Virginia, with its rich history dating back to 1607, stunning coastal and mountain landscapes, charming cities, and museums, offers endless opportunities to explore and learn. Whether you’re considering renting an apartment in Richmond or buying a home in Arlington, Virginia has much to offer. In this Redfin article, we delve into what makes Virginia famous and a wonderful place to call home.
Discover Virginia’s Museums and Colonial Sites
Virginia’s heritage is a vibrant blend of colonial history, Civil War legacy, and a thriving arts scene found in its historic cities and scenic landscapes.
1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Located in Richmond, this free museum focuses on modern and contemporary art.
2. Chrysler Museum of Art: Situated in Norfolk, this free museum boasts fifty galleries and a glass studio.
3. Military Aviation Museum: Found in Virginia Beach, this museum houses a vast collection of vintage military aircraft from World War I and II.
4. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: Located in Virginia Beach, this center showcases various marine animals and offers whale and dolphin watching tours.
5. Historic Jamestowne: Situated in Jamestown, this heritage site allows visitors to explore historical buildings, archaeological sites, and take walking tours.
6. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Located in Mount Vernon, this estate offers guided tours and insights into President Washington’s life and the Revolutionary War.
Fun Fact: Virginia is known as the “Mother of Presidents,” as eight U.S. presidents were born there, the most of any state.
Explore Virginia’s Top Tourist Attractions
1. Colonial Williamsburg: A living history museum that recreates life in 18th-century Virginia.
2. Shenandoah National Park: Offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Richmond: The state capital with historic sites like the Virginia State Capitol and the Museum of the Confederacy.
4. Virginia Beach: Known for sandy beaches, boardwalk attractions, and outdoor activities like fishing and water sports.
5. Monticello: Thomas Jefferson’s estate near Charlottesville, offering guided tours and insights into American history.
6. Civil War Landmarks: Sites like Manassas National Battlefield Park, Fredericksburg, and Appomattox Court House preserve significant events from the Civil War.
>>Read: 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia
Discover Virginia’s Popular Regional Dishes
Virginia’s cuisine reflects its rich history and regional influences, blending Southern, Chesapeake Bay, and Appalachian flavors.
1. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs: A beloved delicacy often steamed and seasoned with Old Bay spice.
2. Ham Biscuits: Popular country ham, particularly Smithfield hams, served on biscuits.
3. Peanuts: Virginia’s famous peanuts used in various dishes like peanut soup and peanut pie.
4. Brunswick Stew: A Southern Virginia dish combining meat and vegetables in a tomato-based broth.
Visit These 5 Restaurants in Virginia
1. Mia’s Italian Kitchen in Alexandria
2. L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls
3. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville
4. The Shack in Staunton
5. Le Yaca French Restaurant in Williamsburg
Explore Virginia’s National and State Parks
Virginia’s diverse landscape offers opportunities to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, and sandy beaches.
1. Shenandoah National Park: Known for its scenic Skyline Drive and hiking trails.
2. First Landing State Park: Offers swimming, boating, and hiking trails on the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Grayson Highlands State Park: Home to wild ponies and hiking trails with views of Mount Rogers.
4. Great Falls Park: Features scenic views of the Potomac River and hiking trails.
5. Prince William Forest Park: A park with lush forests, hiking trails, and camping areas.
>>Read: 8 Beautiful Lakes in Virginia to Live on
Discover Virginia’s Economy and Job Opportunities
Virginia’s economy thrives in industries like technology, defense, aerospace, and healthcare, with major corporations such as Sentara Healthcare and Capital One Financial driving its growth.
Top Employers in Virginia
1. Walmart
2. Amazon
3. Target
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
5. United States Postal Service
Explore Virginia’s Popular Phrases
Virginia’s unique expressions reflect its history and culture.
1. “Virginia Gold Cup”: The prestigious horse race at Colonial Downs.
2. “Virginia is for lovers”: The iconic state motto.
3. “NoVA”: Northern Virginia.
4. “DMV”: Refers to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia
When was Virginia founded?
John Smith founded Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in 1607 as part of the London Company.
Where did Virginia get its name from?
Virginia is named after Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen.
What is Virginia’s nickname?
Virginia’s nickname is the Old Dominion, reflecting its historical significance during the colonial and Revolutionary War periods.
What sports teams are in Virginia?
Virginia is home to national sports teams like the Washington Football Team and the Washington Nationals, along with collegiate teams like the University of Virginia Cavaliers and the Virginia Tech Hokies.
What universities are in Virginia?
Virginia boasts numerous prestigious universities, from research institutions to state colleges and private universities.