One of my goals as a parent was to take my kids to 48 states before they graduated high school. We were very excited to achieve this goal as we crossed the border of Vermont the summer before my son’s senior year. We eventually made it to all 50 states! I decided to start a travel blog to share our ideas with all of you. Not only did we reach our goal, but we had so much time together as a family, my children became closer and we learned about different regions of the country. I keep a list of ideas and places we visited in each state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A state we have visited multiple times because of its proximity to our home state is Virginia. Virginia is a beautiful state in every season. There are beaches, lakes, mountains, rivers, and cities, as well as some pretty amazing state and national parks. I decided to separate the state into five areas: Historic Triangle, Richmond, DC Capitol, Coastal, and the Mountains. This is a just a list of ideas and things we have done. I know the state has much more to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic Triangle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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We always enjoy learning about historical events on our road trips. The Historic Triangle has history, but also family fun. This area is between the James and York rivers and includes Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. There are historic sites and attractions including settlements, battlefields, and living history. The scenic Colonial Parkway brings it all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

• Historic Jamestowne: site of the first permanent English Settlement in the New World<\/li>
• Jamestown Settlement: living history museum portraying 17th-century Virginia history and culture<\/li>
• Yorktown Battlefield: site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War<\/li>
• American Revolution Museum: interactive exhibits, films, and outdoor living history<\/li>
• Colonial Williamsburg: nation’s largest living history museum 18th century town<\/li>
• Hike at York River State Park: more than 30 miles of trails exploring the marsh, river shoreline and forests<\/li>
• Ride a ferry or trolley: ferry across the river or take a trolley through town<\/li>
• Botanical Garden: located within Freedom Park in Williamsburg<\/li>
• Tour William & Mary: walk through the arches of the Wren Portico and explore the engaging campus<\/li>
• Waller Mill Park: offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, hiking, fishing, disc golf, picnicking and playgrounds<\/li>
• Fort Monroe National Monument: fort with a long history<\/li>
• Skrimp Shack: fast-casual seafood<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Richmond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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  Richmond has a lot to offer for history lovers, but they also have other family activities. There is a wide range of museums, outdoor activities, and entertainment. Being National Park lovers, we tend to visit those places first. And we are always in search of good local food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar: two floors of exhibits<\/li>
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park: 13 separate sub-units<\/span>, Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works<\/li>
  • Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site: learn about the civil rights leader<\/li>
  • Sub Rosa Bakery: wood oven baked goods<\/li>
  • Broad Street Arts District: an eclectic shopping district<\/li>
  • Belle Isle Historic Park: bike ride on the trails along the riverfront<\/li>
  • Carytown: boutique shops, local restaurants, and historic sites<\/li>
  • Libby Hill Park: the top of the hill view of downtown Richmond<\/li>
  • Proper Pie Co: British pie and specialties<\/li>
  • Hollywood Cemetery: resting place for many notable historic figures, the second most visited cemetery in the US behind Arlington<\/li>
  • St John Church: Patrick Henry’s speech \u201cGive Me Liberty or Give Me Death\u201d<\/li>
  • Petersburg National Battlefield: south of town offering trails and fishing<\/li>
  • Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Military park: north of Richmond<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    DC Capitol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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    Of course Washington DC has lots of things to do, but this list focuses on the things to do in the Virginia area. Washington DC is one of our favorite places to visit. It is probably my number one recommended places for families, but don’t miss the Virginia attractions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Old Town Alexandria: charming area with shopping and dining<\/li>
    • Arlington National Cemetery: don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House<\/li>
    • Udvar-Hazy Center: a second location of the Air and Space Museum with large aircraft including a space shuttle<\/li>
    • Mount Vernon Estate: George Washington’s home, the Christmas event is spectacular<\/li>
    • Great Falls Park: check out the falls and fun trails<\/li>
    • National Museum of the Marine Corps: exhibits and programs honoring the Marines<\/li>
    • National Museum of the United States Army: tells the story of the Army<\/li>
    • Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: hike, bike and birdwatch<\/li>
    • Manassas Battlefield: commemorates the first and second Battles of Bull Run<\/li>
    • Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts<\/li>
    • Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant: great Alexandria place to try out the cuisine<\/li>
    • Prince William Forest: camping, hiking and biking an hour south of DC<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Coastal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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      Coastal Virginia could include Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay or the Eastern Shore. The Eastern Shore is accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. You could also say the coastal area includes the Historic Triangle, which is listed above. There are a large variety of things to do in these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • First Landing State Park: great kayaking area with lots of trails and other outdoor activities<\/li>
      • Virginia Beach oceanfront: enjoy the beach or walk Atlantic Avenue<\/li>
      • Cape Henry lighthouse: two different lighthouses<\/li>
      • Stratford Hall: estate of Robert E. Lee<\/li>
      • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: look for wild horses<\/li>
      • Assateague Lighthouse: climb to the top<\/li>
      • Assateague Island: sit on the beach or rent an oversand vehicle<\/li>
      • Virginia Diner: not on the coast, but maybe on your way (or a little out of your way), stop for the famous ham and peanuts<\/li>
      • Chatham Vineyards: winery you can kayak to<\/li>
      • Savage Neck Dunes: hike the beach dunes<\/li>
      • The Island House: eat a crab cake on the patio<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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        The mountains of Virginia cover a big area. I am including the Appalachia, Blue Ridge and Shenandoah and anything else close enough to be called mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        • Blue Ridge Parkway: drive, stop and hike on America’s Favorite Drive<\/li>
        • Mabry Mill: watermill run by the National Park Service, eat in the restaurant<\/li>
        • Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive: enjoy the drive, hikes, overlooks and lodges<\/li>
        • Big Meadows Lodge: for the blackberry ice cream pie<\/li>
        • The Apple House: grab a famous donut<\/li>
        • Appalachian Trail: hike part of the famous trek<\/li>
        • Virginia Creeper: get a ride to the top from a local bike shop and ride down<\/li>
        • Visit Monticello, Montpelier and Ash-Lawn Highland: check out the president’s homes<\/li>
        • University of Virginia: take a tour of the historic campus<\/li>
        • Floyd’s Country Store: check for various Appalachian music events<\/li>
        • Dogtown Roadhouse: famous for wood-fired pizza<\/li>
        • Appomattox Courthouse: site of Robert E. Lee’s surrender<\/li>
        • Booker T. Washington Monument: birthplace of a famous former slave<\/li>
        • Natural Tunnel State Park: ride a chairlift or take a cave tour<\/li>
        •  Trail of the Lonesome Pine: a summer outdoor drama<\/li>
        • National D-Day Memorial: in the community that experienced this country\u2019s highest-known, per capita loss on D-Day<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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