I'm fairly new to the area, and I am so glad that we found this diamond in the rough…read more We visited Colonial Beach (technically estuary, I think) during a weekday near the end of June, and it was exactly what we were looking for. During our four hours at the beach, I think we saw only 10-13 people in our area. This was absolutely perfect for me because I was looking for a quiet, chill beach experience. Since we visited during the week, parking was not a hassle. The walk from our parking spot to the beach was less than 5 minutes on foot. Also, parking was about $2 an hour, which is not bad because some places charge $5+ per hour. I would image that parking probably is a nightmare during the weekends. From other reviews, I guess we lucked out because we did not have any interaction with jellyfish. Although I saw information about shops and business along the boardwalk, we did not visit any local businesses during our trip. *Hopefully, we'll have a chance to check out some shops during our next visit.* However, I think a lot of places were closed anyway because we did not see many people on the boardwalk in general. If you are used to (or looking for) crystal blue water and fine sand on a beach, this beach might not before you. The water is dark (you're technically in the Potomac River) and the beach itself is quite rocky. I think if you visit without high expectations of experiencing a beach off of the Amalfi Coast or somewhere in the Caribbean, I think you will be fine with a very low-key beach/estuary/river adventure at CBVA.

It was quiet. It wasn't crowded. It was peaceful... BUT... it's so many rocks and bugs in the…read moresand... like millions of these sand flea black crab looking things... it was a very uncomfortable situation. So glad we had chairs because sitting on that beach blanket was awful. Probably won't be back... but it is okay

Walking to visitor office, since this is my first time to this park. The Billy goat trail was…read moreclosed due to the heavy rain we had for the past 10 day from September to the beginning of October, I was a bit disappointedI was hoping to climb.all 13.8 miles up, but I made it to the observation deck to see the Potomac River overflow which was a spectacular view. I managed to walked over 17K steps. I recommend going to this National Park, I paid $20 for the year and I can visit all National parks in the DMV area.

On Sunday during Tony's Birthday Trip, We stopped at Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center. The Great…read moreFalls National Park can be seen on both sides of the Potomac River Gorges, Virginia and Maryland. The fee is $20 per car. Once you pay, your receipt is good for 7 days at any park entry points, including both sides, either states. There is plenty of parking spots and bathroom facility near the parking lot. We went inside the Visitors Center to look at the museum displays, get literature about the park, trails and sites. We took the 1 mile Falls Overlook Trail that took us past the Canal Boat on display. There was many Visitors milling around, biking, walking and enjoying the beautiful weather.

You should visit even if you are not a history or Civil War enthusiast Very accessible location…read moreand beautiful views of an important event in US history

It's bigger than you think. 18 miles for the car tour and a ton more hiking paths. It was also…read morehillier than I thought. Once you're there you'll understand how prominent Henry and Matthews's hills are. Well worth the visit.

I've walked a lot of battlefields, but Fredericksburg has a gravity all its own. Standing at the…read moreSunken Road, you can almost hear the roar of cannon from Marye's Heights and the futile cries of Union soldiers charging across open ground. This wasn't just another clash of armies -- it was one of the most lopsided assaults of the war, a grim December 1862 where bravery collided head-on with impossible odds. The Visitor Center does a fine job grounding you in the context: Burnside's plan to cross the Rappahannock, the delays with pontoon bridges, and how those hours gave Lee's men the time to dig in. The short film is worth it -- it sets the stage for why this battle became a symbol of both heroism and futility. Walking the field, I couldn't help but note how the terrain dictated the slaughter. The Union army had to charge over nearly half a mile of open plain, with no cover, directly into Confederate firepower. The stone wall at the base of Marye's Heights remains chilling in its simplicity -- a farmer's wall turned fortress. It's said that a single Confederate line repulsed wave after wave of bluecoats, and when you stand behind that wall, you understand how. The driving tour expands the picture. Slaughter Pen Farm, preserved by the American Battlefield Trust, gives you the only full Union attack route still intact. It's haunting to trace those footsteps -- knowing thousands never made it across. Other stops, like Lee's Hill, give you the vantage point the Confederate commander had, surveying the field with grim confidence. It's not all glory -- part of Fredericksburg's story is loss and futility. More Union soldiers fell here in a single day than in many entire campaigns. But it's also where Richard Kirkland, the "Angel of Marye's Heights," earned his legend by bringing water to dying Union soldiers, showing compassion amidst carnage. Yes, the modern world has pressed in -- houses and traffic surround pieces of the field -- but enough remains to feel the weight of what happened here. Preservation efforts have fought hard to keep key ground from disappearing, and walking it today is a testament to both the men who fought and those who saved the land. Tip for history buffs: * Start at the Visitor Center, watch the film, then walk the Sunken Road before driving the tour. * Read first-hand accounts (like Sgt. McCarter's memoirs) before going -- they'll bring the ground to life. * Go early in the morning or late afternoon for solitude -- the quiet amplifies the history.

