After losing a wheel off our RV and getting it fixed, we continued our tour of the South with three weeks in Virginia. Founded as a colony in 1607, the state is full of rich history, natural wonders, and manmade attractions. We had explored much of the Southeastern part of the state in 2022 while based in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. 

This year, we stayed more inland, closer to the Richmond area, and still found plenty of fun activities in Virginia.

1. Water adventure

The state of Virginia may be known for its 3,315 miles of shoreline — including Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Norfolk — but it’s also home to more than 1,500 lakes, only two of which are natural. 

Our friends Jim and Jenny had purchased a boat shortly before our arrival at their place and invited us on their maiden voyage. On a bright, sunny day, we loaded into the boat on Lake Chesdin, a reservoir that spans 3,100 acres. 

With wind in our faces and our lips curled in delight, we raced across the lake as Jim tested the boat’s capabilities. We enjoyed observing the houses on the shoreline, watching a water skier, waving at people in other boats passing by, and feeling alive.

2. Seafood boil

With so much water on the coast and within the state, Virginia has plentiful seafood. Some of its specialties are blue crabs and Eastern oysters. Although we didn’t sample either on this visit, we did partake in a scrumptious seafood boil that included crab legs, shrimp, andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes.

3. Richmond scavenger hunt

After work one afternoon, we got into Jim and Jenny’s car and headed into Virginia’s capital city, Richmond, to participate in an Urban Adventure Quest. It’s an online digital scavenger hunt akin to “The Amazing Race,” where you have to solve puzzles and answer questions to get clues to iconic sights while racing a timer. 

This adventure led us from Old City Hall to the State Capitol to the Washington Monument, featuring the country’s first president on horseback, to a bell tower to water locks. We learned about the history of Richmond, the city’s role in the civil rights movement, canal locks that linked the James River to the Richmond Dock, and much more while testing our puzzle skills.

4. Investigating James Madison’s Montpelier

Eight of the U.S. presidents hailed from Virginia. We had visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon on previous stops in the state. This time, we investigated James Madison’s Montpelier, where he penned the U.S. Constitution after extensive research into past democracies. 

We paid for the Highlights of Montpelier Tour, which gave us guided access to the house where Madison and his wife, Dolley, lived and entertained guests. It was in that house that he wrote the U.S. Constitution at a simple desk on the second floor in front of a window overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

5. Touring a Civil War battlefield

In addition to being home to several U.S. presidents, Virginia played a crucial role in the Civil War. It served as the capital for the Confederacy, and more Civil War battles took place in it than any other state: 138, according to the Library of Virginia.

We had toured the Civil War Museum on a previous trip to the state. This year, we explored Petersburg Battlefield, a unique one in that it involved Union soldiers digging a tunnel under Confederate lines and setting off a massive explosion that created a crater. That ordeal became known as the Battle of the Crater. 

6. Visiting a winery

Virginia is one of 12 states hosting a notable number of wineries: 395, according to Wine Business Analytics. The land between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains provides a moderate climate and fertile soil for growing various types of grapes. 

You can find local and difficult-to-get-to wineries offering inviting grounds, amazing views, and unique tastes and experiences. We visited a few.

7. Watching a smalltown parade

One of our favorite things about traveling the country is visiting small towns. We like their friendly, community vibe. We happened to be staying in Goochland, Virginia (population about 29,000), at the time of its annual Goochland Day, a day of celebration for the residents, leaders, and businesses of the community.

We gathered with practically everyone from town to attend a parade featuring a marching band, fire trucks, Santa in a PT Cruiser, a high school robot club, and various other entries. Then we followed our noses to a field of tents and stalls selling various sundries, lured by the sweet smell of barbecue. 

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