FAMILY VACATIONS IN VIRGINIA WITH CHILREN-WHAT TO DO IN VIRGINIA (VA) WITH KIDS
FUN THINGS TO DO ON VACATION WITH KIDS - VIRGINIA
FUN & ENTERTAINMENT VACATIONS - WESTERN VIRGINIA (For example - Natural Bridge, VA - Abingdon, VA - Bastian, VA)
Morgan-McClure Museum - Morgan-McClure Museum offers 15,000 square feet of exhibits that include the 1994 and 1995 Daytona 500 winners as well as numerous other racing related exhibits.
Wolf Creek Indian village and museum - Step back nearly 800 years in time and visit the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum in Bastian, Virginia. Located within 2 minutes of Interstate 77, this educational experience is situated in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia. The recreated village is near the site of an actual archeological excavation. The Village is a living museum with hands-on exploration for visitors.
Location: Rt. 1 Box 1530 Bastian, VA 24314 Tel: 276.688.3438 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm - Beagle Ridge Herb Farm and Environmental Education Center grows organic herbs, manufactures a line of herbal products and is the premiere outdoor classroom in the Blue Ridge.
Location: PO 419, 1934 Matney Flats Rd, Wytheville, Virginia, 24382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural Bridge Wax Museum - The Natural Bridge Wax Museum features scenes of Virginia and Natural Bridge history where the curtain opens on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the Confederacy, all perched on narrated sets.
Location: PO Box 57 Natural Bridge, VA 24578 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural Bridge Of Virginia - Natural Bridge and Niagara Falls were the two wonders of the new world that Europeans visited during the 18th & 19th centuries. Of the two sights, Natural Bridge, without clear explanation of its formation, was the more mysterious. Vacationing guests from all over the world took day trips from Natural Bridge on horseback or horse drawn carriages to explore the countryside. The braver guests could be lowered over the edge from the top of the bridge in a hexagonal steel cage while a violinist played.
Location: PO Box 57 Natural Bridge, VA 24578 Tel: 800-533-1410 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural Bridges- The Caverns - The Caverns were opened to the public in 1977. It was originally explored by Col. Henry Parsons in 1889-91, but the natural entrance was too steep for general use. When the modern development took place, some tools, a ladder, a lantern, and rope were found where they had been left in 1891.
Location: PO Box 57 Natural Bridge, VA 24578 Tel: 800-533-1410 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUN & ENTERTAINMENT VACATIONS - CENTRAL VIRGINIA (For example - Charlottesville, VA - Salem, Virginia - Roanoke, VA)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AAF Tank Museum - JOURNEY WITH THE MUSEUM THRU THE EXCITING WORLD OF TANKS !The AAF Tank Museum was founded in 1981 as a 501 (c) 3 not for profit charitable organization, with a mission to educate, collect, restore, preserve, and display as varied a collection of military tank and cavalry artifacts as is possible, so that present and future generations will have a significant part of military history available for them to learn from and explore.
Location: 3401 U.S. Highway 29B Danville, VA 24540 Tel: 434-836-5323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum - Did you know--The Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum building is an example of at least two strong architectural influences from Europe? Behind those lovely, shady porches is a classic brick Georgian building with a central staircase and central halls on each of the two upper floors. Two rooms open off each side of these halls. The lower floor, a traditional English basement, contained the hotel dining/tavern room.
Location: 400 South Main Street Gordonsville, Virginia Tel: 540-832-2944 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Albemarle County Historical Society - The Albemarle County Historical Society works to nurture and promote an awareness and appreciation of the history of Charlottesville and Albemarle County through exhibits, walking tours, publications, and other programs.
Location: McIntire Building 200 Second St., NE Charlottesville, VA 22902-5245 Tel: (434) 296-1492 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scottsville Museum - Scottsville Museum brings our town's history to life, from its beginnings as an 18th century James River settlement to its shining era as a bustling 19th century river and canal port. Additionally the Museum depicts Scottsville as a center of Civil War activity through its re-emergence as a thriving community in the 20th century. Housed inside the former Disciples of Christ Church, built in 1846, the Scottsville Museum displays permanent and rotating exhibits on James River transportation, the Civil War, Native American artifacts, school life, theater, clothing, toys, furniture, and photographs
Location: 290 Main Street Scottsville, Virginia 24590 Tel: 434-286-2247 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia Discovery Museum - Located on the east end of the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Virginia Discovery Museum is a hands-on children's museum, with exhibits on the arts, sciences, humanities, history and nature. Families are encouraged to explore the Museum together -- visitors of all ages are free to touch, play and explore. Learning and fun are the goal. Creative play is the way!
