Tidewater Virginia has an exciting schedule of festivals. The following is a list of some of the more popular festivals which run from April thru December.

Virginia Arts Festival

Begun in 1997 as a way to promote tourism, this spring festival showcases artists from around the world as well as the Virginia’s best professional artists. The arry of performances include of music, theatre and dance. Festival events are held in eight cities across Hampton Roads in concert halls, performing arts centers, opera houses, theatres, museums, outdoor stages, and historic churches.

North American Sand Soccer Championship

The North American Sand Soccer Championship, held annually in Virginia Beach in early June. Between games, players and spectators, mingle and relax on the the beach. Often during the event, street vendors attend selling foods and art on the boardwalk. Teams for this event are a mix of adults, teenagers, and small children. There are all-male teams, all-female teams, and coed teams that make up each division. A pro division includes a team from the United States as well as from other countries.

Norfolk Jazz Festival

Held in Town Point Park over 2 days, this is the region’s longest running outdoor jazz festival. The festival recruits nationally known artists as well as a selection of local and regional jazz favorites.

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show & Festival

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show & Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s most highly anticipated events. Attendance often exceeds 350,000 visitors and art sales can surpass $2 million annually. The event has been ranked in the top 50 best fine art & design shows in the nation by Sunshine artist magazine. Prize money for artist awards reached over $30,000 in 2008, a milestone which has attracted high-caliber artists and art collectors since.

Suffolk Peanut Fest

Suffolk Peanut Fest offers concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, motorcycle rally, fireworks, as well as local and national entertainment. The event has been featured in numerous magazines, including Virginia Business, Southern Living, The Southern Farmers Almanac, Best Festivals-Mid Atlantic and others.

Hampton Jazz Festival

The Hampton Jazz Festival is held each year during the last full weekend in June. Festival organizers evaluate available jazz, R&B and blues artists that are on tour during the time of the festival, bringing in the best musicians possible. Held in the Hampton Coliseum, the venue is highly respected by Hampton residents and visitors.

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival

The Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival is Norfolk’s annual New Orleans’ and Bayou culture festival. This 3-day summer festival delivers the heart and soul of Louisiana to visitors to Town Point Park in true Cajun and Creole style.

Norfolk Latino Music Festival

This August festival features the largest outdoor dance floor in Hampton Roads filled with salsa, merengue, and guaguanco dancing and live music by local, regional, and national Latin recording artists.

Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife

The Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife is held in Newport News. This is Southeast Virginia’s biggest traditional craft show, featuring over 200 vendors, crafts, trades, entertainment, foods and children’s activities.

Holidays in the City

Holidays in the City celebrates 25 years with six weeks of magical festivities, saluting the holidays of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. The festivities in late November with the Grand Illumination of the downtown skyline. The highlight is the annual Grand Illumination Parade where floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers and Santa himself parade through downtown Norfolk.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tidewater-virginia-festivals-1203324.html

About the Author:

The author writes for Virginia websites including Virginia Beach VA, Tidewater – Hampton Roads Virginia and Chesapeake Bay News.

Alexandria, Virginia is located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. Founded in 1749, and incorporated in 1779, Alexandria became a major port of entry to the newly founded United States of America. Alexandria was also home to Revolutionary War General Light Horse Harry Lee, and his son Robert E. Lee.

If you like to use history as a destination, Alexandria is the place to go. Dozens of attractions dot the streets of Alexandria.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum boasts such guests as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The tavern and hotel were built in 1785 and 1792 respectfully and are still open for business.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial was patterned after the lighthouse is Alexandria, Egypt. It’s a must see for Masons and non-masons alike. There is an abundance of early American history located on the fourth floor of this museum.

The building in which The Torpedo Factory Art Museum is housed was built in 1918 and as the name implies was used to manufacture torpedos for World War 1. Today the building houses six art galleries, 82 working artists studios and the Art League School and Archeology Museum.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Museum has exhibits of ordinary inventions that most people use everyday. It’s an interesting museum that shows you where and how daily use items were conceived.

