Update docs/travel/VA_July_2024.md

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**
+#### **Itinerary & Points of Interest**
-- **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.
 
-- **Washington D.C.:**
+##### **Richmond**
-  - **U.S. Capitol**: Offers tours of the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall.
+- Virginia State Capitol
-  - **National Museum of American History**: Showcases American heritage across various domains including social, political, and military.
+- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
-  - **National Mall**: A central park featuring major landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial.
+- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
-  - **National Gallery of Art**: Displays an impressive collection of European and American art.
+- Edgar Allan Poe Museum
+- Maymont Park
+- Carytown Shopping District
+- Hollywood Cemetery
+- Richmond National Battlefield Park
 
-- **Virginia Beach:**
+##### **Washington D.C.**
-  - **Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center**: Features marine species and interactive exhibits.
+- U.S. Capitol and Capitol Hill
-  - **Sandbridge Beach**: Known for its tranquil environment, suitable for relaxation and nature walks.
+- National Museum of American History
-  - **First Landing State Park**: Offers outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and educational programs.
+- 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:**
+##### **Virginia Beach**
-  - **Stratford Hall**: Historic site with tours of the Lee family's plantation house.
+- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
-  - **Reedville Fishermen's Museum**: Focuses on the local fishing industry and the history of menhaden fishing.
+- Sandbridge Beach
-  - **Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve**: Ideal for hiking and bird-watching with scenic bay views.
+- 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.
+- Richmond: GRTC Transit System
-- **Washington D.C.:** Metro rail and bus services covering major tourist destinations.
+- 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.
+  - Richmond Folk Festival: An annual event celebrating the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft, and food.
-  - **Can Can Brasserie**: Offers a Parisian-style dining experience.
+  - Fourth of July Celebrations: The city hosts numerous events including fireworks over the James River and live music at Dogwood Dell.
-  - **Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel**: Known for its innovative Virginia-grown ingredients.
+  
-
 - **Washington D.C.:**
-  - **Le Diplomate**: French bistro renowned for its brunch and bakery items.
+  - 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.
-  - **Ben's Chili Bowl**: Iconic eatery known for its chili dogs.
+  - A Capitol Fourth: The nation's premier Fourth of July concert and fireworks display, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
-  - **Dukem**: Offers a taste of Ethiopian cuisine in the U Street corridor.
+  
-
 - **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.
+- Water shoes
-- Weather-appropriate clothing to accommodate hot and potentially rainy July weather.
+- Swimming suit
-- Necessary medications, personal items, and travel documents.
+- Sunscreen
-- Chargers and power banks to ensure connectivity.
+- Sunglasses
+- Mask or Goggles for Swimming
+- Power Cables
+- Charger
+- Required tech
 
 #### **Local Insights & Notes**
-- **Weather Trends:** Expect hot and humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
+- **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.
-- **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.