By Todd West

Trust me when I tell you, you can’t do it all at once. There are many sides to this Mid-Atlantic state, and its tempting components could be museums, wildlife or historical sites, vineyards, bed and breakfasts, and sporting venues.

While the “Virginia Is for Lovers” slogan stirs up images of romantic settings for couples, it also refers to a state that is clearly for “family lovers.” With 32 percent of its visitors being families, Virginia offers family travelers an excellent vacation value sure to appeal to every member—young or old.

Here is a sampling of some of the options from Virginia’s varied regions.

Northern Virginia
Virginia is the home of presidents, and American families seem to be taking a greater interest in history and those who helped shape it. The nation’s first president, George Washington, has become a favorite historical figure to study. A driving tour of Northern Virginia locations, such as Alexandria and Fredericksburg, helps debunk myths and reveal the real Washington. In addition to its daily offerings, George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Estate & Gardens hosts many special activities throughout the year.

Just minutes from Mount Vernon in Arlington, the Newseum affords visitors the chance to try their hands at reporting the news as the teleprompter rolls. Relive great moments in history through exhibits and historic newspapers, magazines and newscasts, and see how media around the world report current news.

Shenandoah Valley
Approximately 60 miles west of Arlington lies Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, stretching 200 miles from Winchester to Roanoke. Explore the college town of Lexington on foot or surrey. Discover the beauty and heritage of this community that was the home to two Southern Civil War generals—Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee—and features a museum profiling 20th-century World War II General George C. Marshall.

Horse lovers may chance upon an equine competition, rodeo or exhibition at Lexington’s Virginia Horse Center. This world-class facility offers activities throughout the year.

The drive along Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, which stretches between Front Royal and Waynesboro, is a destination all its own with spectacular views and plenty of sidetrip options. A string of seven Shenandoah Valley caverns welcomes visitors underground to view exquisite limestone and calcite formations that have taken thousands of years to develop.

Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands
Nature takes center stage in Virginia’s Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands. In the westernmost tip of Virginia, in a region known as the Heart of Appalachia, enjoy abundant natural attractions and outdoor activities. Hike scenic trails once followed by westward expansion settlers at locations such as the Cumberland Gap National Park and Natural Tunnel State Park. Cycle along miles of bike routes such as the Guest River Gorge Trail that follows an abandoned railbed.

At Big Stone Gap, attend the musical drama Trail of the Lonesome Pine, performed outdoors each July and August with a mountain backdrop. The production offers an exciting history lesson on the effects that the discovery of coal and iron ore had on the local mountain people. With scenes of humor, suspense and romance, the historical drama holds the attention of children of all ages.

Farther east in Bland County, learn about life as an Indian more than 700 years ago at Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum in Bastian. Visit huts, see demonstrations of the Indians’ daily activities in the reconstructed village, and see artifacts from area archaeological digs. From the town of Bland, consider a hike with llamas as companions. These gentle animals carry a mouth-watering picnic of fried chicken and potato salad for two-footed hikers to enjoy by a stream at the top of the ridge.

Central Virginia
Eastward, the capital city of Richmond forms an excellent hub for a family vacation. Discover the story of Virginia through its native people, leaders and conflicts at the Virginia Historical Society. For the best in family fun, don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Explore a cave, an eagle’s nest and other life-sized landscapes, or visit the toddler-sized museum within the museum. Or travel a short distance to the Nature & Visitor Center at Maymont. Take a walk on the wild side while enjoying the antics of river otters and other creatures residing in the James River Habitat exhibit.

For a glimpse into Civil War history, tour the Museum and White House of the Confederacy in downtown Richmond. Then travel southward to Dinwiddie and to Pamplin Historical Park and National Museum of the Civil War soldier. Trace a soldier’s army experience and encounter a virtual battle. Follow the two-mile-long “Breakthrough Trail” for a look at some of the best-preserved and most elaborate Civil War fortifications in America. In the basement of the 1812 plantation home, feel fresh-picked cotton and smell the sweet scent of tobacco, and talk with a costumed guide about the hardships of war.

For faster-paced entertainment, travel north of Richmond to Paramount’s Kings Dominion, home to 10 roller coasters and television-themed entertainment. At Nickelodeon Central, kids television characters keep younger children entertained for hours, while the water park cools down the whole family.

Tidewater and Hampton Roads
While Virginia’s Historic Triangle—consisting of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg—and the sands of Virginia Beach have long been popular vacation spots for families, this region offers other family-friendly destinations. In Newport News, the Mariners’ Museum—designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum—continues to capture the imagination of vacationers with its internationally renowned permanent collections of nautical art, artifacts and special exhibits on maritime exploration, commerce and naval enterprise. Visitors marvel at scores of elaborately carved ship figureheads, including a polar bear, a Native American and a golden eagle that loom over exhibits on sea exploration and commerce. Of special interest is the collection of miniature handcrafted ship models crafted by August F. Crabtree, who worked for a company that created movie props in the 1960s.

Nearby at the Virginia Living Museum, native wildlife such as bobcats, river otters and endangered black-footed ferrets reside in a natural landscape. For a closer perspective on animal life, go across the street for a visit to the Peninsula Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Here, a petting zoo offers the opportunity to touch chickens, feed goats and see more exotic animals such as lions, panthers and tigers.

Chesapeake Bay
With thousands of miles of waterfront, a Chesapeake Bay vacation is a water-lover’s delight. Myriad marinas and boat ramps provide opportunities for motorboating and sailing. Look for native wildlife, such as bald eagles soaring majestically overhead during a canoe or kayak excursion.

At Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and the home of two signers of the Declaration of Independence, see the wooden crib that once held Lee, long before he grew to become the leader of the Confederate armies. Hike the 2.5 miles of trails that wind through wooded areas and on bluffs along the river. Then enjoy an old-fashioned, Southern-style lunch in a log cabin dining room on the property.

A few minutes to the northwest, at George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument, discover life on a working plantation populated with horses, oxen, pigs and geese. The colonial-style house, which replaces the original house that burned in 1779, is furnished in the simple lifestyle of the Washington family.

A short distance away in Oak Grove, the Westmoreland Berry Farm & Orchard offers a bounty of fruits, vegetables and pick-your-own berries. A picnic area with a river view forms the perfect setting to enjoy the harvest.

Eastern Shore
Across Chesapeake Bay, the slender peninsula known as Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers a chance to experience Chincoteague, a place best known in children’s literature. Delve into the world of the horse that has captured imaginations for half a century through the book Misty of Chincoteague. Across the inlet bridge on Assateague Island, go in search of the famous ponies either on foot, by bike or on a guided bus tour. Try your hand at kite flying along the pristine beach or at crabbing in the inlet.

Farther south at Onancock, check out one of the oldest general stores on the East Coast before hopping aboard a ferry for a cruise to Tangier Island. This small island, situated in the Chesapeake Bay, is the perfect getaway. Notice a hint of an Elizabethan accent as you talk with the residents, and chat with the island’s teenagers about their experiences growing up here. Get your fill of fresh crab and fish caught in local waters. Wander around the small island, where bikes and golf carts are the primary mode of transportation.

At the southern tip of the Eastern Shore is Kiptopeke State Park. This area of coastal dunes and tidal marshes provides a unique habitat to migratory birds and rare animal species.

Back to top