Maybe you’re more into hiking and biking? That’s great because Alexandria can fill your day with nature trails, bike trails, and when you get tired of biking and hiking you can swim.

You can start at the Mount Vernon Forest Trail and trace the steps of the United States’ first President. Follow trails that George Washington himself walked upon. The nature walk leads you past mature oak trees, Washington’s cobble quarry, and over a 100-foot-wide ravine.

Bike the Alexandria Heritage Trail. It’s 22 miles in length and is filled with more than 40 museums and historic parks. You can learn the heritage of Native Americans, colonists, African Americans, and the Civil War just to name a few.

The Mount Vernon Trail, not to be confused with the Mount Vernon Forest Trail, is an 18.5 mile trail that follows the Potomac River and goes from George Washington’s Estate at Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. You can jog, bike or run.

Now for some real fun, stop by the Cameron Run Regional Park. This seasonal Park has water-slides, a wave pool, lap pool, batting cages and miniature golf.

There are a number of tours a visitor can take of Alexandria. Join in the Alexandria Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll learn about the rich history while getting to know the locals as they clue you in on where to go to find your next answer.

The Alexandria Historic Pub Crawl is a fun way for just the two of you or a whole group to see the town. There are over 200 pubs and restaurants within 15 blocks of the downtown.

Maybe you like the spooky side of life. Always looking over your shoulder? Maybe there’s a ghost watching you. Take the Toast the Ghost tour in downtown Alexandria where you’ll be lead along the streets by lantern light hearing ghost stories, unsolved mysteries and tales of nasty ghosts seeking revenge. Take the tour it will make a believer out of you.

Alexandria, Virginia has a great deal to offer to families, thrill seekers and history buffs. Make it your next destination.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/alexandria-virginia-your-next-travel-destination-619610.html

About the Author:

For more information on visiting Alexandria, visit http://www.AlexandriaBlog.net

A trip to Williamsburg, Virginia should be in your list of family vacation ideas. Williamsburg is one of the cities included in the Historic Triangle of Virgina, along with Jamestown and Yorktown. There are a lot of interesting sights that come with equally interesting facts in Williamsburg that will tickle the minds of parents, teens and younger children.

Going to Williamsburg is very convenient. It is only a few hours away from Washington, DC, and certainly within driving distance for Atlanta and Jacksonville, Florida. Williamsburg is particularly known for Colonial Williamsburg. It is a 301-acre community of restored 18th century infrastructures. You will find yourself going back in time as you wander about the buildings, houses, shops, taverns, outbuildings and other structures in their original foundation. The highlights of Colonial Williamsburg are the historic sites – Governor’s Palace, Capitol, Peyton Randolph, Releigh Tavern, George Wythe House and James Geddy House and Foundry – and the indoor museums – Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

Family vacations are never complete without spending a day at a theme park! If you are looking for thrilling rides, visit Williamsburg’s Busch Gardens. Get ready to have your heartbeat racing as you ride the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster and Griffon (the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coaster). Also, if your family love scary stories and fright attractions, be sure to visit the theme park’s Howl-O-Scream and scream all your lungs out!

Williamsburg’s Go-Karts Plus gives families quality bonding time. The attraction is eight acres big, which houses four tracks for the whole family to enjoy. Race around an oval track on a replica of your favorite NASCAR automobiles. There are other activities in Go-Karts Plus that promise loads of fun for the family such as the Kiddie Land, bumper cars, bumper boats, miniature golf course, arcade and other games with prizes.

Visit Historic Yorktown, Historic Jamestown and President’s Park and learn history with your children while exploring the different sights, studios, galleries and museums dedicated to preserving the American heritage. From these attractions, you will also get the chance to learn about the early permanent English settlements in the country. Do not forget to spend some time learning about the Native American heritage and visit the Powhatan Indian Village nearby, which was home to Pocahontas.

