Living in Virginia means having a lifetime’s worth of activities and adventures to embark upon. From mountain climbing, to fascinating historical tours, and endless mouthwatering food, it’s hard to find a dull moment around here. And for those truly looking to get the most out of life in Virginia, we’ve devised something of a bucket list to get you started. See how many of these you’ve completed:
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Todd Van Hoosear/flickr Is there any drive more scenic?
- Go apple picking in Winchester
@aerial_m/flickr Winchester is the proud location of the annual Apple Blossom Festival, and their apples are about as tasty as you’ll find.
- Embark on a haunted ghost tour in Lexington
Haunting Tales- Lexington’s Ghost Tour/Facebook It’s one of the most entertaining ways to experience the historic streets of Lexington.
- Climb Mt. Rogers
Ryan Somma/flickr Ascending the tallest peak in Virginia is no walk in the park, but the views and the accomplishment will be well worth the climb.
- Go dancing at the Friday Night Jamboree in Floyd
Bruce Tuten/flickr If you’ve been looking for a time to dust off the old boots, this is it.
- Catch some live music at a local brewery
Bill Dickinson/flickr Local breweries, such as Richmond’s Hardywood, have some of the best beer and music in town.
- Make a wish at the Luray Caverns Wishing Pool
Jessica/flickr These coins are collected each year and donated to charity.
- See the wild ponies of Chincoteague
sabl3t3k/flickr The wild ponies are one of the most iconic views of the island.
- Enjoy a waterfall picnic…
Gary Cope/flickr Photographed above is the majestic Cascade Falls.
10…Or a waterfall hike
Charles Payne/flickr Crabtree Falls is the tallest waterfall series east of the Mississippi River. Hikers can climb up along the falls and enjoy spectacular views along the way.
- Enjoy an authentic Virginia crabcake
Jen/flickr Photographed above is a delicious crab cake entree from Legal Seafood in Arlington.
- Enjoy the views from a hot air balloon ride over Woodstock
Rudi Riet/flickr Take your appreciation of the scenic landscape to new heights.
- Raft the James River
Eileen Mundok/flickr The James River is an ideal spot for all sorts of water activity, whether it be rafting, swimming, boating, or kayaking.
- Relax in the Jefferson Pools
Claire McDonough/flickr Treat yourself to the relaxing, soothing hot springs of the historic Jefferson Pools.
- Meander the historic Old Town Alexandria waterfront
ehpien/flickr There will be some delicious restaurants to enjoy all the way.
- Go stargazing at Staunton River State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr This area is a designated dark sky park, meaning it has some of the best visibility for stargazing in the country.
- Enjoy cheese and wine on the lawn of Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon The estate offers spring time festivals to celebrate the finest of the area’s wines and cheeses. Year-round tours are also available.
- Visit the Grand Canyon of the South
K.G.Hawes/flickr Breaks Interstate Park is the largest gorge east of the Mississippi River.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Highland County Maple Festival
Highland County Virginia/Facebook Pancakes, doughnuts, and just about everything sweet your heart desires.
- Take a tour of historic Jamestown and witness a live demonstration
Tom Simpson/flickr There’s a reason this spot is the designation of so many field trips – there’s so much to be learned about Virginia’s early history here.
- See at play at the Blackfriar’s Theatre in Staunton
Living-Learning Programs/flickr This is the only replica of this kind of Shakespearean theatre in the world. The acting is phenomenal, too.
- Take a camping trip in Shenandoah National Park
Jim Larrison/flickr The park is full of breathtaking campsites, trails for hiking, and picnic spots.
- Catch a movie at the historic Byrd Theatre in Richmond
Bill Dickinson/flickr There aren’t many places you can catch a great film for only a few dollars. They might be oldies, but you won’t mind with such beautiful surroundings.
- See Natural Bridge
Kelly Williams/flickr Last but certainly not least, this National Landmark is a definite must-see for all Virginians.
Even with over 20 items, this list is just the beginning of the endless activities available in Virginia. We’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions to add to the list! Which of these bucket list items have you completed?
Todd Van Hoosear/flickr
Is there any drive more scenic?
@aerial_m/flickr
Winchester is the proud location of the annual Apple Blossom Festival, and their apples are about as tasty as you’ll find.
Haunting Tales- Lexington’s Ghost Tour/Facebook
It’s one of the most entertaining ways to experience the historic streets of Lexington.
Ryan Somma/flickr
Ascending the tallest peak in Virginia is no walk in the park, but the views and the accomplishment will be well worth the climb.
Bruce Tuten/flickr
If you’ve been looking for a time to dust off the old boots, this is it.
Bill Dickinson/flickr
Local breweries, such as Richmond’s Hardywood, have some of the best beer and music in town.
Jessica/flickr
These coins are collected each year and donated to charity.
sabl3t3k/flickr
The wild ponies are one of the most iconic views of the island.
Gary Cope/flickr
Photographed above is the majestic Cascade Falls.
Charles Payne/flickr
Crabtree Falls is the tallest waterfall series east of the Mississippi River. Hikers can climb up along the falls and enjoy spectacular views along the way.
Jen/flickr
Photographed above is a delicious crab cake entree from Legal Seafood in Arlington.
Rudi Riet/flickr
Take your appreciation of the scenic landscape to new heights.
Eileen Mundok/flickr
The James River is an ideal spot for all sorts of water activity, whether it be rafting, swimming, boating, or kayaking.
Claire McDonough/flickr
Treat yourself to the relaxing, soothing hot springs of the historic Jefferson Pools.
ehpien/flickr
There will be some delicious restaurants to enjoy all the way.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
This area is a designated dark sky park, meaning it has some of the best visibility for stargazing in the country.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
The estate offers spring time festivals to celebrate the finest of the area’s wines and cheeses. Year-round tours are also available.
K.G.Hawes/flickr
Breaks Interstate Park is the largest gorge east of the Mississippi River.
Highland County Virginia/Facebook
Pancakes, doughnuts, and just about everything sweet your heart desires.
Tom Simpson/flickr
There’s a reason this spot is the designation of so many field trips – there’s so much to be learned about Virginia’s early history here.
Living-Learning Programs/flickr
This is the only replica of this kind of Shakespearean theatre in the world. The acting is phenomenal, too.
Jim Larrison/flickr
The park is full of breathtaking campsites, trails for hiking, and picnic spots.
There aren’t many places you can catch a great film for only a few dollars. They might be oldies, but you won’t mind with such beautiful surroundings.
Kelly Williams/flickr
Last but certainly not least, this National Landmark is a definite must-see for all Virginians.
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