoy Mountains
Hatfield-McCoy Mountains, Virginia is a place of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. These majestic mountains have never been tamed. They provide visitors with a true West Virginia strength. The region is known for its mountain ballads and old-time dance music. It’s a great destination for fishing and skiing.
While visiting this area, you’ll discover a variety of historical attractions. One of the biggest tourist draws in the area is the Hatfield-McCoy Trails network. This network includes over 800 miles of professionally managed off road trails.
These trails have been featured in several popular sports magazines. Currently, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open year-round for ATVs and dirt bikes.
The trail system also interacts with a number of historical towns and museums. Some of these destinations include the Devil Anse Trail, Coal Heritage Trail, Hungry Mother State Park, Hatfield Cemetery, and more.
Visitors can learn more about the history of the area at the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. There are also a number of parks and jeep parks available.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trails system is one of the largest off-road trail systems in the world. The network has been featured in ATV Magazine TV, Dirt Wheels, and more.
A self-guided tour of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails is a fun way to spend a day. Riders can visit Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine, a local distillery that makes the same recipe that has been made for generations.
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains are full of history and beauty. Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, visit one of the many historic towns, or tour the reclaimed mining lands, these mountains are sure to please.
Whether you’re in search of a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic weekend, these mountains are the perfect place to visit.
Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia is a city whose charm is a draw for both visitors and residents. Its historic districts are lined with colonial and 18th-19th century architecture. Moreover, there are plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and historic estates to explore. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day trip, you will find something to keep you busy in Alexandria.
The most popular attraction in Old Town is the King Street Mile. This is an area of more than 30 shops and restaurants. These include boutiques, food and drink vendors, and chef-driven restaurants. You can also take a trolley ride to some of the sites around the neighborhood.
One of the best things to do in Alexandria is to take a tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Aside from his house, the estate includes a distillery and grist mill. There are guided tours that let you experience the history of the home. You’ll also have access to the grounds and gardens. If you want to enjoy a meal there, you can book reservations.
Another attraction in Alexandria is the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Originally, the building was a naval torpedo station. However, it was converted into an art center in 1974. The museum showcases works of art, including stained glass works and jewelry.
In addition, there are several museums in Old Town. Visit the Alexandria Museum of African American History to learn about the city’s black history. Also, you can visit the Athenaeum, an old bank that served as a hospital during the Civil War.
For something a bit more modern, try Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. This historical tavern was a favorite gathering place for many founding fathers. Nowadays, it serves modern cuisine. During the Civil War, the building was also the Union Army’s headquarters.