OT: Virginia Vacation

My husband and I are taking vacation at the beginning of August.  We are trying to decide between Washington DC and Virginia (I want to see the Blueridge Mountains).  So, I'm looking for suggestions on what to do and where to go.  Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Lorraine

Virginia is a great place to visit.  We have the mountains, the beach, a close drive to dc and so much history.

I'm not sure if you are outdoorsy, but you mentioned the mountains.  Here is a link to Shenandoah National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
there is skyline drive, waterfall hikes, various activities to include wineries, quaint little stops in various towns along the way.  And if you are interested in an interesting tour go to Luray caverns.

I recentely found out about a site that connects you to people owning rental homes - direct - not through a rental agency.  www.homeaway.com.  You could get an awesome house/cabin rental in the mountains.  :)

Oddly enough I'm traveling up your way at the end of the month.  My newfie boyfriend is taking me home to see Newfoundland.  I'm super excited as I haven't been to many places, let along over the border.

Have a great time, whatever you decide!

Lauren

Thanks Lauren.  Those all sound like great suggestions.
I haven't been to Newfoundland yet either, but I know one of the must do things when I go would be to go whale watching in a Zodiac.  We did that when we went to Nova Scotia and it was a blast.  They go so fast that we got to see up close and personal a lot of whales and seals.  Let me know how you like it.
In the meantime, I know how I'll be spending my evening - thanks for those websites!
Lorraine

I had not even considered that I might see some whales or large fish on the LONG ferry ride to the island.  Oh goodie!  I'll have to ask Keith about that.  I know that some family friends got awesome pictures of sharks last year.  Let me know how your plans turn out and if you come through Richmond, VA area, check in as well.  We can meet for coffee or something.  :)

Lauren

That sounds great - I'd love to meet for coffee.  I'll keep you posted.

I live in the Washington DC area and very often vacation in different places in Virginia.  It really depends on what you want to do and see when you are down here.  Naturally, Washington DC has the world class museums, restaurants, and hotels. As cities go, I really love driving around looking at all the interesting architecture. Massachusetts Avenue with all its embassies from around the world is a favorite. All the museums in the Smithsonian Institute are free.  My favorites are the Air & Space, American History, and the National Art Gallery but there are many others you could spend an entire week in.  DC in August is hot and muggy so plan accordingly.  You will want to be indoors (or at least in an air conditioned tour bus) for a part of the time.  The view is worth the wait at the top of the Washington Monument.  I also highly recommend getting a Tourmobile ticket.  It will take you to all the sightseeing spots for one low price. You can get on and off as you please. 

Virginia has a lot of colonial and civil war history.  In addition, if you really want to see the Blue Ridge Mountains, you should plan a drive along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. Just outside the park there are numerous bed and breakfasts and inexpensive hotels.  I stayed in a cabin inside the park which was a lot of fun but a bit rustic. My favorite part of that trip was going horseback riding for the very first time.  It is unbelievably peaceful at night and I’m sure you will love it.  It will be about 10 degrees cooler in the mountains and the shade from the trees helps too.  If you are outdoors type people, you will really like Shenandoah.

While you are here, I will be touring Alaska and Vancouver. 

All those things sound great and I am going to print this and save it in our book of things to do.  For now, we have decided to do some camping in the Shenandoah Park, definitely do the Skyline Drive and then head home.  

We're trying to save some money because our son may be getting married next year.  Our original plan was to fly out to Vancouver and spend about 10 days out there.  I've been told that the Sandbar Restaurant (which I believe is in Stanley Park) is a MUST SEE.  There's also the Capilano bridge - our youngest son was out there in February to see the Olympics and he said it was a good site - he recommended renting bikes and touring through Stanley Park that way. 

I bet you're going to have a great trip.  And thanks for all your info.
L.