Virginia Information

As Virginia is adjacent to Washington DC it is has been significantly influenced by the nearby concentration of government bodies. A large percentage of the Virginian population is involved with working with or for the government. There are many military bases in Virginia and many military and technology related companies have been developed and are now a significant part of the economy.

For visitors, Virginia is blessed with many historical attractions, national parks and beachside resort towns. Being the home of eight United States presidents including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson there are many historical towns and buildings to visit. Some of the more popular historic destinations include Mt Vernon, George Washington's residence, Berkeley Plantation, Appomattox Court House and the Virginia Military Institute.

Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are bordered by the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains making it a distinctly different area to the Atlantic coast and central Virginian regions. The Shenandoah National Park is visited by over a million people every year making it one of the most popular natural destinations in the eastern United States. The drive through the park in autumn when the trees are turning orange is immensely spectacular and popular though the park is quite stunning the whole year round.

Central Virginia, which is also known as Piedmont, is home to the state capital Richmond. Highlights of Central Virginia include the Appomattox Court House where the surrender of the confederate forces took place, finishing the civil war and Monticello House in Charlottesville displaying items relating to Thomas Jefferson's hobbies and life.

The climate of Virginia is one of moderate summers and cool winters especially in the south west. Visitors should be aware that due to the geographical shape and position of the mountain ranges it can become very cold in winter with with quite large falls of snow.