If you thought it was only airports drawing a crowd, think again! One surprising U.S. state saw nearly 1.5 million train passengers for the fiscal year — a new record largely driven by a pair of unsuspecting cities.
At Travel Off Path, we always have our eyes peeled for the latest trends, deals, and breaking news. Well, not literally — we blink like anyone else.
The point is, even our team of travel experts was shocked that travelers are opting to hit the rails over road trips, especially for a place notorious for stunning mountain roadways and seeing record air traffic too.
But, that’s the case for Virginia.
Amtrak Virginia is the hottest train ticket right now, even as America’s most popular rail operator launches their most exciting new route in years along the Gulf Coast.
Sure, Washington D.C., plays a key role in Virginia’s newfound success, but don’t sleep on the “Old Dominion’s” underrated getaways, ranging from mountain hideaways to bayside retreats.
Newport News: Not Your Morning Paper
Does anybody read newspapers anymore?
If they did, Newport News sounds like a publication covering all the latest happenings across the Chesapeake Bay, but it’s in fact the name of a rather sizable city of nearly 200,000 people.
It may have an odd name, but it’s arguably this side of Virginia’s top hidden gem as it’s teeming with historical attractions like the Virginia War Museum, practically unknown beaches since popular Virginia Beach is nearby, and a hefty amount of natural beauty to enjoy, such as Newport News Park, offering over 7,000 acres for hiking, biking, camping, and paddle-boating.
It seems most travelers traversing Virginia may not know Newport News, but it’s one of the state’s best family-friendly cities.
Visit the Abbitt Planetarium, the Peninsula SPCA & Barnyard (essentially a petting zoo), and most notably the open-air Virginia Living Museum, offering a mix of everything — a zoo, botanical garden, ‘Dinosaur Discovery Trail’, and aforementioned planetarium, reasonably priced at $21.95 for admission.
Nearly 400,000 people have hopped aboard Amtrak Virginia to visit Newport News, cueing up the question if it’s Virginia’s next hotspot since the next city we’ll discuss currently holds the crown…
Norfolk: Virginia’s Trending Summer Destination
With roughly half a million passengers traveling to Norfolk by air in June alone, plus a separate 542,743 Amtrak riders visiting over the past year, Norfolk is unquestionably Virginia’s trendiest summer destination.
Perhaps some visitors have crossed streams, but it’s safe to say Norfolk is welcoming millions this year.
This underrated Chesapeake city is all the rage right now, offering calm beaches, a buzzing waterfront, and a booming arts and culinary scene.
New flights have certainly helped give Norfolk a boost, but it’s also an easy springboard to Virginia’s most well-known destination nearby, Virginia Beach.
While Amtrak Virginia does not offer a direct route, pass-through service is offered by connecting buses.
If you plan to visit Virginia Beach in the coming months, there’s a laundry list of awesome events set for fall:
- Neptune Festival (Sep 26 – 28)
- MOCA Boardwalk Art Show (Oct 10 -12)
- Mural Festival (Oct 3 -12)
- Harvest Fair (Sep 27 – Nov 2)
Plus, Virginia Beach still offers dolphin watching tours past summer, often with fewer crowds — just bring a jacket!
Skewed Numbers? Amtrak Virginia Is Top Gateway To The Capitol
Given the iconic status of DC and the unexplored appeal of much of Virginia, it would be a stretch to say some of Amtrak Virginia’s record numbers don’t cross the state line.
Virginia is home to many government offices and military installations, making it easy and, some would say, necessary at times to visit DC not just for tourism, but job-related matters.
Travelers can reach DC directly from Norfolk, and there are plans being discussed to shorten travel times and increase frequency (though no timetables were provided).
Whether for business or pleasure, visiting the nation’s capital is a true joy during the fall as some of America’s most beautiful architectural marvels are lined with rows of rustic tree lines and often sees fewer crowds compared to summer.
Although school field trips from neighboring states are in full force, maybe pack earplugs?
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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