West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia State Flag

 

"Mountain State"

"The Cog State" 

Why visit West Virginia?

A four season laid back atmosphere for Civil War Historians and outdoor lovers seeking an opportunity for backpacking, battle reenactments, bicyclists, birdwatching, boating, camping, fishing, forests, golf, hiking, history, horseback riding, hunting, ice skating, jet skiing, kayaking, motorcyclists, mountains, mountain biking, natural landscape, outdoor activities, rivers, rock climbing, scuba diving, shopping, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, water skiing, white water rafting, wildlife and wind-surfing. 

Babcock State Park (Glade Creek Grist Mill), Clifftop, WV. Photo Credit: David Frampton/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Capital: Charleston
• State Bird: Cardinal
• State Dessert: None
• State Flower: Rhododendron
• State Gemstone: Mississippian Lithostrotionella Fossil Coral
• State Mammal: American Black Bear
• State Rock: Bituminous Coal

Harpers Ferry, WV. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Built in 1778, the  luxury The Greenbrier Hotel & Resort has been frequented by numerous world leaders and presidents.
  
• Originally a part of Virginia was called Kanawha, changing their name before officially becoming a state (1863).
• In 1884, the first organized golf club in our country opened (White Sulphur Springs).
• During World War 1 (1914-1918), their goal was used to fuel ships for cleanliness and creating less smoke compared to others.
• In 1918, Harvey S Firestone (Founder), Henry Ford (Industrialist), John Burroughs (Naturalist) and Thomas Edison (Inventor) took a camping trip through the Potomac Highlands marking a historic site (Cheat Mountain Club).
  
• In 2014, a chemical spill contaminated the water supply of hundreds of thousands people in nine counties.
• During The Great Depression (1929-1933), introduced a line of china, Fiestaware.
• Our country's largest producers of coal.
  
• Economy relies on chemical manufacturing, glass production, livestock and tourism.
• Has more than 600 wild caverns.
  
• There are more than 2,900 geocaches hidden in the state.
  
• The largest hand cut sandstone building in the western hemisphere, Weston State Hospital.
• Features 1 National Forest, 9 State Forests and 37 State Parks.
  

Wheeling, WV. Photo Credit: Pete Chacalos/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Bill Withers (Musician), Brad Dourif (Actor), Brad Paisley (Musician), Chris Sarandon (Actor), Derron Williams (Athlete), Don Knotts (Actor), Elizabeth McLaughlin (Actress), John Corbett (Actor), Josh Stewart (Actor), Joyce DeWitt (Actress), Mary Lou Retton (Athlete), OJ Mayo (Athlete), Randy Moss (Athlete), Ryan Dorsey (Actor) and Steve Harvey (Comedian), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Ashes to Glory (2000), Child of God (1973), Lassie (1994), Matewan (1987), October Sky (1999), Sommersby (1992), The Deer Hunter (2011) and We Are Marshall (2006), just to name a few.
• Reads Set in West Virigina: Charley Bland (written by Mary Lee Settle), Child of the Mountains (written  by Marilyn Shank), Dogs of God \/ Pinckney Benedict (written by Pinckney Benedict), Storming Heaven (written by Denise Giardina), Strange as This Weather Has Been (written by Ann Pancake), West Virginia (written by John Alexander-Williams) and When Miners March (written by Bill Blizzard), just to name a few.

Waldomore, Clarksburg, WV. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Along the hills rated best to see the Milky Way and star gazing with the naked eye.
• National Radio Quiet Zone (Green Bank) heavily restricted by law to facilitate scientific research and the gathering of military intelligence. Therefore, cellular connectivity or wifi use is not accessible.
  
• Migrating birds stop in state between summer or winter destinations.
  
• White water rafting is usually best in the spring and early summer.
• Fly fishing streams are considered best in the world.
  
• Diving water courses (Mt Storm Lake) is usually 80°F year-round because of the cooling system to adjacent coal plant.
  
• Autumn Foliage is late September-October, peaking around mid October.
• Feeding wildlife is illegal.
  
• Ski season is usually December-March.
  
• The poverty rate is one of the highest in the nation.

Subject to drought, floods, humidity, landslides, power outages, snowstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms and wildfires. 

