Named "America's Favorite Drive," The Blue Ridge Parkway winds along the Appalachian Mountains for 469-mile through Virginia and North Carolina. It's a leisurely drive, with speed limits averaging around 45 miles per hour, but you'll be so busy taking in the views to notice. Start the drive in Waynesboro, Virginia just outside of Shenandoah National Park. The road was developed during the great depression over 75 years ago to create a link between the National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Throughout the drive, you'll pass through historic settlements, scenic overlooks, and developed cities like Roanoke. Many take the opportunity to spend a few nights camping at one of several campaign sites along the way.
Virginia is a state of origins and American History. The first permanent settlement of the 13 colonies, and moreso the United States, was Jamestown. The city cites along the James River near its mouth to the Atlantic Ocean, not far from Williamsburg. The state is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents and six first ladies, and seven presidents are buried there today. Virginia was also where over half of the battles of the American Civil War took place and Richmond, Virginia even served as capital to the Confederacy. Virginia has it all from Mountains to Beaches. If you're driving through Virginia in your rental car, appreciate that you're driving through some of the oldest parts of the U.S. and take in some of the history and sights.
Virginia is also an idea destination for ocean lovers. The Norfolk metro area, including Virginia Beach and Newport News, is a prime destination for history buffs, culture seekers, beach goers, and Navy Servicemen. Home to the largest Navy Base in the U.S. , Here you'll find the USS Wisconsin, the McArthur Memorial, and many other Navy-related attractions and historical sites. With beaches and world-class attractions, this area is family friend year-around. Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, you'll get to the Eastern Shore where the buzzing city fades away and you'll quickly notice while dining out that it is known for it's fresh oysters. If you're visiting in November, you'll be just in time for the Oyster harvest. Virginia is a convenient destination with endless possibilities.