Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Virginia, United States

September 17, 2021 Darwin Bolte

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 Mariners' Museum & Park

100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606-3757 +1 757-596-2222 [email protected] http://www.marinersmuseum.org/
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 911 reviews

The Mariners' Museum & Park

The Mariners' Museum, America's National Maritime Museum, includes the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War Ironclad's iconic gun turret. The Museum has over 35,000 maritime artifacts, including ship models, paintings and small craft. Located on a 550-acre park, they also feature a 5-mile hiking trail and paddleboat rentals. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Museum galleries are temporarily closed but we remain committed to bringing you fascinating stories from our Collection. Many favorite lecture series and family-friendly programs are being offered virtually for free, and we invite you to connect online with us. In addition, our Park and the Noland Trail are open and free to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience, and wish you good health until we can safely reopen our galleries.

Reviewed By TravelNut12309 - Newport News, United States

There is more to see here than than can fit in a day. The Monitor-Merrimack exhibit is top-notch, with Monitor wreck artifacts dredged up off the North Carolina coast undergoing restoration and, when ready, being installed inside the building in the equivalent location as a parallel outdoor mockup of the exterior. The international small craft building is fascinating, the intricate ship models can occupy you for hours, plus there is a full-scale, many-room exhibit of the history of mankind’s endeavors in the world’s seas. This is a must-see complement to the other maritime sights of Tidewater Virginia, like the Hampton Roads boat tours. Special thanks to the gentle, informative, highly-motivated volunteer docents who enliven the Monitor-Merrimack exhibition.

2. American Shakespeare Center

10 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401-4350 +1 877-682-4236 [email protected] http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 894 reviews

American Shakespeare Center

The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. "Stunning", says Frommer's. Located in historic downtown Staunton, VA, this 300-seat Renaissance theatre offers productions of Shakespeare and classic plays year round that the Washington Post says are "shamelessly entertaining" and the Boston Globe says are "phenomenal...bursting with energy”.

Reviewed By Love_Renoir - Virginia Beach, United States

We attended the closing night of Twelfth Night and it was just wonderful. My whole family was entertained. The cast performed impeccably and it felt so good to be in a theater again! The theater is very serious about health and safety during this pandemic. Masks, stringent social distancing between seats, hand sanitizing stations-- they didn't miss a beat. The venue is clean and airy, yet cozy, thanks to the wood paneling and warm lighting. Additionally, they unexpectedly upgraded our seats and that was such a treat (not a bad seat in the house, though, so no worries of not being able to see or hear no matter where you sit). I can't wait to go back!

3. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220-4007 +1 804-340-1400 [email protected] http://vmfa.museum/
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,074 reviews

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Arts is a top comprehensive US art museum with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. The Wall Street Journal recently stated that VMFA is now a "two day museum."

Reviewed By W2125VMdeborahg

This is a great way to spend some free time. The building is amazing, entrance is free unless you want in a special exhibit and there’s loads to see for free. The surrounding gardens are very pretty with lots of water features. I highly recommend the Furniture and Tiffany collection as well as the Faberge collection, as well as the multiple other different types of art collections. Even the food in the cafe is reasonable and tasty. We did pay for the Napoleon Exhibit and it was definitely worth the price of admission $12 per person. Only negative was poor signage for parking, we never did find the on site parking, ended up parking on street a few blocks away both times we visited.

4. Barter Theatre

127 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210-2809 +1 276-628-3991 [email protected] http://www.BarterTheatre.com
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 985 reviews

Barter Theatre

Located 3 miles from I-81, exit 17 in the heart of Abingdon, Virginia. Founded in 1933, Barter Theatre offers professional, repertory theatre, 17-19 productions per year, and two unique stages: Barter Main Stage and Barter Stage II. Recognized as the premiere theatre in the region, Barter launched the careers of such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal and Ernest Borgnine. Enjoy classics, comedies, dramas and Broadway musicals. Group rates and packages with fine Abingdon restaurants and lodging available. Stop in The Barter Café and gift shop. Open Feb. – Dec. Call or go on-line for performance schedule.

Reviewed By gmorgan6 - Morristown, United States

My husband and I went to the Moonlight Drive In to see the Barter production of A Christmas Carol. They play was great and the workers have gone above and beyond to keep everyone safe from COVID. There’s even someone sanitizing the port a potty after every user. The radio station provided great sound and the oh screen was helpful too since we were a little farther back.

5. Chrysler Museum of Art

1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510-1540 +1 757-664-6200 [email protected] http://www.chrysler.org
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 978 reviews

Chrysler Museum of Art

Reviewed By CMDA - Danville, United States

Beautiful building with 220,000 square feet of exhibit space with an excellent collection of American and European artists and some timely current exhibitions. Strong showing of Hudson River School. Located in Ghent district which is well worth a stroll around.

