Posted in Virginia
December 03, 2015
12 Reasons Why Virginia Is The Most Underrated State In The US
It’s one thing to live somewhere and know it well – you learn the good, the beautiful, the bad and the ugly. But it’s another thing altogether to know things about your state and not understand how everyone in the WORLD doesn’t see it as clearly as you do. And when it comes to Virginia, I kind of think we have the best of everything. And I’d like the world to know. So here are just a few of things that we have in Virginia that should make the rest of the world stand up and take notice.
Photo credits to Early McDaniel
Want to climb a mountain? We’ve got those. You’re more of a surfer? No problem. Just head due east. Stop when you hit the waves. You prefer sitting on your front porch and watching the wind blow across the fields? Done. From mountains to rivers to beaches to farmland, there’s something for everyone in Virginia.
Photo taken at Raven’s Roost.
Photo taken at Raven’s Roost.
Smithfield Ham, Brunswick Stew, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Eastern Shore oysters, fresh apple butter and barbecue. Not to mention Hanover tomatoes, Silver Queen corn and crisp Virginia apples. I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
From Jamestown to James Madison, Virginia’s history is one of the oldest and most diverse histories in the nation. We are the birthplace of more presidents than any other state, we have the first permanent English colony in the New World and we ended two of the most significant wars the nation ever faced right here on Virginia soil. History. It’s really just our thing.
Photo taken in Colonial Williamsburg.
Photo taken in Colonial Williamsburg.
We have forests and beaches; rivers, streams and lakes; flatlands and wetlands; mountains and hills. And in the midst of it all, there are wildlife refuges, nature reserves, state parks and national forests — all dedicated to preserving the natural beauty that Virginia is known for.
Photo taken at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo taken at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Grayson Highland ponies or the world-famous Chincoteague ponies - take your pick. Virginia’s ponies are amazing from mountain to coast.
It doesn’t really matter the holiday. Virginia always offers special events, celebrations and festivities. From religious to non-religious holidays, we always get out and have a good time. I love that about our state. Right now, Virginia is full of charming Christmas towns, spectacular light displays, living nativities, winter festivals and my personal favorite, some of the best Tacky Lights Tours this side of "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation."
Skiiing, surfing, sledding, kayaking, rock climbing, rapids, skydiving, hiking, camping, caving, caverns, ziplines, adventure races…and the list goes on. All you need for an adventure in Virginia is the right attitude.
Photo taken at the top of Old Rag.
Photo taken at the top of Old Rag.
Huebi / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to location, VIrginia is the place to be. Virginia is within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population.
The Washington Post calls Virginia "the best state in America" when it comes to managing budgets shortfalls. We’ve managed to keep our economy steady even when the rest of the world seems to be in a spin.
Virginia has 3 of the top 40 public colleges and universities in the nation and K-12 schools that are ranked #7 in the nation. True story.
Not only is it one of the most well-known and recognizable state slogans in the country, it still makes us all smile after nearly 50 years. After all, what’s not to love about love?
I may be a little biased, but Virginians are truly some of the best people you’ll ever meet. From transplants to born-and-bred natives, we like to have a good time, most of us have never met a stranger, and we keep our hearts and our doors open - always. At the end of the day, THIS is what truly makes Virginia such a special place to call home.
What are the things about Virgnia that you wish the rest of the world knew? We would love to have you add to the list in the comments below!
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