Tag Archives: Virginia

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Virginia’s Military Aviation Museum

Fighter plane

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Home to one of the largest collections in the world of military aircraft from the World War I and World War II era, the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia is dedicated to preserving, restoring and flying these historic aircrafts, enabling the new generation to learn so much about them. Unlike many other historic aviation museums, the aircrafts that you will see here have all been restored to flying condition, and are flown for the public during special events, as well as at the museum’s twice-yearly air shows.

World War I Aircraft Collection
Out of all of the World War I aircrafts found at the museum, the Curtiss Jenny is the only original, and was completed in 1918, before being acquired by the museum in 2013. Other popular aircrafts in this collection include the Sopwith Strutter, which was used in the 2006 movie Flyboys, and the Fokker Triplane, whose original version was destroyed in an air raid.

Rockets

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World War II Aircraft Collection
The collection of aircrafts from World War II come from a wide range of countries, including America, Germany and Russia. Unlike the World War I collection, the majority of the aircrafts here are originals, with each one having experienced its own turbulent military history.

The Hangars
The Military Aviation Museum consists of five different hangars that each feature a collection of aircrafts and artefacts. The Army Hangar is connected to the west side of the building, and is a 15,000 square feet space packed with many US Army Air Corp planes, as well as a few examples from other countries. The Navy Hangar, on the east side of the building, is the same size, but home to US Navy aircraft, while the WWI Hangar is captivatingly reminiscent of the French barns that used to serve as hangars during the Great War. The Cottbus Hangar and the Fighter Factory hangar are both also worth exploring in detail, the latter of which is where all of the aircraft needing maintenance and inspections go.

Plane

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock, Inc.

Air Shows
The Military Aviation Museum holds two annual air shows, each dedicated to a World War. The Warbirds Over the Beach air show will be held in May this year, and will feature war planes from the Second World War, as well as re-enactments and historical entertainment, while the World War I air show will be held later this year in October.

NAS Oceana Tour
Master Jet Base NAS Oceana is home to just under 300 fighter jets, and the Military Aviation Museum offers tours of this base. Tours take place on the museum’s signature double-decker bus, and will not only take you around the Aviation Historical Park, but will also give you a glimpse of their Naval Aviators in action.

There are not many places in the world where you can witness original war planes soaring through the skies, but Virginia’s Military Aviation Museum is one of these. Thanks to their passion when it comes to restoring and appreciating these iconic pieces of history, future generations will now be able to learn first-hand about the important role that each of these aircrafts have played in the past.

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A Long Weekend in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach boardwalk

The largest city in the commonwealth, Virginia Beach has so much to offer, making it a popular destination for long weekend getaways. From the finest hotels to the most popular activities, this guide will help you to plan a long weekend break in Virginia Beach.

Where to Stay
When it comes to choosing accommodation at Virginia Beach, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is one of the most sought-after hotels, mostly because it occupies a prime spot right by the beach. In addition to its convenient location, it also boasts a stunning rooftop bar and infinity pool, as well as a heated indoor pool for the colder months, while its restaurants are known for their delicious seafood dishes, as well as for being the only four diamond steakhouse in Virginia. For those craving even more luxury, Oceanaire is one of the newest beachfront resorts in the area, featuring everything from an oceanfront fire pit to spacious suites with jetted tubs to a tiki bar. If you are travelling with your family, the Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach is worth considering, mostly due to their Splash Kamp for children, as well as the Splish Splash Lagoon and lazy river.

Sunset

Things to See and Do
Virginia Beach is filled with plenty of attractions, but one of the most popular has to be the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which is famous for being one of the best in the country. Consisting of 59 blocks lined with walking paths, street performers, shops, restaurants and viewpoints, the boardwalk is definitely action-packed, but still much more mellow than others you may have visited. While near the beach, you will come across many outfitters that offer kayak fishing, which is a new craze to hit Virginia Beach, and combines kayaking with fishing. When it comes to learning about the area’s history and maritime heritage, the Old Coast Guard Station is the place to go, as this museum contains over 1800 artefacts, as well as over 1000 photographs, relating to the coastal history of Virginia Beach. If you are looking for some more indoor fun for the day, head to the Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Center, where you will be able to see over 800,000 gallons of ocean life, from sharks to sea turtles.

Wine glass and dining

Where to Eat
The restaurants that you will find at Virginia Beach are wonderfully diverse, featuring a wide range of culinary styles. Terrapin Restaurant is chic and sophisticated, making the most of locally sourced ingredients, while Steinhilber’s Restaurant is a family-run joint that has been operating since 1939, and boasts spectacular views of the Lynnhaven River. Of course, when it comes to fine dining, the Salacia is not to be forgotten, as this menu is packed with the finest of ingredients. If you are feeling especially hungry, be sure to order the restaurant’s signature steak, which is a 22 oz bone-in rib-eye, topped with asparagus, crab meat and hollandaise sauce. If you are seeking out somewhere more casual, head to Doc Taylor’s Restaurant, which is housed in an early 20th century oceanfront cottage, and serves up delicious comfort food.

