Do NOT Do These Touristy Things In Virginia. Do These 14 Instead.
By Anna Strock|Updated on December 14, 2020(Originally published December 09, 2020)
×
Anna Strock
Author
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
Virginia has no shortage of tourist destinations — from presidential homes to historic towns and natural wonders to spare. But what happens when you’ve already hit all the big ones? Sometimes it’s nice to know about some of the lesser-known things to do in Virginia — which, while they might be tourist spots on their own — don’t always get the same press. If you’re looking for some options for your next road trip, here are just a few alternatives you might want to try…
Been to Colonial Williamsburg?
Colonial Williamsburg is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in the state. And with good reason. It’s where our state really got its start from a social and political standing. But, what about the rest of the state? If you want to know how other parts of the state were settled, then here’s where you need to go…
At the top of the list of lesser-known things to do in Virginia is the Frontier Culture Museum. This museum is a living history museum that encompasses all of the cultures that came together to make Virginia what it is. The museum features replica homes and farms ranging from early Native Americans to 18th century West Africans up to an 1850s American Farm, as well as countless interactive programs and educational opportunities. Visit the official website and plan your trip to The Frontier Culture Museum.
Offering a truly interactive experience, this park is a living history site showing life on the Virginia frontier in 1775. The park features a frontier museum, an outdoor living history museum and a theater showing the award-winning docudrama "Wildnerness Road, Spirt of a Nation." Learn more at Wilderness Road State Park.
Advertisement
Already driven Skyline Drive?
This 105-mile drive through the Shenandoah National Park is, without a doubt, dazzling. But you already knew that, didn’t you? Fortunately, it’s not the only beautiful drive in the state. For something a little more “road less traveled,” try this…
3. Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive - Route 611, Dickenson County
It might only be 19 miles compared to 105, but it's what gets packed into those miles that matters. This Virginia Scenic Byway takes you through the mountains of Southwest Virginia, offering glimpses of the past with wildlife, old farms and some of Virginia's most breathtaking scenery. Points of interest include Birch Knob Tower, Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, the Branham Farm Wildlife Area and the Old Ranger's Cabin. The route ends with access to State Route 80, which takes you to Break Interstate Park, often referred to as "The Grand Canyon of the South."
Advertisement
Already explored the depths of Luray Caverns?
As the largest cavern series in the east, Luray Caverns is more than worth the trip, But once you’ve seen the many wonders it holds, like the wishing well, reflecting lake and stalacpipe organ, there are more underground adventures waiting for you…
At Shenandoah Caverns, you'll see wonders like the famous "Bacon" formations (featured in National Geographic), the Grotto of the Gods and the magic of Rainbow Lake. Plus, it's the only caverns to offer elevator service to all 17 underground rooms. Above ground, you'll find even more entertainment with the Yellow Barn museum, American Celebration on Parade (more than 20 full-size parade floats from national celebrations) and Main Street of Yesteryear with antique window displays from the 1940s and 50s. Visit Shenandoah Caverns to plan your visit!
So you’ve already seen Monticello and historic Charlottesville?
Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello is by far one of the top tourist destinations in the state with its history, inventions and natural beauty. And there’s no denying the quaint and historical beauty of Charlottesville – much of it, including the University of Virginia, influenced by Jefferson himself. But if you’d like to take a glimpse at what made some of our other Virginia-born founding fathers great, you should visit…
Not far from Charlottesville sits the home where James Madison and his wife, Dolley, lived after he served as the 4th president of the United States. Restored in 2008, the home sits amidst James Madison’s Landmark Forest, a forest mostly untouched since the 18th century. Follow trails through Civil War history and explore the Gilmore Cabin and Farm, a homestead built by a freed slave just after the Civil War. Montpelier hosts special events throughout the year, so be sure to plan your visit at James Madison's Montpelier.
And you’ve taken the tour of Mount Vernon…twice?
It’s well worth the trip – make no mistake! As a working farm, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a preserved gem and offers an irreplaceable look into the life of our first president. But have you ever wondered who George Washington was BEFORE he became President? If so, then you should visit…
6. George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Colonial Beach
A few hours south of Mount Vernon on the Northern Neck, you can see where Washington was born on the family farm founded by his great-grandfather in the 1600s. Walk through the home where one of the most influential men in America got his start, visit the living Colonial farm with heritage livestock and tobacco, watch for bald eagles along the Potomac and see the cemetery where 5 generations of Washington's family are buried. To plan your visit, click here. Next head to….
At the age of 6, Washington and his family moved to Ferry Farm just outside of Fredericksburg. Today, the site is home to an ongoing archaeological dig that continues to uncover clues to Washington's life and times. Learn more at George Washington's Ferry Farm.
Advertisement
Is your sunburn still healing from days on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?
Virginia Beach is well worth the visit, that goes beyond saying. But if you’re looking for some alternatives, there are plenty of places beyond the boardwalk crowds that you can explore to find history, nature AND beautiful beaches.
8. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, Fort Story (Virginia Beach)
The lighthouse at Cape Henry was the first lighthouse to be commissioned by the U.S. government in 1792 and stands near the site of the first landing of Jamestown Settlers in 1607. Although it was replaced in 1881, the original light remained. It was relit in 1983 and still shines today. Find out how you can visit this historic landmark at The National Park Service.