• Best Time to Visit: Late April - June
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: July 
• Peak Season: May - October

New River, WV. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Alexander Wade House, Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops, Campbell Mansion, Clover Site, Davis & Elkins Historic District, Elkins Coal & Coke Company Historic District, Grave Creek Mound, Matewan Historic District, Old Main Bethany College, Reber Radio Telescope, The Greenbrier, Traveller's Rest, West Virginia Independence Hall, Weston Hospital and  Wheeling Suspension Bridge. 
• Museums: Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, Art Museum of West Virginia University, Barbour County Historical Museum, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Belle Boyd House, Beverly Heritage Center, Craik-Patton House, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, Fostoria Glass Museum, General Adam Stephen House & Triple Brick Museum, Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Hinton City Railroad Museum, Historic Shepherdstown Commission & Museum, Huntington Museum of Art, Jefferson County Museum, John Brown Wax Museum, Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Morgantown History Museum, Mothman Museum, Mountaineer Military Museum, Museum of Radio & Technology, Museum of the Berkeley Springs, North House Museum, Oglebay Institute Glass Museum, Oil & Gas Museum, Pearl S Buck Birthplace Museum, Point Pleasant River Museum, Princeton Railroad Museum, Raleigh County Veteran's,  Royce J & Caroline B Watts Museum, The National Museum of the Paranormal, The Ramsdell House, The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College, The West Virginia Museum of American Glass, Top Kicks Military Museum, T-Rex Science Center, US Navy Poster Museum, West Virginia Division of Culture & History, West Virginia Independence Hall, West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, West Virginia Railroad Museum, West Virginia State Museum, West Virginia State Farm Museum, Wildwood House Museum and Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia.
• Popular Attractions: Adam Stephen Monument, Aggie's, Appalachian Mountain Range, Babcock State Park, Beckeley Exhibiton Coal Mine, Berkeley Springs State Park, Birdhouse Cafe, Blackwater Falls State Park, Blenko Glass Company, Calhoun County Park, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Central United Methodist Church, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Cooper Gallery, Coopers Rock State Forest, Cranberry Glades, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Fenton Glass, Gauley River National Recreation Area, George Washington National Forest, Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex, Greenbrier River Trail, Harmony Ridge Gallery, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Hawks Nest State Park, Heritage Port, High Country Gallery, Holly River State Park, Hollywood Casino, Homer Laughlin China Co, Huntington's Blenko Glass Factory, International Mother's Day Shrine, ISKCON New Vrindaban, Jefferson National Forest, Lost World Caverns, Mardi Gras Casino, McColloch's Leap Monument, Mt Storm Lake, Monongahela National Forest, Mystery Hole, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, New River Gorge, New River Gorge Bridge, Oglebay Good Zoo, Oglebay Park, Organ Cave, Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Pipestem Resort State Park, Seneca Caverns, Seneca Rocks, Shepherdstown Museum, Smoke Hole Caverns, Snowshoe Mountain, Spruce Knob, Summersville Lake, Tamarack, The Tansy Clothing & Antique Shop, Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, Waldomore, West Virginia Botanic Garden, West Virginia Penitentiary, West Virginia Wildlife Center,  Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack and White Sulphur Springs.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Beckley, Berkeley Springs, Buckhannon, Charleston, Clarksburg, Fairmont, French Creek, Grantsville, Green Bank, Lansing, Lewisburg, Marlinton, Martinsburg, Milton, Morgantown, Newell, Ronceverte, Parkersburg,  Shepherdstown, Sutton, Weirton, Wheeling, White Sulphur Springs and Williamstown.
• Special Events: (February) Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, Cabin Fever Craft Beer Festival, (April) Elkins Ramp Festival, Feast of the Ramson, Vandalia  Gathering, West Virginia Dance Festival, (May) Mountain Music Festival, Strawberry Festival, West Virginia Strawberry Festival, (June) FestivALL, Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival, Wanderlust Festival, West Virginia State Folk Festival, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, (July) All Good Music Festival, Augusta Heritage Festival, Chili Cook Off, Greenbrier Classic, Mountain State Arts & Craft Fair,(August) Appalachian String Band Festival, Heritage Music Blues Festival, (September) Daily Mail Kanawha County Majorette & Band Festival, Grape Stomping Wine Festival, Harvest Festival, Mountain State Forest Festival, Roadkill Cook Off, West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, (October) Bridge Day, Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival, New River Gorge Bridge Party, (November) Lewisburg Holiday Festival and (December) Festival of Lights. 

Fayette Station Bridge, Fayetteville, WV. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

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Washington (WA)

Washington State Flag

 

"The Evergreen State"

Why visit Washington?

