Top Things to do in Virginia
Top Hotels in Virginia
- 1. Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel
- 2. Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach - Oceanfront
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlottesville-UVA, VA
- 4. Hampton Inn Virginia Beach-Oceanfront North
- 5. Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- 6. Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
- 7. Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg South
- 9. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 10. Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
6 Geologic Formations in Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia
1. The Channels Natural Area Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
The Channels are sandstone outcrops on Clinch Mountain Ridge that have been worn down by 400 million years of erosion to form large crevasses just large enough for an adult to walk through. They're located in The Channels Natural Area Preserve, which is part of Channels State Forest. The easiest access is from the Brumley Mountain Trailhead on VA-80 at Hayters Gap. The trail is a gated road most of the way, so pretty easy, but it's about 3.5 miles one way and its all uphill to the Channels, gaining about 1000 vertical feet over the 3.5 miles. Near the end, a well-marked spur trail leads up to the summit where there's an old lookout tower. Just before the tower, a path cuts to the left - this leads to "The Hidden Channels". The crevasses are smaller and I couldn't find a way in, but the views from the top are great. We had lunch up here and no one else was here, while the Channels were packed. The lookout tower is unsafe and closed to climbing. Just past that are the Channels. It's kind of a labyrinth, but the crevasses form a grid so it would be hard to get lost. Besides being really fun to explore, it's also significantly cooler in the Channels - a welcome relief after a hot, muggy hike up the mountain.
2. Natural Bridge State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,987 reviews
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge; beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. Access these via 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Living history programs connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. Start at the visitor center where you will find exhibits and a gift shop. A shuttle from the visitor center to the bridge trail is available for those not wishing to take the stairs.
Reviewed By RhondaP13
We went to Natural Bridge yesterday which was absolutely breathtaking! The cost for a combined ticket with the Caverns was $20.00 pp.. The walk to the bridge was not bad. There are steps down to a concrete walk which then turns into a trail, which was pretty easy to navigate. There was a replica Indian Village and a little further a waterfall.. the round trip was 1.8 miles. They do allow dogs on leashes and people of all ages were marveling at this incredible natural wonder! The Caverns were not within walking distance. You had to get back in the car and drive about a mile maybe to reach them. The signs are very visible!
3. Natural Tunnel State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By SKW78 - Indianapolis, United States
Beautiful area. Be sure to take the hiking trail from the road near sky lift down to the north portal of the tunnel. Free chair lift pass included with cabin stay since the swimming pool was not open. We stayed in a cabin. It was very nice. Nice wrap around deck with rocking chairs to look out at nature. Kitchen was well stocked with fridge, microwave, toaster, and stove. Bathroom had a hair dryer in it. Shower, no tub. Mattresses are covered in a heavy vinyl cover for sanitation purposes. I'd bring a mattress protector or extra blanket to put under your sheets so it doesn't feel like you are sleeping on vinyl. Mattress was fairly comfortable. Fireplace is a gas one with fake logs. No need to buy firewood for it. There is a fire pit outside to grill if you want to. The kitchen had grilling tools in one of the drawers. Kitchen had a nice assortment of pots and pans, baking dishes, dishes, utensils. It had paper towels and dish soap supplied. Bathroom had hand soap in dispenser at sink and body wash in dispenser in shower. The camp host by the camp store was very helpful when the store was closed. That is where you buy ice and firewood. Cell service was spotty all through the park. It was better in the cabin than down by the tunnel, but not a strong signal.
4. Burke's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By buffalorock
Mattie Schlabach has relocated to Gose Mill road. The same great food and friendly welcome. She keeps her store well supplies with speciality products. Fresh home cooked meals sandwiches available during store hours. Located in the rural and beautiful Burkes Garden. You can't ask for more.
5. Natural Chimneys Park and Campground
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States
This is a fascinating formation of rocks that actually formed from erosion of the ground around them. They look as though they were built up! We had a nice visit and hike around in the woods. It is well taken care of and the lady who worked the office was a very friendly and helpful to us. It made it even more enjoyable.
6. Northern Neck
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