This isn't much of a difference, but have you seen the deals for the Westin in Virginia Beach?

http://tinyurl.com/c7b23n

The deals at the Westin end the week before we arrive :(
Thanks though!

I think in addition to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, you should consider stopping at some of the plantations along the James River
In Petersburg the Blandford Church with its Tiffany glass windows is worth visiting.

We enjoyed the Booker T. Washington National Monument (not too far from Roanoke or Appomatox). There really aren't too many sites that give insight into slavery, but this one does

Stratford Hall Plantation, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee is in Stratford VA. About 6 miles from that is George Washington Birthplace National Park. Together they make a very nice day. The national park also has a colonial farm, with animals bred to be the same as they were in colonial days - quite interesting.

BTW, if you overnight in Colonial Williamsburg, I suggest that you consider staying in one of the small inns that are right in the middle of the historical center rather than one of the usual suspects on the periphery, for a more "authentic" experience. There is something to be said for walking out the door at night into the historical area, having it almost to yourself. You can find out more about these on the official Colonial Williamsburg website.

For your time in Richmond (my home of 26 years) I'd really recommend you look at Agecroft Hall (www.agecrofthall.com). I love the museum mentioned above, too, but Agecroft simply fascinates me: it was built in Cornwall about 1492, purchased by a honeymooning, tobacco-money couple as it was getting ready to be razed for a strip coal mine in the 1920's in England, and moved here in pieces and recreated as their home. It's hugely endowed so has over the years been able to bid aggressively for any items from the 1300's to early 1500's or so as they come for sale, and it's simply fascinating, gorgeous, and loaded with more household items of that period than any king would have owned (I heard that on one of the docent tours I've done there). Like seeing a fascinating museum - yet imagining the residents sitting in the wing chair by the fireplace or the servants cooking in the kitchen. It's perched above the James River, has wonderful gardens of the medieval period, is barely above downtown, and really a lovely and fascinating spot to visit.
I also second some of the important plantation houses outside of Williamsburg (between Richmond and Williamsburg) and Jamestown's work for its recent 400th anniversary has created both a state AND a federal park area - both are wonderful to visit.
Re: the Skyline Drive area - I think you've been posted that the colors will probably not be in play that early (mid-September) and maybe I'll show my own colors by saying - seems to me the speed limit is about 25?? That's a LOT of slow driving, IMHO - I'd have a map handy to cut over to a speedier pace for some of it, in case you have that idea, too.
Sadly, you'll miss my other "most favorite" item in Richmond - Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day (before you're here), St. John's Church on Church Hill (Richmond's oldest area) has a marvelous reenactment of the Virginia meeting in which Patrick Henry gave his "as for me, give me liberty..." speech. In the church where the meeting took place after they were pushed out of Williamsburg by the King's governor; many of the pews are even original! Guaranteed to choke one up as "Mr. Henry" finishes - we go almost yearly.
Enjoy! I'm originally from Maryland, but have come to really love the beauties and the mind-boggling amount of history found in Virginia.
Jo Ann

Thank you, I'm working on the Richmond to Luray part of
our trip. I am really apreciating and looking into every
suggestion you give.
You guys are awesome!!!!
Having difficulty knowing what part of Richmond to stay in,
as I heard the crime is bad downtown, and in Northeast part
of the town.

I know there's a lot to see in a lot of areas of the state, but I do want to put in a plug for going further into Southwest Virginia than just Roanoke. You can hear great bluegrass music at the Carter Fold or in Floyd, just for one example.

As far as where to stay in Richmond, crime downtown is not bad depending on where you are. You could look into the Omni, which is walkable to good restaurants. I wouldn't stay on Broad or north of Broad, unless you're in the west end.

Charlottesville is a great stop. Small town with Monticello and Ashlawn-Highland, both homes worth a look. Walk the pedestrian mall, if there on Saturday check out the Farmer's Market. Lots of great restaurants. Stay at one of the B&Bs. Take a wine tour so you don't have to drive yourself.

Erika
Arcady Vineyard B&B and Wine Tours

Advertising, egoodell?