Exploring Virgin Horizons In America’s Newest Destination
Think USA, and Virginia barely pops up in the top ten bucket list. But scratch the surface, and you’ll discover that the southern state packs in a punch with all its surprises
For most travellers planning an American getaway and drawing their list of destinations in the country, the usual suspects are bound to include major cities on the East and West coasts, be it the sunny beaches of California or the slick cities of New York. Adventurers may find their fill in Arizona or Alaska, and foodies may get their flavours in Texas and Louisiana, but for those who love a little bit of everything, Virginia may be the newest all rounder on the block. Keeping up with its tagline, ‘Virginia is for lovers’, the state has something for everyone. From fascinating history to technology and from culinary delights to shopping sprees, it is packed with a smorgasbord of recreational activity. A lot of it holds special appeal for the Indian traveller, but a select few are the real pick of the lot.
A space shuttle at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre
Being one of the powerhouses of technology, many Indians are drawn to science, and one of the best places to unleash both the nerd and the child in you, is the the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre. The space centre that also hosts the world’s most famous space shuttle, Discovery, among other collections of iconic planes, is a dream come true for space fans. Lovers of history also get to see some of the country’s most historic buildings in the state, including Monticello and Mount Vernon, home to two of America’s presidents—Thomas Jefferson and George Washington respectively. Jefferson also founded the University of Virginia in 1819, which remains hugely popular with students from around the world till date, and parts of which are also open for tours.
Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is a historical landmark in Virginia
Be it young students or adults, Virginia has a wide variety of flavours to suit all palettes. Historic inns like Michie Tavern serve southern fare with a slice of history, just as its orchards serve some hard apple cider that the state is known for. The surprise in the kitty though is the modern Indian fine dining joints that are becoming increasingly popular here.
A historic tavern, Michie Tavern is loved for its southern fare
Kanak, a dine out in the petite town of Charlottesville, serves everything from classics to fusion dishes. Kismet, in the charming waterfront town of Alexandria, serves naan breads topped with a ‘garden’ twist and a mellow ambience. Paired with some delicious cocktails, the outlet makes for a great evening hangout. A fusion cuisine that the Indian palate loves is ‘Indian Chinese’, and replicating those flavours is Chef Ram Thapa’s Indochen, an Asian fine dine restaurant at the Hyatt Centric in downtown Alexandria. From pan seared fish in delectable sauces to dumplings with fiery chutneys, it captures this beloved taste perfectly.
Kismet, in the charming waterfront town of Alexandria, is a modern Indian fine dining joint
No visit to Virginia is complete without a pit stop at Tysons Corner, which is also one of the biggest shopping destinations in the country with upmarket brands from around the world. Conveniently located en route the Dulles International airport in Washington DC which is the gateway to Virginia, the galleria offers over 300 high-end retail stores and exclusive-to-market designers. The cherry on the cake, this is where you indulge yourself, and take back a little bit of Virginia home with you.
From food to history, there is much that Virginia offers to discerning travellers
