Top Virginia Culture - page 3

Embark on an enthralling 90-minute guided stroll along the vibrant downtown King Street corridor, breathing life into the pages of "The Underground Railroad" by abolitionist pioneer William Still. Step into the shoes of fugitive slaves who defied the odds, as our tour unveils the very sites where their brave stories unfolded. Join us in unraveling the intricate tapestry of their journeys, delving into the operation of the Underground Railroad in Alexandria. Experience history come alive, where the past whispers secrets of courage and triumph, all against the backdrop of a city that holds the echoes of freedom's unyielding spirit.

Explore the significant Yorktown Battlefield—and go at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour for your car. Drive through the park in your own car with GPS directions enabled as you listen to the storied history of this site. See and learn about famous landmarks like Washington’s Headquarters, Grand French Battery, and Yorktown National Cemetery without feeling rushed.

Discover the art of sailing during your time in the Williamsburg area with this sailing lesson. Join a small group and head out onto the water with a modern sailboat to learn the basics of sailing. Learn how to build speed, “see” the wind, and boat safety, or simply enjoy a relaxing ride on the water.

Follow in the footsteps of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson—and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore Monticello—on this small-group, full-day trip. Travel from downtown Washington DC to Jefferson’s UNESCO–listed estate. Once there, go on a guided tour that shares stories about his life and work, and have free time to explore more of the historic landmark at your own pace.

On this unique tour, we follow Washington's remarkable life and legacy through his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. On this tour, you will get an extremely knowledgeable George Washington expert that will answer all of your Washington questions and talk about many of the most important moments of Washington's distinguished career as a surveyor, commander-in-chief, farmer, President, and private citizen. We will also stop historic locations to include: - Wise's Tavern - Duvall's Tavern - George Washington's Townhomes (both of them!) - The Fairfax House - Dr. Craik's Home - Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee Home On this tour, we will walk to each location. However, we will not be going inside them.

With its hundreds of years of history, it’s no surprise that Colonial Williamsburg has accumulated some macabre stories over the centuries—and you’ll learn all the local lore on this dark history tour. Meet your guide in the afternoon at the Capitol, and set off on foot. From tales of creepy secret societies to stories of sinister happenings, you’ll discover a side of Colonial Williamsburg that few other visitors encounter.

Experience the best of Norfolk while avoiding long ticket lines with a Passport to Fun. Enjoy admission to Norfolk’s top attractions, like Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum located on the downtown waterfront, the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), the second ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the US state of Wisconsin, and the Virginia Zoo.

Explore Old Town Alexandria at your pace, anytime. See the sites George Washington frequented, including his house. Walk along the cobblestone streets. Learn about the history, civil war, and people. Walk down picturesque alleys. And all in an hour! From museums and libraries to historic landmarks, alleyways, cobblestones streets and a very famous restaurant, we’re about to take a stroll through the days of yore! Why choose this tour? This is a smart phone guided tour that uses GPS to play as you walk. It's like a person, but better. Go anytime at your own pace The tour is professionally produced with narration and music See the main sites and hear their stories, just like other tours, only at your pace.

See the highlights of Washington DC without having to rent a car or rely on public transportation by opting for a private tour of the city. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel, the airport, or Union Station and take you out to see sights such as the exterior of the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.

Learn all about a different side of early American history—and explore Colonial Williamsburg in the company of a costumed guide—on this small-group, pirate-themed tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide right outside the Capitol Building, and set off on foot. In between admiring the centuries-old landmarks, you’ll learn about how piracy influenced American history—and can soak in your guide’s in-depth stories as you go.

Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour. Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

Explore Richmond with the aid of a professional historian guide, learning about the crucial role the city played in the foundation of American politics, culture, education, architecture, and more. Explore the city's historic businesses, government buildings, schools, and churches.

Our certified tour guide will greet you in front of illy's cafe and share background information as you walk over to the historic College of William & Mary (est. 1693), our "Alma Mater of the Nation." You'll tour the oldest academic building in the United States, the Sir Christopher Wren building, and learn about the second-oldest college in America, alma mater to four United States Presidents. If the Wren building is open, there may be an opportunity for a free organ recital on Saturdays at 10am in the Chapel, and our morning tour time on Saturday is longer for the recital. All tours include touring the Colonial classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room and academic classrooms that are still used for religious studies. We'll also visit the Brafferton, former school for Native Americans, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and the Sunken Garden, visiting James Monroe, James Blair, the Tyler Family Garden (aka "Echo Wall") and Thomas Jefferson.

