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. 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.”

People enjoying Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach

Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach

Mount Trashmore Park was the nations 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.

Presidents Park in James City County
Aerial view of Library of Congress Packard Campus, Culpeper County

Library of Congress Packard Campus, Culpeper County

The Library of Congress Packard Campus is a storage facility for the worlds largest collection of movies, television programs, radio broadcasts, and sound recordings.

The city of Suffolk was the location of the Planters Peanut Companys first mass-production plant, still in operation today, and the birthplace of the companys iconic Mr. Peanut mascot. 

Illustration of Mr. Peanut
Sunset image of Chincoteague Ponies in Accomack County

Chincoteague Pony Swim & Auction, Accomack County

Every 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.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre at Sunset
Outside view of Mountain Lake Lodge, Giles County

Mountain Lake Lodge, Giles County

Many 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.

Dirty Dancing sign in Mountain Lake Lodge
Neptune Festival

Neptune Festival, Virginia Beach

Among 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.

A Woodbooger statue at the Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton.
Tangier Island

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 presidentsand W.W. Pool, who legend holds was run out of England for being a vampire.

Hollywood Cemetery

Suggested Reading

Alexandria Troupe

A Conversation on Real Estate in Virginia

Second Quarter 2025

Alexandria Troupe, a licensed agent at River Fox Realty in Richmond, discusses the real estate market in Richmond and Virginia as a whole, including the factors that draw homebuyers to Virginia and the Commonwealth’s relative affordability along the Interstate 95 corridor.

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Thumbnail_Four Seasons

A Little Bit of Everything

Second Quarter 2025

Virginia’s moderate, four-season climate is a draw for residents of all interests. From the mountains to the beach, Virginians can experience summer heat, winter snow, and everything in between without leaving the Commonwealth.

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Podcasts

Andy Edmunds

Visual Virginia: A Conversation With Andy Edmunds

July 9, 2025

Director, Virginia Film Office

Michelle Williams, Julia Boas

The Sweet Spot of Jobs and Livability: A Conversation With Julia Boas and Michelle Williams

July 9, 2025

Director of Business Investment and Talent and Digital Strategies Program Manager, Roanoke Regional Partnership

Candice Ling

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: A Conversation With Candice Ling

April 1, 2025

Senior Vice President, Microsoft

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