Location: East End of the Downtown Mall Post Office Box 1128 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Tel: (434) 977-1025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Old City Cemetery - The Old City Cemetery was established 1806. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the oldest public cemetery in Virginia still in operation. You can learn Genealogy or see the beautiful Gardens or both!
Location: 401 Taylor Street Lynchburg, Virginia 24501 Tel: (434) 847-1465 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peaks of Otter - The Peaks of Otter is formed by three mountains positioned in a triangular pattern - Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet), Flat Top Mountain (4,001 feet), and Harkening Hill (3,372 feet). A beautiful mountain lake rests at the triangle's center. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through mountain passes and intersects with Virginia highway 43 at mile marker 85.9. The Appalachian Trail passes only a few miles to the North and can be easily accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Peaks of Otter wilderness area is truly one of the Blue Ridge Mountain's best-kept secrets.
Location: Tel: 1-888-810-2903 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Danville Science Center - Unlock the secrets of how things work!Located at the historic Crossing at the Dan, the Danville Science Center delights all ages with its hands-on exhibits and special programs that make science fun for everyone. Friendly staff and volunteers stand ready to encourage you to explore your world. During butterfly season (April-October), don't miss the beauty of the Butterfly Station and Garden - one of only a few butterfly greenhouses in Virginia.The Danville Science Center is housed in the 1899 Southern Railway Passenger Station. It is registered with the Virginia Landmarks Commission and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 677 Craghead Street Danville, VA 24541 Tel: (434) 791-5160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paramount's Kings Dominion - We've got the most hair-raising rides, the wettest water park, the most sizzling stage shows, and tons of other cool stuff everyone can enjoy. Paramount's Kings Dominion is 400 acres of ultimate entertainment for the entire family
Location: 16000 Theme Park Way P. O. Box 2000 Doswell, VA 23047 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
University of Virginia Art Museum - The University of Virginia Art Museum exhibits art from around the world dating from ancient times to present day.In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum presents an ongoing schedule of changing exhibitions, accompanied by related programs and publications.
Location: Thomas H. Bayly Building 155 Rugby Road, P. O. Box 400119 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monticello - The Thomas Jefferson Foundation (formerly the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation) owns and operates Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson and the only home in America on the elite World Heritage List of the United Nations.
Location: Thomas Jefferson Foundation Post Office Box 316 Charlottesville, VA 22902 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frontier Culture Museum - Visit Europe and America's past at four different historic farms, moved from their country of origin, and reconstructed at the museum site, in Staunton, Virginia.See the rare and minor breed animals, walk through the authentic gardens, help harvest period crops, watch a blacksmith at work, and visit with the farm interpreters to share a lesson of courage, heritage, and determination.
Location: 1290 Richmond Road, Staunton VA 24401 Tel: 540-332-7850 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Salem Museum - As an educational and cultural resource center, the Salem Museum maintains an important collection of local artifacts--including Native American pieces recovered from an early Indian settlement, relics of the Civil War, and mementos of daily life from the span of Salem's history.
Location: 801 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153 Tel: (540) 389-6760 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Historic Crab Orchard Museum - Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park opened in 1982 as a non-profit historical museum named for the National Landmark historic site on which we are located
Location: Rt. 1, Box 194, Tazewell, Virginia 24651. Tel: (276) 988-6755 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Art Museum of Western Virginia - The Art Museum features 19th and 20th century American art, contemporary and modern art, decorative arts, and works on paper, and presents exhibitions of both regional and national significance.
Location: One Market Square Roanoke, VA 24011 Tel: (540) 342-5760 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia’s Explore Park - Virginia’s Explore Park offers a fun way to learn about the history of the land and the people in western Virginia in 1671, 1740, and 1850. With the addition of the new Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, a new chapter in the history of the Roanoke Valley is being told at Explore Park.
