Virginia on I Want To Travel To — Discover Fun Things To Do

Best BBQ in Virginia Beach, Virginia — Pitmasters, Joints, and Where Locals Eat

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best BBQ in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach BBQ is a mashup—Eastern Carolina influence (whole hog, vinegar-heavy sauce) meets Virginia’s own tidewater tradition (pork ribs, mustard-based options). You get pitmasters who respect the old school and aren’t afraid to innovate. The result is layered, smoky, and worth seeking out.

Best Overall

Whitner’s BBQ — Oceanfront area, $$. Whole hog traditions refined. Their pulled pork has vinegar backbone without being sharp. Ribs are tender, brisket is lean. This is legit pit work.

Best BBQ in Williamsburg, Virginia — Pitmasters, Joints, and Where Locals Eat

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best BBQ in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg sits in Virginia’s tidewater region, where BBQ tradition runs deep and pitmasters take their craft seriously. You get Eastern Carolina influence, Virginia’s own mustard-based approach, and whole-hog traditions that don’t apologize. Historic town, serious smoking.

Best Overall

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que — I-64 near the historic district, $-$$. The landmark since 1971. Whole hog, vinegar sauce, pulled pork that defines the standard for the region. Brisket is lean and smoky. Ribs are tender without falling off the bone. It’s famous for good reason.

Best Beaches in Virginia Beach, Virginia — Top Spots for Sun, Sand & Surf

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Beaches in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, America’s largest city by area, stretches across 35 miles of Atlantic shoreline. The boardwalk is legendary—3 miles of pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. From the bustling oceanfront to quiet residential beaches 20 miles south, Virginia Beach accommodates every preference. The cooler Atlantic waters and dynamic coastal ecology make it distinct from warmer Southern beach destinations.

Best for Families

Oceanfront/Boardwalk Beach is the epicenter of family activity. The 3-mile boardwalk features a historic pier (free to walk; fishing $8), amusement park rides, shops, restaurants, and live entertainment year-round. Lifeguards patrol the beach during peak season. Parking is metered ($1.75 per hour; $10 daily max) in adjacent lots. The beach is wide here and backed by the commercial district, offering easy access to facilities. Boardwalk benches, vendor carts, and public restrooms support day-long visits. The wave action is moderate, suitable for confident swimmers and bodyboarders.

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Massanutten, Virginia — Top Spots for Morning Eats

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Massanutten, Virginia

Massanutten Valley breakfast reflects the Shenandoah region: mountain-simple, ingredient-focused, and deeply local. The resort itself has dining, but the real gems are in Woodstock and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. You’ll find farm-to-table spots, traditional country breakfasts, and places where the coffee tastes like it was grown somewhere nearby. Start your mountain morning the Shenandoah way.

Best Overall

The Farmhouse Kitchen — Woodstock, $$ — Farm-to-table, seasonal menu, local focus. The menu changes with seasons and what’s available locally. Eggs come from nearby farms, toast is from good bread, and the coffee is serious. The dining room has character, and you’ll see locals eating alongside visitors.

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Virginia Beach, Virginia — Top Spots for Morning Eats

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach’s breakfast culture runs the full spectrum—from historic beach shack pancake joints to upscale resort brunches. This is America’s largest naval base, a major tourism hub, and a town where morning food reflects both casual beach vibes and military tradition. Expect generous portions, fresh seafood in unexpected places, and lines on weekend mornings.

Best Overall

Doc Taylor’s — VB Boulevard, $$. Iconic neighborhood spot. Pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy. Locals queue from dawn. The key is simplicity done well.

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Williamsburg, Virginia — Top Spots for Morning Eats

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Breakfast & Brunch in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern dining. Breakfast here runs the gamut from traditional Southern comfort food to farm-fresh contemporary plates. Whether you’re staying at a timeshare resort or a historic inn, the morning food scene won’t disappoint—especially on weekends when locals and tourists crowd the best spots.

Best Overall

Aromas — Colonial Area, $$. Cozy, intimate spot with strong coffee and thoughtful breakfast dishes. Shakshuka, breakfast sandwiches, and house-made pastries. The ricotta pancakes are reason enough to visit.

