Arlington, VA
US Marine Corps War Memorial
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial as known as the Iwo Jima Memorial is a recreation of six US Marines who raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23rd, 1945. The memorial features bronze figures that stand at 32 feet tall and was modeled after a photo taken by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press.
Bon Air Rose Garden
The Rose Garden at Bon Air Park features over 120 different roses in a variety of colors and is a great spot to sit back and enjoy nature. The park also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and tennis courts. On really hot days, don’t be surprised if you see an ice cream truck driving by.
Alexandria, VA
Old Town
Located just outside of Washington, DC is this quaint neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. This neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants and is the perfect spot to visit on the weekends. King Street is the main strip that features most of the shops and restaurants, however on either side of that, you can also take in the scene by checking out the charming homes in the neighborhood. On Saturdays, you can explore the Farmers Market at the which is open from 7:00am – 12:00pm and is located right at the City Hall. Underneath that, you’ll find the main parking garage and the sooner you arrive, the higher likelihood of finding a parking space.
Nokesville, VA
Burnside Farms
If you enjoy picking tulips and sunflowers, then Burnside Farms is the place for you. Located about 40 miles south of DC, this family-owned farm hosts the largest pick-your-own flower festivals in Virginia.The Festival of Spring allows you to pick your own tulips and the Summer of Sunflowers allows you to pick your own sunflowers. The weather during the spring can be on the chilly side, so bring a light jacket just in case. The weather during the summer is obviously hot, especially from mid-July to early-August, so it’s best to visit at early-bird hours. One cool fact about this farm is that the tulips come directly from Holland, a region in the Netherlands that is well-known for its tulips fields. If you want to avoid shots with people, I highly recommend shooting low through the tulips facing the Dutch windmill.
Hours & Admission: See Website
Richmond, VA
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden is a 50-acre garden located outside of Richmond, VA in Henrico County. The garden features over a dozen themed gardens, a Conservatory, a gift shop, and a cafe. Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden ranks among the top public gardens in America and was voted fourth best in USA Today’s “Best Botanic Garden” contest.
Garden Hours: 9am to 5pm
Admission: $10 per adult, $7 youth (ages 3-17), $7 student with ID, $20 seniors (ages 65+) or military/first responders/full-time educators, and free for garden members
Gift Shop: 10am to 5pm
Cafe: 9am to 5pm
Williamsburg, VA
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is often admired for its Georgian architecture, manicured grounds, and place in early American History. However, much of its development was shaped and sustained by free and enslaved Black Americans.
Governor’s Palace was built to project Virginia’s Wealth and Britain’s authority, yet much its construction was deeply tied to slavery and part of its construction was funded through a tax placed on imported slaves. Enslaved Black Americans not only built and maintained the grounds, but they also operated the outside gardens. One skilled gardener named James worked at the Palace from 1765 to 1777 and was the talent behind the landscapes that were unfortunately credited to the wealthy owners and designers.
Inside the Palace, enslaved people helped cook, clean, maintain stables, and serve guests and their strenuous labor helped create a refined image that the Palace intended to symbolize.
By the Revolutionary era (1775-1783), almost half of the population in Williamsburg was Black.
Not only are you visiting one of America’s first cities, but you’re also stepping into a part of Black American history that was excluded from the history books. While we can admire the architecture and landscape designs, it’s worth remembering those who built, helped, and sustained life around them.
I’ll be back for more, but for now, here’s a glimpse!
Thanks for reading!
