This Surprising U.S. State Sees Record Number Of Amtrak Passengers

If you thought it was solely airports drawing a crowd, assume once more! One shocking U.S. state noticed almost 1.5 million prepare passengers for the fiscal 12 months — a new record largely pushed by a pair of unsuspecting cities.

At Travel Off Path, we at all times have our eyes peeled for the newest traits, offers, and breaking information. Well, not actually — we blink like anybody else.

The level is, even our workforce of journey consultants was shocked that vacationers are opting to hit the rails over highway journeys, particularly for a spot infamous for beautiful mountain roadways and seeing report air visitors too.

But, that is the case for Virginia.

Amtrak Virginia is the most well liked prepare ticket proper now, at the same time as America’s hottest rail operator launches their most exciting new route in years alongside the Gulf Coast.

Sure, Washington D.C., performs a key function in Virginia’s newfound success, however do not sleep on the “Old Dominion’s” underrated getaways, starting from mountain hideaways to bayside retreats.

Newport News: Not Your Morning Paper

Does anyone learn newspapers anymore?

If they did, Newport News appears like a publication protecting all the newest happenings throughout the Chesapeake Bay, nevertheless it’s in actual fact the title of a reasonably sizable metropolis of almost 200,000 folks.

It might have an odd title, nevertheless it’s arguably this aspect of Virginia’s high hidden gem because it’s teeming with historic sights just like the Virginia War Museum, virtually unknown beaches since widespread Virginia Beach is close by, and a hefty quantity of pure magnificence to get pleasure from, comparable to Newport News Park, providing over 7,000 acres for climbing, biking, tenting, and paddle-boating.

It appears most vacationers traversing Virginia might not know Newport News, nevertheless it’s one of many state’s greatest family-friendly cities.

Visit the Abbitt Planetarium, the Peninsula SPCA & Barnyard (basically a petting zoo), and most notably the open-air Virginia Living Museum, providing a mixture of every thing — a zoo, botanical backyard, ‘Dinosaur Discovery Trail’, and aforementioned planetarium, fairly priced at $21.95 for admission.

Nearly 400,000 folks have hopped aboard Amtrak Virginia to go to Newport News, cueing up the query if it is Virginia’s subsequent hotspot for the reason that subsequent metropolis we’ll talk about at present holds the crown…

Norfolk: Virginia’s Trending Summer Destination

With roughly half one million passengers touring to Norfolk by air in June alone, plus a separate 542,743 Amtrak riders visiting over the previous 12 months, Norfolk is definitely Virginia’s trendiest summer time vacation spot.

Perhaps some guests have crossed streams, nevertheless it’s secure to say Norfolk is welcoming thousands and thousands this 12 months.

This underrated Chesapeake metropolis is all the craze proper now, providing calm seashores, a buzzing waterfront, and a booming arts and culinary scene.

New flights have definitely helped give Norfolk a lift, nevertheless it’s additionally a straightforward springboard to Virginia’s most well-known vacation spot close by, Virginia Beach.

While Amtrak Virginia doesn’t provide a direct route, pass-through service is obtainable by connecting buses.

If you intend to go to Virginia Beach within the coming months, there is a laundry listing of superior occasions 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 nonetheless provides dolphin watching excursions previous summer time, typically with fewer crowds — simply carry a jacket!

Skewed Numbers? Amtrak Virginia Is Top Gateway To The Capitol

Given the enduring standing of DC and the unexplored enchantment of a lot of Virginia, it might be a stretch to say a few of Amtrak Virginia’s report numbers do not cross the state line.

Virginia is dwelling to many authorities workplaces and army installations, making it straightforward and, some would say, mandatory at occasions to go to DC not only for tourism, however job-related issues.

Travelers can attain DC straight from Norfolk, and there are plans being mentioned to shorten journey occasions and improve frequency (although no timetables have been supplied).

Whether for enterprise or pleasure, visiting the nation’s capital is a real pleasure in the course of the fall as a few of America’s most lovely architectural marvels are lined with rows of rustic tree strains and infrequently sees fewer crowds in comparison with summer time.

Although college subject journeys from neighboring states are in full pressure, possibly pack earplugs?

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.