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Regional Travel Information

Virginia is a state steeped in history.  Before the arrival of the Europeans, Chief Powhatan ruled over the untamed land.  Chief Powhatan fathered one of Virginia's more famous historical figures, Pocahontas.  The first permanent English settlement in America, at Jamestown in 1607, set the stage for the taming of the wilderness.

Virginia played a central role during the American Revolution, from Patrick Henry's fiery oration "Give me liberty or give me death", to the eventual surrender of Lord Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown.  During the Civil War, Virginia saw more battles fought on her soil than any other state.  Many of these battlegrounds are now national historic sites, and are visited by thousands of tourists annually.

Virginia also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents.  It has been said that Virginia's history is America's history!  From colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement, and numerous other historic towns such as Fredericksburg, Manassas, Front Royal, Winchester, and Richmond, the Old Dominion State contains many unique and picturesque areas.  Numerous recreational facilities, outstanding state parks, and historical and cultural locations abound from the Shenandoah Valley to Virginia Beach.  Indeed, Virginia does have it all!  

Arlington National Cemetery with its Tomb of the Unknowns, Fort Myer, the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, the USMC War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue), and Mount Vernon are among some of the many important military facilities and monuments located within the region.  Other popular attractions include Old Towne Alexandria, Great Falls, Gunston Hall, historic Oatlands, and the Sully historical site in Chantilly.  The Quantico Marine Corps Base, the FBI Academy, Manassas National Battlefields, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park are also located nearby.  Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia Beach are only a short ride away.

Virginia has a very good tourist board with lots of information at: http://www.virginia.org/home.asp.  Also check the Arlington Convention & Visitors Service at: http://www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/visiting/ and the Fairfax County Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitfairfax.org/.  

Visit the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism site at: http://www.washington.org/.  This site will give you a great idea of what to see and do while in the city.  Two additional sites that offer additional valuable information about the area are: Capitol Visitor Center: http://www.capitolvisitorcenter.org/, and Capitol Region USA: http://www.capitalregionusa.org/.  

Please keep in mind that this area attracts many visitors and tourists.  The metropolitan area is particularly very busy.  Security concerns have closed many of the National attractions.  Long lines abound at many of the others.  You need to plan as far ahead as possible and remain flexible as things are constantly changing.  

Lodging and transportation:

While Region 62 does not have an IPA house, we are on occasion able to arrange for member hosting.  This is a favored tourist venue and hotels are rather expensive (usually $100 or more per night) throughout the area.  It is generally less expensive to stay outside the beltway area.  There are several hotels that have offered an IPA discount, corporate rate, government rate, or police rate.  These rates are usually available except for periods that the hotel anticipates being sold out.  Arrangements should always be made in advance with the hotel.  

A local hotel advertises in the National Reporter.  Comfort Inn Tyson Corner.  1587 Spring Hill Road, Vienna, VA  22182.  (703) 448-8020.  (Ask for police rate.)

Traffic and parking in the area are always a hassle.  When you factor in the gasoline prices you may desire an alternative.  The use of public transportation is advised.  One of the better ways to explore the Washington area is by Tourmobile with its easy get on and off stops at all attractions.  More information at: http://www.tourmobile.com/.  Another good way to get around is by Metrorail and Metrobus: http://www.wmata.com/.

Current gasoline prices in Virginia may be found at VirginiaGasPrices.

IPA members receive discount rates on Avis Car Rentals using the discount # T621000.  Alamo Car Rental offers a discount using I.D. # 93891, Rate code BY.  Enterprise Car Rental frequently honor their corporate rate to IPA members.  

Three major airports serve the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area:

National/Ronald Regan - DCA.  Information.  (Directions, Maps, Transportation, etcetera)

Dulles International - DIA.  Information.

Baltimore-Washington - BWI.  Information.

 

The metropolitan area of Washington experiences all four seasons of weather.  Warm weather usually prevails from April until as late as October.  The summer can be hot and is usually quite humid.  Spring and Fall are very good times to visit.  Winters are fairly short here, usually with more rain than snow.  If you are planning a visit to the area, you may check the weather at cnn.com/weather forecast or weather.com/outlook.

 

 

- Links, Maps, and More places to visit -


Detailed information about various regions and attractions in Virginia may be found at:

From our locale in Northern Virginia, there are many other nearby places that are great to visit.  They are heartily recommended as a good place to visit, or to even spend a night or more.   

Skyline Drive running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains (map) through Shenandoah National Park provides a truly memorable place to visit.  Be advised there is a 35 mile per hour speed limit to allow drivers the opportunity to truly enjoy the ride, and helps to ensure the safety of wildlife along the road.  (It does seem to be slow at times.)  Be sure to allow enough time for your travel and visit.  There is lodging available at several locations along the drive.  Your webmaster has stayed at all of the various locations over the years and can recommend them.  Skyland (mile 41.7) has guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.  Big Meadows Lodge (milepost 51) has rooms in the main lodge; additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.  Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5) has several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas.   More information and reservations.

The Blue Ridge Parkway begins where the Skyline Drive ends and continues through Virginia and into North Carolina, connecting the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountain ranges.  One of my favorite spots is the Peaks of Otter at milepost 86.  The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant is a great place to relax and unwind.  I have visited there during all of the seasons, for about the past 40 or so years and have always enjoyed the area. 

IPA members Mary & Ray Batiato, run a bed and breakfast in Floyd, VA.  (540) 745-2861.  Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Blacksburg and Christiansburg.  The are also regular advertisers in the National Reporter.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia, on the southern tip of the DelMarVa peninsula is another great trip to take.  Fishing and farming communities, National Wildlife Refuge, Onancock and the ferry to Tangier Island, Chincoteague - home of the wild pony round-up, and NASA visitor center.  Not to be missed is the almost 18 mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel running from Cape Charles to the Virginia Beach and Norfolk areas.

The Baltimore Inner Harbor area is always great for a visit.  Much to do and see.  Great places to eat.  While there, be sure to also visit Fells Point.

Another great spot for a visit is Solomons Island, MD.  Scenic, good dining, and the Calvert Marine Museum is very interesting.  Don't miss the one hour harbor tour on the historic bugeye Wm. B. Tennison, the oldest passenger carrying vessel on the bay. 

St. Michaels, MD is yet another special spot on the water.  Sightseeing, dining, antiques, and maritime activities.  Several types of water cruises are available departing from the maritime museum dock.

Yet another historic and water venue is Annapolis.  Home of the U.S. Naval Academy.  A variety of shops and stores.  The waterfront City Dock offers a variety of cruise tours of varying lengths and prices.  There is something for everyone here.

Driving on any of the designated Virginia Byways typically provides a pleasurable and scenic diversion from the hustle of freeways expressways and interstate highways.  There are several in Northern Virginia, and many others throughout the state.  I drive them, and enjoy them very much.

More D.C. Metropolitan Area attractions may be found here:  Attractions

A detailed map of Washington, D. C. plus an overview map of the Washington Metropolitan Area that you can customize to your own needs may be found at this link.

Fast Facts about the geography and climate of Washington, D.C. plus information for international travelers and for disabled travelers may be found at this link.  

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