Virginia

Virginia is wonderfully rich in history, and that alone makes it a great vacation spot, but the beautiful scenery and wonderful beaches make it even more appealing. From the great historical sites of Richmond and Williamsburg to the Shenandoah Valley and the costal beaches of Virginia Beach, "Mother Virginia" has a lot to offer.

Virginia was first settled by English colonists in 1607 at Jamestown. Almost 200 years later, Americans won the battle for independence when the British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia. Since then, "Mother Virginia" has provided eight presidents for the United States, including Washington, Jefferson, and Madison. Of course, there were plenty of Native Americans living in Virginia when the original colonists came to settle Jamestown, and visitors to Virginia can learn a lot about their history as well.

If you're traveling in eastern Virginia, Richmond is the state capital and a great place to vacation! Start your trip at Maymont, a Victorian era house with beautiful grounds. The house is maintained by volunteers, and entrance and tours are free. Next up, for a great relaxing walk, visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - one of the most visited attractions in Richmond, where visitors can learn about plants and nature and enjoy family events. Also interesting is Agecroft Hall, a Tudor mansion from England that was taken apart and then shipped to Virginia and reassembled!

If it's history you're looking for, and especially Civil War history, Richmond has some great sites and museums to visit. Among the most popular are the Virginia Capitol Building which was designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clerisseau. Plus, the Capitol building is another free spot to visit in Richmond. Next up for come Civil War memorabilia is the Virginia Historical Society which is surprisingly interactive! See exhibits featuring gun-making, the story of Virginia including pre-history, and special visiting exhibits. Then, put on your walking shoes for a visit of Hollywood Cemetery where many historical Virginian figures are buried, including two presidents! For some more Civil War history, the Museum of the Confederacy is a great spot to visit. A real antebellum architectural masterpiece, overlooking a valley, this great museum contains the nation's largest collection of Confederate artifacts

There's plenty else to do in Richmond for lovers of the arts, food and science. Richmond really has entertainment for everyone! There are also great spots like the Children's Museum of Richmond to entertain the kids on a rainy day, or after a long historical tour.

Half way between Richmond and Virginia Beach is must-see Colonial Williamsburg, where visitors can see a restored colonial community. Eat at old inns, shop in old shops for hand-made goods, and watch costumed workers perform tasks the old fashioned way. This full-fledged colonial community even has a blacksmith!

Virginia Beach itself offers plenty to do, too. The Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, and Old Cape Henry Lighthouse are all great spots to visit in Virginia Beach. Families will also want to see the Hunt Club Farm. Just 5 miles from the ocean front this great little petting farm is kid friendly and has pony rides, llamas, sheep, goats, peacocks, miniature horses, pot belly pigs, and more! Of course, if it's the beach you're visiting for you won't want to miss out at the fun that Tula Adventure Sports can offer. Go paddleboarding next to friendly dolphins, or get some heart pumping fun wakeboarding or waterskiing! The Virginia Beach Boardwalk itself is also a must-see spot. The boardwalk runs parallel to the ocean and is great for walking and viewing, even if you're not getting in.

If you're going to Virginia's national parks, stay at Lexington in the Shenandoah Valley. While there's not a ton to do in Lexington, its convenient proximity to George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest really makes it a great visiting point. Another perk of staying in Lexington is that it's only an hour from the more crowded Roanoke. Lexington is perfect for a day visit when you just want to stay somewhere less crowded. Lexington does feature the Virginia Military Institute and the George C. Marshall Museum. There are also a lot of natural caverns in the area where visitors can do a bit of safe spelunking. Of course, Lexington also has the Stonewall Jackson House where General Stonewall Jackson lived. The house offers a great little historic tour.

Of course, whether it's relaxing on Virginia Beach and strolling down the boardwalk, or visiting the national parks, there's too much to do in Virginia for you to worry about your hotel! Go worry free - Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Quality Inn & Suites - Starting at $90 a night this great little Lexington hotel is comfortable and familiar. The hotel is near to the Virginia Military Institute and features an indoor pool and fitness facility.
Quality Inn West End - Starting at $50 a night this Richmond hotel is a great bargain! With an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and a location right near all of the tourist hot-spots, this is a great spot to stay if you just want somewhere comfortable to end and begin the days.
Sea Gull Inn - Starting at $73 a night this Virginia Beach inn is right near the Virginia Aquarium and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. The hotel features a restaurant and indoor pool, plus complimentary Wi-Fi! The best part is that it's right on the beach!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Holiday Inn Express - Starting at $109 a night this Lexington hotel is close to the Virginia Military Institute and is the best place to stay if you're going to be on the go. This hotel is also pet friendly!
Hilton Garden Inn - Starting at $104 a night this great Richmond hotel is right in the city's downtown area. The hotel features a restaurant and limited room service, and the hotel has a pool, spa, and fitness area!
Barclay Towers Resort Hotel - Starting at $110 a night this hotel is located right on the beach, and is also near to Ocean Breeze Waterpark for some ultimate water fun! Amenities include a fitness facility, indoor pool and complimentary Wi-FI.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Hummingbird Inn Bed & Breakfast - Starting at $155 a night this quaint little bed and breakfast is in Goshen, about 15 miles outside of Lexington. The inn is beautiful and has only five guestrooms, so there is a personal feel. Also features a library and complimentary Wi-Fi!
The Berkeley Hotel - Starting at $172 a night this Richmond hotel is right near the Virginia State Capitol and all of the Richmond tourist hot spots. The hotel features a restaurant that serves breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With designer toiletries and bathrobes, flat screen TVs and more, there's nothing to stop you from having the perfect Richmond vacation!
Ramada on the Beach - Starting at $179 a night this great hotel is on Croatan Beach, and is right next to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Also nearby is the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. This hotel features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, spa tub and more!