Weird mind-boggling facts are what Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is known for. Take your kids to see exhibits of over 300 unusual artifacts Robert Ripley has gathered from his travels around the world, if you wish to see more of interesting global facts. The best part of this experience is that, no matter how odd the things you see are, they are all real! Believe it!

The idea of going on a family vacation is to discover as much as you can about the place you visit. These are just some of the things you can do in Williamsburg, Virginia. Nearby cities in Williamsburg also offer a different set of attractions and activities for the family that you might want to check out. The Virginia Arts Festival in Norfolk, Virginia coming on the 23rd until the 25th of May this year, for instance, promises participants and spectators a fun time of great music and other things. It will be the ultimate weekend in one of the country’s most historic settings.

The museums, other historical sights and the more energy-required attractions like the Busch Gardens and the Go-Kart Plus really make the trip to Williamsburg, Virginia a complete package for family fun. You can count of this as one of the best family vacation ideas you have ever had.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/family-vacation-ideas-in-williamsburg-virginia-370250.html

The Blue Ridge Parkways is the longest rural parkway in the United States. It runs 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains in southern North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia and stretches across the southern Appalachian Mountains. That fact alone promises a very scenic ride. So why don’t you give yourself a break and on a motorcycle road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway!

If you want to get the most out of the beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway, you will need to allot four days for this motorcycle road trip. Take the time to stop and explore nearby towns that have existed since the first settlements in America.

Starting from North Carolina, the beginning of your road trip is kicked off with a movie-like dramatic setting as the from the Smoky Mountains is so visible. Ride to Boone, the Firefly Capital of the World. If you are feeling like being a child again, stop by at Boone’s major attraction, the Tweetsie Railroad. Moving along to Asheville, treat yourself with cultural and historic attractions. Ride to Asheville and find the Biltmore Estate. The Estate was the most technologically-adnvanced home during its time. You might want to spend the night at Biltmore Estate for their wine and experience the life of the rich and famous.

If you are a fun of the Wild West, you might want to go on your motorcycle road trip with a stop at Maggie Valley. In Maggie, there’s the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park. Relax and enjoy staged gunfights. Explore more of Blue Ridge as you head to Humpback Mountain. Deep inside, you will find Linville Caverns. Be sure to look around Linville Caverns and brace yourself to see oddities after oddities in each room.

Leaving North Carolina, you get a chance to see Native American culture manifested in such towns as Cherokee where the Cherokee Indians settles. From another group, however, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you can even learn words from their native tongue and participate in some of their activities like mask carving and canoe hauling. Reaching Virginia, stop by for a live entertainment with local actors giving life to the 1800’s Appalachian skills, customs and traditions, all complete with costumes and other props. This performance is held at the Humpback Rocks. At Mabry Mill, you will also find yourself watching the same kind of entertainment as actors also perform old Appalachian lifestyle and livelihood. While relaxing in Mabry Mill, grab a bite of the town’s specialty, the fresh apple butter. A taste alone will make you feel that this motorcycle road trip is all worth it.

As dramatic as the Smoky Mountains mist has provided for the beginning of your motorcycle road trip, so does the roaring sound of the Crabtree Falls for the ending. Take one more stop before finally concluding your trip at the Blue Ridge Music Center and listen to some old folk songs dating back from the time of the early settlers.

A four-day excursion via Blue Ridge Parkway will make you realize that there are really so many beautiful places in the United States. Looking back at the journey that has just transpired, you get encouraged to explore more of the beauty of the country’s four corners with a motorcycle road trip.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/blue-ridge-parkway-scenic-motorcycle-road-trip-354854.html

Have you and your lover ever fantasized about stepping back into history and living your love out in the past? You might have thought about wooing each other in the dark corners of a medieval castle, running together through lush gardens in Victorian England, or even playing out the roles of wounded soldier and Army nurse in a turbulent World War II. But have you ever thought about putting history into your getaway vacation?

