Virginia Travel Guide
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, it has been called the ‘Mother of Presidents’ due to its somewhat interesting legacy of being the birthplace of eight US presidents. With tourism one of several important industries contributing to the above average wealth of the state, Virginia possesses a number of specific attractions and outdoor activities to interest travelers.
More than half of the region is covered in forest, from the river valleys against the Atlantic to the mountainous areas in the east. Hot, humid summers and cold winters subject the state to its fair share of tornados, with an average of 85 F2 class twisters striking per year. Heavy snowfalls and thunderstorms are also an infrequent concern as well as what has been termed the ‘urban heat island’ effect, due to unique factors of climate and topography and the increased development of surrounding areas.
The most popular tourist destination in Virginia is the historical city of Williamsburg, with Colonial Williamsburg being the most interesting and most visited of all its sights. Founded in 1633, the restored and reconstructed 18th century buildings carry great charm, acting as a ‘living museum’ for the locals who dress and behave as folk of the period did, working as blacksmiths and cobblers, shopkeepers, barbers and innkeepers in the same manner as the colonials during that era of American history. The Capital and Governor’s Palace are handsome buildings dating back to the early 1700s.
For a different sort of history, Arlington is worth a visit. Some of the most famous Americans are buried in the manicured, 600 acre Arlington National Cemetery. There is a visitors’ center where maps of the miles of pathways can be found along with books and exhibits to assist in planning an informative stroll through the grounds. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Iwo Jima Memorial and John F Kennedy’s grave are among the most viewed sites at the cemetery.
And of course, no visit to Arlington would be complete without a look at the 6.5 million square foot neo-classical, five-sided structure of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States’ Department of Defense.