Virginia’s historical significance runs deep — from colonial settlements to presidential legacies and the complex story of American slavery. These travel guides focus on the state’s remarkable collection of presidential homes and plantations, including Mount Vernon (George Washington’s estate), Berkeley Plantation (where the first Thanksgiving was celebrated and both Presidents Harrison were born), and Sherwood Forest (President John Tyler’s surprisingly personal plantation home). You’ll find honest assessments of which presidential homes in Virginia offer the most rewarding visitor experiences, along with thoughtful explorations of difficult subjects like Mount Vernon and slavery — confronting the uncomfortable legacy that underpins these grand estates.
Beyond presidential history, Virginia reveals unexpected treasures like its thriving cider-making scene, where small-scale producers are driving a genuine renaissance in craft cider production. These articles don’t shy away from complexity; they acknowledge that Virginia’s historical sites demand engagement with both triumphs and tragedies, celebrating architectural beauty and democratic ideals whilst honestly addressing the enslaved labour that made them possible. Whether you’re planning a presidential heritage tour or simply curious about Virginia’s layered history, these guides provide the context and practical information that enriches your understanding. More Virginia travel stories will be added soon.
- The small-scale Virginia cider makers driving the cider renaissance.
- Guide to Sherwood Forest – President John Tyler’s plantation.
- Discovering presidents and the first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation.
- Virginia’s best presidential homes for visitors.
- The uncomfortable slavery legacy of Mount Vernon.
- A practical visitor guide to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre in Chantilly.
- What’s so special about the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke?
- Plan your visit to Natural Bridge State Park.
Washington DC travel articles
- Living out James Bond fantasies at the International Spy Museum.
- Discovering Abraham Lincoln’s private life at Lincoln’s Cottage.
- The most impressive memorials on the National Mall – including the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- The best of the DC Smithsonian Museums – including the National Museum of the American Indian.
- Learning where Washington DC’s power lies on a Pennsylvania Avenue walking tour.
