If you haven’t been to Virginia, you’re missing out on a piece of history and a lot of fun. As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia has a rich history, a promising future, and plenty to do. Visit actual revolutionary and civil war battlefields, famous patriots’ homes, and entire cities that transport you back in time. Colonial Williamsburg offers realistic reenactments, colonial architecture, and an entire town where people act and dress like true colonists, and the UVA campus is home to the breathtaking Monticello, former home of Thomas Jefferson. The state also has two major amusement parks, Paramount’s Kings Dominion, just north of the state capital of Richmond and Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Both have hair-raising rides, live stage shows, wild water parks, and plenty of food and festivities. And as much as they have in common, each has something unique. King’s Dominion has famous cartoon characters roaming the park, including the lovable canine sleuth, Scooby-Doo. Comparatively, Busch Gardens is divided into five European countries. In each you’ll find folks wearing traditional clothing, architecture indicative of each region, traditional music, and tasty cultural cuisine. Here you can raise a toast at Germany’s beer garden or ride the twist, turns and loops of the Loch Ness Monster rollercoaster. There’s even a monorail that provides a bird’s-eye view of exotic wildlife. Or, simply relax or take a stroll on the Virginia’s sandy Atlantic coastline.