Going to be in VA

[jemersonl83]

I'm going to be taking the kids to VA to visit their mom. I'll have a couple of days to explore. What should I see? She lives in Staunton, but I am willing to drive a bit.

[Jon]

That's actually fairly handy to a lot of Civil War history, as well as Montecello, Ashlawn-Highland (Monroe's home) and Montpelier (Madison's home). You could also head down to Bedford for the National D-Day Memorial.

[spkerer]

You'll be in the lower end of the Shenandoah Valley. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery. In addition to beautiful vistas, like Jon mentioned you have lots of Civil War sites near there. Charlottesville with Monticello and UVA would be a nice place to explore. Skyline Drive is loaded with beautiful scenery and vistas as well as lots of hiking opportunities for all levels.

[Woolburr]

There is easily a day of exploring in Staunton alone. The Frontier Culture Museum, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, the Camera & Palette Inc. Museum, Sunspots Glassworks..........the Confederate Breastworks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grand Caverns.....plenty to do.

[jemersonl83]

Thanks guys, we got a hotel in Charlottesville for the 3rd through the 6th. I should have time to check out most of these. I'm trying to make the most of the time we'll have. In the meantime I'm going to get out and re-discover my neck of the woods thanks to a "re-injury" of my back that has put me out of work for the next few weeks.

[SuzyView]

If you are planning a trip to Monticello, you have to buy tickets beforehand, on line. If you don't you won't get in for the prime times. It's hot, so plan on early morning or late afternoon. No pictures are allowed inside the home, but the gardens are beautiful. And the campus as UVA is supposed to be lovely this time of the year. I would do some easy hikes at Shenandoah, if you have time and the ability.