For the outdoor lovers seeking culture, biking, birdwatching, boating, camping, casinos, cycling, diving, fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, mountains, outdoor activities, parks, rain forests, seafood, seafood, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife, windsurfers and wineries.

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Conventions, Meetings, Reunions
• Cruise: Disembark/Embark
• Groups: Family, Friends, Multigenerational
• Milestones: Anniversary, Birthday, Retirement

Seattle, WA. Photo Credit: Korneel Luth/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Capital: Olympia
• State Bird: American Goldfinch 
• State Dessert: None
• State Flower: Coast Rhododendron
• State Gemstone: Petrified Wood 
• State Mammal:  Olympic Marmot
• State Rock: None

Snoqualmie Falls, WA. Photo Credit: Korneel Luth/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Home of the oldest and most complete skeleton human remains ever found in North America, Kennewick Man (1996).
• Straddling the border between the U.S. and Canada is a six-story arch (Blaine).
• Upon their settlement Dutch and Scandinavians planted tulips under the peaks in Skagit Valley. A picturesque sight today.
• The largest burrowing clams in the world, geoducks are locally found and known to live up to 146 years.
• Mount Rainier (14,411 feet), is an active stratovolcano and the most topographically prominent mountain in our country.
• Forests covering about half the state's land area; they're a leading lumber producer: cedar, douglas fir, hemlock, larch, ponderosa pine, spruce and white pine. 
• Our largest producer: apples, hops, pears, red raspberries, spearmint oil and sweet cherries. Also, recognized for producing: apricots, asparagus, dry edible peas, grapes, lentils, peppermint oil and potatoes.
• Ranks second for wine production.
• One of our wealthiest states with several billionaires to include Bill Gates (Microsoft), Howard Schultz (Starbucks), James Jannard (Oakley) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon), just to name a few.
• Only state named after a president, George Washington.
• Active volcanoes include Glacier Peak, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and Mount St Helens. Mt Rainier is considered the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range given its proximity to Seattle metropolitan area.
• Aquarian Tabernacle Church (Index) is the largest Wiccan (Pagan Witchcraft) in the country.
• Headquarters to corporate moguls: Amazon, Costco, Microsoft and Starbucks.
• Has 400 islands.
• Features 6 National Forests and 215 State Parks.
  

Cape Flattery (Clallam County), WA. Photo Credit: ArtTower from Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Daniel Bryan (Athlete), Dove Cameron (Actress), Isaiah Thomas (Athlete), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Actor), Jimi Hendrix (Musician), Karan Brar (Actor), Kurt Cobain (Musician), Madelaine Petsch (Actress), Nick Robinson (Actor), Pierson Fode (Actor), Rainn Wilson (Actor) and Sydney Sweeney (Actress), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Assassins (1995), Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), Say Anything (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), The Butterfly Effect (2004), The Hunt For Red October (1990), The Postman (1997), The Ring (2002) and Twilight (2008), just to name a few.
• Reads Set in Washington: Citizen Vince (written by Jess Walter), Eruption (written by Steve Olson), Jackie's Wild Seattle (written by Will Hobbs), Skid Road (written by Murray Morgan), The Alpine Advocate (written by Mary Daheim), The Last Town on Earth (written by Thomas Mullen), The Seattle Puzzle (written by Gertrude Chandler Warner), Truth Like the Sun (written by Jim Lynch) and Who in Hell is Wanda Fuca? (written G. M. Ford), just to name a few.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park (Wanapum Recreational Area), Vantage, WA. Photo Credit: MegMarkR1/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Subject to frequent rainfall.
• Tulips bloom in April (Skagit Valley).
• Between April - October (Snoqualmie) there are scenic railway tours of Puget Sound & Snoqualmie Valley.
• For skiing the snow is usually wet (western) slopes of the Cascades and drier east.
• Asian cuisine and Hispanic flavors are widely available.
• Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal.
  
• Same sex marriage is legal.
• Abortions on request and physician-assisted suicide are legally practiced.
• Possession, sale and transfer of Bump Stocks (Gun Stocks) is illegal. 
  
• San Juan Islands is heavily inhabited with gray, killer and humpback whales.
  
• State base sales tax is 6.5%, state and local retail sales tax rates are between 7.5% and 10%. Sales tax rate in Seattle and Tacoma is 10.1%. Sales tax rate in Lynnwood and Mill Creek is 10.4%. Most foods are exempt from sales tax. Prepared foods, dietary supplements, and soft drinks remain taxable. Excise tax applies to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and gasoline.
  

