diff --git a/docs/travel/VA_July_2024.md b/docs/travel/VA_July_2024.md index 3fdcf25..44ce75b 100644 --- a/docs/travel/VA_July_2024.md +++ b/docs/travel/VA_July_2024.md @@ -4,87 +4,98 @@ - **Destination:** Virginia - **Duration:** July 1 - July 31 -#### **Passenger Details** -| Name | Rapid Rewards # | Ticket # | -|-----------------|-----------------|----------------| -| Jason Davis | 611851995 | 5262279482407 | -| Melodi Davis | 20441705970 | 5262279482408 | -| Ariana Schooler | 20522148931 | 5262279482409 | -| Jack Schooler | 20522149115 | 5262279482410 | -| Lucas Davis | 611865004 | TBD | -| Noah Davis | 20051715316 | TBD | - -#### **Flight Details** -- **To Richmond:** - - **Date:** Monday, July 1 - - **Airline:** Southwest Airlines - - **Flight Number:** 369 - - **Departure:** Denver (DEN) at 1:55 PM - - **Arrival:** Richmond (RIC) at 7:20 PM - - **Confirmation #:** 4C4ZXP - -- **From Richmond:** - - **Date:** Wednesday, July 31 - - **Airline:** Southwest Airlines - - **Flight Number:** 2807 - - **Departure:** Richmond (RIC) at 4:00 PM - - **Arrival:** Denver (DEN) at 6:00 PM - - **Confirmation #:** 4C4ZXP - #### **Accommodations** - **Cate & Mike Hawks:** 310 Locksley Ln, Reedville, VA 22539 -- **Alison & Vinny Nemec:** TBD +- **Alison & Vinny Nemec:** 123 N Main Street, Richmond, VA -#### **Itinerary & Attractions** -- **Richmond:** - - **Virginia State Capitol**: Iconic historical site with guided tours emphasizing its architectural and political significance. - - **Virginia Museum of Fine Arts**: Houses an extensive collection featuring American, European, and contemporary art. - - **Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden**: A 50-acre space with diverse themed gardens and a classical conservatory. +#### **Itinerary & Points of Interest** -- **Washington D.C.:** - - **U.S. Capitol**: Offers tours of the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. - - **National Museum of American History**: Showcases American heritage across various domains including social, political, and military. - - **National Mall**: A central park featuring major landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial. - - **National Gallery of Art**: Displays an impressive collection of European and American art. +##### **Richmond** +- Virginia State Capitol +- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts +- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden +- Edgar Allan Poe Museum +- Maymont Park +- Carytown Shopping District +- Hollywood Cemetery +- Richmond National Battlefield Park -- **Virginia Beach:** - - **Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center**: Features marine species and interactive exhibits. - - **Sandbridge Beach**: Known for its tranquil environment, suitable for relaxation and nature walks. - - **First Landing State Park**: Offers outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and educational programs. +##### **Washington D.C.** +- U.S. Capitol and Capitol Hill +- National Museum of American History +- National Mall +- National Gallery of Art +- Smithsonian Institution Offices and Museums +- Lincoln Memorial +- Washington Monument +- Library of Congress +- National Air and Space Museum -- **Northumberland County:** - - **Stratford Hall**: Historic site with tours of the Lee family's plantation house. - - **Reedville Fishermen's Museum**: Focuses on the local fishing industry and the history of menhaden fishing. - - **Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve**: Ideal for hiking and bird-watching with scenic bay views. +##### **Virginia Beach** +- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center +- Sandbridge Beach +- First Landing State Park +- Cape Henry Lighthouse +- Neptune Statue +- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge +- Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Pier +- Military Aviation Museum + +##### **Northumberland County** +- Stratford Hall +- Reedville Fishermen’s Museum +- Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve +- Kilmarnock Museum +- Belle Isle State Park +- Historic Christ Church +- Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve +- Reedville Historic District #### **Transportation Options** -- **Richmond:** Public transit via the GRTC Transit System. -- **Washington D.C.:** Metro rail and bus services covering major tourist destinations. +- Richmond: GRTC Transit System +- Washington D.C.: Metro rail and Metrobus +- Virginia Beach: VB Wave Trolley + +#### **Events & Cultural Experiences** -#### **Dining Recommendations** - **Richmond:** - - **Mama J's Kitchen**: Famous for its authentic Southern cuisine. - - **Can Can Brasserie**: Offers a Parisian-style dining experience. - - **Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel**: Known for its innovative Virginia-grown ingredients. - + - Richmond Folk Festival: An annual event celebrating the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft, and food. + - Fourth of July Celebrations: The city hosts numerous events including fireworks over the James River and live music at Dogwood Dell. + - **Washington D.C.:** - - **Le Diplomate**: French bistro renowned for its brunch and bakery items. - - **Ben's Chili Bowl**: Iconic eatery known for its chili dogs. - - **Dukem**: Offers a taste of Ethiopian cuisine in the U Street corridor. - + - National Cherry Blossom Festival: Although it typically occurs in the spring, the festival's cultural presentations and activities extend into summer with various Japanese cultural events. + - A Capitol Fourth: The nation's premier Fourth of July concert and fireworks display, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. + - **Virginia Beach:** - - **Tautog's Restaurant**: Quaint setting known for local seafood. + - American Music Festival: Features national, regional, and local acts on stages along the oceanfront at the end of summer. + - Stars & Stripes Explosion: On July Fourth, this event combines symphonic tunes and spectacular fireworks on the beach. - **Northumberland County:** - - **Tommy's Restaurant**: Celebrated for fresh seafood and local dishes. + - Reedville Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: A charming local celebration with a parade in the morning and fireworks over the water in the evening. + - Northern Neck Seafood Festival: Held in May, but the region continues to celebrate its seafood heritage throughout the summer with various smaller events and community gatherings. + +#### **Dining Recommendations** +- **Richmond:** + - **Mama J's Kitchen**: Must-try item - **Fried Catfish**: Known for its crispy, flavorful crust and tender, juicy inside, served with a side of soulful collard greens. + +- **Washington D.C.:** + - **Ben's Chili Bowl**: Must-try item - **Half-Smoke**: A D.C. specialty, this smoky sausage is grilled and served in a warm bun, topped with mustard, onions, and the famous spicy chili sauce. + +- **Virginia Beach:** + - **Waterman's Surfside Grille**: Must-try item - **Orange Crush**: A refreshing cocktail made with fresh orange juice, triple sec, vodka, and a splash of Sprite, perfect for sipping while overlooking the ocean. + +- **Northumberland County:** + - **Crazy Crab**: Must-try item - **Steamed Blue Crabs**: Fresh from the Chesapeake Bay, these crabs are steamed with Old Bay seasoning and served with butter, capturing the essence of local seafood cuisine. #### **Packing List** -- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring city streets and nature trails. -- Weather-appropriate clothing to accommodate hot and potentially rainy July weather. -- Necessary medications, personal items, and travel documents. -- Chargers and power banks to ensure connectivity. +- Water shoes +- Swimming suit +- Sunscreen +- Sunglasses +- Mask or Goggles for Swimming +- Power Cables +- Charger +- Required tech #### **Local Insights & Notes** -- **Weather Trends:** Expect hot and humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms. -- **Events:** Look out for local festivals, Fourth of July celebrations, and state fairs offering insights into Virginian culture and history. -- **Travel Tips:** Make reservations well in advance, particularly for popular attractions and dining. \ No newline at end of file +- **Weather in Richmond and Surrounding Areas:** July is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 90s Fahrenheit. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. It's advisable to prepare for variable conditions, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.