Considering its rich history and proximity to desirable sun-and-water areas, it is no wonder Virginia is a popular U.S. state for tourists. The best of times for the Old Dominion came in the 18th century when its broad rolling hills were populated by country gentlemen who surveyed their acres, hunted foxes and planned the future of the republic. (Residents of the slave quarters and poor whites did not participate in the best of times, but they were there.)

Virginia produced four of the five earliest presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe) and vied with New England for pre-eminence in the colonial and post-Revolutionary War years. History buffs find much of interest covering the colonial era through the Civil War (when Richmond served as the Confederate capital) to the present day. Proximity to the nation’s capital across the Potomac ensures that politics and history influence life in Virginia to a greater degree than in most places.

Today’s Virginia is a mixture of undulating hills and horse properties, bustling industrial cities, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and storied Shenandoah River Valley, and the marine life of the Tidewater province. Venturers, who like becoming involved with a place’s culture, will enjoy exploring these areas, staying at small inns and meeting the people who own the shops and run the fishing boats. Because Virginia borders Chesapeake Bay, all visitors can take advantage of water sports and the opportunity to observe the ecosystem of this remarkable tidewater district. Centrics and authentics are more likely to take guided tours to Williamsburg and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the tourist centers. However, plenty of venturers find things to like in the restored town, too.

Car travelers should seek out the Blue Ridge Parkway which crosses the state in a southwesterly direction, stopping often to inspect sites that pique their interest and admire the beautiful scenery.

Go camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sample the skiing at any of these resorts: Bryce, the Homestead, Massanutten or Wintergreen. In March, ski and golf on the same day at Wintergreen. Also, at Wintergreen, you can reserve the Checkerberry Cabin, accessible by ski lift; you also can get married in the resort’s chapel or on the slopes.

Snatch up one of Virginia’s Capt. John Smith’s Trail maps (www.JohnSmithTrail.org) and chart a kayak tour along the James River on a route that includes 40 parks, historic sites and museums between Richmond and Newport News. Sites include Historic Jamestowne, the recreated ships at Jamestown Settlement and 17th century plantations. Alternatively, your tour can be by car or other types of boats.

Go canoeing, or tubing, or kayaking on the Shenandoah River.

Attend the Pony Penning and Auction in July on Chincoteague Island. Wild ponies, owned by the local fire department, graze on nearby Assateague Island, and when it is time to sell a few, so-called “saltwater cowboys” drive the herd in a swim from one island to the other. The auction begins soon after. Some ponies (actually undersized horses) are available for rides year-round at the Chincoteague Pony Center.

Arrange for a deep-sea fishing excursion, or take time for some fly fishing.

Sleep with ghosts. Stay at the Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, a former Civil War hospital. It is said to have at least four ghosts.

Go mountain biking in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge or Allegheny mountains.

Attend events in the style of a very “old Virginian.” Try the Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point steeplechase in spring, the Alexandria Association Old Home Interiors Tour in April or one of the yacht regattas in summer (in any of several towns).

Civil War historians will want to tour the sites of famous battles (Manassas, Fredericksburg, etc.) and the Courthouse at Appomattox where the Confederate Army surrendered. Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy’s commander in chief, was another prominent son of Virginia.

Visit the historic Old Town of Alexandria, being sure to call at Christ Church, a still-active Episcopal church where George Washington owned a pew, and the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, a tavern dating from c1770 where Washington was a customer. Then, have dinner in the newer Gadsby’s Tavern — built in 1792 as the City Hotel.

Take a walk — with Appalachian Ghostwalks, an Abingdon company that promises “lantern-led” tours of historic haunted sites led by guides who are “certified ghost hunters.”

Attend the Oyster Festival on Chincoteague Island.

In Norfolk, board the Carrie B., a replica of a 19th century Mississippi River paddle wheeler, for narrated tours of the Elizabeth River. Alternatively, cruise Norfolk’s historic waterways by taking a lunch or dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk.

Plan a fall foliage drive in Virginia. Check www.FallinVirginia.org which is available seasonally.

Williamsburg is a showplace of colonial restoration, appearing today much as it did before the Revolution. Overnight on site at the Williamsburg Inn.

If Benjamin Franklin dominates Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson does the same in Virginia. See his home at Monticello, and tour the University of Virginia which he founded.

Tour the Pentagon, in Arlington, which is the world’s largest office building, sitting on 29 acres and surrounding a five-acre courtyard. Its 7,754 windows require 7.1 acres of glass. Tours are available to groups of five or more, by reservation, and the guides are active-duty military personnel.

Do you want a beach vacation? Virginia Beach is very popular with a lot of like-minded vacationers.

Take in a performance at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, a former Virginia farmstead and now the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. You often see Wolf Trap events showcased on your local PBS station.

Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval installation. Take one of the bus tours of the naval station, with navy personnel as your guide. Also, see the USS Wisconsin, the last battleship ever built, at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

Visit St. John’s Church in Richmond, where Patrick Henry made his “Give-me-liberty-or-give-me-death” speech.

For more information, consult the Virginia Tourism Corporation at www.virginia.org

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