Virginia Is For Adventurers, Athletes, Blues Musicians, Artists & Lovers

In Virginia, there's a tourism slogan that it's for lovers, but I recommend it for professional  athletes. Virginia is no bed and breakfast inn on the Chesapeake Bay. Check out the sprinters around the Monument. D.C. is chock full of triathletes. There's also springtime, Japanese cherry blossoms in D.C. with the finest operas, art museums, all convenient to a public transportation system that's safer than in NYC. It's vibe is closer to Boston, but more diverse.

The equally romantic, blooming dogwood trees and Great Falls rapids are ideal for expert white-water rafters also. The D.C. Metro's universities often have free live music, including vocal jazz. Richmond's live blues music scene in the cobblestone area, called the Shokoe Slippe, is worthy for overseas tourists.

Hang-gliding the wine country of the Shenandoah Mountains can happen during Virginia's long, Indian summers. That's the ideal season to visit. Start in June and stay until December first. July 4th in D.C. is an indescribable celebration. I found Disney World's fireworks displays to be a very pale comparison.