Best Day Trips from Massanutten — Within 2 Hours

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Day Trips from Massanutten, Virginia

Massanutten sits in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by some of the most scenic terrain on the East Coast. Mountains, caverns, historic towns, and parkland are all within an hour’s drive. This isn’t a region where you stay put—it’s a hub for exploration.

Luray Caverns — 20 Miles / 30 Minutes

The largest cavern in the eastern United States. A series of underground chambers with formations so large and delicate they seem impossible. The main cavern spans 64 acres with ceilings 10 stories high in places.

Best Day Trips from Virginia Beach — Within 2 Hours

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Day Trips from Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is America’s largest naval station and one of the longest beaches on the East Coast. Surrounding it are the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the colonial Tidewater region, and the entry point to the Chesapeake Bay. History, nature, and water recreation are all accessible within an hour’s drive.

Norfolk & Naval Station Norfolk — 20 Miles / 30 Minutes

A working naval base with the world’s largest concentration of active military ships. Tours available by boat from Nauticus, the maritime museum.

Best Day Trips from Washington DC — Within 2 Hours

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Day Trips from Washington DC

Washington DC is built on history, but you’re surrounded by more of it. The Shenandoah Valley, the Civil War battlefields, the Maryland coast, and colonial America are all within an hour’s drive. This region is one of the most historically significant in the United States.

Annapolis, Maryland — 30 Miles / 50 Minutes

Home to the Naval Academy. A waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay with colonial architecture, restaurants, and genuine maritime culture.

Best Day Trips from Williamsburg — Within 2 Hours

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Best Day Trips from Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is built on history but surrounded by water. The James River, the York River, and the Atlantic Ocean are all within reach. Beyond the colonial-era attractions, the region offers beaches, seafood, maritime history, and some of the most significant American historical sites outside Washington, DC.

Yorktown — 13 Miles / 20 Minutes

The site of the final major battle of the American Revolution. A small, atmospheric waterfront town with a battlefield, a museum, and colonial-era buildings overlooking the York River.

Colonial Williamsburg Guide — What to See, Tickets & Tips

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Colonial Williamsburg Guide — What to See, Tickets & Tips

Colonial Williamsburg is not a museum—it’s a recreation. The entire colonial-era town (144 acres) is rebuilt and managed to feel like the 1700s. Interpreters in period clothing inhabit the buildings, explaining how people lived, worked, and governed. It’s immersive and detailed in ways traditional museums aren’t.

The site is in Williamsburg, Virginia, about 50 miles southeast of Richmond. Plan for a full day minimum; two days is better if you want depth.

Free Things To Do in Massanutten, VA — No-Cost Activities & Attractions

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Free Things To Do in Massanutten, Virginia

Massanutten is a mountain playground in the Shenandoah Valley where you don’t need a resort pass or lift ticket to access the best outdoor experiences. The hiking, national park access, and scenic overlooks are genuinely free—and they’re the reason people come here.

Free Outdoors & Nature

Shenandoah National Park is the main event. While the park itself charges $30 per vehicle ($15 per motorcycle, $8 pedestrian), many of the best trailheads are accessible from public lands at no cost. The George Washington National Forest borders Massanutten and offers unlimited free hiking.

Free Things To Do in Virginia Beach, VA — No-Cost Activities & Attractions

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Free Things To Do in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is one of the largest cities on the East Coast, and the good news: you don’t need a budget to enjoy it. The 3-mile Boardwalk is free to walk, the beach itself costs nothing, and the city has parks, trails, and events designed to keep visitors entertained without hitting the wallet. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for fresh air, Virginia Beach delivers.

Massanutten Nightlife — Best Bars, Live Music & Things To Do After Dark

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Massanutten is a ski and mountain resort town with a quieter nightlife compared to major metros. Most visitors opt for in-resort dining and bars, but the nearby Shenandoah Valley—particularly Harrisonburg (20 minutes away)—offers a vibrant brewery scene, live music venues, and craft cocktail bars. The appeal is outdoorsy relaxation punctuated by evening drinks.