Subject to hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, volcano eruptions and wildfires.

• Best Time to Visit: March - October
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: June - August

Olympic National Park (Deer Park), Port Angeles, WA. Photo Credit: MegMarkR1/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: ADVENTURESS (Schooner), American & English Camps, ARTHUR FOSS (Tug), B Reactor, Bonneville Dam Historic District, Chinook Point, Duwamish (Fireboat), Fireboat No1, Fort Nisqually Granary, Fort Worden, Lightship No 83 "SWIFTSURE", Longmire Buildings, Marmes Rockshelter, Mount Rainier National Park, Panama Hotel, Paradise Inn, Pioneer Building Pergola & Totem Pole, Port Gamble Historic District, Port Townsend, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Seattle Electric Company Georgetown Steam Plant, Virginia V (Steamboat), W.T. Preston (Snagboat) and Yakima Park Stockade Group.
• Museums: American Hop Museum, Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, Asian Art
  Museum, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bigelow House Museum, Bug & Reptile Museum, Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, Cascadia Art Museum, Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village, Central Washington Agricultural Museum, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Children's Museum of Tacoma, Clark County Historical Museum, Clymer Museum of Art, Coast Guard Museum Northwest, Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, Connections Museum, Cranberry Museum, Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Fort Walla Walla Museum, Franklin County Historical Museum, Frye Art Museum, Hands On Children's Museum, Harbor History Museum, Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum, Job Carr Cabin Museum, Karpeles Manuscript Museum, KidsQuest Children's Museum, Kirkman House Museum, Kittitas County Historical Museum, Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, LeMay - America's Car Museum, Lewis Army Museum, Living Computers: Museum +  Labs, Log House Museum, Longmire Museum, Lynden Pioneer Museum, Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Maryhill Museum of Art, Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, Museum of Glass, Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), Museum of Northwest Art, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), National Nordic Museum, Northern Pacific Railway Museum, Northwest African American Museum, Northwest Carriage Museum, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Northwest Railway Museum, Pacific Bonsai Museum, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, Pacific Science Center, Pearson Air Museum, Pioneer Farm Museum, Polson Museum, Port Townsend Aero Museum, Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, Puget Sound Navy Museum, Renton History Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle's Official Bad Art Museum of Art, Seattle Pinball Museum, Shafer Historical Museum, Shoreline Historical Museum, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Suquamish Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, The Museum of Flight, The Orcas Island Historical Museum, The San Juan Islands Museum of Art, The Skagit County Historical Museum, The Whale Museum, United States Naval Undersea Museum, USS Turner Joy, Valentinetti Puppet Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, Washington State History Museum, Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, Westport Maritime Museum, Whatcom Museum, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, World Kite Museum & Hall Fame, WSU Schnitzer Art Museum and Yakima Valley Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Aberdeen Art Center, Alki Beach Park, Angel Of The Winds Casino, Ape Cave, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Arctic Raven Gallery, A Sound Garden, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bellevue Downtown Park, Bellevue Square, BJ's Bingo & Gaming, Black Sun, Boeing Everett Factory, Bridge of the Gods, Cape Disappointment State Park, Cape Flattery, Casino Caribbean, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Columbia River Gorge, Columbia Valley, Cottonwood Beach, Coulee Dam Casino, Coyote Bob's Roadhouse Casino, Crazy Moose Pasco, Crystal Mountain, Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, Deception Pass State Park, Diablo Lake, Discovery Park, Dosewallips State Park, Elliott Bay, Elwha River Casino, Fremont Troll, Emerald Queen Casino, Esther Short Park, Fortune Casino Renton, Fortune Casino Tukwila, Foss Waterway Seaport, Gas Works Park, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Ginkgo Petrified Forest, Golden Gardens Park, Gold Mountain Golf Club, Gorge Amphitheatre, Great American Casino Tukwila, Hall of Mosses, Henry M Jackson Visitor Center, Hindu Temple & Cultural Center, Hiram M Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), Hoh Rain Forest, ilani Casino, International Fountain, Jokers Comedy Club, Juanita Beach Park, Kalispel Casino, Kayak Point, Kerry Park, Kerry Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Lake Washington, Lake Wenatchee, Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, Lilac Lanes & Casino, Lightcatcher Building, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple, Little Creek Casino, Lucky Dog Casino, Manito Park & Botanical Gardens,  Marymere Falls, Marymoor Park, Matthews Beach Park, Mill Bay Casino, Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Si, Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, Mt Baker, Muckleshoot Casino, Mukilteo Beach, Myrtle Edwards Park, Narada Falls, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Nooksack Northwood Casino, North Cascades National Park, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Occidental Park, Olympic National Park, Osoyoos Lake, Owen Beach, Pacific Science Center, Palouse Falls State Park, Peace Arch State Park, Pier 55, Pike Place Market, Point Defiance Park, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Point No Point Light, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Proto-Cathedral of St James the Greater, Quil Ceda Creek Casino, Red Mountain, Remlinger Farms, Rialto Beach, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Riverfront Park, Roman Casino, Royal Casino Everett, Ruby Beach, Sakya Monastery, Sammamish River Trail, Seattle Aquarium,  Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Seattle Center, Seattle Central Library, Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Seattle Japanese Garden, Seattle Skyline, 7 Cedars, Shoalwater Bay Casino, Silver Dollar Casino Seatac, Skagit River Eagle Preserve, Sky View Observatory, Smith Tower, Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie Falls, Sooes Beach, Space Needle,  Spokane Tribe Casino, St Helens National Volcanic Monument, The Gum Wall, The Seattle Great Wheel, Tillicum Village, Tipsoo Lake, Volunteer Park, Volunteer Park Conservatory, Wallace Falls State Park, Warren G Magnuson Park, Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens, Waterfront Park, West Seattle Golf Course, Wild Goose Casino, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Wizards Casino, Woodland Park Zoo and Yakima Valley.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Bellingham, Bellevue, Blaine, Bothell, Bremerton, Ellensburg, Everett, Federal Way, Ilwaco, Kenmoore, Kent, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puget Sound, Redmond, Renton, Rockport, Seattle, Skagit Valley, Spokane, Tacoma, Tenino, Vancouver, Yakima, and Walla Walla.
• Most Visited Islands: Anderson Island, Bainbridge Island, Camano Island, Decatur Island, Ebey Island, Fidalgo Island, Fir Island, Fox Island, Guemes Island, Harstene Island, Herron Island, Indian Island, Little Island, Lopez Island, Lummi Island, Marrowstone Island, Maury Island, McNeil Island, Mercer Island, Orcas Island, Point Roberts, Puget Island, Raft Island, Reach Island, Samish Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, Stretch Island, Vashon Island, Waldron Island and Whidbey Island.
  
