20 Ideas For Cool Summer Getaways In Virginia

Summer is one of the most exciting times to visit Virginia. Road trip adventures, beach front fun, mountaintop cabins and lazy days on the water are just some of the many reasons families make Virginia their summer vacation spot. Virginia has just created a list of 20 ideas for cool summer getaways for families looking to completely connect on a Virginia vacation. These and more can be found on www.Virginia.org:
- Go underground: Caverns are plentiful in the mountainous western region of the Commonwealth, and the below-ground temperature hovers around 56 degrees year-round. Eight dramatic caverns are open to the public including Luray Caverns, the largest on the East Coast.
- Take a hike: More than 500 miles of hiking paths meander through lovely Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lighter air and cool breezes are just the thing while enjoying a magnificent overlook or spotting wild critters. The highest and perhaps coolest point in Virginia is Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, another memorable place to go on foot.
- Take a dip: Cool, fresh water swimming holes can be found in Virginia's sparkling lakes and rivers. You may have to ask the locals where to go but one sure bet is in Goshen Pass in the Shenandoah Valley near Lexington. There the Maury River splashes through a three-mile mountain gorge that is spectacularly scenic and is full of good places to swim.
- Take another dip: If there is a universal cure-all for excessive heat it's ice cream, and in Virginia you'll find some fabulous old-time ice cream joints and new ones too. The ice cream cone was invented by the founder of Norfolk's Doumar's and Carl's Frozen Custard stand in Fredericksburg is a National Historic Landmark. Island Creamery on Chincoteague Island offers 36 homemade flavors and custom-made ice cream cakes.
- Make a splash: It's no secret that a great way to cool off is in good, cool water but why not have some fun at the same time? Virginia's sensational outdoor and indoor water parks are family friendly places to frolic.
- Get out on a lake: Imagine a summer day in a boat cruising a scenic lake, either just out for a casual paddle or zipping along on a jet ski or in a motor boat. Virginia's lakes range from small and tranquil to big and bustling and they all add up to cool fun in the summer.
- Roll on the river: In the mountains they tumble and gurgle while toward the coast they flow like history. Since ancient times people in Virginia have been attracted to rivers, and with good reason. They are great places for cooling off and having fun. Jump in a canoe, raft or kayak and you'll beat the heat without knowing it.
- Float on the breezes: No matter how hot the day a ride in a hot air balloon reaches cool altitudes. Floating along with an expert pilot at the helm is both relaxing and invigorating. Some hot air balloon festival offer tethered and untethered rides or arrange a ridge any time from one of Virginia's licensed companies such as Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons.
- Buckle up and go: If a balloon ride seems a bit slow then climb into the open cockpit of an airplane and let it rip! Flights are available at air fields throughout Virginia or go to the Flying Circus Airshows on Sunday's in Bealeton. After an old fashioned barnstorming aerodrome shows open cockpit rides can be arranged by appointment.
- Hit the beach: It's probably the most popular summer activity in Virginia. Virginia's beaches are top destinations for visitors, and who doesn't love a cool splash in the surf after some warm relaxing in the sand. Beaches are found in some unexpected places as well, including the Chesapeake Bay shore and inland lakes.
- Reel in the fun: Standing in a pair of waders in a bubbling mountain stream while casting f