Location: Milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway P.O. Box 8508, Roanoke, VA 24014 Tel: 540.427.1800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia Museum of Transportation - Virginia Museum of Transportation features a larges diesel engine collection, steam locomotives featuring the J611, railcars, trucks, trolleys, carriages, vintage cars, O-gauge layout, special exhibits and events
Location: 303 Norfolk Avenue · Roanoke, VA 24016 Tel: 540-342-5670 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
History Museum of Western Virginia - Since its creation in 1957, the History Museum of Western Virginia has been collecting and preserving artifacts, documents and other memorabilia that tell the story of southwestern Virginia from prehistory to modern times. Through a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as lectures, tours and publications, the History Museum pursues its mission of promoting knowledge of and appreciation for our regional heritage.
Location: One Market Square, 3rd Floor Roanoke, VA 24011 P.O. Box 1904 Roanoke, VA 24008 Tel: (540) 342-5770 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mill Mountain Zoo - Engineer conceived Mill Mountain Children’s Zoo in 1951. Designed as a children’s zoo with a nursery rhyme theme, it opened its doors July 4,1952. Originally operated by Roanoke City Parks and Recreation Department, it was open only in the summer season, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location: P. O. Box 13484 Roanoke, Virginia 24034 Tel: (540) 343-3241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center - Experience the story of America's beginnings at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Through film, artifact-filled galleries and outdoor living history, these museums engage visitors in nearly two centuries of our nation's history - from the founding of America's first permanent English settlement in 1607 to the decisive Revolutionary War victory in 1781 and implementation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Location: P.O. Box 1607, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-1607 Tel: (757) 253-4838 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blue Ridge Institute & Museum - For more than two decades Ferrum College's Blue Ridge Institute & Museum has documented, interpreted and presented the traditional life and culture of the Blue Ridge and its people. Designated the State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore by the Virginia General Assambly in 1986, the Institute promotes an understanding of regional folklore past and present for all ages.
Location: Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088-9000. Tel:540-365-4416. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shenandoah Caverns - At Shenandoah Caverns, located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley.Experience the color of Virginia's most beautiful caverns as well as the convenience of elevator service and wide, level pathways on your tour.
Location: 261 Caverns Road Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847-9997 Tel: 540-477-3115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luray Caverns - Discover Eastern America's largest and most popular caverns. A U.S. Natural Landmark noted for the profuse variety of formations and natural color. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools.
Location: 970 US Highway 211 West Luray Virginia 22835 Tel: 540-743-6551 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia Quilt Museum - The Virginia Quilt Museum is open to the public as a resource center for the study of the role of quilts and quilting in the cultural life of society. The museum offers opportunities to view significant work by both early and contemporary quilt artisans.
Location: 301 South Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Tel: 540-433-3818 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
American Celebration on Parade - Come join the celebration – American Celebration on Parade! The Shenandoah Valley’s newest attraction is a unique collection of stunning parade floats, props, and stage settings from American entertainment and political history.
Location: 397 Caverns Road Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847-9998 Tel: 540-477-4300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luray Reptile Center - The Luray Zoo, formerly the Luray Reptile Center, is nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The Zoo is well known for it's personable atmosphere and loads of animal fun! It also boasts one of the best snake collections on the East Coast, has an interactive petting zoo, live educational animal shows, and mammals and exotic birds from around the world. The zoo's owners, Mark and Jennifer Kilby, are usually around to answer questions from the public. Luray Zoo is a specialized zoo that provides a home to unwanted and/or abused exotic animals. Luray Zoo DOES NOT breed or sell exotic animals for income or profit.
Location: 1087 US Hwy 211 West Luray, VA 22835 Tel: (540) 743-4113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinosaur Land - Step into the world of the prehistoric past, where visitors can turn back the pages of time to the Mesozoic era, where dinosaurs were the only creatures that roamed the earth.