6. Military Aviation Museum

1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457-1542 +1 757-721-7767 [email protected] http://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,316 reviews

Military Aviation Museum

World War One and Two aircraft THAT STILL FLY are the heart of this unique museum. 40,000 guests each year travel from all over the world to see our aircraft, especially during our major events and airshows. Come see why the Military Aviation Museum is one of the top attractions in all of Virginia Beach! Take a flight in an open cockpit biplane for a once in a lifetime experience, and learn about the heroes of the first fifty years of military aviation.

Reviewed By PABuckeyeFans - Fort Myers, United States

Check out the Jetrtasic Park sculpture garden. Great for kids. Toured the Navy Hangar, Army Harbor, RAF Goxhill Tower, WWI Hangar, Fighter Factory and Cottbus German Hangaar. Has a great gift shop. Service volunteers do the tours with lot's of details and experience.

7. Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151-3002 +1 703-572-4118 [email protected] http://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center/
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,389 reviews

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

The museum is temporarily closed and will reopen on Wednesday, May 5. Free timed entry passes are required. Please see our COVID-19 message and more information for planning you visit.

Reviewed By CourtneyF538 - Chapel Hill, United States

Highlights of this visit: The observation tower!! A MUST!! Space Shuttle Discovery & a whole area dedicated to man in space FREE guided highlight tours MANY staff/volunteers happily able to share information, history, and personal experiences... Extremely organized and very well labeled exhibits Multi-level views of many aircraft thanks to 2nd & 3rd level walkways. Points to note: Museum is free, but parking is not ($15) In-house McDonald's is CLEAN and not as pricey as would be expected inside a venue...it's an option, with views of planes coming into Dulles Lots of well-placed seating for visitors with mobility limitations or rest needs Our family of 5 (kids ages 14, 11, & 8) ALL enjoyed this museum!! For the sake of comparison, we have also recently visited the Wright-Patterson USAF Museum...both are excellent!! WP has more aircraft overall and delves deeper into the history of flight. Udvar-Hazy provides a more open environment with spectacular presentations. We HIGHLY recommend this museum!

8. A. Smith Bowman Distillery

1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408-7346 +1 540-373-4555 [email protected] http://asmithbowman.com
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 114 reviews

A. Smith Bowman Distillery

since 1934, the historic A. Smith Bowman Distillery has passionately produced premium handcrafted spirits that have gone on to win many awards, most notably "World's Best Bourbon" two years in a row. Nestled just five minutes from downtown Fredericksburg and three miles from I-95, A. Smith Bowman Distillery has a lot to offer. Complimentary one hour tour includes: Knowledgeable history of the Distillery Behind the scenes look at our distilling process Walk through to see our stills "Mary" and "George" Barrel aging warehouse Spirit tastings (21+) Gift Shop & A. Smith Bowman Distillery Museum Tours are open to all ages, Monday - Saturday and Sundays during the summer. Complimentary tours depart every hour, Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Gift Shop remains open until 5 p.m. Please visit our website for more details regarding your visit!

Reviewed By 327josephk - Woodbridge, United States

Yes, all FREE. a 30 Plus minute tour by an expert on the oldest continual operating LEGAL distillery in the USA. Recently winning National and World wide awards for their bourbons and other spirits. AND at the end of the tour a FREE tasting of five of their products. The good stuff too! Of course it temps you to purchase their products and promotional items at the gift shop which has an ABC License!

9. Inside Ski Training Center

34 Catoctin Cir SE Ste B Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports, Leesburg, VA 20175-3633 +1 571-707-8873 [email protected] http://insideski.com
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 107 reviews

Inside Ski Training Center

Year-round indoor skiing and snowboarding on a large infinite slope. A professional instructor controls the speed and the pitch of the slope as the rider progresses. A mirror at the base and the instructor provide immediate feedback. All equipment provided and reservations are required. Important COVID-19 Update: Please wear a mask at all times and observe 6 feet of social distancing. Group lessons must be from the same household. All other lessons must be booked and billed as a private. Lessons are available every other hour to allow us to sanitize between students. Please limit extra spectators to 2.

Reviewed By bigmamma2021

Awesome lessons for me and my 11 yr old son! Great instructors and nice indoor ski slope! We’ve been going for 4 lessons so far and all were fantastic!

10. Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2667 +1 757-965-9652 [email protected] http://www.tarnishedtruth.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 525 reviews

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company is the country’s first and only craft distillery operating within a working luxury hotel. Tarnished Truth is a small craft distillery producing multiple hand crafted spirits such as bourbon, whiskey and vodka. Come visit us for a tour, tasting, craft cocktail class and gift shop.

Reviewed By Tenore90 - Portland, United States

With a small group of nine people, Anna led us on a great tour of the distillery and the tasting afterwards of their Moonshine, Tarnished Truth Rye 3 year and Old Cavalier 9 year straight Bourbon. Our group quickly bonded. While in the distillery, Andrew Yancey, the owner walked through who my son knew because my son knew his parents as neighbors on the street where he formerly lived. All in all, it was a great experience to be sought out at the newly renovated Cavalier Hotel.

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