Diverse and beautiful Virginia is saturated with history and nature. The first settlers’ colony was established here, and visitors have descended upon the state ever since, keen to catch a chat with the smiling faces and catch a glimpse at the beaches, bays and mountains. It’s a great place for an adventure and equally good if you fancy a festival or two. Every year, the state delivers a great program of events for all ages.
Virginia International Tattoo is perhaps one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the whole of the USA. This traditional-style tattoo is crammed with marches, pipes, bands, drums, drill teams, gymnasts, dancers and choirs and features hundreds of performers and performances. It’s a moving and majestic display of patriotism and pride, and is executed with very appropriate military precision. If you like tattoos, it doesn’t get any better – and if you’ve never attended one, there’s no better place to begin. If you need any extra incentive, there is of course a great supply of tasty local food and crisp craft beer.
More food-based fun is on offer at Pungo Strawberry Festival, a tasty celebration of everybody’s favourite berry, with more than 200,000 attendees each year. Over two days, strawberries are crammed into mouths, pastries, cakes and stomachs, with the glorious fruit presented in dozens of mouth-watering ways. You can get your lips around strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcake and even strawberry pizza! The event also features parades, three stages of entertainment, pig races, arts, crafts, pie-eating contests, pony rides, monster trucks, carnival rides, dog shows and more. Pick a date, pick some berries and pick up your spirits!
Music fans are also well-served, with plenty of audible entertainment on offer throughout the state each year. These offerings include the Old Fiddlers Convention, a celebration of the tunes and traditions of good ol’ country music, the three-day Richmond Folk Festival and American Music Festival, an aural extravaganza of epic proportions. Over the three-day duration of the latter, great acts play their very best - previous artists have included Sheryl Crow, The Wailers, Culture Club and Blue Oyster Cult.
Other events on offer include ample servings of lights, arts, aeroplanes, surfing, balloons, orchestras, food, boats, flowers, heritage, gardens and jazz. There’s something for everyone – so join the fun, get yourself involved and find out why historic Virginia has plenty more landmarks to make!