In Williamsburg, Virginia there are many historic sights to see. In Colonial Williamsburg you can encounter things that the people who lived there during the war era experienced. You can even talk with the townspeople during your visit. Take a visit to their art museum or see a live theoretical performance. You can even shop for reproductions of 18th century furniture that you can't find anywhere else. Next, take a walk through the Jamestown Settlement. This is where the first known African Americans in Virginia lived. You may even find artifacts from the 17th century! There is a museum theater which you can visit that features a thirty minute show called "1607: A Nation Takes Root". Also, around the settlement you will find that you can board replicas of the three ships that brought over colonists in 1607 called the Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. Around the settlement you will also find that you can try on armor, try to complete tasks Pocahontas may have done as a child; such as grinding corn, and even take a orientated tour around the settlement. Williamsburg also offers a Virginia Living Museum. This is no ordinary museum. Instead of not being allowed to touch anything, you can almost anything you want to. See animals from the mountain to sea. You are able to hold more than 750 species just found in Virginia! The museum is also a home to 12 endangered species as well. Williamsburg also has an outdoor boardwalk where you can see birds, beavers, and otters in their natural habitat.
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If you ever find yourself down in Luray, there is always more than a handful of opportunities. They have the Luray Valley Museum with many different buildings to go and explore. Start at the Bell House built by Reuben Bell. This is where the Virginia House of Delegates used to meet from 1859-1860. If you're looking for artifacts, visit the Storyman Building. This is where they keep Shenandoah Valley artifacts from the 1750's all the way to the 1920's. One of the most interesting sights in my opinion is the Hamburg Regular School. Although it is called a school, this school is no more than a single room. The Hamburg Regular School taught African American Children and is the oldest still standing in Virginia.
Luray is most famous for it's caverns. The caverns hold many spectacular formations. Dream Lake, which is located inside, reflects like a mirror to view stalactite formations hanging from the ceiling. This is the largest body of water inside the cavern even though it is only 18 or 20 inches at it's deepest point. Another site to see is Titania's Veil. Here you will see Calcite in it's purest form. It may surprise you that the fascinating, true white color occurs naturally. In Giant's Hall you will find the Double Column which reaches a height of 47 feet. Making it the tallest in the cavern. If you want to enjoy some music, that is no problem here. The cavern holds a Stalacpipe Organ which could be considered the world's largest instrument. The stalactites sing by gently tapping them. Singing throughout three acres of cavern to be exact. Referred to as, "The Most Magical Place on Earth", the Magic Kingdom is home to six themed lands arranged in a spoke-like configuration with Cinderella's Castle meeting in the middle. The lands consist of Main Street USA, Adventure Land, Frontier Land, Liberty Square, Fantasy Land, and Tomorrow Land. When visiting the Magic Kingdom be prepared to enjoy a fun filled day of excitement because Disney has a lot to offer.
The first stop of interest would be Main Street USA, where you can admire buildings designed to look like Walt Disney's home town. If you want to buy any souvenirs this would be the place to pick out the perfect gift. At night, the streets close down for the "Electrical Parade" and "Wishes" fireworks shows. You might even see Tinkerbell fly over Cinderella's Castle. As you make your way over to Adventureland embark on the Swiss Family Tree House. An airy walk-through tour of the Robinson's house resting high inside a treetop. If you're ready to go back to the Wildwest, head to Frontierland and hop on the runaway trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. When you're hungry don't forget to stop by Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café and get a pork barbecue sandwich. Follow the howls to the Haunted Mansion located in Liberty Square. While many guest love this spooky ride, it may not be suitable for very young children or the easily scared. From Liberty Square move towards Fantasyland, where you can fly high with Dumbo the flying elephant or take a spin in an oversized teacup at the Mad Tea Party. If you like carousels don't miss Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel. If you want an attraction that will take you back to your childhood make sure to put It's a Small World on your list of things to see. If you can't finish everything in a day, don't worry for there is always tomorrow. Come relax by the most astonishing waterfall as you tube down the flowing river. The Shenandoah Valley Campground offers adventures for the whole family from April 1 through October 31. Don't miss out on the fun because you do not have a camper. Cabins are also available for the total camping experience. The cabins are designed as a single room with a large covered porch and a swing. During the day there are many activities for families to take advantage of, such as trout and bass fishing by the lake, a mini golf course, a game room, two playgrounds, corn hole, and indoor hot tubs. At night sit under the stars making memories around the fire pit. Try not to roast more friends and family members than s'mores. Then dance the night away to a DJ in the pavilion. Not only is it a nice, quiet location to set up camp, but they also have activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year! In September, there is the annual Chili Cook-Off. This is where campers compete for the title of the best chili. In October, the Halloween festival which includes trick-or-treating and hay rides for the kids. Some campsites even go the extra mile to decorate their campsite as a haunted house. Never hear the words, "I'm bored" with so many sights in store. If you just need a getaway or some well needed family time, come on out to the Shenandoah Valley Campground. I promise you won't regret it.