Best Live Music & Entertainment

Campfire Grill at Massanutten Resort
The resort’s on-mountain gathering spot. Serves drinks and casual food with occasional live acoustic performances, especially on weekends. The fireside setting creates an intimate, après-ski vibe. Winter weekends fill with families and couples seeking relaxed evening entertainment. No cover charge; standard bar pricing.

Massanutten with Kids — Best Family Activities & Attractions

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Massanutten Mountain Resort is a year-round playground for families. Whether you’re visiting in summer for waterpark thrills or winter for skiing, there’s something to keep every age group entertained. The resort’s location in the Shenandoah Valley means you’re never far from other outdoor attractions, making it ideal for multi-day family trips.

Top Family Attractions

Massanutten Water Park is the crown jewel for summer visits. The park features multiple slides including the tower slide, lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated kids’ areas with shallower water and smaller slides. The pool complex is included with lodging at the resort, so budget accordingly if booking a cabin or condo. Plan to spend most of a day here — mornings are less crowded than afternoons.

Virginia Beach Nightlife — Best Bars, Live Music & Things To Do After Dark

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Virginia Beach offers a family-friendly beach town nightlife with oceanfront bars, live music venues, and a growing craft brewery scene. The Boardwalk is the tourist hub with chain and casual venues; the ViBe District (downtown) attracts younger crowds with craft breweries and independent bars. Summer brings tourists and energy; winter is quieter. The scene balances resort-style entertainment with local character.

Best Live Music & Entertainment

Peabody’s (Oceanfront)
Historic oceanfront bar and nightclub booking live bands, DJ nights, and touring acts Thursday-Saturday. Multiple rooms and bars create different vibes. The main stage hosts local and regional acts; DJs run late-night dance sets. Cover charges $5-20 depending on act. This is Virginia Beach’s primary venue for serious live music and dancing. Expect a mixed crowd—tourists, locals, college students.

Virginia Beach with Kids — Best Family Activities & Attractions

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Virginia Beach is America’s largest naval station and a thriving beach destination that blends water sports, history, and family entertainment. The 3-mile Oceanfront with its hotels, restaurants, and attractions makes it easy for families to spend multiple days without exhausting activities.

Top Family Attractions

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center focuses on local coastal and river ecosystems. Multiple galleries explore sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and Atlantic marine life. Touch pools and live feeding demonstrations engage kids throughout the visit. The outdoor nature trails on the 34-acre property extend the experience beyond indoor exhibits.

Williamsburg Nightlife — Best Bars, Live Music & Things To Do After Dark

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Williamsburg is a colonial history town with a quieter, more formal nightlife than major metros. Evening entertainment centers on taverns, historical dining experiences, and craft breweries. The vibe is upscale-casual with strong tourism appeal. Don’t expect club energy or late-night scenes; instead, expect charming colonial taverns, craft beer, and early evening wind-downs.

Best Live Music & Entertainment

Chowning’s Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg)
Historic 18th-century tavern recreated as part of Colonial Williamsburg. Serves food and drinks in period atmosphere with occasional live music, colonial dancing demonstrations, and historical performances. The scene is educational and immersive. Food and drinks are upscale; expect $20-40 per entrée. No cover; music and performances are complimentary. This is Williamsburg’s anchor evening venue for those embracing the historical theme.

Williamsburg with Kids — Best Family Activities & Attractions

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Williamsburg delivers a unique blend of history, theme park thrills, and outdoor recreation. From the immersive world of Colonial Williamsburg to stomach-dropping roller coasters, families find something for every age and interest. The compact area means you can cover multiple attractions in a few days without endless driving.

Top Family Attractions

Colonial Williamsburg is living history — costumed interpreters, period buildings, and hands-on demonstrations make the past accessible and engaging. Kids can try colonial crafts, watch blacksmiths work, and understand 18th-century life. The experience ranges from casual strolls through the village (free) to ticketed admission for full access to buildings and programs. A multi-day pass justifies the cost if you plan to spend significant time.

