Virginia is understood for its wealthy historical past relationship again to 1607, lovely coastal and mountain landscapes, charming cities, and museums. Irrespective of how lengthy you’ve lived in Virginia, there’s all the time one thing new to be taught concerning the state.
Whether or not you’re seeking to hire an condominium in Richmond or purchase a house in Arlington, chances are you’ll be questioning what else Virginia is understood for. On this Redfin article, we’ll cowl what makes Virginia well-known and a terrific place to name house.
6 museums and Colonial websites to see
Virginia’s heritage is a mix of its colonial historical past, Civil Warfare legacy, and a vibrant arts scene present in its historic cities and scenic landscapes.
1. Virginia Museum of Fantastic Arts in Richmond is a free museum specializing in fashionable and modern artwork.
2. Chrysler Museum of Artwork in Norfolk is a free museum showcasing fifty galleries alongside a glass studio.
3. Navy Aviation Museum in Virginia Seashore has a big assortment of classic army plane from World Warfare I and II.
4. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Middle in Virginia Seashore is house to quite a lot of animals like zebra sharks, harbor seals, and loggerhead sea turtles, together with whale and dolphin watching excursions.
5. Historic Jamestowne in Jamestown is a heritage website positioned on the unique James Fort. Courting again to 1607, guests can discover historic buildings, take a look at archeological websites, and take strolling excursions.
6. George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon is the primary President’s property, relationship again to 1734. Guests can discover the grounds, take guided excursions, and study President Washington’s life and the Revolutionary Warfare.
Do you know? Virginia is called the “Mom of Presidents,” as eight U.S. presidents had been born there, greater than every other state.
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6 vacationer points of interest to go to in Virginia
1. Colonial Williamsburg is a dwelling historical past museum that recreates life in 18th-century Virginia. This immersive museum lets you discover historic buildings, work together with costumed interpreters, and study colonial-era crafts and trades.
2. Shenandoah Nationwide Park stretches alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing climbing trails like Previous Rag Mountain. You too can get pleasure from scenic drives alongside Skyline Drive and areas for wildlife viewing and tenting amid the park’s pure magnificence.
3. Richmond, the state capital, is house to numerous historic websites just like the Virginia State Capitol and the Museum of the Confederacy. You possibly can discover the Richmond Canal Stroll, go to the Virginia Museum of Fantastic Arts, and tour the Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard.
4. Virginia Seashore is a well-liked coastal metropolis recognized for its sandy seashores, boardwalk points of interest, and out of doors actions like fishing and water sports activities. Actions embody exploring the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Middle and having fun with eating and leisure alongside the Oceanfront.
5. Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic property close to Charlottesville, gives guided excursions of the mansion, gardens, and plantation grounds. You possibly can study Jefferson’s affect on American historical past and the house’s structure whereas having fun with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
6. Civil Warfare landmarks: Virginia performed a pivotal position within the Civil Warfare, with websites like Manassas Nationwide Battlefield Park, Fredericksburg, and Appomattox Court docket Home preserving vital occasions and battlefields.
>>Learn: 10 Execs and Cons of Residing in Virginia
4 common regional dishes
Virginia’s delicacies is a mirrored image of its wealthy historical past and regional influences, mixing Southern, Chesapeake Bay, and Appalachian flavors.
1. Chesapeake Bay blue crabs: Usually steamed and seasoned with Previous Bay spice, blue crabs are a beloved delicacy.
2. Ham biscuits: Nation ham, notably Smithfield hams, are common in Virginia. By legislation, Smithfield hams can solely be cured in Smithfield’s metropolis limits. One in every of some ways to eat this regional merchandise is on a biscuit.
3. Peanuts: Virginia is understood for its peanuts, so there are many distinctive delicacies to attempt. For instance, you will discover peanut soup, peanut pie, and Virginia peanuts all through the state.
4. Brunswick stew: This dish is common in Southern Virginia and is a mixture of meat and greens in a tomato-based broth.
5 eating places in Virginia to go to
1. Mia’s Italian Kitchen in Alexandria
2. L’Auberge Chez François in Nice Falls
3. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville
4. The Shack in Staunton
5. Le Yaca French Restaurant in Williamsburg
5 nationwide and state parks in Virginia
Virginia is house to the Blue Ridge Mountains within the west, a part of the bigger Appalachian Vary. The coastal area options the Chesapeake Bay, sandy seashores, and barrier islands.
1. Shenandoah Nationwide Park: Recognized for its scenic Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Path, Shenandoah gives climbing trails, waterfalls, and alternatives for wildlife viewing, together with black bears and deer.
2. First Touchdown State Park: Positioned on the Atlantic Ocean, this space gives swimming, boating, and climbing trails.
3. Grayson Highlands State Park: Recognized for its wild ponies and climbing trails with views of Mount Rogers, this state park is house to Virginia’s highest peak.
4. Nice Falls Park: You’ll discover scenic views of the Potomac River, the Mather Gorge, and climbing trails.
5. Prince William Forest Park: This park is house to lush forests, climbing trails, tenting areas, and hidden streams.
>>Learn: 8 Lovely Lakes in Virginia to Reside on
Financial system and job alternatives in Virginia
Recognized for its financial system and job alternatives, Virginia’s main industries are know-how, protection and aerospace, and healthcare. A few of the main companies that drive the state’s financial system embody Sentara Healthcare and Capital One Monetary.
Virginia’s prime employers
1. Walmart
2. Amazon
3. Goal
4. Virginia Commonwealth College
5. United States Postal Service
4 common Virginia phrases
In Virginia, you’ll uncover expressions that replicate the state’s historical past and present environment.
1. “Virginia Gold Cup,” the celebrated horse race at Colonial Downs.
2. “Virginia is for lovers,” the enduring state motto.
3. “NoVA,” means Northern Virginia.
4. “DMV,” refers back to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
FAQs about Virginia
When was Virginia based?
John Smith based Jamestown, the primary everlasting English settlement in 1607 as a part of the London Firm.
The place did Virginia get its identify from?
Virginia is called after Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen.
What’s Virginia’s nickname?
Virginia’s nickname is the Previous Dominion, reflecting its historical past as one of many oldest English colonies in North America. It represents the state’s historic significance throughout the colonial and Revolutionary Warfare intervals.
What sports activities groups are in Virginia?
Virginia is house to 2 nationwide sports activities groups – the Washington Soccer Crew (NFL) and the Washington Nationals (MLB). Residents additionally cheer for collegiate groups just like the College of Virginia Cavaliers and the Virginia Tech Hokies, each competing in NCAA Division I sports activities.
What universities are in Virginia?
There are numerous prestigious universities in Virginia, from analysis establishments to state faculties and personal universities. Listed below are a few of the choices: