Just remain aware that traffic around the DC Metro area as well as the stretch of 95 between the Beltway and Fredericksburg is HIGHLY variable depending upon time of day and day of the week.

I agree with the New Market Battlefield Museum and Belle Grove Plantation. I would also suggest stopping in Woodstock, my former town and about midway between the two, to see the Shenandoah County Court House the oldest courthouse still in use east of the Mississippi River. If you are interested in seeing the Shenandoah Valley from the air, you could take a hot air balloon ride out of Woodstock.

Bookmarking

Unless I missed it, nobody has yet listed Montpelier, James Madison's home. http://visit.montpelier.org

Book a lunch or dinner at Barboursville winery, make sure to visit the ruins of Governor Barbour's house,which was designed by Jefferson. www.bbvwine.com

You can tie in the visits to Jefferson's and Madison's sites by exploring some details of their friendship before you go. I consider visiting both a must. Allow a good half day for each, book a specialty tour at each.

All awesome suggestions. Except I did giggle at Reedville only because that's where I learned what Menhaden factories smell like.

I echo others on visiting The Jefferson in Richmond. That staircase and lobby alone are worth swooning at.

In regards to wineries, Charlottesville is a great place. http://monticellowinetrail.com/

For history in Va Beach - there are a few historic homes sites that interesting, but not quite at the caliber of Williamsburgn my opinion. Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, and The Lynnhaven House. www.museumsvb.org To stretch your legs, I'd check out First Landing State Park (Seashore State Park to locals).

If you happen to be here around October 15-16 - there is a HUGE wine festival in Norfolk (sister city) https://festevents.org/events/2016-s.../fallwinefest/

For hotels, I definitely also recommend the Hilton oceanfront on 31st street. It's a little more expensive, but great location. You may also get local's discounts at some top restaurants b/c it's "off season". Like Il Giardino has half-off entrees on Sundays after Labor Day.

Not many people are familiar with it, but you might also want to consider visiting Sandbridge Beach and the Dismal Swamp Area/Back Bay Canal. Very beautiful and away from the boardwalk. No hotels there, but homes/condos to stay in. www.siebert-realty.com.

Also might be a bit of a time crunch but a day trip to the Eastern Shore of VA is worth it. Cape Charles is a really nice town and it's really relaxing over there. There is also a small winery, Chatham vineyards, in Machipongo - just north of Cape Charles. It DOES, however, cost $13 one way to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. $5 I believe on the way back if you do a day trip. www.capecharlesbythebay.com; www.chathamvineyards.net


I hope you have a wonderful trip, and don't forget to get Virginia Peanuts!!!

>>I hope you have a wonderful trip, and don't forget to get Virginia Peanuts!!!<<

The trip was last year . . .