Virginia is the 35th largest state. It is nicknamed "Old Dominion". It borders the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean on its eastern side.

Virginia Trip

January 2011

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwetitleh of Virginia. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 155,433. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately 6 miles south of downtown Washington DC and has been shaped by its proximity to the nation's capital. It is largely populated by professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which contract to provide services to the federal government. The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town. With its concentration of high-end boutiques, fine restaurants, antique shops and theaters, it is a major draw for tourists and those seeking nightlife. Like Old Town, many Alexandria neighborhoods are compact, walkable, high-income suburbs of Washington D.C. It is the seventh largest and highest income independent city in Virginia.

MOUNT VERNON

This is the most popular historic estate in America…just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the plantation rests on the banks of the Potomac River.Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until General Washington's death in 1799.

Visitors are invited to tour the Mansion house and more than a dozen outbuildings including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse. Stroll four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. George and Martha Washington rest in peace in the tomb where wreath laying ceremonies are held daily, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Ground is nearby.

During January, February, March, November and December, there is usually no wait to enter the Mansion, titlehough the holiday weekend after Thanksgiving can be a busy time at Mount Vernon. Lines tend to be the longest in April and May. Weekends are far busier than weekdays, and mornings are usually more crowded than afternoons. Plan to spend at least several hours touring Mount Vernon. You will discover plenty of activities to fill an entire day, but many visitors plan to see all Mount Vernon offers with a return trip. The charming Mount Vernon Inn offers lunch daily and elegant dinners by candlelight Monday through Saturday, with six intimate dining rooms, three fireplaces, colonial-costumed servers, and delicious regional and colonial cuisine. For dinner reservations call (703)780-0011.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Charlottesville, city of 46,000+ people (named in honor of Princess Charlotte, wife of George III) is a vibrant university town that offers outdoor recreational activities, senior citizen organizations, private and public schools, entertainment areas and residential communities of great quality. There is a wonderful downtown district , an eight-block, tree-lined pedestrian mall featuring more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants.

Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts., 100 miles SW of Washington, DC and 70 miles NW of Richmond VA, it has been called the Number One City for Retirement and a very Hetitlehy Place to Live. It lies at the intersection of rural lifestyle and urban sophistication. And, of course, it is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the only historic house in US to make it to the United Nations’ World Heritage List. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are nearby, providing an interesting, challenging and picturesque drive.

MONTICELLO

This is a masterwork of architecture representing a new beginning in America. Thomas Jefferson, third president of the US and author of the Declaration of Independence, traveled the world, bringing many of Europe’s firsts to his beloved Monticello (little mountain). This home is the embodiment of his most intriguing discoveries abroad. Spend time in the Visitor’s Center, watch the video, and stroll the grounds before your tour. There are interactive exhibits to help provide a better understanding. Down the road a few miles is Michie Tavern, a 1784 tavern that served as the social center of its community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging. Today it renders a dining experience rich in southern culture and hospitality with a general store, gift shop and clothier shop.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (UVA)

Founded in 1819, Jefferson designed this public university as an Academical Village. The Rotunda (modeled after the Pantheon in Rome) is the focal point. The university is based on the Jeffersonian principle that learning is a lifelong and shared process. It is a thriving example of all that Jefferson held important. There are schools of architecture, arts and sciences, business, law, medicine, engineering, et al. It holds Ivy League status at public university prices.

RICHMOND

Richmond is the capital of the Commonwetitleh of Virginia. The population was 200,123 in 2007. Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America, and many important American Civil War landmarks remain in the city, including the Virginia State capital. The Virginia State capital building was designed by Thomas Jefferson. It is the second-oldest US statehouse in continuous use.

The Greater Richmond area was named the third-best city for business by Market Watch in September 2007, ranking behind only the Minneapolis and Denver areas and just above Boston. The area is home to six Fortune 500 companies.

MANASSAS

Manassas is close to several important historic sites from the period 1850 - 1870. Its population was about 35,135 at the time of the US Census 2000. In July 1861, the First Battle of Manassas – also known as the First Battle of Bull Run – the first major land battle of the American Civil War was fought near here.

Virginia Photo Gallery

Click on the photo to view larger