Location: 3848 Stonewall Jackson Highway White Post, VA 22663 Tel: (540) 869-2222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUN & ENTERTAINMENT VACATIONS - EASTERN VIRGINIA (For example - Richmond, VA - Virginia Beach, VA - Manassas, VA)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fredericksburg Area Museum - In 1816, the City of Fredericksburg completed work on the new Town Hall/Market House. It was a handsome building, typical of the architecture of the Federal period. The lower story, known as the Market House, was built of sandstone and opened onto the adjoining Market Lot through an arcaded side. The Market Lot was probably covered with sand. The Market House and Lot together comprised Fredericksburg's only legal vending place for aVAriety of foodstuffs. The upper two floors of the building, made of brick, were used as the Town Hall. They housed the chamber of the Fredericksburg Common Council, the town's governing body, as well as the Mayor's Office, rental space and several small meeting rooms. For the next 166 years, this building would remain the focal point for local government. In 1982, the Town Hall wasVAcated when the City moved their offices into a more modern building.
Location: 907 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Tel: 540-371-3037 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edgar Allan Poe Museum - Called "America's Shakespeare," Edgar Allan Poe created or mastered the short story, detective fiction, science fiction, lyric poetry and the horror story. His dark genius has invited children and adults to read and love literature for over 150 years.Richmond's Poe Museum boasts the world's finest collection of Edgar Allan Poe's manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia and personal belongings. The Poe Museum provides a retreat into early nineteenth century Richmond where Poe lived and worked. The museum features the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe by documenting his accomplishments with pictures, relics, and verse, and focusing on his many years in Richmond. Opened in 1922, in The Old Stone House, the museum is only blocks away from Poe's first Richmond home and his first place of employment, the Southern Literary Messenger.
Location: Poe Museum 1914-16 East Main Street Richmond, VA 23223 Tel: (804) 648-5523 or 1-888-21E-APOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maymont - So many places in one. It's hard to know where to begin ...A first visit to Maymont is best started at the new Robins Nature & Visitor Center—Maymont's front door-but a history lover will soon find a path to the 1893 Maymont House. A plant lover will find the elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens. For animal lovers there are the Nature Center, Wildlife Exhibits and the Children's Farm. Seekers of solitude will select the perfect spot under a stately elm or beside a babbling brook.
Location: Maymont Foundation 1700 Hampton Street Richmond, Virginia 23220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Agecroft Hall - On the rolling banks of the James River stands a remarkable Tudor estate. And by Tudor, we're not simply referring to an architectural style. This manor house was actually built in Lancashire, England in the late 15th Century. For hundreds of years, Agecroft Hall was the distinguished home of England's Langley and Dauntesey families. At the end of the 19th century, however, Agecroft fell into disrepair, and in 1925 it was sold at auction. Hearing of this tremendous opportunity, Richmonder Thomas C. Williams, Jr. purchased the structure, and had it dismantled, crated, and shipped across the Atlantic, and then painstakingly reassembled in a Richmond neighborhood known as Windsor Farms.Today, Agecroft Hall stands beautifully re-created, in a setting reminiscent of its original site on Lancashire's Irwell River.
Location: 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Virginia 23221 Tel: 804-353-4241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edgar Allan Poe Museum - Called "America's Shakespeare," Edgar Allan Poe created or mastered the short story, detective fiction, science fiction, lyric poetry and the horror story. His dark genius has invited children and adults to read and love literature for over 150 years.Richmond's Poe Museum boasts the world's finest collection of Edgar Allan Poe's manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia and personal belongings. The Poe Museum provides a retreat into early nineteenth century Richmond where Poe lived and worked. The museum features the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe by documenting his accomplishments with pictures, relics, and verse, and focusing on his many years in Richmond. Opened in 1922, in The Old Stone House, the museum is only blocks away from Poe's first Richmond home and his first place of employment, the Southern Literary Messenger.
Location: Poe Museum 1914-16 East Main Street Richmond, VA 23223 Tel: (804) 648-5523 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) - CMoR made its debut as the Richmond Children’s Museum in 1977. An arrangement was made with the City of Richmond School Board for the Museum to lease the multi-purpose Navy Hill School building in downtown Richmond. In 1981, the Museum opened to the public with its premiere exhibit, Boxes, Blocks, and Blueprints. For the next 18 years, CMoR welcomevd children in to its small but heroic 8,100 square foot building. Then, in the year 2000, the Children’s Museum of Richmond opened its new 42,000 square foot facility on West Broad Street.
