Making history your story
Did you know that Shirley Plantation, located near Richmond, Virginia, is the oldest family-owned business in America? Read my new review to learn about its 400 year history and why it makes a great place to visit with your family today.
It's the 4th Wednesday of the month so that means I am reviewing a Presidential site today. While many people are familiar with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, not as many know about his country retreat, Poplar Forest. Read my new review today to learn about his home in the mountains surrounding Lynchburg, Virginia.
You know Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!" speech, made at Richmond’s Historic St. John’s Church in 1775. You may not know, however, that the home where he lived while crafting that historic speech is open for visitors and is celebrating its 300th year! Nestled in the rolling hills of western Hanover County, just 30 minutes north of Richmond, his home, called Scotchtown, is an atmospheric place to visit, especially during the month of October. Read my new review today and plan an autumn visit with your family!
After writing about the Virginia Capital Trail last week, I’ll be reviewing many of the stops along the trail in the coming months. Several battlefields and historic homes are along the route, including the home of our nation’s 10th President, John Tyler. In my quest to visit all of the Presidential and First Lady historic sites, I knew I had to see it in conjunction with the Capital Trail. His home, named Sherwood Forest, is a peaceful place for your family to take a break while on a bike trip. Read my new review today!
In Virginia, history is literally around every corner. The James River, which flows from the Chesapeake Bay to western Virginia, is the “road” along which Virginia’s history, and thereby America’s history, was founded. Beginning with Jamestown in 1607, this river and the land surrounding it has been the site of many significant historical events, including Native American villages, Colonial towns, and battles from 3 wars. A unique and socially-distanced way to view this historical area with your family is to bike or walk along the Virginia Capital Trail. It is the perfect place to have a family-friendly outing, especially during the cooler fall months. Read my new review today! Don't forget to sign up for my new newsletter - follow the "newsletter" link on my website!
Read my new post today about the place where George Washington spent the formative years of his youth, Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, VA. Did he really chop down a cherry tree here? Learn more about the site and why it would make a great fall family outing!
Did you know that many historic sites have outdoor camping and walking trails that are especially appealing during this time of social distancing? One of the most historic sites in Virginia is First Landing State Park, where the English colonists first landed in 1607 before settling at Jamestown. This location in Virginia Beach is now a huge state park with trails, camping sites, a beach, and more. This is a perfect site for a fall family outing that is socially distanced and historically significant!
If you live in the mid-Atlantic region, you may not realize that you are probably within a few miles of a historic Civil War battleground or site. With hundreds of battles fought in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee, almost every county or city has a Civil War historical site. As we are all doing more staycations thanks to the travel restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, this might be a perfect time to check out these historical sites in your own backyard!
Did you know that within a one-hour drive on Virginia’s Northern Neck, you can visit 3 different Presidential birthplaces? Virginia is called the Mother of Presidents for a reason! These mostly outdoor sites make great places to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families are looking for safe places to social distance. From nature walks to beach fun, these sites are a good place to let your kids run and play while learning more about Presidents George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe! Read my new review today!
There are over 100 Civil War battlefields in Virginia, and almost 50% of the total number of battles in the entire war were fought here. One of the easiest battlefields to visit during the heat of the summer and during this time of social distancing is the Petersburg National Battlefield. Most of the battlefield can be seen during a driving tour, with stops along the way at various interest points. If you’re looking for a new place to take a drive with the kids, Petersburg National Battlefield is a great choice. Read my new review today!
