Posted October 26, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Election fever is upon us (even though this year's election season isn't quite as exciting as last year's), and we couldn't help but follow the campaign trail to some of central Virginia's best spots with historic head-of-state ties. Drive two hours south of D.C. near Orange, Virginia, to James Madison's newly transformed Montpelier estate, a country inn built by Thomas Jefferson's kin, and vineyards with a storied presidential past.
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Montpelier: In September the historic home and estate of James and Dolley Madison reopened after a five-year renovation, bringing it back to its original appearance. Take a tour and find out what new insights the archaeologists and architects uncovered about the lives of the Father of the Constitution and one of the nation's first First Ladies. You could easily spend an afternoon wandering the mansion, gardens, historic buildings, old-growth forests, new visitor's center, cemetery, and freedman's cabin and farm. Admission is $14.
Stay
The Inn on Poplar Hill: Get swept away to another political era in this restored 1890s Queen Anne Victorian B&B built by Thomas Jefferson's great-granddaughter. Period antiques, handcrafted quilts, and claw-foot tubs grace the six charming rooms starting at $139 per night. Here you can awake to the aroma of a huge Southern breakfast with pumpkin pecan waffles, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or hike trails on the inn's 28-acre expanse in the heart of wine country.
Drink
Barboursville Vineyards: Even Virginia's wine country has presidential connections. On the grounds of Barboursville Vineyards are the ruins of early Virginia governor James Barbour's mansion, the last house Thomas Jefferson designed. The surviving columns and brick walls are a backdrop for Shakespeare theater in summer. Tours and tastings at the award-winning winery, in a Northern Italian-style farmhouse, are free on weekends. It's one stop on the 21-winery Monticello Wine Trail, which also includes the vineyard where Jefferson tried unsuccessfully to grow wine grapes.
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(Photo: Kenneth M. Wyner/The Montpelier Foundation)
Posted July 13, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
It's hard not to feel seized by the spirit of revolution in Williamsburg, even if you're not one of the legions of history buffs that descend on the town annually. Visit this living history museum in the summer for special children's activities such as dance lessons and tours, and explore the 500 or so restored buildings, homes, and gardens from the 18th-century. And for a break, you can eat, sleep, and shop in colonial style.
Shop
Mary Dickinson Shop and McKenzie's: You'd be hard pressed to find three-cornered hats and silk bonnets in shops elsewhere in the country. Take advantage of Williamsburg's historic kitsch and pick up a bonnet at the Mary Dickinson Shop (Jones Mill Lane) or an old-fashioned tonic and some rock candy at McKenzie's (Jones Mill Lane).
Eat
The King's Arms Tavern: The most authentic British pubs in the country are Williamsburg's colonial taverns. Play like John Quincy Adams and tuck into a wooden, candle-lit table at The King's Arms for hot and hearty prime rib or Game Pye (similar to a chicken pot pie). It's a good idea to call ahead for dinner reservations, particularly on weekends, but lunch is usually a safe bet. Expect to pay from $27to $35 for dinner, $12 to $14 for lunch.
Stay
Colonial Capitol B&B: A crisp white and black 18th-century colonial manse, the Colonial Capitol B&B also boasts dozens of windows that keep the house airy and bright all year round. The friendly hosts will pick you up at the airport or train station upon request, and rooms are cozy with antique wood furniture and soft, fluffy bedding. The B&B is just a three-block walk to the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and several local restaurants. Rooms start at $145 per night and include full breakfast.
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(Photo: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
Posted June 26, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
With more than 20 miles of white sandy beaches, a three-mile boardwalk, and pleasant, sunny weather much of the year, Virginia Beach is a great place for the all-American family holiday or a wild and rowdy spring break. Thankfully, unlike a lot of beach resorts, prices here are affordable for families and college students alike.
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Rudee Tours: After a few hours of playing on the beach, head out to sea for a dolphin cruise with Rudee Tours. The tours are led by naturalists from the Virginia Beach Aquarium who really know their stuff, and dolphins frequently frolic next to the boat. In the winter, Rudee also offers whale watching cruises, and the chance to spot humpback and fin whales as they make their way down the Virginia Beach coastline. Dolphin tours cost $19 per adult.
Eat
Tautogs Restaurant: A quaint cottage-turned-eatery, Tautogs Restaurant is a hamlet of charm in the midst of sometimes-tacky Virginia Beach. It also serves up some of the best and cheapest local seafood, with tasty she-crab bisque, sage and cornmeal-coated catfish, and terrific crab cakes. Most entrees range from about $11 to $16.
Stay
Four Sails Resort: To escape Virginia Beach's high-rise oceanfront hotels without missing out on the view, book a condo at the Four Sails Resort. Located at the north end of the beach and offering all the amenities of a hotel but with more privacy, each one-bedroom condo has a full kitchen and an oceanview balcony, and the complex also includes a pool and gym. Rates range from $69 to $259 per night.
To search for flights and compare prices to Norfolk, which is home to Virginia Beach’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)
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