The Uncommon Commonwealth
Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird.
Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird. One of those oddities is Kiptopeke State Park, which protects a Chesapeake Bay pier and beach in a unique way — through the strategic placement of nine World War II-era concrete ships, now known as the “concrete fleet.”
Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia BeachMount Trashmore Park was the nation’s first landfill park, created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil, transforming 6 million tons of garbage into a recreation destination.
Presidents Park in James City County was the creation of a local entrepreneur and sculptor. The park closed its doors in 2010, but its oversized presidential busts were moved to a private farm where they can be toured by appointment.
Library of Congress Packard Campus, Culpeper CountyThe Library of Congress Packard Campus is a storage facility for the world’s largest collection of movies, television programs, radio broadcasts, and sound recordings.
The city of Suffolk was the location of the Planters Peanut Company’s first mass-production plant, still in operation today, and the birthplace of the company’s iconic Mr. Peanut mascot.
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Auction, Accomack CountyEvery year a group of firefighters from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company drives feral ponies across the Assateague Channel for auction. The Pony Penning event, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in July 2025, is still the primary fundraiser for the fire department.
Liberty University operates the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, a year-round ski and snowboard facility that was the first in North America to use Snowflex, a synthetic multilayered material that simulates the effects of snow.
Mountain Lake Lodge, Giles CountyMany of the on-location scenes from the 1987 hit “Dirty Dancing” were filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County. The resort celebrates the film each year by temporarily transforming back into its Hollywood guise of Kellerman’s Mountain House.
Neptune Festival, Virginia BeachAmong the attractions at the Neptune Festival is the International Sandsculpting Championship, where professional sculptors create detailed works of sand art in just three days.
The Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton boasts an 18-site campground, numerous mountain trails, and a statue of a local cryptid known as the Woodbooger.
Tangier Island Many current residents on Tangier Island speak in a local dialect that can be traced back to early Colonial English.
Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of two presidents — and W.W. Pool, who legend holds was run out of England for being a vampire.
