“Day-Tripping” listings
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SKYDIVE VIRGINIA
Get your adrenaline pumping by taking a tandem jump from a plane with an experienced instructor. All divers are welcome to purchase a video of their experience at the end. (08/2010)
57 miles northwest of Richmond 485 Jefferson Hwy, Louisa
540-941-8085
skydive-virginia.com -
STRAWBERRY HILL RACES
Running for 78 consecutive years, this steeplechase race is Virginia’s way of offi cially announcing the spring season. This year’s installment will feature fi ve races, live music and purses totaling $70,000. May 15. (05/2010)
20 miles east of Richmond At Colonial Downs • 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent, VA
804-994-2900
strawberryhillraces.com -
VIRGINIA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
This kids’ museum features lasers, tree houses, puppets, dress-up stations, pirate ships, kaleidoscopes and art studios. (03/2010)
524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA
434-977-1025
vadm.org -
FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM
Walk through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with your costumed guide to get a taste for life before and after immigration to America. Visitors will also learn a lot about the hardships of frontier life. (01/2010)
1290 Richmond Rd, Staunton, VA
540-332-7850
frontiermuseum.org -
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM
This very local history museum is home to a delightful collection of items, including Native American artifacts, a miniature Colonial plantation house and an entire exhibit devoted exclusively to ham. (12/2009)
103 Main St, Smithfield
757-356-1223 -
THE US ARMY QUARTERMASTER MUSEUM
The Quartermaster Museum serves as a tribute to the Army's oldest logistic branch, featuring more than 2,300 fascinating artifacts relating to the organization's rich history. (03/2009)
26 miles south of Richmond • 1201 22nd St, Ft. Lee, VA
804-734-4203
www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil -
BLANDFORD CHURCH
This historic church is one of only six in the country where every stained-glass window was crafted by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The $5 tour is well worth the investment. (02/2009)
25 miles south of Richmond 319 South Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA
804-733-2396
www.petersburgarea.org -
SHERWOOD FOREST PLANTATION
Once home to the nation's 10th president, Sherwood Plantation still houses John Tyler's descendents. Visitors gain access to the 19th-century mansion, 25 acres of surrounding gardens and possibly an encounter with the Grey Lady, Sherwood Forest's resident ghost. (01/2009)
36 miles southeast of Richmond • 14501 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA
804-829-5377
www.sherwoodforest.org -
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FERRY FARM
This, the boyhood home of George Washington himself, is where the famous cherry tree story was born. In addition to selfguided historical tours, visitors can also hike the 80-plus acres of farm and nature trails. (11/2008)
60 miles north of Richmond • 268 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
540-370-0732
www.ferryfarm.org -
EDGEWOOD PLANTATION
History buffs aren't the only ones who love this plantation-turned-B&B: It's popular with ghosthunters, too. The spirit of Elizabeth Rowland, who lost her betrothed in the Civil War, is said to roam Edgewood's halls. (10/2008)
23 miles southeast of Richmond • 4800 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA
800-296-3343
www.edgewoo...ntation.com -
VIOLET BANK MUSEUM
The former headquarters of Gen. Robert E. Lee, this 19th-century Federal-style mansion contains well-preserved Civil War artifacts and antique furniture and gardens dating back to 1815. (09/2008)
23 miles south of Richmond • 303 Virginia Ave, Colonial Heights, VA
804-520-9395 -
SHIRLEY PLANTATION
Started in 1613, just six years after John Smith's settlement in Jamestown, Shirley Plantation is the oldest in the nation. History buffs offer guided tours of the mansion and its surrounding grounds. (08/2008)
21 miles southeast of Richmond • 501 Shirley Plantation Rd, Charles City, VA
800-232-1613
www.shirleyplantation.com
