1. Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the world's oldest mountains, rounded over time into a generally gentle slope. They contain Virginia's highest peak, Mount Rogers at 5,729 feet in Grayson County. Wide vistas, deep forests and waterfalls make them a favorite season after season.

"The views never get old," said Jocelyn Sylvest of Roanoke, who can see the mountains from her home and office. "The mountains are different every day -- the gorgeous hues of fall, the ice frozen on the trees after a winter storm, the first green flush of spring growth -- these mountains are truly a natural wonder."

Roberta Rhur of Richmond wrote that "whenever I am within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I feel like they are calling me to come and explore their natural beauty."

Nathan Collins of Villa Rica, Ga., remembers Virginia's mountains as "a place to dream and once removed, a place to which we long to return, if only in dreams."

Details: www.blueridgeonline.com

2. Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay has inspired explorers and watermen, scientists and writers. As the nation's largest estuary -- 200 miles long and as much as 35 miles wide -- it collects water from 64,000 square miles of land in six states from Virginia to New York. Its 11,600 miles of shoreline is longer than the entire West Coast of the United States. A lifetime spent on the bay wouldn't uncover all its secrets.

"So much to do and explore on the Chesapeake Bay!" wrote Evelyn Blevins of Midlothian. "Beautiful sunsets; seashell hunting; fishing; boating; walking; swimming; the smells -- salty, marshy; the sounds of waves, sea gulls and the wind. Absolute peace and tranquility! De-stress your life."

Sandra Haller of Glen Allen pointed out that the Chesapeake Bay "is a unique ecosystem and has been so important for the people in Virginia even before the first English settlement."

Michelle Prysby of Charlottesville was pragmatic. "As the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay is critically important to our environment, our economy and our health."

Robert Pettus of Bon Air appreciates the pleasure it brings.

"Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay on a crisp October afternoon is simply glorious."

Details: www.baygateways.net

3. Luray Caverns 

The largest and most popular caverns on the East Coast may be best known for a one-of-a-
kind Stalacpipe Organ -- a massive musical machine that taps out notes from natural formations. More than a mile of pathways wind through the caverns' cathedral-sized rooms, past towering columns and beside mirror-perfect pools. 

 "When I was 7 years of age, I visited Luray Caverns with my mom and dad," wrote Rebecca Clarke of Richmond. "Forty-six years later, I can still visualize the wonders of Luray Caverns. An organ played on rock formations. And, of course, the fried eggs [formation]. Luray Caverns had a surreal, peaceful, reverent atmosphere." 

Diane Vogel of Spotsylvania County acknowledges that "I may be prejudiced in favor of caves because I find them endlessly mysterious and entertaining, but I am impressed with our Luray Caverns. Nature definitely had magic in mind when she created this cave system in Virginia."  

Details: www.luraycaverns.com 

 
4. Natural Bridge 

This 215-foot-tall, 90-foot-wide rock bridge was owned by Thomas Jefferson and initialed by George Washington. It's currently for sale for $39 million. It is included on several lists of the natural wonders of the world. During the 1700s and 1800s, it was one of two wonders of the new world that European visitors wanted to see, the other one being Niagara Falls. 

"Nothing like it in the world, and it has George Washington's initials carved in it," wrote Bruce A. Kay of Richmond. 

Cal Sawyer of Richmond took note of the necessities. "Natural Bridge is not only a geological oddity, but served a very practical need as a road bridge." 

"I always went there when I was a kid and was in awe of how beautiful Natural Bridge was," said Crystal Hickey of Glen Allen. "I just took my kids a few years ago, and I was still in awe, even after growing up." 

"I have to say there is something about the Natural Bridge of Virginia and its surroundings that is truly mesmerizing with every visit," added Robin Stallworth of Portsmouth. 

Details: www.naturalbridgeva.com 
 
5. Shenandoah Valley 

Serenaded in song, the Shenandoah Valley stretches some 200 miles between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. Rolling hills protected by mountain ranges make it a land of serenity. 

"Its breathtaking beauty extends the length of the western edge of Virginia and offers stunning vistas in any weather every moment of every day of the year," wrote M.L. Bayliss of Richmond.

Anne Scher of Richmond grew up in the valley. "I got used to mountains in my backyard and miss seeing them. Things are more relaxed when I go back to visit." 

Tom Osdene of Richmond was concise: "very beautiful and [a]
sense of peace." 

Details: www.visitshenandoah.org

6. Chincoteague/Assateague Island 

The 37-mile Assateague Island is home to semi-wild horses that are rounded up every summer for the famous pony swim to Chincoteague -- a spectacle chronicled for generations of children in Marguerite Henry's book "Misty of Chincoteague." Grown-ups who don't care about the horses may be attracted to the wide beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, coastal bays and the ever-changing geography at the edge of the continent. 

"Assateague Island is wild and free -- a true Atlantic Ocean experience. Other barrier islands just don't compare," wrote Jay Abercrombie of Suffield, Ohio. 

To Gwendolyn Anderson of Sandston, the appeal is more nuanced.  "I think the quiet, quaint nature of Chincoteague/Assateague Island is a rare and inspiring treat for both children and adults. ... The unspoiled land, the food, crafts, people and, of course, the wild ponies capture and hold dear the wonders of nature. The area lives with and embraces nature while offering visitors a glimpse into a place and time that moves at its own pace." 

Alice Baird of Richmond focused on nature in a slightly different way. "Nothing can compare to the sunset over the water with hundreds of snow geese circling and settling for the night. The abundance of birds and other wildlife is astounding." 

Details: www.chincoteaguechamber.com  or www.assateagueisland.com

7. Tangier Island (See a feature from our 10 Places to See in Virginia listing)

At only 3 miles long and a mile wide, Tangier Island is in danger of disappearing one day into the waters that have supported generations of fishermen. That's one of the reasons people hold it so dear now.

"It has stayed unique through time even as it is being swallowed up by the bay," wrote Steve Kazar of Newport News.

The only way to reach the island is to ride a boat, which is part of the appeal to Marie Hines of Richmond and Sharon Friend of Chesterfield County.

"I love the food because they really can cook. I like riding a boat to get there," Friend said. "People are glad to see [you] and welcome you there."

"Tangier Island is an awesome place to go," Hines added. "The Chesapeake is God's gift to us, and so many people don't even know about it."

Details: www.tangierisland-va.com