Location: 2626 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 Tel: 804-474-CMoR (2667) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Museum of the Confederacy - A private, nonprofit institution that maintains the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of military, political and domestic artifacts and art associated with the period of the Confederacy, 1861-1865.
Location: 1201 E. Clay Street Richmond, VA 23219 Tel: 804-649-1861 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrysler Museum of Art - The Chrysler Museum of Art combines, under a single administrative umbrella, one of America's great fine arts museums and two significant historic houses.In addition to maintaining a distinguished permanent collection, the Chrysler offers a comprehensive program of changing exhibitions and education activities for visitors of all ages. Our goal is to bring people and original works of art together. We believe that a visit to a museum should be both educational, providing visitors with a chance to learn more about themselves and their world, and fun.
Location: 245 West Olney Road, Mowbray Arch Norfolk, Virginia 23510 Tel: (757) 664-6200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia Living Museum - Virginia Living Museum is a spectacular combination of the best and most enjoyable elements of a nature wildlife park with a science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, animals and planetarium all in one inspiring and beautiful setting.
Location: 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.Newport News, VA 23601 Tel: 1.757.595.1900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Old Coast Guard Station - The Old Coast Guard Station Museum Store offers a wide variety of nautical items, lighthouse collectibles, books for adults and children, jewelry, candles, clocks and barometers, and many other items.
Location: 24th Street & Boardwalk Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 Tel: (757) 422-1587 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water Country USA - Water Country USA, the mid-Atlantic's largest family water play park, features the world’s latest, greatest, state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, spectacular entertainment, shopping and restaurants -- all set to a colorful 1950's and '60s surf theme.The park offers a surf shop and gift shop, seven food service areas, locker rental, bathhouse facilities and free use of life vests and inner tubes. Guests also are able to purchase plastic swim diapers for their little swimmers, which are now required throughout the park. On cooler days, pools are heated to an inviting 82 degrees! In addition, American Red Cross-certified volunteers offer swim lessons to area residents each summer. More than 1,500 lounge chairs are available throughout Water Country USA for sun-worshipers and those needing a break from all the excitement.
Location: 176 Water Country Parkway Williamsburg, VA 23187 Tel: 1-800-343-7946 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Busch Gardens Williamsburg - With dozens of thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of authentic foods and shops, and a magical children's area, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the ticket to a world-class adventure. Location: Williamsburg, VA 23187-8785 Telephone: (800) 343-7946
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colonial Williamsburg - The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates the world’s largest living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia—the restored 18th-century capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous outpost of empire in the New World. Here we interpret the origins of the idea of America, conceived decades before the American Revolution. The Colonial Williamsburg story, “Becoming Americans,” tells how diverse peoples, having different and sometimes conflicting ambitions, evolved into a society that valued liberty and equality. Americans cherish these values as a birthright, even when their promise remains unfulfilled.In Colonial Williamsburg’s 301-acre Historic Area stand hundreds of restored, reconstructed, and historically furnished buildings. Costumed interpreters tell the stories of the men and women of the 18th-century city—black, white, and native American, slave, indentured, and free—and the challenges they faced. In this historic place, we help the future learn from the past.
Location: P. O. Box 1776 Williamsburg, VA 23187-1776 Tel: (757) 229-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Go-Karts Plus - GO-KARTS PLUS is Williamsburg, Virginia's premier family fun center featuring three go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper boats, kiddieland, midway games, a snackbar, an arcade and more!
Location: 6910, Richmond Road (Route 60 West) in Williamsburg, Virginia Tel: (757) 564-7600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Splashdown Waterpark - Splash Down features 5 different water areas along with all of your favorite summer foods at the Coney Island Café, Paradise Pizza and Sweets N Treats.
