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Virginia's Capital Corridor: Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 17:50 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Virginia Unveiled: A Travel + Leisure Guide to the Commonwealth’s Must‑See Destinations

Travel + Leisure’s latest roundup of “Best Places to Visit in Virginia” takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the state’s most compelling destinations, from the bustling corridors of Washington, D.C. to the mist‑kissed ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The article is organized by region and experience, offering bite‑size guides for history buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and families alike. Below is a comprehensive summary that captures the essence of each highlighted locale, enriched with key details drawn from the linked articles within the original piece.

1. The Capital Corridor – Washington, D.C. & Old Town Alexandria

Washington, D.C.
The piece opens with a reminder that Virginia’s best destinations are within arm’s reach of the nation’s capital. A brief excursion to the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums is a no‑loss proposition for anyone traveling through the region. Travel + Leisure links to a dedicated Washington, D.C. guide that recommends top lodging options and insider tips for navigating the city’s most iconic landmarks on a tight itinerary.

Old Town Alexandria
From the capital’s southern edge, the article shifts to Old Town Alexandria—a charming waterfront enclave where cobblestone streets and colonial storefronts give the feel of a living museum. Highlights include the historic Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Maritime Museum, and the scenic King Street shopping district. The linked Alexandria guide goes into depth on the best dining spots (e.g., The King Fish and The Sweetwater) and provides a curated walking tour map.

2. Historic Williamsburg & Monticello – A Walk Through the Early Republic

Colonial Williamsburg
Travel + Leisure’s Williamsburg entry is a deep dive into the living‑history experience that the site offers. It lists the three main historic districts—Colonial Williamsburg, the Historic Area, and the 18th‑Century Marketplace—and explains how reenactors bring the 18th‑century daily life to vivid reality. The article also recommends specific events such as the “Evening with the Colonists” gala and the seasonal “Witches & Warlords” performance. The linked page features a ticketing guide, including early‑bird specials and group discounts.

Monticello
The guide then moves to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Readers are taken through the intricate architecture, the famous Jeffersonian library, and the breathtaking garden terraces overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. The Monticello link adds a brief history of the estate’s scientific experiments (like the original slavery ‑ and agriculture‑research*) and points out the new interactive visitor center that opened in 2023.

3. Natural Wonders – Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Parkway & Luray Caverns

Shenandoah National Park
This section is a nature lover’s playground. The article describes the 105‑mile Skyline Drive, the park’s 400+ waterfalls, and the famed “Old Rag” hike, renowned for its challenging rock scramble. The linked Shenandoah page offers a trail‑by‑trail guide, with photos of the best vistas and practical safety tips for backcountry travelers.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Travel + Leisure positions the Blue Ridge Parkway as the ultimate scenic drive for photographers and casual explorers alike. From the scenic overlook at New River Gorge to the historic “Mile 0” marker in Washington, D.C., the guide highlights key stops such as the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Appalachian Trail connector, and the picturesque “Shenandoah Mountain” overlook. The linked page provides the most up‑to‑date weather conditions and road‑closure alerts.

Luray Caverns
Just a short detour from the Parkway, Luray Caverns is presented as a family‑friendly adventure. The article showcases the “Stargazer” room with its crystal‑laden ceiling, the “Dinosaur Cavern” with life‑size animatronics, and the park’s gift shop offering handcrafted crystal jewelry. The linked Caverns guide gives a practical “10‑minute walk” map to help visitors beat the crowds during peak season.

4. Coastal Retreats – Virginia Beach & Norfolk

Virginia Beach
The beach‑side section of the article describes the classic boardwalk, the historic Fort Story Museum, and the best surf spots. Travel + Leisure highlights the “First Friday” art event held along the Boardwalk and the “Virginia Beach Fishing Derby” in the summer. The Virginia Beach link directs readers to the city’s official tourism page, where they can book water‑sports rentals and view the latest festivals calendar.

Norfolk
A short distance east, Norfolk is presented as a blend of maritime heritage and modern arts. The guide recommends the USS Missouri “Starship” exhibit, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the eclectic North End neighborhood for its eclectic street art and craft breweries. The linked Norfolk article includes a list of recommended restaurants—The Boathouse and Hampton’s—and a map of the historic district’s key sites.

5. Southern Charm & Wine Country – Charlottesville, Lynchburg & Staunton

Charlottesville
The article emphasizes Charlottesville as a gateway to the Blue Ridge wine country. Visitors are encouraged to tour the historic Monticello (again, for a deeper dive into Jefferson’s legacy) and to sip wines in the surrounding vineyards like Domaine Chantal and Barbour Farm. The Charlottesville link offers a tasting‑room directory and an overview of the annual “Virginia Wine Harvest Festival.”

Lynchburg
Travel + Leisure points out Lynchburg’s unique status as a “dry” city that still thrives on its rich history and culinary scene. Highlights include the historic Old Stone House Museum and the locally famous Lynchburg Pepperpot recipe. The linked Lynchburg page provides a guide to the “Lynchburg Heritage Trail,” which showcases the city’s 19th‑century brick architecture.

Staunton
Finally, the guide rounds out with Staunton’s well‑preserved Civil War‑era downtown, the famous National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, and the annual “St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” The Staunton link details a “Historic Home Tour” that offers behind‑the‑scenes access to some of the state’s best‑preserved antebellum homes.

6. Practical Tips & Seasonal Highlights

Throughout the article, Travel + Leisure intersperses practical travel advice: the best months to visit each region (spring for the Blue Ridge, summer for the beach, fall for the vineyards), parking recommendations for popular attractions, and suggestions for family‑friendly lodging. The guide also notes upcoming events, such as the “Virginia Food & Wine Expo” in Richmond and the “Shenandoah Valley Harvest Festival,” helping readers time their trips to coincide with culinary and cultural celebrations.

Bottom Line

Virginia’s appeal lies in its diversity—each destination offers a distinct narrative. Whether you’re strolling the historic streets of Alexandria, hiking the rugged cliffs of Shenandoah, sun‑bathing on Virginia Beach, or sipping wine in Charlottesville, Travel + Leisure’s “Best Places to Visit in Virginia” serves as an essential compass. By weaving together historical context, natural beauty, and contemporary culture, the article invites readers to experience the Commonwealth as a mosaic of stories waiting to be explored.