Interesting exhibits colorful And well maintained…read more Ranger was very nice . Front desk greeter was robotic Hence one star deduction

I was shocked yet disappointed that I had never been to the Warrenton-Fauquier Visitor's Center…read morebefore. I've always heard you can get recycling bags here but just never went to get them. I actually thought it was at the community center by Taylor MS. It's on Calhoun St right off main street downtown and beside the Mosby House. It's in a funky little spot, so off the beaten path. I walked in and announced I was here for recycling bags. The gentleman hosting the center was so nice. He asked my address and for my ID. He handed to two huge rolls of trash bags and a roll of recycling bags for free! He said these are available every year. For free! I was so happy! We talked a bit and I walked around inside the tiny center picking out pamphlets. Outside in the back they have quite a few picnic tables. They could use some outdoor landscaping and decor in places but I was happy to find this spot. Pretty neat.

This visitor center is really hidden behind Main Street in Warrenton. Best way to find it is to…read morefind the Mosby House as it is behind this historic museum (BTW, the museum is closed down for lack of funding). Small visitor center with friendly staff. Easy parking. Pick up brochures and other information here for the area and elsewhere in Virginia.

After visiting Visit Fredrick, there's no shortage of idea on how to enjoy Frederick. With helpful…read morestaff, the center comes with exhibits, artifacts, an informational video, and plenty of brochures on everything to do in the area from nature to history to food. The center has free parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains too.

Beautiful visitors center with a warm and welcoming staff. Attractive and informative displays and…read moremany wonderful brochures. Be sure to get a map for the downtown Frederick Walking Tour which provides a wonderful overview and introduction to this amazing historic town.

Fun for a free experience. The crèche display was neat but the room was small so the line took…read moreforever--not ideal with kids. The lights are beautiful but it's a short walk around. Magical for a few minutes.

It's a beautiful church very pretty.I hear they decorate it during the holidays.For christmas so I…read morecan't wait to come back.And visit it.They have a nice gift store to check the inside of the temple.

Bristoe Station Battlefield is picture perfect park and the place to be for a great walk or run…read morenear Manassas, VA. The trails are sloping and gravel but an easy walk or bike. The park is fronted by a few (10) parking spots and some history signs.. To walk the entire stretch of the trail takes about 45-55 minutes and is surrounded by high grasses and fields the slope down to an old railroad. The trail is an unexpected delight, as animals, fruit, old houses and more history signs and sights make for a great outing! The entrance to this site is mixed in with a regular housing development, also nearby is a outdoor mall with food and the sign can be easily missed. All around fun and light walking for almost all ages in a serene and calm outdoor trail. The only noise is from some trains that pass in the far away. Review: 5

Watch for poison ivy and ticks. Looks like they are converting many of the fields to "historic"…read moreforests and meadows of poison ivy, briar patches, saplings and weeds. Doesn't seem to be in line with a battle for this area, which would have been fought on farmland which had animal pastures and crop fields. When it is mowed properly it looks beautiful and is a safer walk for kids and dogs. The paths are well kept and nicely mowed.

Vicki Briggs was the best travel agent I can imagine working with. She was responsive,…read moreimaginative, and resourceful. I guess she specializes in Viking cruises, but we used her for our honeymoon in Hawaii. Vicki put together a fantastic package for us: airfare, high-end resorts, the works. The best, though, were the activities she found for us. We could only give her a vague idea of what we wanted, because we really didn't know (and had decision fatigue from the wedding planning). No problem for Vicki, who just went out & found us great stuff. She booked us on a tubing adventure, a great luau, and what was easily the best helicopter tour on Kauai. When we needed to make changes, as we did several times, she was quick and flexible about doing so. I normally book travel myself, but I would go back to her in a heartbeat.

From the owner: Briggs World Travel specializes in Leisure Travel…read more Honeymoons & Destination Weddings Viking River Cruises Ocean Cruises on all the major cruise lines All inclusive vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico Hawaii Europe and Escorted Tours Travel Insurance The World is at your Fingertips. Don't miss your Opportunity to Explore it!