### **Virginia Trip Guide - July 2024**

#### **Trip Overview**
- **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:** 123 N Main Street, Richmond, VA

#### **Itinerary & Points of Interest**

##### **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

##### **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

##### **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: GRTC Transit System
- Washington D.C.: Metro rail and Metrobus
- Virginia Beach: VB Wave Trolley

#### **Events & Cultural Experiences**

- **Richmond:**
  - 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.:**
  - 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:**
  - 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:**
  - 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**
- Water shoes
- Swimming suit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Mask or Goggles for Swimming
- Power Cables
- Charger
- Required tech

#### **Local Insights & Notes**
- **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.