Top Things to Do in Virginia with Your Friends
SIGHTSEEING
Visiting Virginia once in your life is something you call a must. The state offers so many great destinations for you as a world traveler. The diversity of places in Virginia is enough reason to make you in awe. Take a look at some of its most popular places below.
The great way to start your journey in the state is by visiting the world-famous Luray Caverns. Originally called Luray Cave, this tourist attraction is located just west of Luray, Virginia. It has drawn many tourists from all over the world since its discovery in 1878. The cave is blessed with columns, mud flows, colorful stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, brick walkways, and mirrored pools. If you are a true adventurer, this place is the best for you.
The stunning Shenandoah National Park is also unmissable. This popular state park is consisting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah River, broad valley to the west, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont to the east. With its 200,000 acres land of forest, trails, waterfalls, and Skyline Drive vista, this gorgeous park is ready to be your great destination.
Luray Caverns
Shenandoah National Park
CULTURE
Virginia culture is reflected through fine and performing arts, festivals, and Southern influence which is noted by the accent of the locals. The state is also popularly known as home base for the United States Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, as well as “the birth place of a nation.”
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time of the year to travel to Virginia is from April through October. The fantastic weather will accompany your journey in this period. April is actually the starting point of spring with dry and warm weather. While May is the peak season, rainy season. In the summer, Virginia is usually hot with thunderstorms possibility.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Before paying a visit to Virginia, it is recommended that you should know the basic things to do and not to do in the state. Check out these facts and take a lesson or two.
Do: (1) Pick up litter in the park or on the street. (2) Always clean up your pet’s business where ever you are in the state. (3) Always be polite and perform good manners. (4) Appreciate any little kind of kindness by saying thank you.
Don’ts: (1) Don’t say dirty words because it could lead you to a ticket and charged with public profanity. (2) Don’t talk politic if you are not a politician. Virginians love their politics, in fact they tend to be passionate about it. (3) Don’t go to the grocery store before a snow storm or hurricane. The product selling usually not complete and little. (4) Don’t imply Virginia and West Virginia as the same. The Virginians might get offended by it. (5) If you’re driving, avoid speeding especially in a small town. You don’t want engage with the police officer stopping you. (6) Before saying any town’s name, don’t mispronounce it. (7) Don’t plan a trip in the spring. The weather is bad. Sometimes hot, sometimes cold. (8) Never make fun of the Virginians.
LANDMARKS
To visit Virginia is to know and explore its interesting landmarks. One of the best recommendations for you is the popular Manassas National Battlefield Park. This national park is among the top attractions in the state because of its contribution to the Civil War era. It preserves the site of two major American Civil War Battles known as the First Battle of Manassas and the Second Battle of Bull Run. Apart from it, the park has a great grounding, historic sites, a visitor center, beautiful lake, and more.
James Madison's Montpelier would also be a good recommendation for you. This landmark is known as the home of President James Madison with a spacious estate and his grave. Anything related to the President and local history can be learned in this place.
For another reference, US Marine Corps War Memorial and Monticello are popularly known in the state.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
James Madison's Montpelier
US Marine Corps War Memorial
Monticello
POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
When talking about popular tourist destinations, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is, no doubt, among them. This leafy amusement park comes with Europe theme offering thrilling rides, coasters, gift shops, animal attractions, shows, dining, river, and rail attractions. Every member of your family and friends would totally love this attraction. Great fun is guaranteed.
Kings Dominion is also a great place for you and your travel buddies to go to. This huge theme park is one of the most popular parks in Virginia. It attracts the visitors with roller coasters, exciting rides, a water park, and animatronic dinosaurs. When you are in the park, you are recommended to do many things that the feeling of boredom wouldn’t even matter to you.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Kings Dominion
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Numerous hotels are available in Virginia to choose from. Whether the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg or the 2-star Days Inn by Wyndham Wytheville. These hotels are ready to accommodate your travel in the state with many facilities and amenities.
From the elegant and casual rooms, full equipment, breakfast and parking, fitness rooms, restaurants, business centers, to meeting rooms. After a tired day, the comfortable beds and rooms in these two hotels are enough for you.
Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg
Days Inn by Wyndham Wytheville
BEST RESTAURANTS
One of the most popular restaurants when it comes to dining is the popular Carlyle. This American restaurant is known for serving American special dishes with the company of great selection of drinks. Located in Village at Shirlington, this restaurant is set in a beautiful room full of arts. The staff are known for their professionalism and great service. Don’t forget to try the popular Crab Cakes, Bread Pudding, and Shrimp & Grits. They are delicious.
You can also make a stop at Trummer's Restaurant for another great dining experience. This upscale restaurant is definitely one of the best restaurants in the state. It offers New American dishes with a full bar serving the best cocktails and wine. One of the highlights of this restaurant would be its beautiful room setting. It is very good-looking and well appointed.
Carlyle
Trummer's Restaurant
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
If you’re looking for souvenir shops, Virginia Gift Shop is one of the best recommendations for you. Known as the best local shop, it provides many cool items such as clothing, miniatures, home decoration, and much more. Its convenient location right in the downtown Luray makes it even more exciting.
You can also head to Made In Virginia Store for another great shopping experience. Located in Sprelly, this souvenir shop offers so many goodies. From gift baskets, wine, hams and sides, sweet and baked treats, souvenirs, clothing, peanuts, and so many more.
Virginia Gift Shop
Made In Virginia Store
