Getting Around

By Car

The only way I like to see Virginia is from behind the wheel of my own car. Driving your vehicle to Virginia, or renting one when you get here, will give you optimum flexibility to visit the rural beauties, including the plantations and Civil War battlefields. And, of course, two of the state's most scenic attractions, the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, are motoring destinations. Only in northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads will you encounter serious rush-hour traffic.

Avis (tel. 800/331-1212; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel. 800/800-4000), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), National (tel. 800/CAR-RENT; www.nationalcar.com), and Thrifty (tel. 800/367-2277; www.thrifty.com) all operate in Virginia's metropolitan areas and at all but the smallest of airports. Enterprise Rent-a-Car (tel. 800/261-7331; www.enterprise.com) is the most widespread, with outlets in smaller cities and towns, many without airports.

Keep in mind that foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.

Get Out of Your Vehicle & Look Around -- I can't cover all of Virginia's picturesque hamlets, villages, and towns. Don't hesitate to park your vehicle and have a look around when a charmer catches your attention. My fellow Virginians will ensure that you are richly rewarded.

Driving the Civil War Trails -- One advantage of touring by car is that you can follow the state's Civil War Trails. These sign-posted driving tours follow the Shenandoah battles, the Peninsula campaign of 1862, the battles from Manassas to Fredericksburg, Lee versus Grant as the Union drove south to Richmond in 1864, and Lee's retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox in 1865. Check out www.civilwartrails.org.

By Plane

You can get around Virginia by flying from one of its airports to another, but you are likely to change planes along the way. For example, you may have to fly through Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, or Charlotte, North Carolina, to get from Roanoke to Richmond. As a result, flying around the state can be more time-consuming than driving, and more expensive, too. Check with the airlines or your travel agent for the most efficient, cost-effective routing.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com) trains are better for getting to and from Virginia than for getting around the state. Amtrak has stations at Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Newport News, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge, but getting from city to city can involve circuitous, time-eating, and relatively expensive routing.