Virginia
3
Day Itinerary •
USA
Three days in Virginia gives you the essential Old Dominion experience, from the extraordinary Shenandoah National Park and the finest mountain drive in the eastern United States along Skyline Drive to the remarkable colonial heritage of Williamsburg and the extraordinary Blue Ridge Parkway highlands. This route covers the heart of Virginia. The extraordinary Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States, the magnificent Appalachian Trail ridgeline hikes of Shenandoah, the extraordinary living history of Colonial Williamsburg and the remarkable Natural Bridge, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Best Time To Visit
April to June or September to November
Getting There
Fly into Dulles (IAD), Richmond (RIC) or Charlotte (CLT)
Getting Around
Rental car essential throughout Virginia
Budget Per Day
Approx $120 to $200 per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some Shenandoah hiking
DAY 1
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
MORNING
LURAY CAVERNS, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CAVE IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
Luray Caverns is the most extraordinary cave system in the eastern United States, its extraordinary 64-acre network of chambers and passages containing the finest stalactite, stalagmite and flowstone formations in the Appalachians. The extraordinary Stalacpipe Organ, the world's largest musical instrument, produces notes by striking stalactites tuned to precise pitches across 3.5 acres of cavern. The Cathedral Hall and Dream Lake reflection pool are unmissable. Entry approx $30. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
SKYLINE DRIVE AND SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Skyline Drive is the most extraordinary mountain drive in the eastern United States, its extraordinary 105-mile ridge-top route through Shenandoah National Park giving 75 overlooks across the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Thorofare Mountain Overlook, Stony Man Overlook and the extraordinary Big Meadows area at mile 51 are unmissable. The entry fee of $35 per vehicle covers the entire park. Drive: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
DARK HOLLOW FALLS AND HAWKSBILL SUMMIT
Dark Hollow Falls is the most extraordinary short hike in Shenandoah National Park, its extraordinary 70-foot cascade of Hogcamp Branch accessible by a 1.4-mile round trip trail giving the finest waterfall experience in the park. Hawksbill Summit at 4,051 feet is the highest point in Shenandoah, its extraordinary 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley giving the finest panorama in the park on a 2.9-mile round trip trail. Both free with park entry.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Bearfence Mountain scramble in Shenandoah at mile 56 is the finest hidden hike in the park, its extraordinary 1-mile rock scramble loop giving a 360-degree summit view of the Shenandoah Valley with almost no other hikers. Free with park entry. The most extraordinary hidden gem in Shenandoah National Park.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Mimslyn Inn, Luray The finest breakfast in Luray since 1931. Extraordinary local Virginia eggs and strong Shenandoah coffee. | Lunch: Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah Outstanding park lodge lunch. Extraordinary local Virginia produce with Skyline Drive views. | Dinner: Gathering Grounds, Luray The finest restaurant in Luray. Extraordinary local Shenandoah Valley produce and craft beer.
DAY 2
CHARLOTTESVILLE AND BLUE RIDGE
MORNING
MONTICELLO, THOMAS JEFFERSON'S EXTRAORDINARY MASTERPIECE
Monticello is the most extraordinary historic house in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's extraordinary Palladian villa on his little mountain above Charlottesville giving the finest insight into the mind of the founding father who wrote the Declaration of Independence, invented the swivel chair and designed his own dumbwaiter. The extraordinary gardens, Jefferson's grave and the restored slave quarters give the most complete plantation experience in Virginia. Entry approx $32. Book ahead. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
CHARLOTTESVILLE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ROTUNDA
The University of Virginia Rotunda designed by Jefferson is the most extraordinary academic building in America, its extraordinary 1826 Pantheon-inspired dome and the Lawn of pavilions it anchors being named by the American Institute of Architects as the finest architectural achievement in American history. The extraordinary Corner District of independent restaurants and bookshops surrounding the university is the finest college town experience in Virginia. Rotunda free. Drive: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY AND VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY
The Blue Ridge Parkway south of Waynesboro gives the most extraordinary elevated drive in Virginia, its extraordinary continuation of Skyline Drive through the southern Appalachians giving the finest overlooks of the Virginia piedmont. The extraordinary Charlottesville wine country with over 40 wineries including King Family Vineyards and Keswick Vineyards produces the finest Viognier in America. Tastings approx $15 to $25.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Ash Lawn-Highland near Charlottesville is the finest hidden presidential home in Virginia, its extraordinary 535-acre estate of President James Monroe preserved almost entirely as it was during his presidency giving the most intimate presidential home experience in the state. Entry approx $14. Far less visited than Monticello.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Bluegrass Grill, Charlottesville The finest breakfast in Charlottesville. Extraordinary local Virginia eggs and strong coffee. | Lunch: The Local, Charlottesville Outstanding local Virginia farm-to-table lunch near the University. Extraordinary local ingredients. | Dinner: The Inn at Little Washington The most celebrated restaurant in Virginia. Extraordinary local ingredients. Book months ahead.
