Pathways of Patriots

Day 1

A flight to Dulles International Airport is your gateway to Prince William County, close in miles, but a world away from our Nation’s capital. Dinner and a well-earned night's rest is on the menu for tonight. Rest well. You have so much to do and see over the next week in the Commonwealth of Virginia!  Holiday Inn Express Woodbridge – 2 nights (D)

Day 2

The first major battle of the Civil War (a victory for the South) happened in the sleepy town of Manassas, known to the Yanks as “Bull Run.” Visit the National Battlefield and Ben Lomond, site of the make-shift field hospital. Next up is the Colonial era Potomac-side town of Occoquan where you’ll be shown around by the mayor before a dinner that ends with a slice of Michelle Obama’s favorite apple pie. (B,D)

Day 3

Quantico is a word that immediately brings the long tradition of Marine Corps strength and valor to mind. Spend a few peaceful moments on the hallowed ground of Quantico National Cemetery followed by and opportunity to explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis! Onward to Richmond, capital of the Commonwealth. Who's ready to Kickback? Drury Plaza Hotel Glen Allen (B,L)

Day 4

Visit the Thomas Jefferson-designed Statehouse (which also served as the capitol of the Confederacy), as well as the home of the Davis family during this turbulent time in American history, the Confederate White House. Fully explore the conflict from its Colonial roots through its bloody finish at the American Civil War Museum. Onward to Virginia's Colonial Capital, Williamsburg, where your hotel is located on property adjacent to the Visitors Center and Historic District. Woodlands Hotel at Colonial Williamsburg - 2 nights (FB,L)

Day 5

Discover England’s first permanent settlement in the New World at Jamestowne National Park, largely an archeological site dating all the way back to 1607. At Yorktown Battlefield National Park you’ll walk the same grounds where the Continental Army and their French allies battled against British forces in 1781. Their decisive victory effectively ended the Revolutionary War, assuring US independence. (FB,L)

Day 6

Welcome to Colonial Williamsburg, a community frozen in time. Spend a full day exploring the lives, activities, homes and workplaces of commoners and elite; slave and free where it’s always the late 18^th century. Perhaps you’ll choose to have lunch in a historic tavern on the Duke of Gloucester Street, a respite from a day spent in one of our country’s foremost repositories of architecture and decorative arts. Norfolk is your destination at day’s end, arriving just in time for the Virginia Arts Festival and NATOfest. DoubleTree Hotel Norfolk Airport – 2 nights (FB)

Day 7

Enjoy reserved seating for NATOfest’s Parade of Nations, featuring bands, dancers and pageantry from many of the countries that make up the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. An early dinner is followed by a performance of the Art Festival’s signature event, the Virginia International Tattoo. The largest spectacle of music and might in the U.S. (but with an unmistakably Scottish drone), the Tattoo offers an astounding display of pipe and drum bands, military ensembles, drill teams and costumed dancers – over 1000 performers from eight countries! (FB,D)

Day 8

 A visit to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens at its springtime best and a farewell luncheon assures that you’ll return home with wonderful memories of your time in the Old Dominion, Virginia! (FB,L)