Best Restaurants in Massanutten — Mountain Resort Dining, Casual American & BBQ

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Massanutten is a mountain resort community near Harrisonburg, Virginia, with solid on-site dining and quick access to the vibrant food scene in Harrisonburg just minutes away. From ski lodge casual to smokehouse ribs, there’s plenty to eat before or after outdoor adventures.

Resort Dining at Massanutten

Sawmill Restaurant (On-Resort) — The main dining hub at the resort itself. American comfort food, burgers, steaks, and seasonal specials. Family-friendly with lake views. $$

Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach — Seafood, Boardwalk & Locals' Picks

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach dining is defined by two things: the Chesapeake Bay (oysters, blue crab, she-crab soup) and the Atlantic (fresh catch, oceanfront dining, and a boardwalk scene that’s evolved beyond corn dogs).

Seafood Institutions

Waterman’s Surfside Grille (oceanfront) — The restaurant that invented the Orange Crush cocktail (fresh-squeezed oranges, orange vodka, triple sec, Sprite). Beyond the signature drink, the she-crab soup and blackened tuna are excellent. Oceanfront patio seating.

Best Restaurants in Williamsburg VA — Colonial Taverns, BBQ & Local Dining

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Best Restaurants in Williamsburg

Williamsburg offers a unique dining experience — you can eat in colonial-era taverns where costumed servers bring 18th-century recipes to your table, then drive five minutes and get excellent modern BBQ or craft beer.

Colonial Williamsburg Taverns

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern — George Washington’s favorite tavern (he dined here at least 10 times). Seafood-focused menu with crab cakes, oysters, and she-crab soup. Colonial-era atmosphere with servers in period costume.

Free Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia — Colonial Walking, Campus Exploration & History

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Williamsburg brings American colonial history to life, and much of the best experience is completely free. Walk among historic buildings, stroll a prestigious college campus, and immerse yourself in 18th-century streets without paying admission.

Free Colonial Williamsburg Exploration

Colonial Williamsburg Streets & Outdoor Areas — While the museum buildings have paid admission, the outdoor streets, public areas, and building exteriors of Colonial Williamsburg are FREE to walk and explore. Stroll Duke of Gloucester Street, admire colonial architecture, photograph historic homes, and soak in the atmosphere. Street performers often bring the era to life.

Things to Do in Massanutten, Virginia — Mountains & Waterpark

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Things to Do in Massanutten, Virginia

Massanutten is a four-season resort community in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley — about 2.5 hours from Washington DC. It’s built into the Massanutten mountain range with skiing in winter, a massive indoor/outdoor waterpark, golf, and the Shenandoah Valley’s wine trail within easy reach.

Watch: Top Videos About Massanutten

01 Welcome to Massanutten Resort! (1 of 8)

Welcome to Massanutten Resort!

(1 of 8)

Massanutten Resort

Massanutten Resort Virginia

The resort itself is the attraction — a self-contained mountain community with:

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia — History, Theme Parks & More

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is where American history comes alive — literally. Colonial Williamsburg is a 301-acre living history museum where costumed interpreters recreate 18th-century life in the buildings where the American Revolution was debated. But Williamsburg also has Busch Gardens (one of the best theme parks on the East Coast), Water Country USA, and the historic triangle of Jamestown and Yorktown.

Watch: Top Videos About Williamsburg

01 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA (1 of 8)

Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA

(1 of 8)

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg Historic District

The largest living history museum in the world. Over 600 restored and reconstructed buildings from the 1700s, hundreds of costumed interpreters, working tradespeople (blacksmith, silversmith, wigmaker, printer), and taverns serving colonial-era recipes.

Things to Do in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Things to Do in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where it meets the Atlantic Ocean — a city that balances a 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk with quiet maritime forests, a growing arts district, and some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast.

Watch: Top Videos About Virginia Beach

01 10 Amazing VIRGINIA BEACH Attractions! (1 of 8)

10 Amazing VIRGINIA BEACH Attractions!

(1 of 8)

It’s the most populous city in Virginia, but the resort area along Atlantic Avenue feels like a proper beach town — wide sandy beaches, a paved boardwalk buzzing with joggers and cyclists, and oceanfront restaurants where you can watch dolphins cruise by while you eat.