• Special Events: (February) Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Red Wine & Chocolate,  Wintergrass Music Festival, (April) Sakura-Con, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Spring Barrel Tasting, Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, (May) Bellevue Squash Classic, Irrigation Festival, Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen, Northwest Folklife Festival, Opening Day of Boating Season, Seattle International Film Festival, Seattle Maritime Festival, Spokane Lilac Festival, Viking Fest, Volume Inlander Music Festival, (June)  HONK! Fest West, Mud Bay Run, Mural-in-a-Day, Paradiso Festival, Seattle Pride, Upstream Music Fest + Summit, (July) Above & Beyond Group Therapy Weekender, Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair, Capitol Hill Block Party, Critical Northwest, Fourth of Jul-Ivar's, Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival & Classic Speedboat Show, Olympia Hempfest, Olympic Music Festival, Pilchuck Glass School Open House, Seafair, Sequim Lavender Festival, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, Washington Mutual Family Fourth, Watershed Music Festival, (August) Chief Seattle Days, Makah Days, Omak Stampede & Suicide Race, Seattle Hempfest Protestival, Summer Meltdown Festival, Washington State International Kite Festival, (September) Bumbershoot Festival, Ellensburg Rodeo, Green Bluff Apple Festival, Imagine Music & Arts Festival, Seattle Music & Arts Festival, Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival, Washington State Fair, Wooden Boat Festival, (October) Cranberrian Fair, Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Fresh Hop Ale Festival, Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, Kinetic Sculpture Race, Oktoberfest, Tacoma Arts Month, (November) Christmas Lighting, Thanksgiving in the Wine Country, Zoolights, (December) Christmas Ships Festival and New Year's at the Needle.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park, WA. Photo Credit: carolynhasemail/Pixabay 

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Virginia (VA)

Virginia State Flag

 

"Mother of Presidents" and "Old Dominion"

"Dominion", "Down Where the South Begins", "Mother of States", "Mother of Statesmen" and "The Cavalier State"

Why visit Virginia?