Virginia, USA, has long been labeled the state for lovers, simply because Virginia contains so many places where a romantic vacation can be had. Autumn is the best place to go to Virginia if you are after greenery and nature, as the trees are at their richest best during this time. If you are in the mood for swimming on the peaceful Virginia Beach, then run over to the state during the summer. Winter is quite harsh and cold in Virginia, and many of its major attractions have to close, so you might have a harder time looking for accommodations during this time. In any case, always consult with your travel agent about travel packages that are available for your needs and budget.

For some romantic recreation, take your lover to Virginia Beach. This famous seaside location contains miles of peaceful beachfront, as well as a boardwalk where you and your lover can take a stroll. The boardwalk is quite busy and crowded during the summer, however, so if you want to escape the crowds, you can head for the waters and have a bit of fun with water sports. Rent out a boat and go on a dolphin or whale watching cruise on the open waters. There’s nothing like a sun-blessed kiss as you and your lover commune with nature.

Ready to put some history into your vacation? Then head for the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, located at Fort Story, Virginia. When you’re done, head for a fine dining restaurant on Virginia Beach, or have a whiff of the day’s catch at nearby Atlantic Avenue. No matter what restaurant you pick, you can have some candlelight, fine wine, and a good deal of great conversation that can last well into your romantic night.

Book a room at any one of the hotels available on the Virginia Beach beachfront, or on the boardwalk. These resorts make for a great romantic getaway, where you can watch the sunrise together, get cozy in your own personal Jacuzzi in your room, and simple sleep and dream your night away.

Couple your historical romantic getaway by taking a day trip to Shenandoah Valley. Located in the northern part of Virginia, Shenandoah Valley is a great place to go hiking hand in hand with your loved one, as you soak in nature, revel in the scenery, and breathe the fresh air of this natural wonder. In the autumn, the leaves change color in Shenandoah Valley, so be sure to catch the rich beauty of this national park with your lover, where you can go horseback riding, drive through this picturesque part of Virginia, or simply sit back and enjoy the view of the historic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hoping to stay awhile where life is older than the trees, younger than the mountains, and growing like a breeze? Then take to the country road and spend some time in a bed and breakfast or inn in the Shenandoah Valley. There are many romantic inns in Shenandoah Valley, as well as in nearby Lexington. You can book a few nights at a secluded log cabin, where you can enjoy modern amenities such as your own hot tub or Jacuzzi, a real fireplace, and some satellite TV for late night enjoyment.

There are still dozens of ways for you to get romantic in Virginia. In the third weekend of August, join the Virginia Wine Festival, where you can sit in a real historical farm and enjoy music, good food, and all the fine wine you can drink. You can also drive through the historic covered bridges, where you can enjoy great picnics with your lover. Or go aboard a historic nineteenth century schooner and take a romantic cruise in Norfolk, where you can enjoy a romantic sunset, or have some fun dancing till the wee hours of dawn.

Whether you want a romantic carriage ride, a secluded log cabin, or a cottage in the mountains, you can have a bit of history and fun in your romantic getaway. So what are you waiting for? Book that room, reserve those few days at the bed and breakfast, or drive through Virginia’s lush roads for a great day with your loved one – and one that you will not easily forget.

There are many places you can visit as an RV vacationer. Travelling in a Recreational Vehicle on open roads, enjoying the stretch of long highways is exciting and perhaps one of the best ways to see and experience the magic of a place. There are some people for whom the journey is as important as the destination and find that only the RV allows them to do that. The road is their home and each destination the traveller’s own special place. The people who use the RV as their home are able to explore the land they visit, its attractions while attempting to find a welcoming campsite to settle in for a few days or a few weeks. Campgrounds with car-parks for RVs are located across the country to cater to the different needs of the campers. Whether it is the lure of the beachfront, waves lapping at your feet, the experience of the sun setting behind towering mountains or just a serene evening under the starts, there are some places that are best seen by RVs.

