Virginia’s Captivating Cities
Virginia is known for its incredible history and beautiful mountain views. What many don’t know is that this state is also filled with thriving cities that will entertain and excite anyone who visits! Some feature busy and urban downtowns while others offer a quiet and relaxing trip. Take the family on an adventure to Williamsburg or take your sweetheart on a romantic getaway to Charlottesville. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll be captivated by the wonderful cities of Virginia.
Richmond
The capital of Virginia is among America’s oldest cities, but there are always new and exciting things to do here! Carytown, known as the “Mile of Style,” is a charming shopping destination downtown. Though only one street long, you’ll find a variety of boutiques, restaurants and food stores here. With the craft beer scene exploding in Richmond in the last few years, learn about the best on Richmond Brewery Tours. This fun experience takes place on a passenger bus where you’ll stop at three Richmond breweries with a flight of samples at each stop included in the tour price! For a relaxing day, visit one of the most beautiful gardens in the U.S at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Open year round, both kids and adults will marvel at over 50 acres of incredible scenery.
lewisginter.org
Williamsburg
Experience revolutionary fun on your visit to Williamsburg! Adrenaline junkies will have a blast at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which features seven world-class roller coasters. Also at this amusement park is Highland Stables, a barn where you can meet six beautiful Clydesdale horses. If you want to spend an entire day updating your wardrobe, visit Williamsburg Premium Outlets, a shopping complex with over 100 stores to satisfy your inner fashionista. Take the family to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum to browse oddities like a shrunken head and a prehistoric shark jaw. Kids will love trying to get through their “Impossible Laserace,” where you have to go over and under lasers as quickly as possible to get to the end of the maze.
ripleys.com
Alexandria
Although Washington D.C. is in sight of this Virginia city, you’ll feel far away in historic and quaint Alexandria. Visit a bar inspired by speakeasy traditions at Captain Gregory’s. This secretive spot serves a rotating menu of fifteen cocktails as well as an assortment of beer and wine. Put your shopping shoes on and visit Old Town Alexandria, which boasts a blend of independent galleries, stylish boutiques, vintage shops and national retailers. Locals know to hit King Street for hard-to-find international labels alongside well known big-name brands. Stay at the intimate Morrison House, a small hotel that’s tastefully decorated with a nod to Alexandria’s Colonial past while embracing a modern look featuring every comfort you can imagine. Only a block from King Street and close to the waterfront, you’ll be right in the heart of Alexandria.
captaingregorys.com
Norfolk
A beautiful waterfront town in southeast Virginia, you’ll find fun for the whole family all around! Learn about naval history and marine life at Nauticus, a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk's harbor to showcase global maritime commerce and the world's largest Navy. You can touch a shark, catch a 3-D movie, and climb aboard a battleship at this interactive center. Bookworms need to check out the Slover Library, a massive public space with the best of contemporary library resources and services. See history at your fingertips with Slover’s Sargeant Memorial Collection, which includes hundreds of thousands of scanned items from our long-ago past. Grab a bite to eat at Freemason Abbey Restaurant, a local favorite housed in a renovated church. With options like seafood, steak and pasta, everyone’s palette will be satisfied at this delicious eatery.
nauticus.org
Charlottesville
Settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t find views more stunning than in Charlottesville. Feel right at home at the Clifton, a boutique hotel that reflects the rich heritage of the city it resides in. Each room is unique in its design and architecture, and select accommodations have patios, claw-foot soaking tubs and fireplaces. Soak up the Charlottesville scenery with a glass of wine at Jefferson Vineyards, an award winning winery with unbelievable views of the mountains. Buy a bottle or have a tasting in the country style setting with a heated indoor area for colder months. Have a date night at the Paramount Theater, a gorgeous and newly-restored venue offering both movies and plays. The theater also showcases local talent and artwork. Charlottesville is a historic and romantic city that you don’t want to miss on your next trip to Virginia.
jeffersonvineyards.com
Chesapeake
If you’re looking for a quieter city experience, explore the natural wonders of Chesapeake. This city’s beauty is on full display at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a forested wetland that covers 112,000 acres. This area offers nature lovers opportunities to seek out once-in-a-lifetime memories and photographs of undisturbed wildlife. If you’re someone who enjoys being crafty, stop by AR Workshop Chesapeake, a boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating trendy home décor from raw materials. You’ll have a blast making custom canvas pillows, tote bags, wall clocks and so much more! While you’re close to the coast, enjoy some fresh seafood at Passion the Restaurant. With food from local farmers and fisherman, this restaurant features a creative and innovative menu that will delight your palate.
arworkshop.com
Roanoke
Get ready for an adventure in the mountains on your trip to Roanoke! This lovely Virginia city has plenty of fun activities that everyone will enjoy. Start your journey by visiting the Roanoke Star, one of the most photographed attractions in the area. Sitting atop Mill Mountain and overlooking the valley, the Roanoke Star is the largest man-made and illuminated star in the world and can be seen from much of the city. Fire up your imagination at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, where you can climb aboard decades-old trains and learn about the history of locomotives. Located in downtown Roanoke’s freight station, the museum includes an extensive collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives and other types of rail cars. Don’t leave without trying a sweet treat from Bubblecake Bake Shop, featuring over 30 flavors of whimsically designed cupcakes and other goodies!
vmt.org
