6 Historic Day Trips in Virginia
When it comes to travel, we often find ourselves thinking about far away tropical places and unique destinations across the world. What we often overlook, are the places that are within our own home state. We currently reside in Virginia, just outside of Richmond, a state rich in history which offers mountains to the West and the beach to the East. Finding historic day trips in Virginia is not hard due to its pivotal role in shaping American history.
Table of Contents
Williamsburg
What To Do
If you do not already know it by now, Jennifer and I are both very interested in history and learning about things of the past and how they shaped where we are today. Williamsburg, Virginia is a location that was once the thriving capital of the American Colony Virginia. This location boasts names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and George mason and was very influential in the forming of our great country. Here you will find some of the original building and structures from the 18th century, as well as historical reenactments, tutorials, and stories from the past.
Whether you enjoy dining in a centuries old tavern, learning about blacksmithing, or browsing pewterware and reproduction toys, there is something there for all ages! For those who are seeking something spooky, you can sign up for one of their ghost tours and learn about some of those individuals and stories from Williamsburg’s historic past. During peak season, you will catch a glimpse of soldiers, and political figures walking about and speaking about things that were taking place in their time of existence. This is truly an immersive place to visit and a place to learn a bit about our past which makes it the perfect day trip in Virginia!
Jamestown
What to Do
Historic Jamestown was where the Virginia company settles Landed in 1607, and was where a colony was setup many years ago. This location proved to be very challenging to the settlers as they were challenged by disease, famine, and neighboring Indian tribes. Today you can visit their museum, walk portions of the old townsite, and even see ruins of an old church that once stood on the site.
If tours are your thing, then you can take an hour long tour that will give you an overview of the history of Jamestown and you might even get a glimpse of some rarely seen artifacts that have been uncovered there. This site is continuing to undergo historical digs and exploration, so even if you have not been for several years, there could be some new things for you to see and experience. For you sea lovers, step onto one of the three recreated replicas of the original ships that sailed to Jamestown in order to see just how cramped and uncomfortable the long journey across the ocean must have been!
Yorktown
What to Do
This location boasts the Yorktown Battlefield where in 1781 British forces surrendered to the American and French armies led by George Washington. Some of the things to see are examples of actual field tents used, a short film, and museum exhibits of historical items. You can do either a Ranger led walking tour or a driving tour of the battlefield and historic sites.
For this one, Jennifer and I opted for the driving tour, as it was nearly 100 degrees and we couldn’t fathom being out in the heat anymore than needed. A neat thing the gift shop had for purchase was a CD that told you which marker to drive to next and then what to play which was a narrated account of the history behind each stop. We thoroughly enjoyed this option as it was nice to do from the comforts of an air conditioned vehicle.
Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown Yorktown)
Where to Stay
A historic hotel built in 1937, the Williamsburg Inn has been named one of the finest hotels in America. It has twice hosted Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip while visiting Jamestown.
The Williamsburg Lodge opened in 1939 and is made up of the historic building, the South hall, and Tazewell hall. All areas have covered walkways for convenient access to the main building.
Colonial Houses Historic Lodging
Twenty-six 18th century historic buildings scattered throughout Colonial Williamsburg, the Colonial Houses have 77 rooms total and are furnished with period reproductions and antiques.
Where to Eat
Take a trip back in time to this historic reproduction of a public house. Servers are in period attire, tables are adorned with pewter candlesticks and fare includes peanut soup, prime rib, and pork chops.
Located in Merchant’s Square in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the Trellis offers regional cuisine with local ingredients raised by small artisan farmers in the area.
If you’re on the hunt for something lighter, across from the Trellis is the Cheese Shop serving up sandwishes, cheese plates, and wine by the glass.
Fredericksburg
The City of Fredericksburg was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1728 on land originally patented in 1681. Fredericksburg played a major role in the Civil War, the then largest battle in America, the Battle of Fredericksburg, took place in December 1862. During that battle, the Union suffered 12,653 casualties and the Confederates suffered 4,201 casualties.
Located on The National Registry of Historic Places, the 40-block Fredericksburg Historic Distoric features 350 buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Buildings include the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, and the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is also located here.
Downtown Fredericksburg features unique boutiques, hidden gem antique shops, country stores and an abundance of eateries. Take a stroll thru Latitudes Fair Trade Store and find unique handicrafts from around the world or visit Thistle and Ash and shop for unique and re-purposed furniture, home goods, and accessories. Stop for a glass of wine and a bite to eat at City Vino or take a Flavors of Fredericksburg Food Tour and visit a variety of restaurants and specialty shops.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of Fredericksburg and within walking distance of m any shops and restaurants, the Richard Johnson Inn is a an upscale 18th century inn, originally constructed in 1770.
Fredericksburg’s longest operating inn, the Kenmore Inn was originally built in 1793 and opened as an inn in 1932. It features 9 guest rooms, a restaurant, and event spaces.