There are many places you can visit in an RV. Here’s a list of some of the best RV locations to set up camp and enjoy nature.

Madison Arm Resort
An excellent RV destination, this resort is located at West Yellowstone in Montana. Travellers, often needing the respite from the overcrowded Yellowstone Park, find the Madison Arm Resort a close alternative only eight miles away. The campground is strategically situated on the shores of Hebgen Lake famous for its trout-filled waters. Surrounded by wildlife, bison and elk sightings are plentiful.

Tunnel Mountain Camp
With views of the sprawling valley is located at Banff National Park in Canada and remains one of the best places to see by RV. It is well known for campers heading to the Canadian Rockies for a breathtaking view of the mountains. In the midst of the mountains overlooking the valley and surrounded by snow-clad mountains and statuesque rock columns lies the Tunnel Mountain Campground. Banff is a spectacular and scenic little town and campers can visit the indoor interpretive amphitheatre to learn more about the region showcased through interesting documentaries and educational programs. The mountain slopes visited by both aspiring and professional skiers and snowmobilers are challenging and exciting. Moreover, this RV destination is a haven for hikers and cyclists with plenty of glaciers, mineral hot springs and ice fields to give it a further excitement.

Orchard (Huerta Saucedo) Vacation Village, Mulegé, Mexico – With its inviting riverfront, RV travellers venturing to Mexico find much comfort on the white beaches of Bahia de la Concepcion. Steeped in history, this RV destination is famous for missions and the old state penitentiary: the infamous jail without bars. Tropical RV sites at the Orchard Vacation Village are walking distance from the town of Mulegé, and the resort can arrange outdoor activities. The cave painting adventure tours, water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and clamming, and the region’s famous Dorado and Yellowtail fishing are all exciting as well as captivating to all visitors.

Rocky Knob Campground
Is located in Virginia at Blue Ridge Parkway and is one of the best places to see by RV. The campground provides access to the 10.8 mile Rock Castle Gorge Loop Trail. To add to the attraction, Mabry Mill, one of the most scenic places to be found on earth is only a few minutes away. Besides being famous for its corn and buckwheat pancakes, costumed rangers demonstrate their craftsmanship in blacksmithing and basketry. Country Records, in nearby Floyd, has the world’s largest collection of bluegrass and mountain music while the town’s general store hosts an authentic hoe-down every Friday night.

Boyd’s Key West Campground, Florida
A three hour drive from Miami (Route 1) over the Seven Mile Bridge, Boyd’s Key West Campground known for its quiet waterfront campsites is revered by RV travellers. Famous for its Tiki Hut, boat dock and marina as well as saltwater fishing, it is more than just a weekend getaway for most people and is a hot RV destination. While Duval Street invites thirsty travellers to sip refreshing margaritas, Mallory Square boasts its sunset celebrations with tightrope walkers, jugglers and fire eaters provide nightly amusement. The other famous landmarks that celebrate this town are The Hemingway Home and Museum as well as the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum

Squaw Flat Campground
Is situated in Moab, Utah. The scenic drive through the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park provides you with spectacular scenery of large stone pillars looming above you, natural arches and ancient Indian rock paintings. U.S. 191 leads travellers into the region and offers the RV travellers memorable views of the spired landscape and Indian petroglyphs on nearby rock walls. The Sqaw Flat Camprground is nestled in nooks surrounded by rocks and views of the Needles. A three-mile trail leads hikers to the main route to Chesler Park in the heart of the Needles.