Known for amusement parks, beaches, boating, fishing, hiking, historical sites, history, mountains, military sights, vineyards, wild horses and white water rafting.

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Conventions, Meetings, Reunions
• Cruise: Disembark/Embark
• Groups: Family, Friends, Multigenerational
• Milestones: Bachelor Party, Bachelorette Party, Birthday

"Virginia is for Lovers"

Luray Caverns, Luray, VA. Photo Credit: Julia S/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Capital: Richmond
• State Bird: Cardinal
• State Dessert: None
• State Flower: Dogwood
• State Gemstone: None
• State Mammal: None
• State Rock: Nelsonite 

Roanoke, VA. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1880, James Albert Bonsack (Richmond) invented the tobacco cigarette rolling machine changing the industry's scalability.
• From 1907-1923, Newport News Shipbuilding (Newsport News), built six World War I-era dreadnoughts, seven battleships and twenty-five destroyers for the U.S. Navy. 
• Pentagon Memorial (Arlington) is for the 184 deaths from the American Airlines Flight 77 and The Pentagon on September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 
• Name derives from Queen Elizabeth (England) noting her status as "Virgin Queen" and native phrase, "Wingandacoa" or "Wingina".
• Virginians were instrumental in writing the United States Constitution.
• U.S. Naval Station (Norfolk) is the largest naval installation in the world. 
• Sea level rises have eroded the Chincoteague and Tangier Island.
• In three mountainous regions coal mining thrives. State also known for mining gravel, kyanite, sand and slate.
• The first of the states (Jamestown) to be settled and craving of other states earned the title, "Mother of States".
• Led to Gun Control after mass shootings at Virginia Tech (2007) and Virginia Beach (2019). 
• Tysons Corner, is the state's largest office market.
• Headquarters for the FBI Academy (Stafford) and Marine Corps Base Quantico (Triangle).
• Their economy is farming, government, high-tech and military.
• Has the highest concentrations of veterans compared to any other state.
• Hub for nearly 70% of our nation's internet traffic.
• Farmers have been forced to plant cotton instead of soybeans to survive considering the ongoing China - U.S. Trade War.
• Third largest producer of  Chesapeake blue crabs, hardshell clams, menhaden, oysters and sea scallops in our country. 
• Protected by State Law, "Virginia Ham" can be produced only in the town of Smithfield (Smithfield Ham).
• Educational System consistently ranks in the Top 5 States according to U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Educational Progress in all subject areas and grade levels.
• Home to the oldest state military college, Virginia Military Institute (Lexington). 
• Features 2 National Forests, 16 State Forests and 44 State Parks.
  

Virginia Beach, VA. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Allen Iverson (Athlete), Camilla Mendes (Actress), Chris Brown (Musician), Ella Fitzgerald (Musician), George Washington (President), Grant Gustin (Actor), James Madison (President), James Monroe (President), John Tyler (President), Melissa "Missy" Arnette Elliott (Musician), Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (Musician), Rob Lowe (Actor), Sandra Bullock (Actress), Shelby Simmons (Actress), Skeet Ulrich (Actor), Thomas Jefferson (President), Tremaine Aldon Neverson "Trey Songz" (Musician), William Harrison (President), Woodrow Wilson (President) and Zachary Taylor (President), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Cold Mountain (2003), Dave (1993), Dirty Dancing (1987), Evan Almighty (2007), Foxcatcher (2014), Gods & Generals (2003), Hannibal (2000), Minority Report (2002), Patriot Games (1992), Transformers (2007) and True Colors (1991), just to name a few.
• Reads Set in Virginia: All That Remains (written by Patricia Cornwell), Heading Out to Wonderful (written by Robert Goolrick), Mercy Creek (written by Matt Matthews), Miss Ophelia (written by Mary Burnett Smith), Prodigal Summer (written by Barbara Kingsolver), She's My Dad (written by Iolanthe Woulff). The Known World (written by Edward P. Jones), The Wettest County in the World (written by Matt Bondurant) and Wish You Well (written by David Baldacci), just to name a few.

Norfolk, VA. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Ranks as a Top Wine Producing State with more than 100 wineries. 
• Along Virginia Beach profanity is fined.
  
• Between April-September prone to late afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
  
• Smoking is banned in bars and restaurants.
  