Location: 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive Manassas, VA 20109 Tel: (703) 361-4451 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Manassas Museum - The current 7,000-square-foot building on eight acres opened in 1991. Permanent and temporary historical exhibits interpret Northern Virginia Piedmont history through artifacts, documents, and images. Two exhibit videos describe settlement of the region and impact of the Civil War on the community.The Museum also houses the McBryde Library and Archives (open to researchers by appointment) and Echoes, the Museum Store. Plans for expanded exhibit galleries, artifact conservation facilities, and an educational center are currently under development
Location: City Hall – 9027 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gunston Hall Plantation - Gunston Hall Plantation is a tribute to the influential George Mason. His words were written in the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and have inspired generations of Americans and others around the world including Thomas Jefferson. His home is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture with elaborte carvings in the interior, beautiful boxwood gardens, deer park, and more.
Location: 10709 Gunston Road Mason Neck, Virginia 22079 Tel: 703.550.9220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morven Park - It would seem Morven Park has something of interest for almost everyone, but for those interested in country sports, horses or Virginia history, it's a treasure.The estate, 1,200 acres just west of Leesburg, Virginia off Rt. 7 on Old Waterford Road, was home to two governors: Thomas Swann, a governor of Maryland in the 19th century, and Virginia's reform governor Westmoreland Davis. Morven Park was the last home of Governor Davis, who served his gubernatorial term from 1918 to 1922, and his wife, the former Marguerite Inman of Atlanta, daughter of a wealthy New York cotton broker. Thirteen years after his death in 1942, Mrs. Davis established the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation as a memorial to her husband and the estate was opened to the public in 1967.
Location: 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Post Office Box 6228 Leesburg, Virginia 20178-7433 Tel: (703) 777-2414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leesburg Animal Park - Leesburg Animal Park opened in Leesburg in the spring of 2000. The Park offers many animals you can pet and feed. There is also the opportunity to visit Giant Tortoises, Lemurs, and Serval Cat. Join in on a WAGON RIDE or a PONY RIDE or get up close and personal with some of the resident animals in the park at KEEPER'S CORNER.Inclement Weather Policy - If the weather is questionable, call 703-433-0002 before you come out to make sure the park is open.Come and visit LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK in the beautiful County of Loudoun. Stop in and see Bill at PIONEER GARDEN CENTER, adjacent to LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK, and see what unique items he carries in his Old Tyme Country Market and Nursery.
Location: 19270 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, VA 20175 Tel: 703-433-0002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Newseum - The world's first interactive museum of news — the Newseum — opened in Arlington, Va., in 1997. Its mission was simple: to help the public and the news media understand one another better.The Newseum also celebrates the value of a unique American notion — the First Amendment. The First Amendment — a covenant between the government and the people — assures that no law will suppress the people's right to a free press, to speak freely, to worship, to assemble in public or to petition the government for redress of grievances. By assuring a free flow of information, the First Amendment helps ensure that Americans remain forever free. We believe that visitors will come to the Newseum as tourists, but leave as supporters of the First Amendment and the vital role a free press plays in a free society
Location: 1101 Wilson Blvd.Arlington, VA 22209 Tel: 703/284-3544 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Green Spring Gardens Park - Green Spring is a 27-acre park located in Alexandria, Virginia, just a few minutes travel from the Nation's Capitol. Through its gardens and educational programming, Green Spring advances the awareness and practice of gardening in Metropolitan Washington, DC. Visitors are invited to stroll through 5 acres of gardens, enjoy educational programs in our 18th century manor house, attend classes in the visitor center, or research gardening questions in our horticultural library.Green Spring was donated to Fairfax County in 1970 by editor and publisher Michael Straight. Straight purchased the property in 1942 and made several modifications to the 1760 manor house and accompanying gardens. The landscape around the Straight home was that of a 'gentleman farmer' and was used primarily for entertaining. Designed by Beatrix Farrand, the gardens included boxwood hedging, roses, and perennial borders.Green Spring's grounds are open dawn to dusk every day of the year.
