Destination information
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, the USA’s Capital Region offers an incredibly diverse range of attractions, with something to suit even the most discerning holidaymaker. Incorporating Virginia, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville and Baltimore in Maryland you’ll discover hospitality southern style – surely the best in the world! There’s also miles of beautiful beach to tempt you, some world-class shopping, quaint villages and history in abundance.
Virginia is the state that delivered 8 Presidents to the nation and, accordingly, is packed to the hilt with cultural attractions. Home to Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, Richmond and Manassas, there’s antebellum architecture to admire, national battlefield parks and even a lively war re-enactment or two! Those interested in outdoor pursuits can choose between mountain biking, hiking, climbing, sailing, rafting and horse riding or head to Busch Gardens – Virginia’s largest theme park – for thrills of a man-made variety. Beach babes will more than appreciate Virginia Beach, 34 miles long and drenched in sun. It also boasts a fantastic boardwalk with rollerblading the activity du jour.
For small town sophistication, Charlottesville, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is nothing less than exquisite. The former home of Thomas Jefferson, there are boutiques, cafe and bookstores to explore, rivers and lakes for watery pursuits and beautiful parks for relaxing. Last but not least, there’s ‘charm city’, otherwise known as Baltimore! It’s beating heart is the Inner Harbour, an extremely cosmopolitan area with restaurants, shopping, famous museums, pubs and taverns. Take time out to wander round the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Centre and Port Discovery. There’s also gorgeous beaches at nearby Ocean City and Chesapeake Bay with its fishing villages.
Eats & drinks
The Capital Region offers every type of cuisine imaginable in a variety of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Specialities, however, include hickory-smoked Virginian ham and peanuts, which come boiled, salted or hot and spicy. Southern food is comfort food so tuck into fried chicken, black-eyed peas, clam chowder, apple cake and Brunswick Stew - perfect on a cold day! Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are also delicious, served with corn dodgers - cornmeal balls deep fried or baked. Whilst in Baltimore, head to Little Italy for the best spaghetti in town!
Getting around
Virginia, Charlottesville and Baltimore’s Inner Harbour all feature plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within a fairly compact area, making getting around on foot the ideal option. If you want to travel further afield in Virginia, however, simply hop on-board the Wave Trolley Bus whilst in Baltimore take to the high seas in a water taxi that run on set routes to local attractions.