Chincoteague Island, VA. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

Subject to earthquakes, hurricanes, snowfalls, tornadoes. Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact August - October.

• Best Time to Visit: April - October
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: July
• Peak Season: May - September

Monticello, Charlottesville, VA. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Alexandria Historic District, Aquia Church, Bacon's Castle, Ball's Bluff Battlefield & National Cemetery, Banneker (Benjamin) SW-9 Intermediate Boundary Stone, Barracks Virginia Military Institute, Berkeley, Berry Hill, Brandon, Bremo Historic District, Bruton Parish Church, Camden, Camp Hoover, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Carter Glass House, Carter's Grove, Cedar Creek Battlefield & Belle Grove Plantation, Christ Church Alexandria, Christ Church (Lancaster County), City Hall (Richmond), Confederate Capitol, Charles Richard Drew House, Cyrus McCormick Farm & Workshop, Drydock Number One Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Egyptian Building, Ellen Glasgow House, Elsing Green, Eyre Hall, Five Forks Battlefield, Gari Melchers Home, Gerald R Ford Jr House, Fort Monroe, Fort Myer Historic District, Franklin & Armfield Office, Gadsby's Tavern, General George C Marshall House, General William "Billy" Mitchell House, George Washington Boyhood Home Site, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Green Springs Historic District, Greenway Court, Gunston Hall, Hampton Institute, Hanover County Courthouse, Holly-Knoll-Robert R Moton House, Humpback Bridge, Jackson Ward Historic District, James Monroe Law Office, James Monroe Tomb, James Semple House, John Marshall House, Kenmore, John Tyler House, Lee Chapel Washington & Lee University, LIGHTSHIP NO 101 "PORTSMOUTH", Lunar Landing Research Facility, Maggie Lena Walker House, Main Street Station & Trainshed, Marlbourne, Menokin, Monticello (Thomas Jefferson House), Montpelier (James Madison House), Monument Avenue Historic District, Monumental Church, Mount Airy, Mount Vernon, Natural Bridge, New Kent School & George W Watkins School, Oak Hill (James Monroe House), Oatlands, Pear Valley, Pentagon, Petersburg Breakthrough Battlefield, Pittsylvania County Courthouse, Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, Poplar Forest, Potomac Canal Historic District, Prestwould, Quarters 1 (Fort Myer), Peyton Randolph House, Rendezvous Docking Simulator, Reynolds Homestead, Ripshin Farm, Rising Sun Tavern, Robert Russa Moton High School, Rotunda University of Virginia, Sabine Hall, Saint Luke's Church (Smithfield), Saratoga, Sayler's Creek Battlefield, Scotchtown (Patrick Henry House), Shack Mountain, Shirley, Skyline Drive Historic District, Spence's Point (John Roderigo Dos Passos House), St John's Episcopal Church (Richmond), Stonewall Jackson Headquarters, St Peter's Parish Church, Stratford Hall,  The Homestead, Thoroughgood House, Thunderbird Archeological District, Tredegar Iron Works, Tuckahoe, University Of Virginia Historic District, Variable Density Tunnel, Virginia Governor's Mansion, Virginia Military Institute Historic District, Virginia Randolph Cottage, Washington and Lee University Historic District, Waterford Historic District, Westover, White House of the Confederacy, Wickham-Valentine House, Williamsburg Historic District, Woodlawn, Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, Wren Building College of William & Mary, Wythe House and Yeocomico Church.
• Museums: AAF Tank Museum, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Air Power Park, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Amazement Square, American Civil War Museum, American Revolution Museum, Army Transportation Museum, Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, Casemate Museum, Children's Museum of Richmond, Children's Museum of Virginia, Chimborazo Medical Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Cold War Museum, Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, Eleanor D Wilson Museum, Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fredericksburg Area Museum, Freeman House Store & Museum, Frontier Culture Museum, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Hampton History Museum, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Heritage Farm Museum, Hermitage Museum & Gardens, Historic Jamestown, Hunter House Victorian Museum, James Madison Museum, James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library, Lee Chapel & Museum, Lee-Fendall House Museum, Legacy Museum of African American History, MacArthur Memorial Museum, Maymont, Meadow Farm Museum, Military Aviation Museum, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Museum of Chincoteague Island, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, National Inventors Hall of Fame, National Museum of the Marine Corps, National Museum of the United States Army, Nauticus, NRA National Firearms Museum, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Ralph Stanley Museum, Reedville Fishermen's Museum, Roanoke Pinball Museum, Robert Russa Moton Museum, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Steamboat Era