Activities in Virginia
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Great Falls National Park
Fourteen miles upriver from DC’s Georgetown, where the central Piedmont meets the coastal plain, the normally placid Potomac cascades 77ft down a series of beautiful, treacherous rapids known as Great Falls. The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal was constructed to allow barges to bypass the falls. Today there are parks on both sides of the river providing glorious views of the falls, as well as hiking, cycling and picnicking spots. (The entry fee is good for three days at both parks.) The Maryland side hooks up to Georgetown via the C&O Canal Towpath, which is an excellent route for a cycling trip (it’s not paved). On the Virginia side, the falls lie in the 800-acre Great…
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Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
This 17,000-acre refuge, 20 miles south of Easton, contains tidal marshes protected for migrating waterfowl. It has large populations of bald eagles, snow geese, peregrine falcons, blue herons, ospreys and 20 species of duck. October through December is prime bird-watching time. You may also spot woodland creatures such as red foxes, fox squirrels and white-tailed deer. A 5-mile nature drive cuts through the refuge; there are also four hiking trails, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to 2.7 miles. This is also a great spot for cyclists and kayakers to explore: biking and paddling maps are available at the Blackwater Refuge Visitors Center. Take Rte 50 south to…
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Pope-Leighey House
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House is a 1940s Usonian dwelling of cypress, brick and glass. Originally intended as low-cost housing for the middle class, Wright’s Usonian dwellings featured aesthetically elegant designs made from durable, inexpensive materials. It was moved to the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation in 1964 from Falls Church to rescue it from destruction. Furnished with Wright pieces, the house is utilitarian in structure, but quite beautiful. Combination tickets to visit both Woodlawn Plantation and the Pope-Leighey House are available (adult/child $15/5).
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Woodlawn Plantation
In the town of Mount Vernon, Woodlawn Plantation has two very different houses that are both splendid examples of their architectural times. The plantation home itself once belonged to Eleanor ‘Nelly’ Custis, granddaughter of Martha Washington, and her husband, Major Lawrence Lewis, George Washington’s nephew. The house contains period antiques and a stunning rose garden. Combination tickets to visit both Woodlawn Plantation and Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House (located on the grounds) are available (adult/child $15/5).
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Tarara Vineyard
On a bluff overlooking the Potomac, this 475-acre estate provides guided tours showing the grape’s journey from vine to glass. The winery is located in a 6000-sq-ft cave, and visitors can pick fruit in the orchard or hike the 6 miles of trails through rolling countryside. Tarara also hosts summertime Saturday evening concerts and three major wine festivals.
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Lee's Retreat
Follow Lee's retreat on a winding 25-stop tour that starts in Petersburg at Southside Railroad Station (River St and Cockade Alley) and cuts through some of the most attractive countryside in Virginia. Best take a detailed road map, as the trail is not always clearly marked.You will finish at 1300 acre Appoma Court House National Historic Park.
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First Landing State Park
Virginia's most-visited state park is a vast 2888-acre woodland with 20 miles of hiking trails, plus camping, biking, fishing, kayaking and swimming.
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Bluemont Vineyard
Bluemont produces ruby red Nortons and crisp Viogniers, though it’s equally famous for its spectacular location – at a 950ft elevation with sweeping views over the countryside. It’s open outside hours by appointment.
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Chrysalis Vineyards
Proudly using the native Norton grape (which dates back to 1820), Chrysalis produces highly drinkable reds and whites – including a refreshing Viognier. The pretty estate hosts a bluegrass music fest in October.
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Fabbioli Cellars
This eco-friendly winery provides an intimate but informal tasting experience, where you can learn about the wines from the innovative winemaker Doug Fabbioli himself. It’s open outside hours by appointment.
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Breaux Vineyards
One of Virginia’s largest vineyards, with over 17 varietals, Breaux produces award-winning reds including an exceptional Merlot Reserve. Breaux hosts three culinary festivals throughout the summer.
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Water Country USA
Water Country USA is a kids' paradise, with twisty slides, raging rapids and wave pools. A three-day, combo ticket for both parks is $70. Parking is $12 at both places.
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Potomac Riverboat Company
The cheapest Potomac Riverboat Companyoffers seasonal boat trips from DC and Alexandria.
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Oasis Winery
The sparkling wines produced here have a solid reputation. Located off Rte 635 near Front Royal.
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Skyline Drive
A 105-mile-long road running down the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Skyline Drive redefines the definition of 'Scenic Route.' You're constantly treated to an impressive view, but keep in mind the road is bendy, slow-going(35mph limit) and (in peak season) congested.
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Skyland
There are four easy trails here, none exceeding 1.6 miles, with a few steep sections throughout. Stony Man Trail gives great views for not-too-strenuous trekking.
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Riprap
Three trails of varying difficulty. Blackrock Trail is an easy 1-mile loop that yields fantastic views. You can either hike the moderate 3.4-mile Riprap Trail to Chimney Rock, or detour and make a fairly strenuous 9.8-mile circuit that connects with the Appalachian Trail.
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Old Rag Mountain
This is a tough, 8-mile circuit trail that culminates in a rocky scramble only suitable for the physically fit. Your reward is the summit of Old Rag Mountain and, along the way, some of the best views in Virginia.
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Big Meadows
A very popular area with four easy-to-midlevel difficulty hikes. The Lewis Falls and Rose River trails run by the park's most spectacular waterfalls, and the former accesses the Appalachian Trail.
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Bearfence Mountain
A short trail leads to a spectacular 360- degree viewpoint. The circuit hike is only 1.2 miles, but it involves a strenuous scramble over rocks.
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Victory Rover
view the docks from a narrated, two-hour cruise aboard the Victory Rover.
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