Sic Semper Tyrannis - VA is for lovers!
Written: Jul 31 '01 (Updated Jul 31 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: History, history, history... Beautiful natural settings
Cons: Richmond and its parochial, patriarchal view of No. VA
The Bottom Line: History and beauty... What more could you want in a vacation spot?
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| karentonyjake's Full Review: Virginia |
For more than 17 years I've reveled in the splendor known as Virginia. Its history, both good and bad, is a thing of marvel, beginning with the first English settlement in the United States, Jamestown. Traveling up the peninsula, you arrive at Williamsburg, the first colonial capital of the U.S. It is here where people like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe began their efforts to mobilize a country to freedom. With 8 Presidents having been born here, it's known as the Mother of Presidents.
Plantation estates such as George Washington's Mt. Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Ashlawn, James Madison's Montpelier, and George Mason's Gunston Hall, are reminders of a proud colonial past, but a sad, slave-holding history.
Virginia has enjoyed its colonial foundations, and has been saddened by its Civil War battles. More than 80% of all of the battles engaged in the Civil War occurred on Virginia soil. The war began (1st land engagement was Manassas or Bull Run) and ended here, at Appomatox. It was the seat of the Confederacy, having catered to the only President of a nation, Jefferson Davis, apart from the United States, but within its borders (depending on which side's perspective), except for Texas.
Northern Virginia, in particular, has prospered over the past 100 years. From its close association w/Washington, DC, politics, and the military, to its new high tech, internet roots, it has become a formidable, desirable place to live.
Richmond, however, has languished in its old money, segregationist past, and has turned its back on the future of VA, which is being built daily in its northern counties. I sound harsh w/respect to the capital, and do appreciate its historical value. Unfortunately, however, it has remained an obstacle to economic and social progress, while maintaining an air of arrogance.
Apart from this, Virginia is an ideal place to live, tour, and appreciate history and natural beauty, such as the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge, the Potomac, Great Falls, and the Chesapeake Bay. Come on by and stay a while! We'll keep a pineapple ready for you when you visit...
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID: karentonyjake
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Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 5 members
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