2023-05-26 07:05:04
Discovering Virginia
From Virginia, we know its state capital, Richmond; its big names, starting with Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; its natural beauties including the famous Shenandoah National Park. The northern and central regions of the state are also known to international travelers and places like Alexandria, Charlottesville or Williamsburg ring to mind.
Less traveled, the roads of southern Virginia nevertheless conceal unexpected places of unsuspected charm and create a surprise for any visitor who would be curious to discover them. Here is a condensed itinerary from East to West… From the shores of the Atlantic through the forests of the south to the rivers and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, some authentic or confidential spots will seduce travelers in search of conviviality and originality. .
Along the shores of Eastern Shores, south of the long peninsula stretching between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, lies the seaside town of Cape Charles.
The small town, which has only a thousand year-round residents, is easily identifiable by its pretty, pastel-colored bayside houses. Upon arrival, the good vibes and the iodized air that emerge set the tone: relaxation and charm will be there. Obviously the long white sand beaches bordered by moors will satisfy lovers of sea bathing and sunbathing. For the more curious, the discovery begins with a stroll through the Historic District, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991.
It all started in the 1880s, when Cape Charles was not only the terminus of the Chesapeake Railroad line but also a major shipping port from which all kinds of goods were shipped, once unloaded from the trains. , across the Chesapeake Bay. The district is made up of many historic buildings and houses in the Victorian, neo-classical or Art-Deco style. Among the most admired are the building of the Seafood Headquarters company from 1886, the Kellogg House from 1924 and finally the post office of the US Post Office dating from 1932.
15 minutes from the historic district, birdwatchers will head to Kiptopeke State Park. This state park was established in 1963 and since then it has been surveying and studying the East Coast migratory bird population. The park is home to eagles, ospreys, kestrels and other raptors.
In summer, it is also possible to swim at Kiptopeke Beach and to fish from the jetty pontoon. During the winter months, when migratory birds congregate, the park really comes alive and is one of the best places for bird watching in Virginia.
From Cape Charles, to reach the continent, you have to take the famous Chesapeake Bay bridge-tunnel, enter the countryside and cross the forests of southern Virginia to discover the small town of Danville.
In the heart of Southern Virginia, Danville borders the borders of North Carolina, only 10 minutes away by car. Unknown to international travelers but popular with Virginians, it has all the charms of a small town and sits majestically on the banks of the Dan River. Once flourishing thanks in particular to the tobacco and textile trade, Danville counted among its residents wealthy businessmen and a few families of the Virginia upper class.
Very beautiful residences are still visible within the historic district and in particular in the district of Millionaire’s Row, which as its name suggests was known to be the avenue of the millionaires. To their great surprise, the traveler can admire one of the most impressive collections of Victorian and Edwardian architecture on the East Coast.
It is also here that we visit the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, located in the historic home of Sutherlin Mansion. Belonging to the Southern Confederates at the time and evoking the region’s turbulent past both during the American Civil War and during the segregation era when it was reserved for whites, the house remains a sublime testimony to the period. After serving as the library of historical and municipal archives from 1928 to 1972, the mansion now houses the museum.
In addition to permanent collections regarding the town’s glorious commercial past and the Civil War, the museum includes an exhibit called The Movement, which traces the timeline of Danville’s civil rights movement, as well as the Camilla Williams collection. Native of Danville, Camilla Williams was an African-American soprano diva who, as a high school student, had never been able to enter the Sutherlin mansion and its library. Later, she would become the first African-American to receive a contract from the New York City Opera Company and get the lead role in Madame Butterfly by Puccini.
The museum pays homage to him and now displays a formidable collection of his original opera costumes and artifacts. Once the history of the village has been appreciated, you have to go for a walk along the small shopping streets to find a unique travel souvenir in the region in the vintage shops and antique shops. In the evening, dinner at local restaurants and farm-to-table tables will delight the taste buds of gourmet travelers
Continuing along southern Virginia towards the West, a completely different atmosphere awaits the visitor arriving in Bristol. The city marks the spirits by its geographical location: unique in its kind, the town is located both in Virginia and in Tennessee!
Any first visit to Bristol should start from the city center and the state border line on State Street. Tennessee and Virginia are delimited by brass markers and double yellow lines, which often represent the first souvenir photo in town taken by visitors! The discovery of the center continues by the train station with its historic charm built in 1902 and by the Paramount Center for the Arts, a sublime Art-Deco building dating from 1931 and whose vintage neon sign still illuminates the street.
The evocation of its name may still be unknown to international travelers but Bristol panics Americans. And for good reason: this is where Country Music was born! The superb The Birthplace of Country Music museum, affiliated with the prestigious Smithsonian institution, opened in 2014 and honors Bristol’s musical roots, which began with the historic 1927 Sessions. The museum tells the story of recordings called Sessions , explains how the evolution of technology has shaped the success of Country Music and highlights this rich musical heritage that continues today.
The discovery will delight aficionados of the genre and educate novice visitors to discover this musical current, so appreciated in the United States. In fact, one of the main music festivals in the south-east, the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, takes place every year at the end of September. For three days, some 150 artists perform on the various stages, attracting more than 50,000 fans and music lovers.
In addition to its historical charm and musical heritage, Bristol, located between forests, lakes and rivers, is a great gateway to outdoor activities and sports in the surrounding area. Hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming, fly fishing or canoe rental, there is something for everyone.
Finally, you will have to go up in the direction of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains to reach Roanoke, a dynamic city which still remains confidential and away from the stages traditionally chosen by French-speaking travellers. Enjoying a beautiful geographical location, it is popular with residents of Virginia and North American travelers and deserves attention.
The city is indeed the ideal starting point for a multitude of activities in the region.
When one discovers Roanoke, outdoor sports are a given. Between mountains, forests, rivers and lakes, the playground seems endless. Lovers of hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, tree climbing, zip line, fishing, kayaking and boating will have a great time and their practice is accessible to all levels.
Its city center, boosted by a student population and young workers, is dynamic. The different districts are animated by a varied cultural and artistic program. This is the case of the historic and commercial district of Grandin Village, which combines the charm of the period and a very current local life.
The locals like to stroll there with their families, have brunch in one of the restaurants and go see a film in the very pretty Grandin Theater, in Art-Deco style, which dates from 1932 and has been completely restored. The alleys of the neighborhood are full of local boutiques, vintage stores and art galleries. The Saturday morning farmer’s market is an opportunity to share a privileged moment with the producers of the region and to taste the fresh products prepared on site.
Downtown is also home to the Virginia Transportation Museum. Located in the historic freight yard, the museum collects and preserves Virginia’s rail, road, and air transportation history since 1963.
In addition to the large collection of steam locomotives and electric vehicles, the museum also has two galleries: one presents vehicles and automobiles from 1930 to the present day, from the traction Ford to the famous Mustang; the other is interested in the history and technologies of aviation and demonstrates its impact on the economy and the evolution of our modern societies. Family and interactive, the discovery of the museum in the heart of downtown Roanoke is unique to the region and exciting for young and old!
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