Location: 4603,Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA, 22312 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torpedo Factory Art Center - The Torpedo Factory Art Center, created through the joint effort of a group of local artists and the City of Alexandria, Virginia in 1974, is considered the largest and most successful visual arts center in the U.S. and is open to the public daily 10 am to 5 pm. We invite you to come explore our 84 working studios, and 6 galleries
Location: 105 N Union St. Alexandria, Virginia Tel: 703.838.4565 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fredericksburg Area Museum - In 1816, the City of Fredericksburg completed work on the new Town Hall/Market House. It was a handsome building, typical of the architecture of the Federal period. The lower story, known as the Market House, was built of sandstone and opened onto the adjoining Market Lot through an arcaded side. The Market Lot was probably covered with sand. The Market House and Lot together comprised Fredericksburg's only legal vending place for aVAriety of foodstuffs. The upper two floors of the building, made of brick, were used as the Town Hall. They housed the chamber of the Fredericksburg Common Council, the town's governing body, as well as the Mayor's Office, rental space and several small meeting rooms. For the next 166 years, this building would remain the focal point for local government. In 1982, the Town Hall wasVAcated when the City moved their offices into a more modern building.
Location: 907 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Tel: 540-371-3037 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mary Ball Washington Museum - The Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library complex is located in the heart of Lancaster County on Virginia’s Northern Neck. The Museum/Library was established in 1958 and took the name Mary Ball Washington to honor the mother of the nation's first president. Mary Ball was born in Lancaster County, just eight miles from the Museum. The Museum seeks to recapture the stories and the rich history of the people of Virginia's Northern Neck.The Museum’s collections include several historically significant buildings in the village of Lancaster Court House. Every item, every aspect, has a story and a connection proving that history is neither static nor carved in stone. New stories surface, like arrowheads long buried, providing constant shifting of information that gives vitality to history. Our activities include educational programs, exhibits, living history presentations, tours, research and writing.
Location: 8346 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster, Virginia 22503 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stratford Hall - The Robert E. Lee Memorial Association is dedicated to preservation,research and education. The Association interprets to the public Stratford Hall and the plantation life of the Lee Family, whose ideals and leadership helped shape democracy in the United States.
Location: Robert E. Lee Memorial Association, Inc.485 Great House Road Stratford, Virginia 22558 Tel: (804) 493-8038 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Westmoreland Berry Farm and Orchard - The historic property was originally patented along the Rappahannock River in 1641. In 1803, the plantation was known as Leesville. During the Civil War, the plantation home above the English style terraces was bombed and burned by the Union gunboats.In 1983, Chuck and Anne Geyer began managing the transformation of the riverside into the Westmoreland Berry Farm for the Voorhees family.In 1995, a land donation by the Voorhees family to the Nature Conservancy of an adjoining natural area created the Voorhees Nature Preserve. The Nature Preserve trails are accessible upon check in at the farm market
Location: 1235 Berry Farm Ln, Oak Grove, VA 22443 Tel: 804.224.9171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reedville Fisherman's Museum - The story of Reedville, Virginia is linked to the commercial fishing industry that developed here in the late 19th century. In 1874 Elijah Reed transferred his menhaden fishing operation from Brooklin, Maine to the Chesapeake Bay. He purchased the land on Cockrell's Creek that is now Reedville. The industry flourished, especially in the early part of the 20th century. Today Reedville is one of the major ports for the landing of commercial fish in the United States, second only to Kodiak, Alaska.
Location: 504 Main Street Reedville, VA, 22539By Tel: (804) 453-6529 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Historic Christ Church - Since its creation in 1958, the Foundation for Historic Christ Church (FHCC) has overseen preservation of Christ Church and its surrounding environs. Building on preservation initiatives supported by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and other groups in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Foundation dedicated itself to returning the church as closely as possible to its original condition without comprising the structure's historical integrity. Since its work commenced some forty-five years ago, the Foundation and its corps of volunteers have worked diligently with architectural historians, skilled preservationists, and other scholars to make Historic Christ Church a living testament to Virginia's rich colonial heritage.
Location: P.O. Box 24 Irvington, VA 22480 Tel: 804.438.6855 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bacon's Castle - With its cruciform shape, triple chimneys and curvilinear gables, Bacon's Castle is a rare surviving example of Jacobean architecture in America. Built in 1665, the house was home to a prosperous planter, Arthur Allen. Allen also planted a garden adjacent to his house for the use of his family and household. The house passed to Major Arthur Allen at his father's death. A supporter of the colonial governor and member of the House of Burgesses, Allen was driven from his house in 1676 when Nathaniel Bacon and men staged what came to be known as Bacon's Rebellion.
Location: P. O. Box 364 Surry, VA 23883 Tel: 757-357-5976
