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Virginia State Capitol By Martin Kraft –

Ten beautiful places to visit in Virginia

You name it, there鈥檚 something to love about Virginia. From mountains to animals, rich history to wine, this state is a place to be and often goes by the slogan 鈥淰irginia is for Lovers鈥�. There are a variety of things to do and multiple kid-friendly vacations to explore.

The states cities and small towns are a fun getaway destination especially for couples or friends, those on the lookout for a quick day trip, relaxation, magical sights and hiking. Here are the top ten most beautiful places to visit in Virginia.

1. Richmond

Skyline of Richmond Virginia By Jc7792 –

Richmond is the capital of Virginia having a population close to 230,000 people. The highlights of the city include extraordinary skylines, government buildings, churches, amazing statues and museums.

If history is your thing, definitely look into sites like St. John鈥檚 Church, where Patrick Henry delivered an infamous speech 鈥済ive me liberty, or give me death!鈥� in 1775 which is usually re-enacted. Also check out The American Civil War Museum and for fun head to Kings Dominion amusement park.

2. Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands State Park extends on a 4800-acres of land with tones of to offer to nature enthusiasts. Located in southwestern Virginia the park offers majestic mountain views boasting Virginia鈥檚 highest peak, Mount Rogers.

Activities visitors can engage in while at the park are; camping, picnicking and access the Appalachian Trail for a hike or hike along the summit of Wilburn Ridge for magical Cliffside views and biking. The park homes various wildlife such as birds, black bear, red fox, deer, wild turkey, bobcat and salamanders among other animals.

3. Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns – Luray, Virginia, USA By Daderot – 

By far the largest caverns in the eastern United States, Luray Caverns was discovered in 1878. Owing to its stunning natural stone formations like flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, columns and mirrored pools it wins by consideration as a place worth a visit.

The main attraction being the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a lithophone made of strikers trapping various stalactites and produce amusing sounds similar to the xylophone. There鈥檚 great lighting inside making it easy to get a view of every part of the caverns. Moreover, outdoor attractions are inclusive of a nearby Vineyard, Wisteria Farm as well as the Rope Adventure Park.

4.  Great Falls National Park

Situated just outside of Washington D.C, Great Falls Park is a National Park Service facility. Its stationed on 800 acres of land down the banks of Potomac River. Spectacular wonders are in store for visitors ranging from amazing water falls, cascades, rapids and more.

Get lost in numerous adventures, whether its biking, hiking or kayak over the rapids but you have to be an experienced kayaker. Since the waters tend to be really rough, its only open in the daytime hours providing safety to visitors.

5.  Jamestown

Jamestown By Ken Lund from Reno –

The settlements in Jamestown offers a look at 17^th century of Virginia. The highlights of this gorgeous town are its outdoor and historical attractions. The town paved the way for the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

There鈥檚 a 3.5 miles of hiking trails and bike paths for an outdoor adventure. There after visitors can check out the town鈥檚 Glasshouse to see glassblowing demonstrations and get a hand-blown glass souvenir.   

6. The Light of Truth Universal Shrine

Virginia鈥檚 most striking and stunning architecture is The Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), a unique temple dedicated to understanding interfaith and spirituality in all faiths. Its open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The LOTUS got open on July 20^th ,1986 and has been around since the 1982 and has a site in India that look surprisingly similar. While it鈥檚 not a natural attraction, its beauty is rewarding that combined with a surrounding landscape that compliments it. With that it is definitely worth a visit. 

7.  Shenandoah National Park 

Shenandoah National Park By Famartin – Wikimedia Commons

Located in northern Virginia and extending along the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park stretches across 200,000 acres of protected land. The various of activities it offers, include rock climbing, camping, bird watching, hiking, cycling and natural views, it鈥檚 easy to see why the park attracts well over a million visitors each year.

In addition, there鈥檚 a gorgeous skyline drive that is 105 miles long running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park houses populations of black bears, salamanders, white-tailed deer and other animals. The better times for a visit fall on the months of September through November and March through May, during these periods the park鈥檚 beauty is at its peak.

8.  Virginia Beach 

Virginia Beach is definitely a place to visit, boasting multiple districts and beaches. There鈥檚 something for everyone, from skating on the boardwalk, hiking, sunbathing in the Oceanfront neighborhood or just take kayak at the Sandbridge area. You can also enjoy doing some retail shopping then get something to eat at the Town Center.

The peak season for a visit is in the months of May to September. During this period the city and the beach can get crowded but it鈥檚 when Oceanfront鈥檚 culture is in full swing. Get satisfied with serene coastal views and plenty of entertainment for relaxation.

9. George Washington鈥檚 Mount Vernon

An exceptional and beautiful place to pay a visit is George Washington鈥檚 Mount Vernon, a former home of George and Martha Washington. After his death in 1799 it became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is situated in Fairfax County sitting on 500 acres of land with spectacular views of the surrounding land and the Potomac River.

 Catch a glimpse of how the Washington鈥檚 went about their lives, walk through the mansion, stroll in the gardens, learn of the enslaved people who lived there and visit the family鈥檚 tomb. The home has been well maintained so it looks elegant just like it did in the 18^th century.

10.  Williamsburg

For a family-friendly destination Williamsburg is definitely a place to check out. With engaging 18^Th century historic homes taking travelers back in time, peruse antique wares and experience the sweet culture of the residents.

Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are amusement parks worth a visit especially for families with kids who want to get into some fun outdoor activities. Also, there are several well talented interpreters and craftspeople portraying historical figures bringing the town鈥檚 history to life.

There you have it! next time you visit Virginia be sure to check out the places on the list.