Posted in Virginia March 10, 2016 by

15 Ways Living In Virginia Ruins You For Life

Life is good here in Virginia. Perhaps a little too good, because the idea of living anywhere else just isn’t as appealing. Sure, Virginians love to travel. But chances are, once you’ve left, you’ll always have something to feel homesick for. Here are the reasons why living in Virginia has ruined you for life.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. The music scene is original, authentic, and eclectic.
Reed George/flickr
As advertised in Bristol, Virginia is the birthplace of country music. Outdoor festivals, breweries, restaurants, and local bars are all packed with some incredible local talent.
2. There's only one Shenandoah National Park.
It's as heavenly as it looks.
3. The hiking is world class.
As this photo from Highlands State Park suggests, the hundreds of miles of hiking trails (including a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail) are unbeatable.
4. Waterfalls and swimming holes are in just about every part of the state.
Gary Cope/flickr
5. You’ve gotten used to four gorgeous seasons.
Matthew Paulson/flickr
Crisp autumn afternoons...
LAmeetsDC/flickr
Snowy winters...
Cherry blossoms in the spring...
Robert and Talbot Trudeau/flickr
And restful summer days.
6. Not every state has such a diverse array of galleries and museums.
A.Currell/flickr
Pictured is the notable Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
7. You expect to find seasonal craft beer and a lively social scene in just about any town.
Jukie Bot
A delicious sampler from Blue Mountain Brewery.
8. You might start thinking food everywhere tastes this great.
jason saul
You will sadly be mistaken.
9. Fresh and local produce has surely spoiled you.
J. Sibiga Photography/flickr
Virginia is farm friendly, and we've got the fairs and festivals to prove it. This beautiful apple display is from Cox Farm in Centreville.
10. Technically, you could see the mountains, river, and beach in the same day.
Jim Lukach
The stunning view from Hawksbill Mountain.
Doug Lewis/flickr
The ocean view in Norfolk.
11. You could even make a quick stop underground if you wanted to.
Where else can you go exploring eight different caverns?
12. You'll have a difficult time finding a state with more history.
Tom Simpson/flickr
Or more enthusiasm for Virginia history.
Mark Goebel/flickr
Colonial Williamsburg shopkeepers proudly sport their time-period costumes.
13. Virginia is home to the friendliest people around.
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Virginia. Whether that means waving to passing drivers, or a friendly hello in a small town, Virginia is the place for friendly and happy folks.
14. You’ve got the option of being a country mouse by day...
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
...And a city slicker by night.
jhaybone/flickr
A short drive from peaceful rural territory and you will find yourself in a major city, or even Washington D.C.
15. Knowing that Virginia is just the most beautiful state around.
Bill Barber/flickr

Living in Virginia really just means a life full of living. Whether you’ve been here a year or your whole life, there’s no escaping the fact that there’s no place like it. Why do you think living in Virginia has ruined you for life?