As an East Coast native, my loyalty to this coastline is serious. I will be the first to admit the Pacific coast is an absolute masterpiece, an unofficial eighth wonder of the world if you will, but I’m standing firm that the Atlantic side reigns supreme. I understand why outsiders default to the usual suspects: Nantucket’s hydrangeas, or Charleston’s picturesque streets and disposition. But while those staples are lovely, the true crown jewel of this coastline is Virginia, my home state, and in my unabashedly biased opinion, one of the finest in the country. That bias, however, is earned. Having lived through virtually every iteration of the state since 2009, I know firsthand that Virginia has something for every type of traveler. It’s a rare state that satisfies whatever travel mood you’re chasing, you just need to know where to look. For the City Lover & History Buff: Old Town Alexandria
If your ideal weekend involves historic red-brick streets, Potomac waterfront dining, and maxing out your iPhone storage because you can’t stop taking photos, Old Town Alexandria, my high school stomping ground and favorite corner of Virginia, is your one-stop destination. The history running beneath King Street’s cobblestone streets is so rich, you’ll completely forget the Smithsonians are just across the river in D.C.—hot take but unless your goal is to see the Hope Diamond, the Museum of Natural History is a skip for me. The Amsterdam-style townhouses will steal your heart. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you leave thinking, “I wish I lived here.” For the Outdoor Enthusiast & Wine Lover: Lexington, Charlottesville & The Shenandoah Valley
Should you view being outdoors and sipping crisp Virginia wine as a form of therapy, head to the Shenandoah Valley. Lexington, my college-town, feels like a movie set overflowing with local businesses that treat farm-to-table like a religion. To the east an hour is Charlottesville, Virginia’s buzzing wine country hub. The rolling hills will mesmerize you, the wine and local breweries will impress your palette, and if you plan your visit during either spring or fall, good luck trying to bring yourself to leave. For the Culture Seeker & Culinary Explorer: Richmond
The state’s capital has more to offer than you think, especially for the foodie’s. Richmond bypasses traditional southern cities for character-filled neighborhoods. The Fan District feels West Village-adjacent, while the James river running straight through downtown invites nature into every corner. For your cultural fix, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) boasts a spectacular sculpture garden that often hosts elite happy hours. To top it off, the Scott’s Addition area is home to an enviable dining scene serving local spirits and cooking that rivals NYC’s food scene—proven by hot spots like Gersi, which brought its beloved Brooklyn roots straight to Richmond. The next time you begin to think of Virginia as a flyover state, I invite you to respectfully think again.
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