Museum, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, Taubman Museum of Art, The American Civil War Museum, The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, The CIA Museum, The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum, The Fauquier History Museum, The Fralin Museum of Art, The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, The John Marshall House, The Mariners' Museum & Park, The Poe Museum, The Valentine, United States Army Quartermaster Museum, United States Army Women's Museum, Virginia Air & Space Center, Virginia Aviation Museum, Virginia Discovery Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia House, Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Military Institute Museum, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Virginia War Museum, Walton's Mountain Museum, Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, Watermen's Museum, White House of the Confederacy, William King Museum of Art, Wilton House Museum, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Air Force Memorial, Appalachian Trail, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Arlington National Cemetery, Assateague Beach, Assateague Island National Seashore, Atlantic Fun Park, Atlantis Waterpark, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Bethel Beach, Blue Ridge Parkway, Buckroe Beach & Park, Bull Run Regional Park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Cameron Run Regional Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Children's Science Center Lab, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Colonial Williamsburg, Cobblestone Park, Dolphin Beach, Downtown Mall, False Cape State Park, First Landing State Park, Fleeton Beach, Fort Dickinson, Fort Monroe National Monument, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, Fun Land of Fredericksburg, Gargathy Beach, George Mason's Gunston Hall, G-Force Karts, Governor's Palace, Grand Caverns, Grandview Beach, Great Falls Park, Great Waves Waterpark, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Hollywood Cemetery, Huntington Beach, Jamestown Settlement, Kings Dominion, Lake Fairfax Park, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Little Island Park, Luray Caverns, Maggie L Walker National Historic Site, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Massanutten Outdoor WaterPark, Maui Jack's Waterpark, Maymont, McAfee Knob, Mill Mountain Star (Roanoke Star), Monticello, Mount Trashmore Park, Natural Bridge, Neptune Statue, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Ocean Beach, Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, Petersburg National Battlefield, Pirate's Cove Waterpark, Prince William Forest Park, Sandbridge Fishing Pier, Shenandoah Caverns, Shenandoah National Park, Smith Island, Skyline Caverns, Skyline Drive, Splash Down Waterpark, Splash Valley, Texas Beach, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, The Pentagon, The Pentagon Memorial, The Rotunda, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Town Point Park, United States Marine Corps War Memorial, USS Wisconsin BB-64, VCU Institute for Contemporary Art, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia State Capitol, Virginia Zoological Park, Volcano Island Waterpark, Water Country USA, Waterworks Waterpark, White Stone Beach, Willoughby Beach, Wolf Trap National Park and Yorktown Beach.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Abingdon, Alexandria, Arlington, Charlottesville, Chincoteague, Fredericksburg, Jamestown, Luray, Middleburg, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Norfolk, Richamond, Roanoke, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.
• Islands of Virginia to Visit: Bay Island, Chincoteague Island, Elk Island, Eppes Island, Gwynn's Island, Jamestown Island, Smith Island, Tangier Island and Wallops Island.
• Special Events: (January) Lee-Jackson Day, (March) Civil War Weekend, VCU French Film Festival, (April) Historic Garden Week, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, (May) Herndon Festival, Of Ale and History Beer Festival, Pungo Strawberry Festival, (June) Boardwalk Art Show, Chautauqua Festival, Hampton Jazz Festival, Norfolk's Harborfest, Shenandoah Bach Festival, Virginia Herb Festival, (July) Mineral Bluegrass Festival, Pony Penning, Virginia Lake Festival, Wintergreen Summer Music Festival & Academy, (August) Carytown Watermelon Festival, Shenandoah Valley Tastefest, Virginia Highlands Festival, Virginia International Tattoo Festival, Wolf Trap, (September) American Music Festival, Bay Days, Neptune Festival, Neptune Festival, Virginia State Fair, Virginia Wine Festival,(October) Old Fiddlers' Convention, Old Time Fiddlers' Convention, Poquoson Seafood Festival, Richmond Folk Festival, Virginia Film Festival, (November) Bull Run Festival of Lights, Holiday of Lights at the Beach, Urbanna Oyster Festival, (December) Civil War Encampment, First Night Winchester, Richmond Christmas Parade and Walking in a Winter Wonderland. 
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monticello and the University of Virginia.

Shenandoah Valley, Rockingham County, VA. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.