Historic Jamestown…been there, done that?
Jamestown is well known throughout the world as the first permanent European colony in the New World. When British colonists first landed here in 1607, they had to undergo untold hardships to make it work – and they did. But, if you want to know where the story really starts, check out….
True, it is the most visited of the Virginia state parks. But as the site where English colonists first landed in 1607, this park features incredible history, as well as natural beauty. Learn about life before Europeans arrived amidst replicas of Native American communities, as well discover the the site's history with both cultural and environmental exhibits at the Chesapeake Bay Center. Learn more at First Landing State Park.
Have you already paid homage at Arlington National Cemetery?
Fewer place are more somber – or more humbling – than Arlington National Cemetery. With graves for more than 400,000 men and women, beginning with soldiers from the Civil War, the cemetery is not a site to be missed. However, there are other equally powerful military tributes, including….
On June 6, 1944, the small town of Bedford lost 19 of 30 men on the shores of Omaha Beach. This death toll represented the nation’s highest per capita loss in a community on D-Day. The National D-Day Memorial honors "The Bedford Boys," as well as the 4,413 Allied soldiers that fought and died during the war. Learn more at the National D-Day Memorial.
Maybe you’ve already seen the wild ponies at Chincoteague and Assateague Islands…
And if you have, then you know it’s an amazing sight. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the islands for the annual Pony Swim and Auction, as well as the beautiful wildlife and natural scenery. But the Eastern Shore isn’t the only place to see wild ponies – or breathtaking natural beauty. You should also try…
11. Mount Rogers Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park, Smyth County
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to Mount Rogers, best known as the highest natural peak in the state of Virginia at an impressive 5,729 feet above sea level. But the coolest part? If you get lucky, you might just see the wild highland ponies that live in the balds between the recreation area and Grayson Highlands State Park. The ponies run free in the park and are actually quite tame despite being called "wild ponies." Learn more
here.
And I’m sure you’ve been to Natural Bridge…at least once, right?
As one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Natural Bridge deserves its spot as one of the most visited sites in Virginia. With its natural 215-foot arch and 90-foot span, the bridge has been an eye-catcher since before Europeans settled the New World. But it’s far from the only natural wonder our state holds…
Natural Tunnel, once called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", is a nearly 300-yard tunnel running through the Appalachian Mountains. The opening is so large that it has served as a railway tunnel since 1893. While Native Americans knew of the tunnel long before Europeans, Daniel Boone is thought to be the first European to see it in the 18th century. Find out about the tunnel's year-round tours and events by visiting them here.
Advertisement
And last but not least, if you feel like you’ve drunk your weight in Virginia (and cheers to that!), how about trying something new?
With more than 250 wineries ranging across the state, Virginia offers plenty of reasons to raise a glass—and no shortage of ways to fill it. But maybe you’re ready for a change of pace. Why not try…
13. The Brew Ridge Trail, Nelson and Albemarle Counties
Winding its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Brew Ridge Trail features award-winning breweries like Devil's Backbone, Starr Hill and Blue Mountain. With special events and seasonal brews popping up at Brew Ridge venues throughout the year, there's no time like the present to see why Virginia beer is quickly becoming a new favorite. Check out a map and itinerary at www.brewridgetrail.com.
Aaaah….moonshine. It’s what Southern legends are made of - or at least where the funniest stories start. The Belmont Distillery is family owned and operated, and prides itself on using an original "copper pot still" constructed in the 1930s, the oldest of its kind still in use. Tours are available April through November, along with tastings and a gift shop. Find out when to visit at Belmont Farms Distillery.
It’s always nice to have options, right? What are some of your favorite lesser-known things to do in Virginia? We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
lesser known things to do in Virginia
Beth C. |December 14, 2020
Where can I go in Virginia that only the locals know about?
If you enjoyed the article above, you're likely interested in discovering some off-the-beaten-path destinations where you won't find many tourists. Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations throughout the Old Dominion that relatively few know about. If you're curious to explore these places, you'll likely enjoy some solitude. Of course, you might run into some friendly locals, but that's half the fun! Some lesser-known places in Virginia include the Great Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, Hollywood Cemetery, Tangier Island, Foamhenge, Fairy Stone State Park, the Channels Natural Area Preserve, the Concrete Fleet at Kiptopeke, Huntley Meadows Park, Natural Chimneys Park, Staunton River State Park, the Devil's Bathtub, and High Knob Observation Tower.
Does Virginia have any natural wonders?
Yes! Virginia is positively brimming with natural wonders, many of them highlighted above. Some additional natural wonders in Virginia you'll want to explore include Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Luray Caverns in Luray, Natural Tunnel in Duffield, Crabtree Falls in Montebello, Breaks Interstate Park near the Kentucky border, Great Falls at Great Falls National Park in McLean, and Burke's Garden in Tazewell County. You can learn more about each of these places by reading our previous article.
What is Virginia known for?
Virginia is known for quite a few different things. First of all, the state of Virginia is often associated with its history, much of which is outlined at places such as Colonial Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Richmond. Secondly, Virginia is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and lots of scenery in between. Lastly, Virginians are known for their love of food, wine, and beer. You don't have to travel far to find some foodie-friendly destinations in the Old Dominion.
