Virginia in July 2009

It looks like I can get some cheap flights from the UK to Washington DC for me and my family (2 kids, 6 and 8yrs) in the last two weeks of July. I thought about hiring a car and touring around VA for 10 days.

Is it likely to be hot and crowded at that time of year? Where should I avoid, and where should I definitely include in any itinerary? Should I abandon the plans totally??

Thanks.

Virginia in July 2009

Hot-yes. About the hottest time of the year, but I wouldn%26#39;t abandon your plans. I don%26#39;t think you will find it crowded. (Except maybe at an amusement park with water rides!)

What would you like to do? Do you want to drive and see the countryside? Go to Norfolk/Williamsburg for Colonial History and Maritime exhibits?

Go to the beach? The mountains?

Spend time in and around Washington, D.C. to tour sites there?

You will find air conditioning everywhere, so unless your activity is completely outdoors, there are a lot of ways to keep yourself cool.

Virginia in July 2009

Thanks. I know it might be unhelpful but a mixture of scenery and some history would be ideal. Kids would love a beach for a day or two.

You can experience alot of Virginia in 10 days and driving times/distances are reasonable from mountains to the beach. Consider some of these places for your visit.......

Sights in %26amp; around DC

Shenandoah National Park (90 minutes from DC) enjoy wonderful scenery along Skyline Dr %26amp; take a short hike

Luray Caverns (off Skyline Dr), very cool in July

Charlottesville (30-40 minutes from SNP) visit Monticello

Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown

Virginia Beach

Of course there%26#39;s much more, so read some of the posts in the Virginia forums and see what interests you.

You may want to check lodging availibility, especially if you plan to stay in one of the lodges in SNP, Skyland or Big Meadows, and plan you itinerary accordingly.

Happy trails

Thanks for the suggestions.

Hi superdocuk, If you do go to the historic triangle, (Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown). I would like to suggest Jamestown Settlement. This a great place for kids. There are recreations of 3 ships, a native American Village, and the James Fort. It is a very hands on place. There is a museum, restaurant and gift shoppe on site. Don%26#39;t confuse this with Jamestowne Historic Island. The Island is the original site where the settlers first landed and where Jamestowne actually was. This place is wonderful, also, but I suggested the Settlement because of your childrens ages, (this is no way just for kids, tho). The triangle is about 150 miles south of D.C. (which is truelly a magnificent place to visit). Mount Vernon is about 12 miles south of D.C. This is George and Martha Washingtons home. I haven%26#39;t been there for a few years, and there are new underground museums that I%26#39;ve heard are absolutely fabulous. Just thought I%26#39;d throw my 2 cents in. Whatever you do, I think you will have a great time. From Mary. Check out history.org, if you are in any way interested in the triangle. And the Williamsburg or Jamestown forums.

Can I wash a bed comforter with feathers in it