Winter Vacation in Virginia and Outfit Ideas

Happy New Year to you all! Have you ever thought of planning a winter vacation in Virginia? Whether you are a Virginia resident like me who will be having a staycation this winter, or you are thinking of visiting the state of Virginia this winter, I have put together interesting vacation activities to explore and outfit ideas for each activity. Some of the activities are based on what other travelers have recommended and a few of them are based on my personal experiences in the northern part of Virginia.

If you love being outdoors in the winter season, you can explore the Shenandoah National Park in northern central VA.  There are several hikes you can do with historic structures and scenic views. For a challenging hike with a rewarding view, you can check out the Devil’s Bathtub in Scott County VA. This bathtub is like a pool filled with ice-cold water from the cascade falls. You can take cold dives in here. If you are interested in winter sports, check out the winter ski resort in Ghen VA. This resort is voted as the no 1 place to learn how to ski and snowboard in the southeastern part of Virginia. There are other fun activities to do there including snow tubing and chairlifts.

For a more city-like experience, especially in this dry January season, you can visit Northern Virginia. Within Northern Virginia, there is Arlington which has the Pentagon Row ice skating, the largest skating rink in Northern VA. It is surrounded by several shops and restaurants within walking distance.  For a warmer relaxing activity, visit the Signature Theatre, a Tony award-winning performing arts theatre located in Arlington VA. There is always something showing throughout the year, so check the website in advance and book your tickets.

Next is the Mosaic District in Fairfax VA. When I run out of ideas for things to do on a weekend, I always find myself in this area. It is an upscale shopping and dining center filled with different restaurants that serve different kinds of foods. There are boutiques, other shops, a movie theatre, outdoor parks for picnics, and several outdoor seating areas. This location has a farmer’s market event every Sunday from 9 am-2 pm; several local farmers and producers get together and set up booths to share their local foods and products with the community. You can find interesting fresh foods and products that you would most likely not be able to buy at a regular store. The event is also an opportunity to support local food businesses in the area.

Finally, we have Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria Virginia. If you are looking for history and education, this is the place to go. Old town Alexandria is well known for its blend of colonial and modern culture with several historic preservatives. You can look up different tours and schedules in advance so that you can experience the role of Alexandria in U.S. history. When I am in Old Town Alexandria, I sometimes explore the Torpedo Factory which is an art center filled with several artworks from locals. You get to experience their artwork from start to finish. Right next to the Torpedo factory is a connection to several restaurants that overlook the Potomac Riverfront. I consider it a very romantic location but also family-friendly if you plan to be out with your family.

Below are outfit ideas for all the vacation activities listed above in order.

I hope you find this mini vacation guide for Virginia along with the outfit ideas helpful. Until next time, enjoy your winter vacation/staycation wherever you are.