Virginia
From World travel guide
Virginia is a state in the South of the United States of America. Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and the west by the Appalachian mountains, with expanses of farmland in between, Virginia has much to offer to the student of history and scenic landscapes. It is bordered by Maryland, Washington (D.C.), West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Contents |
Regions
Cities
- Accomac
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Blacksburg
- Charlottesville
- Danville
- Falls Church
- Fredericksburg
- Great Falls
- Harrisonburg
- Herndon
- Jamestown
- Leesburg
- Luray
- Lynchburg
- Manassas
- McLean
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Staunton
- Vienna
- Virginia Beach
- Williamsburg
- Winchester
Other destinations
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- James Madison University
- Luray Caverns
- Monticello
- Mount Vernon
- Skyline Drive
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- Yogaville
Understand
"Virginia Is For Lovers" is the enigmatic motto of the Virginia tourism council. What makes Virginia particular suited for amour remains something of a mystery, but the state does have many great features: beaches, forests, some of the oldest towns in North America, and proximity to the Mid-Atlantic and the deeper South.
Virginia is one of the thirteen original colonies, and one of the first states to ratify the Declaration of Independence. Its author, Thomas Jefferson, was a Virginian, as were seven other presidents of the United States.
What is known today as Virginia has been inhabited for many hundreds of years by humans. Jamestown, Virginia (near Williamsburg) is the site of the first lasting British settlement in the New World, dating to 1607. Native American tribes from Virginia, such as the Powhatan, had some of the richest native cultures in the Colonies.
Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861 and has a strong Civil War heritage, as well as a strong sense of Southern pride and feeling of independence that exists in much of the state (especially the capital Richmond) even today.
Talk
English is spoken by majority of residents. In rural areas and farther south, you may experience what is commonly known as “southern accent”. This accent generally does not stop fluent English speakers from understanding the person but non fluent English speakers may experience problems. Most people can deliberately speak in non accented English upon request but find it difficult to do so for extended length of time. As with all places, locals may have non standard words to refer to places, actions and people. Locals are generally understanding of tourists not understanding these words and will clarify upon request.
Get in
Virginia like all states in United States can be entered freely by people who are either American Citizens or by other people who have been allowed entry into Untied States. People from other countries should see United States of America article for more information about entering from foreign counties.
Air
Virginia has many major airports servicing its main cities. Northern Virginia (the Washington DC suburbs) is serviced by Washington-Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (or, simply "Washington National" or "Reagan" for short). Washington National airport is by far the best airport in Northern Virginia due to its proximity to the Washington Metro Rail system and lower volume. Washington-Dulles Airport is better for international flights. However, its shuttles which transport passengers between the concourses, called "Mobile Lounges," make moving through the Dulles Airport a major hassle. Some concourses are connected via moving walkways and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is working on an underground rail system to link the concourses.
For Central and Southern Virginia destinations, Richmond International Airport offers flights to and from many major cities East of the Mississippi and in Texas.
For Eastern Virginia, especially the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Portsmouth area, Norfolk International Airport offers flights to and from cities all over the U.S.
Rail
Amtrak offers passenger rail service to many Virginia cities, including Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and Staunton. For destinations in Northern Virginia, the best stops are Union Station in Washington, DC and the Fredericksburg station.
Amtrak offers commuter rail service via the Virginia Railway Express. Major stops are in Manassas, Franconia-Springfield, and Fredericksburg.
Getting into Virginia from Maryland and Washington, DC is very easy via Metro Rail and Metro Bus.
Car
Virginia is connected by secondary roads and Intserstate highways to the surrounding states. Interstate 81 is the main route from Tennessee and continues through Virginia into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Interstate 66 connects Northwestern and Northern Virginia with Washington, DC. Interstate 95 runs north-south through Vrignia connecting Washington, DC to Fredericksburg and Richmond, on to North Carolina. Interstate 495 encircles Washington, DC with part of its route going through Northern Virginia. Where I-95 intersects with I-495 at the southern-most end of I-495, Interstate 395 continues northward into DC while I-95 traces the same route as the eastern half of I-495. Thus, if you are to take I-95 from Richmond to Baltimore, MD, you would merge onto I-495 going East and North until I-95 splits off from I-495 on its north side to reach Baltimore.
Get around
See
Do
Eat
Drink
Tap water is safe to drink.
Virginia law requires you to be 21 to buy alcohol or consume alcohol. Photo ID will be required to prove age.
Beer and other alcoholic drinks are available from most restaurants and bars. Variety of what is available differs from restaurant to restaurant and when in doubt people should check menu or with a waiter to see what is available.
Beer is sold at most grocery stores. Certain counties in Virginia prohibit Sunday sale of alcohol, mainly the south west counties. When in doubt, check with local county police department or simply ask store owner.
Hard Liquor is only allowed to be sold by Virginia ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) stores. More information about these stores and other alcohol related information can be found at their website.
Wineries
Virginia is home to many small-scale wineries.
Stay safe
Get out
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