There are many places you can visit as an RV vacationer. Travelling in a Recreational Vehicle on open roads, enjoying the stretch of long highways is exciting and perhaps one of the best ways to see and experience the magic of a place. There are some people for whom the journey is as important as the destination and find that only the RV allows them to do that. The road is their home and each destination the traveller’s own special place. The people who use the RV as their home are able to explore the land they visit, its attractions while attempting to find a welcoming campsite to settle in for a few days or a few weeks. Campgrounds with car-parks for RVs are located across the country to cater to the different needs of the campers. Whether it is the lure of the beachfront, waves lapping at your feet, the experience of the sun setting behind towering mountains or just a serene evening under the starts, there are some places that are best seen by RVs.

There are many places you can visit in an RV. Here’s a list of some of the best RV locations to set up camp and enjoy nature.

Madison Arm Resort
An excellent RV destination, this resort is located at West Yellowstone in Montana. Travellers, often needing the respite from the overcrowded Yellowstone Park, find the Madison Arm Resort a close alternative only eight miles away. The campground is strategically situated on the shores of Hebgen Lake famous for its trout-filled waters. Surrounded by wildlife, bison and elk sightings are plentiful.

Tunnel Mountain Camp
With views of the sprawling valley is located at Banff National Park in Canada and remains one of the best places to see by RV. It is well known for campers heading to the Canadian Rockies for a breathtaking view of the mountains. In the midst of the mountains overlooking the valley and surrounded by snow-clad mountains and statuesque rock columns lies the Tunnel Mountain Campground. Banff is a spectacular and scenic little town and campers can visit the indoor interpretive amphitheatre to learn more about the region showcased through interesting documentaries and educational programs. The mountain slopes visited by both aspiring and professional skiers and snowmobilers are challenging and exciting. Moreover, this RV destination is a haven for hikers and cyclists with plenty of glaciers, mineral hot springs and ice fields to give it a further excitement.

Orchard (Huerta Saucedo) Vacation Village, Mulegé, Mexico – With its inviting riverfront, RV travellers venturing to Mexico find much comfort on the white beaches of Bahia de la Concepcion. Steeped in history, this RV destination is famous for missions and the old state penitentiary: the infamous jail without bars. Tropical RV sites at the Orchard Vacation Village are walking distance from the town of Mulegé, and the resort can arrange outdoor activities. The cave painting adventure tours, water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and clamming, and the region’s famous Dorado and Yellowtail fishing are all exciting as well as captivating to all visitors.

Rocky Knob Campground
Is located in Virginia at Blue Ridge Parkway and is one of the best places to see by RV. The campground provides access to the 10.8 mile Rock Castle Gorge Loop Trail. To add to the attraction, Mabry Mill, one of the most scenic places to be found on earth is only a few minutes away. Besides being famous for its corn and buckwheat pancakes, costumed rangers demonstrate their craftsmanship in blacksmithing and basketry. Country Records, in nearby Floyd, has the world’s largest collection of bluegrass and mountain music while the town’s general store hosts an authentic hoe-down every Friday night.

Boyd’s Key West Campground, Florida
A three hour drive from Miami (Route 1) over the Seven Mile Bridge, Boyd’s Key West Campground known for its quiet waterfront campsites is revered by RV travellers. Famous for its Tiki Hut, boat dock and marina as well as saltwater fishing, it is more than just a weekend getaway for most people and is a hot RV destination. While Duval Street invites thirsty travellers to sip refreshing margaritas, Mallory Square boasts its sunset celebrations with tightrope walkers, jugglers and fire eaters provide nightly amusement. The other famous landmarks that celebrate this town are The Hemingway Home and Museum as well as the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum

Squaw Flat Campground
Is situated in Moab, Utah. The scenic drive through the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park provides you with spectacular scenery of large stone pillars looming above you, natural arches and ancient Indian rock paintings. U.S. 191 leads travellers into the region and offers the RV travellers memorable views of the spired landscape and Indian petroglyphs on nearby rock walls. The Sqaw Flat Camprground is nestled in nooks surrounded by rocks and views of the Needles. A three-mile trail leads hikers to the main route to Chesler Park in the heart of the Needles.