Virginia is where modern America’s story started – and it has the historic sites to prove it. But it isn’t just a place where you can be mesmerised by the past. Its Blue Ridge Mountains are perfect for outdoor adventures, while the hills around sleepy Keswick provide a beautiful backdrop to lazy days by the pool. And Virginia’s vibrant cities – such as Charlottesville – are there for when you want a dose of music, art and culture.
NATURE
Just a drive through Keswick’s rolling farmland will give you a sense of Virginia’s natural beauty – though Shenandoah National Park is ideal for more active days out. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, or simply breathe in the colours of the landscape that’s especially picturesque in Fall. If you prefer your outdoors a little more cultivated (and with a glass of wine in hand), stroll amongst the vines with a private wine tour in Charlottesville.
HISTORY
As one of the country’s original colonies, Virginia has got an impressive rollcall of places to explore. Serious history buffs won’t want to miss a day trip to Colonial Williamsburg. While a visit to Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s hilltop mansion and plantation near Keswick – gives you a fascinating glimpse into how the writer of the Declaration of Independence lived.
CULTURE
Charlottesville has an irresistible college-town buzz – and its famous university campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up the atmosphere at the lively Downtown Mall, perhaps seeing what’s on at the art deco Paramount Theater. The town hosts plenty of live music, too, along with film and book festivals and the quirky IX Art Park – housed in a former textile factory.
The farms and orchards dotted about Virginia’s Abermarle Country offer bespoke tours and experiences, including milking cows and fruit-picking – perfect for family days out.