DAY 3
COLONIAL VIRGINIA
MORNING
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY LIVING HISTORY SITE IN AMERICA
Colonial Williamsburg is the most extraordinary living history site in America, its extraordinary 301-acre reconstruction of Virginia's colonial capital with costumed interpreters, working craftspeople and the magnificent Governor's Palace giving the finest 18th-century American experience in the country. The extraordinary Capitol building, the Raleigh Tavern and the Public Gaol are unmissable. The evening programs by candlelight are the finest experience. Entry approx $45. Drive: 2 hr drive
MIDDAY
NATURAL BRIDGE, ONE OF THE SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD
Natural Bridge is the most extraordinary natural arch in Virginia, its extraordinary 215-foot-high natural limestone arch spanning Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley, one of Thomas Jefferson's most prized possessions and recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The extraordinary Cedar Creek Trail below the arch gives the finest close-range view of the formation. The extraordinary Monacan Indian Village nearby is unmissable. Entry approx $20. Drive: 2 hr drive
AFTERNOON
RICHMOND ARTS DISTRICT AND THE JAMES RIVER
Richmond is the most extraordinary revitalized city in Virginia, its extraordinary Scott's Addition craft brewery district, the remarkable Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the extraordinary Belle Isle in the James River giving the finest urban experience in the state. The James River rapids through downtown Richmond are the most extraordinary urban whitewater in America. The Canal Walk along the historic James River and Kanawha Canal is extraordinary. VMFA free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Yorktown battlefield near Williamsburg is the finest hidden Revolutionary War site in Virginia, its extraordinary earthworks where Cornwallis surrendered to Washington in 1781 ending the American Revolution giving the most important and least visited battlefield in Virginia. Free. The most extraordinary hidden gem near Colonial Williamsburg.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Cheese Shop, Williamsburg The finest breakfast sandwich in Williamsburg since 1971. Extraordinary local Virginia cheese and meats. | Lunch: Shields Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg The most extraordinary colonial lunch in America. Extraordinary 18th-century Virginia cuisine. | Dinner: Brenner Pass, Richmond The finest restaurant in Richmond. Extraordinary Alpine-inspired local Virginia produce.
DAY 4
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
DAY 5
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Where To Stay
Luray, Night 1 The Mimslyn Inn or Shenandoah Countryside B and B. Approx $110 to $200 per night. Charlottesville, Night 2 The Quirk Hotel or 21c Museum Hotel Charlottesville. Approx $130 to $240 per night. Williamsburg, Night 3 The Williamsburg Inn or Colonial Houses. Approx $150 to $300 per night.
Top Tips
1. Skyline Drive in October for fall color is the most extraordinary drive in the eastern United States.
2. Luray Caverns ticket includes the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum. Buy online to skip the queue.
3. Monticello timed entry sells out. Book at monticello.org at least two weeks ahead in peak season.
4. Colonial Williamsburg evening programs are the finest and least crowded way to experience the history.
5. Dark Hollow Falls trail in Shenandoah at 1.4 miles round trip is the finest short hike in the park.
6. Virginia wine country around Charlottesville produces the finest Viognier and Cabernet Franc in America.
Total Budget
$120 to $200/day