If you're looking for something to do in the winter or even the summer, Bryce Resort is the place for you. Located in Mount Jackson, Virginia, Bryce Resort provides adventures for the whole family. In the winter, take a glide down their ski slopes. If you're not the most experienced skier and just starting out, they offer a small slope for extra practice. You can go snow tubing down their 800 foot, high speed snow lanes. Bring the family or a friend, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. You can race each other, or even connect your inner tubes together. Nobody has to worry about getting tired, for they have a conveyor belt to get you back to the top each time. Parents can stay toasty inside at the Fireside Grille or Copper Kettle. Tubing is also available in the summer, even though there is no snow. The experience is just as thrilling, and you won't want to miss out. Another activity they have available in the summer is zip lining. Bryce Resort has 10 different lines that criss cross over the mountain. You will be lifted 80 feet off the ground while traveling 40 miles per hour, so be prepared for the exhilarating ride. Bryce Resort also has a private fenced in beach located at lake Laura. Take a swim out to their floating docks, or stay on the sandy beach. If one day is not enough time, you can stay in an on-site rental to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun.
Lost River State Park is located in Hardy County, West Virginia. The park holds 3,712 acres, and provides a peaceful getaway for family and friends. There are cabins available year-round which can provide the perfect opportunity for a Winter retreat or a Summer vacation. Take a hike up to Cranny Crow or sit in the park while reading a book. You will be surrounded by huge trees that create a sense of relaxation. One of the many fun activities the park has to offer is horseback riding. Even beginners can take advantage of this opportunity lead by experienced guides. Rides range from a half an hour to two hours. The park also offers three different trail rides. Take a half an hour trail ride to get a lovely view of the stream. Or, take an hour trail ride that follows a loop which takes you up and down hills. There have been many deer spotted here, so be on the lookout. The most popular trail ride however, is two hours long and leads you up to Cranny Crow overlook. Enjoy the beautiful scenery when you reach the top at an elevation of 3,000 feet. If you're traveling with children under 7, there are ponies that they may ride along the way. Also, if you'd like to spend a day around the park, they have swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and many other options. They are always thriving with new visitors, so don't miss your opportunity to visit today.
One of the most fantastic Amusement Parks in Virginia known for it's roller coasters and thrill rides, is Kings Dominion. Start with a climb up the Eiffel Tower to see all of the roller coasters and other rides Kings Dominion has in store. The Intimidator is a 305 tall roller coaster reaching even higher than the platform of the Eiffel Tower. I would not recommend this for people afraid of extreme heights and speeds, for it holds a drop of 300 feet and can reach up to 90 mph. For roller coaster fanatics, there are always a ton more options, including the Dominator. Containing the fourth tallest vertical loop in the world! This is definitely a favorite for most people visiting the park. For those of you who are not too fond of the fast moving rides and want to slow it down, Kings Dominion even holds a water park. Although there are many great rides in their water park, I highly recommend the Log Flume. It's guaranteed to improve your day. If you have younger siblings with you, Kings Dominion also holds many rides to suit them. They even dedicate a portion of their park to Snoopy inspired rides. Also, when being out and about all day you can build up quite an appetite, but Kings Dominion makes sure those needs are covered too. Stop while walking throughout the park for some Rita's Italian Ice, or make your way to the front for many different options. Needless to say, Kings Dominion will provide a day of fun for you and your family.
If you are ever on the East Coast, you must drop by for a stay at Virginia Beach. Never experience a dull moment while you're there. As for every vacation, you must start off by taking a walk on the beach. Whether it be night or day, there's always a thrill. Seeing ships while standing at the shoreline, or little children chasing crabs. If there is anything that you must do, it is to take a stop by Captain Georges. You can never find seafood that delicious in this area. Also, during the day, you must take a bike ride down the board walk. You can always stop along the way for a cup of italian ice, or for a cone of ice-cream. Virginia Beach has many stores along most of their hotels. Whether you're looking for a kite, a bucket of popcorn, or a souvenir for family and friends, you are sure to find it. During the nights, if you're looking for more to do, there is always malls that hold more than just clothes. Travel down to Pembroke mall to find a store full of puppies and kittens. If you give in easily, be careful. They are some of the cutest animals you will find. You could also take a trip down to MacArthur mall. Two levels of stores with a food court and movie theater on top. Almost all of the stores are ones you can't find around here. Some holding very unique things also. Don't forget next time you're on the East Coast, Virginia Beach is the place for you. |