Welcome to KPG Healthcare’s Travel Series. In this series, we are going to highlight different states within the United States where we currently send some of our healthcare professionals for travel assignments. We can’t focus on every city, but we will focus on a couple where we staff and some of the more popular destination cities as well.
This week, we are focusing on one of the original 13 Colonies of America, Virginia!
Richmond
First on our list is the capital of Virginia, Richmond. Richmond is rich in American history with many things to do and see within the city and its surrounding parts. From museums to great outdoor trails, a booming art scene to a beer trail, Richmond has fun for all ages.
Richmond also offers an enormous playground for outdoor enthusiasts with kayaking, bike trails, hiking trails, climbing and a handful of great city parks. The James Park System is one of the only rivers that offers kayaking, rafting classes and rapids in an urban setting. The James River is one of Richmond’s most popular sites where you can kayak or play in the river for the day and pull off to the side for a quick beer or snack break. Come check out this great list of activities by the James River System!
Not looking for nature? There are plenty of other things to hit in this city! If you’re a food and drink enthusiast, Richmond is home to over 30 craft breweries and have dubbed this accomplishment as the infamous Richmond Beer Trail. If breweries aren’t your thing, Richmond offers some free attractions including museums, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, nature centers, and more! Check out these great lists of things to do in the city of Richmond!
Check out these lists of things to do in Richmond: Free, Unusual, Things To Do, 11 Best
Arlington
If you’re looking for a window into American democracy and our nation’s past then Arlington is just the place for you. Home to many national monuments and memorials, Arlington offers an array of activities to partake in during a travel assignment.
Predominantly known for the Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pentagon, Arlington offers more than just an ode to American history. With an array of dining experiences, fantastic shopping districts to choose from and, of course, plenty of free things too, Arlington is the next stop shop to Washington D.C.
If Arlington is not your cup of tea, Washington D.C. is right across the Potomac River! Although Washington D.C. is not part of the state of Virginia, Washington D.C. is our nation’s capital and there is always something to do. Did you know you get to go into all of the museums in Washington D.C. for free? Check out Arlington and see how great it is for yourself!
Check out these lists of great things to do in Arlington: Unusual, Dining Guide, Free, Top 8
Newport News
If you’re looking for a quiet, coastal city with a selection of local goodies and the charm of a small town, Newport News is just for you! Nestled between the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, Newport News “played an important role in establishing the Virginia Colon and our nation.”
Visitors are allowed to take a step back in time through a handful of attractions, Civil War reenactments and historical sites dating back to 1607 with the landing of Jamestown. Not a fan of history? Visitors also have the option to go camping at Newport News Park, which is minutes from Williamsburg, a beer, wine and shine trail known as the Toast the Coast Trail, and a shopping district with local merchants. Who doesn’t like free things too!
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Newport News, you will most likely find it in one of the neighboring cities or towns. You’re in a good location, take advantage of it!
Check out these lists of things to do in Newport News: 15 Best, Free
Virginia Beach
Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is flourishing with an impressive local culinary scene, a history rooted in America’s core, a thriving arts and entertainment sector, an abundance of outdoor activities and plenty of sunshine in the summer.
Virginia Beach has seven major sectors: Oceanfront, Sandbridge, Pungo, and Town Center, to name a few. Each sector has its own charm ranging from strictly ocean views and attractions to nightlife full of breweries and entertainment. There’s also a huge agricultural community in Pungo, minutes from Sandbridge, where you can even pick your own strawberries during the Spring or enjoy an incredible culinary scene where produce is always in supply.
Another cool district worth checking out is the ViBe Creative District within the Oceanfront District where you can see some great local artists displaying their pieces during First Fridays, Second Saturdays and VB Flea. There’s also Old Beach Farmers Market that takes place on specific Saturdays, so make sure to check their website.
If you’re in Virginia, you might as well head on over to Virginia Beach for a much needed and well-deserved break!
Check out these lists of things to do in Virginia Beach: Beach Camping, Zip-lining, Free Things, Water Activities.
Charlottesville
Charlottesville, like all of Virginia, is deeply rooted in American history being home to some of America’s first presidents including Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence.
Beyond history, Charlottesville can be seen as a more outdoor city with nearby orchards, vineyards, ballooning, hiking, camping, kayaking, and so much more. Shenandoah National Park is about 20 miles from Charlottesville and here you can find the famous 100+ miles of the Appalachian Trail. There’s still plenty to see within the city limits like the City Market, a producer-only market of farmers, food vendors, crafts and artisans since 1973, which is held every Saturday from 7 am till Noon.
Charlottesville is definitely the city to check out for some awesome grub, an abundance of outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities for creating memories.
Check out these lists of things to do in Charlottesville: Free, Free Trolley Map, 12 Best Things to Do, Unusual Attractions, Ultimate Weekend Guide to Charlottesville
Alexandria
Home to George Washington, our nation’s first president, is just south of Arlington and is well-known for its rich history and preserved historical 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
Old Town is a one-of-a-kind area with King Street, which is home to centuries-old buildings lined with 200+ independently owned restaurants and boutiques, is a must-see in Alexandria. The Old Town Farmer’s Market also occurs every Saturday year-round and after you’ve finished checking out the local goods, head down to some of the river parks that run along the Potomac River. If you’re up for it, you can take on the Mount Vernon Trail that runs 18 miles from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate all the way up to Washington D.C. memorials.
The waterfront is another beautiful spot for a bike tour, delicious local ingredient restaurants, public art installations and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which is nationally recognized as one of America’s Top Art places. The nightlife scene in Alexandria may be small but there are plenty of clubs to catch some live music!
Check out these lists of things to do in Alexandria: Free, Unusual, Things to do Now
Virginia is rich with American history, which has grown into one of America’s greatest states through a flourishing culinary scene, a canvas for creatives, an adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and a providing opportunity to learn about our nation’s past and where we are headed.
We hope you found some of this information insightful on deciding whether or not you should take an assignment in Virginia. Regardless, please be safe and remember to wear a face mask!