In a presidential state
Not all US states are made equal and some, like Virginia, are superb destinations. They just don’t get enough airtime, writes Julia D’Orazio.
Virginia isn’t at the top of many people’s minds when plotting a trip to the US, but it should be. The mid-Atlantic seaboard state has a lot to wow visitors, from 18thcentury sites in the Historic Triangle to being the heart of America’s most extensive trail network, crab cakes galore and an island populated with wild ponies.
After drinking like a president and slurping down plump oysters, I’m here to vouch for Virginia’s inclusion on your US itinerary with these must-dos.
Tour America like it’s the 18th century
I’m a sucker for all things of a bygone era, and Colonial Williamsburg is just the place to get a historical fix. Forming part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, the 18th-century city is the largest outdoor living museum in the country, 50 minutes southeast of Virginia’s capital, Richmond.
It is full of heritage buildings that Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once moseyed around. Faithfully reproduced taverns frequented by some of America’s Founding Fathers still serve their preferred tipple. At the King’s Arms, I sipped on Jefferson’s favourite Champagne cocktail while devouring a rich pie filled with braised venison, rabbit and duck in fine port wine, topped with flaky pastry.
There is much to see and do in the beautifully restored settlement of 89 original buildings; hear “Martha Washington” discuss her life as the first First Lady. Walk into cottages to see workers in centuries-old fashion demonstrating trades of yesteryear. Make sure to stick around for the Fifes and Drums march for a throwback soundtrack.
Go where the wild ponies roam
Virginia’s Chincoteague Island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The Eastern Shore fishing village is the gateway to wilderness adventures, with Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR) only moments away. The latter includes over 5000ha of pristine beaches, marsh and maritime forests.
Besides migratory birds, the refuge is known for its wild ponies. The best way to capture their rugged beauty and tangled manes is on a fullday kayaking tour with Burnham Guides, which snakes through mangroves to glimpse the region’s weathered landscapes and the nomadic stallions. Another way to enjoy CNWR is cycling along flat terrain to see apocalyptic scenes of beaches scattered with large dead trees.
Try Virginian-style crab cakes at The Pearl, a casual waterside restaurant along the Assateague Channel. The thick patties are loaded with juicy blue crab meat sourced from Chesapeake Bay and are a popular dish throughout the state.
Embark on the walk of a lifetime
The world’s longest hiking-only footpath, the Appalachian Trail, extends roughly 3524km across 14 states, including multiple national parks. Virginia is home to one-quarter (875km) of the gruelling track.
Blue Ridge Mountain’s city Roanoke is a stepping stone to conquer “Virginia’s Triple Crown” — trails McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs. These day hikes along the Appalachian Trail feature gnarly rock formations and superb mountain and forest views.
Shenandoah National Park is another stellar place to strap on hiking boots. Located less than two hours’ drive from Washington DC, the park extends over 8000ha and is sprinkled with forests, waterfalls and impressive rock formations.
Visit the world’s oldest ham
I didn’t plan my trip to Virginia to learn more about deli meat, but it turns out it’s quite the experience and future conversation starter.
Smithfield is Virginia’s ham-filled capital, less than a two-hour drive southeast of Richmond. It is home to the state’s 1600s cured ham recipe, as old as the town itself. To understand the town, which is essentially built on pork and peanuts, visit the Isle of Wight County Museum.
Besides a history lesson, glimpse what is believed to be the world’s oldest ham. It dates back to 1902 and is kept in an air-controlled glass cabinet with a 24/7 “Ham Cam”. The wrinkled leg even has its own X account.
Virginia is, indeed, in a class of its own.