I went to university in the Lynchburg area of Virginia and after four years I can confidentially say…there are few places as beautiful. The colors in fall, the parks in summer, the mountains covered in snow in winter…gorgeous. Like the Carolinas, Virginia has so much variety-beaches, mountains, countryside, cities-and it is just full of friendly, wonderful people.

This is also a great state for the history buffs. Colonial Williamsburg is incredible and the great trails offer many chances to read about historical sites.