Vacation Rentals in Virginia

Bordered by the Appalachian mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia offers its visitors spectacular scenery, stunning coastlines, and history. Although its capital is Richmond, the three largest cities in the state are Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. Virginia is divided into five main regions including historic Eastern Virginia and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia was the birthplace of America and where the settlers stepped ashore. In 1607, the first permanent New World colony was established here. Since then, Virginia has been at the heart of American history from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Prior to European settlement, Native Americans such as the Powhatan had their own rich culture. Today, tourism is a major part of the state's economy.

The state is served by several commercial airports such as Washington-Dulles, Richmond, and Norfolk International along with smaller regional airports like Roanoke and Charlottesville. Interstate and highway links with the rest of the USA are excellent.

With its mild climate and choice of courses, Virginia is perfect for a golfing vacation. Six of the state's golf courses rank in America's top 100. The capital, Richmond has several award-winning courses such as the Westham Golf club designed by Jack Nicklaus.

With over 60 large park areas such as Great Falls Park, the Appalachian Trail, and Shenandoah National Park along with 17 state forests, Virginia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, cycling, fishing, climbing, and watersports along with wildlife watching entice you to get active or you can simply enjoy the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your car or 4x4.

Combine your driving tour of Virginia with visits to craft breweries such as the Wild Wolf Brewing Company, just one of six which lie on the Brew Ridge Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grapes such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot have been grown in Virginia since the earliest days of colonization, producing the fine wines you can sample today on a wine-tasting tour.

Explore the state's heritage in its capital Richmond with visits to the Richmond National Battlefield Park, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Virginia State Capitol.

Full of color whatever the season, the park's beautiful countryside is also home to the Shenandoah Caverns, a cavern system with its own elevator. The cavern's unique formations have been fascinating visitors since they were first discovered in 1884 while railway lines were being laid.

The attractive towns of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown make up the Historical Triangle. Colonial Williamsburg is a living and working recreation of what was once England's largest New World capital.

Mount Vernon is a shrine to the lives of George and Martha Washington who lived here throughout their long marriage. It offers a fascinating glimpse of 18th-century farm life without glossing over slavery.

The National Air and Space Museum on the Mall is housed in the huge and sprawling Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. Among its highlights are the SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest jet, and the space shuttle Discovery.

September sees the Virginia State Fair held at the Meadow Event Park in Caroline County while Norfolk's Harborfest in June features air shows and boat races. An annual summer opera festival is hosted by the town of Wolf Trap which has its own opera company.