Virginia Beach is the perfect destination for a long weekend, and there is definitely enough to do here to keep you busy. Whether you happen to visit in the summer or the winter, this is a year-round destination that is set to continue to grow in popularity.

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Where to Go for Fall Weekend in US

A fall weekend getaway is usually exactly what people need at this time of the year. For those of you who haven’t yet gotten around to planning it, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite places to go for fall weekend in the US.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires, Massachusetts
A rural region up in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are a great weekend destination for any art and culture lover. With eight different museums, renowned stage productions, a variety of dance festivals and a unique little music venue, there is plenty to keep you busy. To make the experience even better is Berkshire’s beautiful natural surroundings, with the mountains and meadows turning into hues of golden and red during fall. These areas are all easily accessible in a number of ways, from bike to balloon to raft to horse, and even on the back of a llama! When you want to wind down after a busy day, OROGOLD recommends visiting one of Berkshire’s amazing spas – another feature that the area is well known for!

Hudson River Valley, New York

Hudson River Valley, New York
Just 90 minutes from Manhattan, the Hudson River Valley, with its rolling hills, meandering wine trails and cascading waterfalls, is certainly a picturesque destination, especially during fall. From stopping in at the Peekshill Brewery for ‘Hoppy Hour’ to taking an afternoon stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson, one of the longest elevated pedestrian bridges in the world, to hiking through the Overlook Wild Forest, there is definitely plenty to keep you busy. While there is a whole array of exciting dining establishments to choose from, OROGOLD highly recommends the Bocuse Restaurant. Opened by the Culinary Institute of America, the restaurant serves up high quality French cuisine at extremely affordable prices.

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
While Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley may be great as a year-round destination, OROGOLD’s favorite time to visit is during the fall, when the season brings out the area’s rich golden colors. It is in the Shenandoah Valley that you will find one of America’s most scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway, another great way to take in the beauty of the season. Driving enthusiasts may also want to check out the Skyline Drive, which offers up 75 scenic outlook points for you to fully admire your surroundings. Of course, no fall visit to the Shenandoah Valley would be complete without some apple picking, and the Marker-Miller Orchards are a great place to do this. The nearby town of Lexington, which has appeared on many lists of the best small towns to visit, is packed with interesting galleries, antique shops and other delights, all definitely worth exploring.

Fall definitely has an aura of magic around it, and there is no better way to appreciate all that it offers than by taking some time away from your hectic daily schedule and enjoying a relaxing fall weekend. From a llama ride through the Berkshires to picking your own apples in the Shenandoah Valley, these are some of the best fall weekend destinations out there!

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America’s Most Scenic Fall Drives

With a dazzling display of fiery colors, fall is definitely one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular shows. With over 3000 miles of national scenic byways, and many other equally scenic roads, taking a drive is a great way to experience all that fall has to offer. Here are some of OROGOLD’s picks of America’s most scenic fall drives.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Fondly referred to by many as ‘America’s favorite drive’, the Blue Ridge Parkway covers 469 miles of stunning scenery and a rich sense of cultural heritage. Beginning in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ending in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fall is one of the best times of the year to take this drive. The speed limit is typically 45 miles per hour, allowing you to meander along at a leisurely pace, fully taking in your beautiful surroundings. For those doing the drive in October, OROGOLD recommends paying a visit to the Mabry Mill, where craft demonstrations are held each Sunday for the public, including a delicious apple-butter making demonstration.

Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Columbia River Highway, Oregon
A 75 mile scenic highway that winds its way up cliffs measuring 900 feet, the Columbia River Highway is the drive to take if you want to see dramatic fall scenery. Built in 1913, the highway was created to highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding area, making it no surprise that it earned itself National Historic Landmark status. The cliffs that the drive take you through overlook the river and valley below, with the landscape lighting up with vibrantly striking shades each fall. If you want to further explore the area, OROGOLD would recommend that you stop off and take advantage of one of the many hiking trails around the highway, some of which lead to picturesque hidden waterfalls.

Grand Mesa, Colorado

Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado
Colorado’s landscape turns into a brilliant tapestry of colors each fall, helped by the popular Aspen trees that transform into vivid hues of gold. The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway begins at route 70, and takes you through narrow canyons, evergreen forests, fields of wildflowers, and sprawling lakes, reflecting the fiery shades around them. The 63 mile byway ends at the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa, which offers dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains and sprawling forests. If you are travelling in October, then you are right on time for Applefest, which is held by the town of Cedaredge in celebration of the area’s apple harvest. Another stop that OROGOLD would suggest you make is to the tiny town of Skyway, which is nestled into the Grand Mesa National Forest.

There is no denying the beauty that fall brings, casting a gorgeous new light over even the most captivating of natural landscapes. From a dramatic drive up the Columbia River Highway, to a leisurely meander along the Blue Ridge Parkway, these fall drives are definitely ones that you should try to make!