Summer is a time for adventure. The great news is, you don’t have to travel far to discover some of Virginia’s hidden gems.
Here are just a few:
1. Crozet Tunnel.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel was renamed after the chief engineer, Claudius Crozet, a French-born engineer who served Napoleon’s army before moving to the United States. The tunnel was constructed to pass through the Blue Ridge Mountains and connect to the Shenandoah Valley. It was a stunning feat.
Crozet was hired to work on the Blue Ridge Mountain railroad project which involved erecting four tunnels, the last of which was the longest and the most challenging.
The Tunnel, completed in 1858, is 4,273 feet long; at the time, it was the only one of its kind in the country. The passageway was used until 1944 after which a parallel one was built and named the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
Bring a flashlight with you on this hike through the tunnel; it’s a riveting experience to be in the cold, dark tunnel while hearing water drip throughout and the echo of your footsteps.
Visit – https://blueridgetunnel.org/
2. Swannanoa.
Tucked away in beautiful Afton, Virginia is an Italianate marble villa constructed as a token of affection for the wife of Major James Dooley .
The mansion, built in 1912, includes the craftsmanship of more than 300 artisans to partially replicate the Villa of de Medici in Rome. This 22-room marble palace is a statement of love which includes a 4,000 piece Tiffany stained-glass window and a domed ceiling with the likeness of Sally May Dooley.
Strolling the grounds in almost transporting. This is a close to home adventure that takes you to another place and time.
3. Barboursville Ruins.
The notable political personality and wealthy lawyer, James Barbour, designed and constructed The Barboursville Mansion based on the designs of his friend and political ally, Thomas Jefferson, which began around 1822.
The mansion had eight rooms, an octagonal living room, and a similar portico to Jefferson’s. The surrounding gardens were often considered more impressive than the building itself.
Located on the grounds of one of the oldest and distinguished wineries in Virginia, Barboursville Vineyards, the mansion is now an abandoned ruin which was destroyed in a fire on Christmas in 1884.
The area is a lovely place to picnic, stroll, and take photographs.
Visit – https://www.virginia.org/listing/barboursville-ruins/4567/
4. Foamhenge.
If Stonehenge, in Wiltshire England is too far for you to travel, then head to Centreville Virginia for the next best thing, Foamhenge. It is a full-fledged replica of Stonehenge made entirely of foam.
Built by sculptor Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio, Foamhenge is a unique experience and has been boasted to be even better than the original monument. Well, maybe not better, but closer to home and quite photogenic.
5. Immersion Escape Rooms.
Looking for an unique, interactive experience just minutes from the downtown mall and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville?
Look no further than Immersion Escape Rooms. This is a new and challenging form of entertainment for a variety of players. Immersion combines storytelling, puzzles, and technology to create a realistic film-like environment.
For a compelling, brain teasing, interactive experience, “step into the story.”
Visit – https://www.immersionescaperooms.com/our-escape-rooms
6. Grand Caverns, Grottoes.
Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer. These caves are the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States.
Nature’s handiwork shows off with gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. The Cathedral Hall is 280 feet long and over 70 feet high, and is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East.
The area is steeped in history, and the surrounding wildlife is breathtaking all year round. For a great, close-to-home get away, check out Grand Caverns.
Visit – https://www.grandcaverns.com/
