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

#### **Trip Overview**
- **Destination:** Virginia
- **Duration:** July 1 - July 31

#### **Passenger Details**
| Name            | Rapid Rewards # | Ticket #       | Dates of Travel    |
|-----------------|-----------------|----------------|--------------------|
| Jason Davis     | 611851995       | 5262279482407  | "July 1 - July 31" |
| Melodi Davis    | 20441705970     | 5262279482408  | "July 1 - July 31" |
| Ariana Schooler | 20522148931     | 5262279482409  | "July 1 - July 31" |
| Jack Schooler   | 20522149115     | 5262279482410  | "July 1 - July 31" |
| Lucas Davis     | 611865004       | TBD            | TBD                |
| Noah Davis      | 20051715316     | TBD            | 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** - A historic building designed by Thomas Jefferson that serves as a symbol of Virginia's government and history.
- **Virginia Museum of Fine Arts** - Renowned for its comprehensive collection spanning 5,000 years of art from cultures around the world.
- **Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden** - Features beautiful themed gardens, a conservatory, and a butterfly exhibit, making it a great place for relaxation and education.
- **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.
- **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.**
- **U.S. Capitol and Capitol Hill** - The center of American democracy, offering guided tours that explore the legislative process and American history.
- **National Mall** - Known as "America's Front Yard," it's lined with iconic monuments and museums, providing a rich historical and cultural experience.
- **National Air and Space Museum** - Holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, making it a must-visit for those interested in aviation and space exploration.
- **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.
- **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**
- **Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center** - Offers engaging exhibits including a wide variety of marine species, an IMAX theater, and interactive science experiences.
- **Sandbridge Beach** - Provides a quieter, more natural beach experience compared to the bustling Virginia Beach Boardwalk, ideal for relaxation and nature walks.
- **First Landing State Park** - Historic site of the Jamestown colonists' first landing, offering a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and educational programs.
- **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.
- **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**
- **Stratford Hall** - The birthplace of Robert E. Lee, this well-preserved plantation offers insights into colonial life, architecture, and the Lee family's history.
- **Reedville Fishermen’s Museum** - Dedicated to preserving the maritime history of Reedville and the Northern Neck, focusing on the menhaden fishing industry.
- **Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve** - Known for its pristine natural environment and diverse ecosystems, it's a great spot for bird-watching and enjoying unspoiled coastal landscapes.
- **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.
- **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.

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

#### **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.

---

# Scratch pad

> nothing to see below here!

## staging area for main document

```bash
pandoc -f csv -t markdown input.csv -o output.md
```

### Traveler Info
```csv
Name,Rapid Rewards #,Ticket #,Dates of Travel
Jason Davis,611851995,5262279482407,"July 1 - July 31"
Melodi Davis,20441705970,5262279482408,"July 1 - July 31"
Ariana Schooler,20522148931,5262279482409,"July 1 - July 31"
Jack Schooler,20522149115,5262279482410,"July 1 - July 31"
Lucas Davis,611865004,TBD,TBD
Noah Davis,20051715316,TBD,TBD
```