If you think history is boring, this tour is here to prove you wrong. Offbeat History takes you on a lively, 90-minute journey through the city’s most offbeat and entertaining stories—the kind that surprise you, make you laugh, and leave you saying, “Wait… that really happened?” With a guide who knows how to bring the fun, this tour dives into the odd characters, strange moments, and head-scratching facts that make Richmond anything but ordinary. You won’t hear about battlefield strategies or memorized dates—just unforgettable stories, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of laughs.

This leisurely stroll takes you through downtown Richmond with a guide who will tell you about the layers of history all around you. Talk about the town’s role in the Revolution, Civil War, and more. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your guide, but still have an intimate tour group. You’ll also be wearing a headset on tour to encourage safe distancing.

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket! We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.

Combine Old Town Alexandria cuisine and history during this half-day walking city tour during which you’ll sample local dishes you might otherwise have overlooked, ideal for first-time visitors. Get a deeper insight into the city’s history than you would alone, thanks to your guide’s sometimes scandalous stories, and pass by off-the-beaten path landmarks many travelers miss.

This is the only tour in Old Town Alexandria that focuses on the Revolutionary War. We will show some of the most important (yet not well known) locations that led to the American Revolution. On this tour you will discover Alexandria's connection to the the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Bill of Rights. We will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Get ready to walk in the churchyard where George Washington publicly declared he would take up arms to fight for the American colonies. We will explore the historic homes and businesses of famous Revolutionary War veterans. Plus we will show you where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria! Along the way, we will point out places of interest and show you Alexandria's hidden gems. Ask questions and experience Old Town Alexandria through one of the most fun tours in the D.C. area!

Put a spin on a Richmond city tour and learn about the city’s haunted past from a guide during this Richmond Capitol Hill Haunted Ghost Tour. Perfect for history lovers and fans of the paranormal, this tour stops at the Berkeley Hotel, Virginia State Capitol Building, Virginia Executive Mansion, and the Monumental Church. Prebook your experience and get ready for some of the state’s best ghost stories.

Delve into the nation’s military history with a twenty-year Navy veteran as your guide on a private tour. Choose from an extensive list of museums, monuments, memorials, battlefields, cemeteries, and even the Pentagon (90 day advanced notice required) on an exclusive tour of Washington, DC and surrounding areas. Get unmatched insights and history and spend the day walking through the pages of a real life history book.

Dive deeper into US history when you embark on this day trip from Washington DC to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Head north from the nation’s capital to Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War and the 1863 battle that took place on those grounds. Watch a short film and then explore downtown Gettysburg before heading back down to Washington DC.

Experience the Dead of Night with Spooks and Legends Haunted Ghost Tours! Looking for a ghost tour that’s more than just spooky stories? The Dead of Night Tour with Spooks and Legends is the ultimate paranormal experience you’ve been searching for! Join our expert guides as they take you on a thrilling outdoor ghost-hunting expedition through the haunted streets of Colonial Williamsburg. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an interactive ghost hunt where you’ll use professional gear like the PSB7 Spirit Box, EMF Meters, Dowsing Rods, and Rem Pods. You’ll get hands-on experience with real ghost-hunting equipment while searching for actual evidence of the supernatural! But that’s not all—you’ll also hear true -chilling stories that add a whole new a rare glimpse into the unexplained phenomena that continue to haunt the historic area. Our groups are small, so you’ll get a personal, hands-on experience. We provide all the equipment you’ll need. Don’t miss out - This Tour sells out !

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Virginia's Capitol grounds in Richmond on this leisurely walking tour. Led by an expert historian, the tour explores significant monuments including the Washington Statue and the Edgar Allan Poe tribute, while honoring the native Americans who once inhabited the area. Gain insights into the early history of Richmond and Virginia through engaging storytelling that brings the captivating past to life. - Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Virginia's Capitol grounds - Led by an expert historian passionate about architecture and storytelling - Visit significant sites like the Washington Statue and Edgar Allan Poe monument - Learn about the native Americans and the early history of Richmond and Virginia

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.