Route 17 Virginia Map Travel Guide

Discovering the Best of Route 17 Virginia Map

Route 17 Virginia Map is a beautiful stretch of road that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, miles of sandy beaches, and charming small towns. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, you will find something to love along this scenic route. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. Let’s get started!

Top Attractions

There are plenty of attractions along Route 17 Virginia Map, but some of the most popular ones are Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach, and Shenandoah National Park. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that takes you back to the 18th century, while Busch Gardens is a theme park with thrilling rides and shows. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is a paradise for beach lovers, and Shenandoah National Park is a natural wonder with stunning views of the mountains.

Hidden Gems

If you want to explore the lesser-known spots along Route 17 Virginia Map, head to Yorktown, where you can visit the Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum. Another hidden gem is the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which is home to unspoiled beaches, wildlife refuges, and charming towns like Cape Charles and Onancock.

Food Scene

The food scene along Route 17 Virginia Map is diverse and delicious. From seafood to barbecue, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds. Some of the must-try dishes include crab cakes, fried oysters, and Brunswick stew. For a unique dining experience, visit The Trellis Restaurant in Williamsburg, which offers farm-to-table cuisine and an extensive wine list.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling along Route 17 Virginia Map doesn’t have to break the bank. To save money, consider camping instead of staying in hotels, packing your own food instead of eating out, and taking advantage of free attractions like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also save money by visiting during the off-season, which is typically from November to March.

Outdoor Adventures

If you love the great outdoors, you will find plenty of activities along Route 17 Virginia Map. Some of the popular outdoor adventures include hiking in Shenandoah National Park, kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, and biking along the Virginia Capital Trail. You can also go fishing, boating, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers in the area.

Historical Landmarks

Route 17 Virginia Map is rich in history, and there are many landmarks that commemorate the area’s past. Some of the notable historical sites include Jamestown Settlement, which was the first permanent English settlement in America, and Monticello, which was Thomas Jefferson’s home. You can also visit the Civil War battlefields in Fredericksburg and Manassas.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you are traveling with kids, there are many family-friendly activities along Route 17 Virginia Map. Busch Gardens is a great option, as it has rides and shows for all ages. Water Country USA, which is also owned by Busch Gardens, is a water park with slides and pools. You can also visit the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, which has interactive exhibits and live animals.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you want to get off the beaten path and explore some unique attractions, head to Natural Bridge, which is a natural rock formation that spans over a creek. You can also visit Foamhenge, which is a replica of Stonehenge made entirely out of foam. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is the Virginia Safari Park, which is a drive-through zoo where you can see animals like zebras, giraffes, and kangaroos up close.

Natural Wonders

Route 17 Virginia Map is home to many natural wonders, and one of the most impressive is Luray Caverns, which is a series of underground caves with stunning rock formations and pools. Another natural wonder is Natural Tunnel State Park, which is a 900-foot-long tunnel that was formed by a stream. You can also visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which is a vast wetland area with diverse flora and fauna.

Vibrant Nightlife

Route 17 Virginia Map may not be known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of options for those who want to have some fun after dark. Virginia Beach has a lively bar scene, with many beachfront bars and clubs. Richmond also has a vibrant nightlife, with many breweries, distilleries, and live music venues.

Local Markets

If you want to experience the local culture and cuisine, head to one of the many farmers’ markets along Route 17 Virginia Map. The Williamsburg Farmers Market is one of the most popular, with over 40 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The Eastern Shore of Virginia also has many farmers’ markets, where you can find locally grown oysters, clams, and other seafood.

Beaches and Mountains

Route 17 Virginia Map offers the best of both worlds, with miles of sandy beaches and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia Beach is the most popular beach destination, but there are also many other beaches along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that offers panoramic views of the mountains, with many hiking trails and overlooks along the way.

Cultural Immersion

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, head to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, which has a collection of over 33,000 works of art from around the world. You can also visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum, which is dedicated to educating the public about the Holocaust and other genocides. For a taste of the local music scene, check out The NorVa in Norfolk, which is a historic music venue that has hosted many famous artists.

Art and Music Scene

Route 17 Virginia Map has a vibrant art and music scene, with many galleries, museums, and music venues. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk has a collection of over 30,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The National Music Festival in Chestertown is a week-long event that showcases classical music from around the world.

Walking Tours

If you want to explore the historic districts and charming towns along Route 17 Virginia Map, consider taking a walking tour. The Williamsburg Walking Tour Company offers guided tours of Colonial Williamsburg, while the Richmond Historic Tours offers tours of the city’s historic neighborhoods. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of Cape Charles, which is a quaint town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Architectural Marvels

Route 17 Virginia Map is home to many architectural marvels, from historic homes to modern buildings. Monticello, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. The Virginia State Capitol in Richmond is a Georgian-style building that was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The Chrysler Building in Norfolk is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.

Historical Sites

Route 17 Virginia Map is steeped in history, and there are many sites that commemorate the area’s past. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a collection of four Civil War battlefields, while the Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that tells the story of the first permanent English settlement in America. The Virginia War Museum in Newport News has a collection of artifacts and exhibits from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Biking Routes

Route 17 Virginia Map has many scenic bike routes, including the Virginia Capital Trail, which is a 52-mile trail that connects Richmond and Williamsburg. The New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile trail that follows the New River, with many scenic overlooks and historic sites along the way. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile trail that runs through the Appalachian Mountains, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

Wellness Retreats

If you want to relax and rejuvenate, there are many wellness retreats along Route 17 Virginia Map. The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs is a historic resort with natural hot springs, spa treatments, and fitness classes. The Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg is a luxurious resort with a full-service spa, yoga classes, and outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.

Adventure Sports

Route 17 Virginia Map offers many opportunities for adventure sports, including rock climbing, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge in West Virginia is a popular destination for rock climbing, with over 1,400 established routes. The Adventure