Fairfax
The United States Capitol is just across the river from Fairfax, Virginia - Matti Mattila/Flickr.com
Anyone traveling to Virginia should consider spending at least a few days in the vicinity of Fairfax. This bustling little town is part of the greater metropolitan area of our nation's capitol, but it still maintains a life of it's own as an independent community.
There are a number of museums and monuments located in Fairfax, such as the Cold War Museum and some historic trails. The area offers world-class shopping and dining, adding a touch of class to a vacation that may have otherwise been swept into a sea of tourism.
If you've managed to see everything in Fairfax, you will find Washington, D.C., on the other side of the bridge. This will give you access to the Smithsonian museums and a wealth of other attractions that are well worth visiting.
Fairfax Tourism
10455 Armstrong Street
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 385-8414
www.fairfaxva.gov
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg tour guide - PamelaVWhite/Flickr.com
During the Colonial Period that preceded the American Revolution, Williamsburg was the capitol of Virginia. When the capitol was later moved to Richmond, the City of Williamsburg was largely forgotten and remained a small college town. In more modern times, the colonial city has been reconstructed and renovated, looking very much the way it did during the 18th century.
Colonial Williamsburg has been reborn and now lives as a citywide museum. Actors and actresses dress in period attire and re-create historic events that happened in and around Williamsburg. The experience brings history to life again and again, with new stories being played out each month or so. Visiting this living museum will deepen your sense of patriotism and your understanding of the colonists in a way that is indescribable.
Colonial Williamsburg
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187
(757) 229-1000
www.history.org
Virginia BeaCH
Virginia Beach - Jason Pratt/Flickr.com
Nothing spells vacation like listening to the sound of the waves breaking against the beach. With the smell of salt in the air and distant ships drifting past the horizon, Virginia Beach is a vacation destination that will easily help your forget the stress of normal life.
Affordable resort hotels line the Virginia Beach boardwalk, with seaside shops selling T-shirts and saltwater taffy on the main street. A number of festivals and concerts take place throughout the summer, meaning there is always something exciting going on no matter when you plan your vacation.
The tourist season typically culminates with the Neptune festival at the end of September. This festival is marked by professional sandcastle competitions, a King Neptune parade and fireworks launched from ships on the open sea.
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
2100 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(800) 822-3224
www.vbfun.com
