Table of Contents
Map Of Southern Virginia
Top Attractions
When visiting Southern Virginia, one cannot miss out on visiting the historic Jamestown settlement, the oldest English settlement in North America. Another must-visit attraction is the Natural Bridge, which is a geological wonder and a popular spot for hiking and photography. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to explore the state’s art scene, while the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is perfect for families with young children.
Hidden Gems
One of Southern Virginia’s hidden gems is the Chincoteague Island, a beautiful beach town that is perfect for a relaxing vacation. Another lesser-known attraction is the Carter Mountain Orchard, where visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The Abingdon Vineyard & Winery is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts.
Food Scene
Southern Virginia is known for its traditional southern cuisine, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. The Smithfield Ham Shoppe is a popular spot for trying out the state’s famous ham. For seafood lovers, the Rappahannock Oyster Company is a must-visit restaurant.
Budget-Friendly Tips
There are plenty of budget-friendly activities in Southern Virginia, such as exploring the state parks, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and visiting the free museums. Another tip is to visit during the off-peak season, which is usually from December to February, when the hotel rates and airfare are cheaper.
Outdoor Adventures
Southern Virginia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a popular biking route that passes through the scenic countryside. The New River Trail State Park is perfect for hiking and camping, while the Appomattox River offers great opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
Historical Landmarks
In addition to the Jamestown settlement, Southern Virginia is home to many other historical landmarks, such as the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where the Civil War ended. The Monticello, the home of founding father Thomas Jefferson, is another must-visit attraction. The St. John’s Church is a historic church where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
Family-Friendly Activities
Southern Virginia has plenty of family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Virginia Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Virginia, and the Virginia Living Museum. The Kings Dominion amusement park is perfect for families with kids of all ages, while the Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a great theme park for teenagers and adults.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to get off the beaten path, Southern Virginia has plenty of unique experiences to offer. The Virginia Safari Park is a drive-through zoo where visitors can feed the animals. The Virginia Holocaust Museum is an educational museum that showcases the history of the Holocaust. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for people-watching and walking along the beach.
Natural Wonders
Southern Virginia is home to many natural wonders, such as the Natural Bridge, the Luray Caverns, and the Shenandoah National Park. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a unique natural area that is perfect for bird-watching and hiking. The Smith Mountain Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Vibrant Nightlife
Southern Virginia may not be known for its nightlife, but there are plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues that offer a vibrant nightlife scene. The NorVa is a popular music venue that hosts concerts by top artists, while the Granby Theater is a historic theater that hosts live music and comedy shows. The Waterside District is a popular spot for bar-hopping and nightlife.
Local Markets
For those who want to experience the local culture, Southern Virginia has plenty of local markets that offer unique shopping experiences. The South of the James Farmers Market is a popular farmers market that sells fresh produce and locally-made products. The Carytown Farmers Market is another popular market that offers a variety of local foods and crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Southern Virginia is a great destination for those who want to experience both the beach and the mountains. The Virginia Beach is a popular beach destination that offers plenty of water activities, such as swimming, surfing, and kayaking. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer great opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
Cultural Immersion
Southern Virginia has a rich cultural heritage that can be experienced through its museums, festivals, and cultural events. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is a great place to learn about the state’s history, while the Virginia Folklife Program offers a variety of cultural events and festivals. The Richmond Folk Festival is a popular festival that celebrates the state’s music, dance, and culture.
Art and Music Scene
Southern Virginia has a vibrant art and music scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and music venues. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to explore the state’s art scene, while the Virginia Opera and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra offer world-class performances. The Birchmere Music Hall is a popular music venue that hosts concerts by top artists.
Walking Tours
Southern Virginia has many historic districts and neighborhoods that are perfect for walking tours. The Fan District in Richmond is a popular neighborhood that showcases the state’s architecture and history. The Old Town Alexandria is another historic district that offers plenty of walking tours and guided tours.
Architectural Marvels
Southern Virginia has many architectural marvels that are worth visiting, such as the Virginia State Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The Virginia Executive Mansion is another historic building that showcases the state’s architecture and history. The Chrysler Museum of Art is a great place to explore the state’s art and architecture.
Historical Sites
Southern Virginia is home to many historic sites, such as the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which was the site of several Civil War battles. The Colonial National Historical Park is another must-visit attraction that showcases the state’s history. The Virginia War Museum is a great place to learn about the state’s military history.
Biking Routes
Southern Virginia has many scenic biking routes, such as the Virginia Capital Trail, which is a 52-mile trail that passes through several historic sites and scenic areas. The High Bridge Trail State Park is another popular biking route that offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The James River Park System is perfect for mountain biking and trail riding.
Wellness Retreats
Southern Virginia has many wellness retreats that offer spa treatments, yoga classes, and meditation sessions. The Boar’s Head Resort is a popular wellness retreat that offers luxury spa treatments and fitness classes. The Primland Resort is another popular retreat that offers outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Adventure Sports
Southern Virginia is a great destination for adventure sports, such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and white-water rafting. The Peak Experiences Climbing Gym is a popular indoor rock climbing gym, while the Virginia Skydiving Center offers skydiving lessons and tandem jumps. The New River Gorge is a popular spot for white-water rafting and kayaking.