Lavender Heights Bed and Breakfast
Located five minutes from Old Town Fredericksburg, the Lavender Heights Bed and Breakfast was originally constructed in the 1880s. The home mixes a combination of 19th and 20th century antiques surrounded by present-day furniture.
Where to Eat
Located in Old Town Fredericksburg, Chef James Fallon serves up fresh seasonal food and interesting wine selections in a casual setting.
A steakhouse located in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, Farenheit 132 only offers the freshest ingredients and always sourced from Virginia.
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Fredericksburg, built in 1787, Agora offers unique coffee and tea drinks as well as sandwiches, baked goods, and local handmade wares from over 90 local artists.
Richmond
Founded in 1737, Richmond Virginia is the current capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Along with its rich history, Richmond is the location where Patrick Henry delivered his “Liberty or Death” speech at St. Johns Church and was also a very contentious place during the Civil War when a good portion of the city was burned down by invading troops. Presently, you can hop on the 52-mile Virginia capital trail and ride if biking is your thing or visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Art or learn about the Civil War at The American Civil War Museum at Tredegar.
Even if you are looking to relax, you can visit Maymont Park or take a stroll along the canal or the James River. There is truly no shortage of activities and sites in Richmond, Virginia, and therefore we highly recommend seeing it if you happen to be travelling to or passing through Virginia.
Downtown Richmond boasts many vintage shops, farmers markets, restaurants, and hotels. Feeling thirsty, check out one of the numerous breweries which call Richmond their home and for non-beer drinkers you can visit Blue Bee Cider for some artisanal ciders. Depending upon the time of year you decide to visit, you will find that there are many different festivals taking place which can be a nice stop to see some local entertainment and food.
Where to Stay
Richmond’s grandest hotel, the Jefferson built in 1895 offers fine dining, breathtaking architecture and personalized service that rivals no other.
A collection of seven historic row houses originally built in the mid-1800s, the Linden Row Inn has been restored and features antiques from the middle and late 1800s in all of its guest rooms and parlor suites.
Quirk, which opened in 2017, is housed in an old 1916 luxury department store. Quick kept the original 13 foot ceilings, original maple floors and all of the beds are made from reclaimed wood and floor joists from the demolition.
Where to Eat
Rappahannock features farm-to-table cuisine as well as a raw bar supplised by their very own oyster farms. You can also pop in for one of their signature cocktails or large selection of craft beers.
Offering the perfect combination of French cuisine with a Southern flare, Spoonbread continues to wow with with entrees such as Frenched Roasted Chicken Breast and Black Molasses Roasted Duck Breast.
Located in the Churchill neighborhood, The Roosevelt is located in a turn of the century building specializing in a nontraditional celebration of the food of the South.
Hampton
In 1607, Christopher Newport named Old Point Comfort as a strategic defensive location along the water. By 1609, defensive fortifications were built at the site which would later become Fort Monroe in 1834. During the Civil War while most of the South became part of the Confederate States of America, Fort Monroe remained with Union troops. After the war, Jefferson Davis was imprisoned in the area known as Casemate Museum.
Hampton encompasses a wealth of historical places to visit including Fort Monroe, Fort Wool, Hampton National Cemetary, Old Point Comfort, and St. John’s Church. Hampton also has more modern facilities you can visit like Langley Air Force Base, NASA-Langley Research Center, National Institute of Aerospace, and Virginia Air and Space Center.
Downtown Hampton features a wide array of attractions including Carousel Park, The Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center, Blue Skies Gallery, Historic Hampton Carousel, and River Street Park. For something different, set sail on the Miss Hampton II river cruise and see sites like Old Point Comfort, Blackbeard’s Point, and Fort Wool.
Where to Stay
Located in the waterfront downtown area, the Magnolia House Inn is a historic Queen Anne Victorian house three guestrooms.
Featuring 173 renovated guest rooms, the Hampton Marina Inn is the only waterfront hotel in Hampton featuring two restaurants and a lounge.
Located near the Coliseum, the Embassy Suites Hampton offers 295 suites, a full service day spa, breakfast, and an evening reception.
Where to Eat
Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery
Located in the historic Hampton Armory, Vanguard features brews and spirits, live music from local artists, and a full restaurant with a seasonal menu.
Monsoon Eclectic Modern Indian
Using a blend of traditional and modern techniques, Monsoon serves up fresh ingredients family style for a unique take on Indian cuisine.
Serving up grass-fed burgers, BBQ, 20 beers on tap, premium homemade floats made with Homestead Creamery ice cream, everyone is sure to find something to love here.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips in Virginia
As you can see from the destinations listed above, the majority of them will only cost you a little time and gas money perhaps, but beyond that, they are very easy to experience. These can be experienced over a weekend or during summer break for a nice day trip getaway that will be enjoyed by everyone and not break the bank.
We enjoy these trips as our travel “fix” between our big trips as a way to feed our inner travel bug. Best of all you get to experience different sites and hopefully learn something new about yourselves or others. Please make sure to follow us so you can experience our future journeys both domestically and abroad. Happy travels!
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