As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia has a rich history, a promising future, and plenty to do and see. History and culture enthusiasts can visit actual battlefields of the revolutionary and civil war, the actual homes of famous patriots, and entire cities that transport you back in time to another era. For example, step into Colonial Williamsburg and you’ll think you’ve left the 21st century far behind. Realistic reenactments of famous events, true-to-life colonial architecture, and an entire colonial town where people act and dress the roles of their forbearers are bound to astound. Travel to the University of Virginia campus and visit breathtaking Monticello, the famous home of founding father former president, and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. The state also has two major amusement parks, Paramount’s Kings Dominion, just north of Richmond, the state capital, and Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Both have hair-raising rides, live stage shows, wild water parks, and plenty of food and festivities. However, for as much as they have in common, they each have something unique to offer. King’s Dominion has famous Nickelodeon cartoon characters roaming the park, as well as everyone’s favorite canine sleuth, Scooby-Doo. Comparatively Busch Gardens is divided into five countries, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. Each country has people wearing that country’s traditional clothing, faux cities modeled after the unique architecture of each region, and tasty cultural cuisine. From Germany’s beer garden to the Loch Ness Monster, one of the park’s most famous roller coasters, every visitor is sure to find something that he or she enjoys. And for animal lovers, there’s even a monorail safari that provides a wonderful, bird’s-eye view of exotic wildlife. Last, but certainly not least, is Virginia’s coastline, where visitors can soak in the sun in the summer months on a sandy beach wile gazing at the great Atlantic, collecting shells, or enjoying a pina colada and soaking in the sun.

battlefields, Civil War, history, Revolutionary War, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, rollercoaster, amusement park, University of Virginia, UVA, Atlantic Ocean, Monticello

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