Virginia - named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the Virgin Queen - resides in the southern part of United States with greatly varying geography. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It is one of the country's most scenic States. From the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches on the coast to the vivid activity in its cities, Virginia has much to offer. It is a great place to live, the state has a growing real estate market.

Richmond, Virginia's capitol, was founded in 1607 and is located centrally - a convenient distance from many of the Commonwealth's sites. The Richmond metropolitan area is home to approximately one million citizens and is described by Style Magazine as "a beautiful and graceful southern city, that it is hopelessly mired in tradition, that it is a vibrant center of commerce and arts." Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War, has numerous fine old buildings and cultural options.

Virginia is perhaps the most historic of all the 50 states. Some of the most important events in American history took place here. It was one of the first places to have live history reenactments. In Northern Virginia, you can visit the homes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Robert E. Lee, James Monroe, and many other prominent figures in American history. If you go to Arlington National Cemetery, you'll walk among headstones that chronicle American history and you have opportunity to remember and honor the nation's war heroes. In the Visitors Center you'll find maps, guidebooks, exhibits, and information services that include grave locations. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown (the birthplace of the USA) are three of Virginia's most historic sites, don't miss them if you are interested in American history.

Shenandoah National Park lies high above the classic American panorama, 300 square miles stretched out along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a precious reminder of the great hardwood forest that once blanketed the northeastern United States. This area is full of trails for biking and hiking or even a nice drive along the Blue Ridge mountains.

The oceanfront of Virginia Beach has many things to do and discover. The hotels are directly on the beach here, and all of the junk shops are set back on the street. This leaves pleasant views directly from many of the hotels on the beach. There are some nice beaches nearby that are much less crowded. There are also a lot of great restaurants and stores at the oceanfront.

Don't forget to visit the East Coast's pretty beach: Virginia Beach. Touted by the Guiness Book of World Records as the "Longest Pleasure Beach," Virginia Beach is a family-friendly travel destination, it offers the classic beach vacation. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the state’s largest and one of the most-visited aquariums in the nation, it should not be missed.