News Summary
Virginia’s Tidewater History & River Drive has been named the No. 19 hidden gem road trip in the U.S. by a survey of frequent road trippers. This scenic route, starting and ending in Williamsburg, showcases the state’s Revolutionary history and beautiful landscapes, including a ferry ride across the James River and through charming small villages. The drive appeals to travelers seeking a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots, making it a unique experience in Virginia’s rich historical backdrop.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Virginia’s Tidewater History & River Drive has been recognized as the No. 19 hidden gem road trip in the United States, according to a recent survey by Gunther Kia, a car dealership based in Fort Lauderdale. This scenic route, beginning and ending in Williamsburg, offers visitors a unique experience to explore the state’s rich Revolutionary history and picturesque landscapes.
The survey, which involved feedback from 3,011 regular road trippers across the country, aimed to identify the best hidden drives. The Tidewater History & River Drive features a ferry ride across the James River to Surry County, proceeding to Smithfield. Spanning approximately four and a half hours, this drive takes travelers through charming small villages, expansive salt marshes, and lush farmlands steeped in early American history.
Upon returning, the trip offers a scenic route through Yorktown before making its way back to Williamsburg. The drive presents an allure of discovery, appealing to those looking to escape busier tourist areas and immerse themselves in Virginia’s tranquil landscapes and historical sites.
Other Virginia Road Trips
In addition to the Tidewater History & River Drive, Gunther Kia identified two other remarkable road trips within Virginia. The No. 7 Shenandoah Valley Scenic Loop begins in Staunton and visits notable towns such as Luray, Strasburg, and Lexington. Offering stunning views of mountains and farmland, this loop takes around 5.5 hours to complete and showcases Civil War landmarks and local wineries.
The third hidden gem adventure is a drive that starts and ends in Abingdon, providing yet another unique travel experience through Virginia’s beautiful terrain.
National Rankings and Noteworthy Attractions
The recognition of Virginia’s scenic drives comes as part of a larger ranking, where the top-rated hidden gem trip in the nation is the Olympic Peninsula Rainforest Circuit in Port Angeles, Washington. Following closely, the Big Island South Loop in Hilo, Hawaii, ranks as No. 2. The Blue Ridge Parkway Mountain Loop, which starts in Asheville, North Carolina, holds the No. 3 spot and presents opportunities for travelers to enjoy roadside cafés and scenic overlooks along its 5.5-hour route.
In addition to these drives, the Canal Walk in Richmond is another key attraction in Virginia. This 1.25-mile pathway stretches along the James River and Kanawha and Haxall Canals, catering to pedestrians, bikers, and boaters with access points at nearly every block between 5th and 17th Streets. Historical significance is woven into the fabric of the Canal Walk, which is linked to early efforts by George Washington to create a functional waterway for transportation and trade.
Historical Context of the James River
The James River Company was founded in 1785 to build North America’s first towpath canal system. By 1851, this canal system managed to stretch an impressive 197 miles from Richmond to Buchanan. The peak of canal traffic was observed in the 1850s when as many as 195 boats navigated the waterways to deliver goods to local markets.
However, the navigability of the James River and Kanawha Canal began to decline due to flooding, destruction from the Civil War, and competition from emerging railroads by the year 1880. In the late 20th century, significant reconstruction efforts revitalized the Canal Walk, leading to its grand reopening on June 4, 1999.
Historical markers placed along the Canal Walk commemorate various significant locations, including the Haxall Headgates, Tredegar Iron Works, and the Richmond Dock, all emphasizing Richmond’s rich maritime history and its vital connection to the canal system.
Improvements made to the Tidewater Connection in 1854 included the installation of granite locks, remnants of which are still visible today. These features remind visitors of the area’s extensive historical and cultural heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: A Road Trip That Crosses the James River on a Ferry
- Wikipedia: Jamestown, Virginia
- WRC: Dark Chapter in Virginia Beach’s History Hidden No More
- Google Search: Tidewater Virginia
- Venture Richmond: Riverfront Canal Walk
- Google Scholar: James River Virginia
- WNC Magazine: Virginia History Lovers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia
- USA Today: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Virtual Photo Tour
- Google News: Virginia History
- New York Times: History Flows Along Rhode Island’s Blackstone River
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
