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 stunning U.S. state noticed practically 1.5 million practice passengers for the fiscal 12 months — a new record largely pushed by a pair of unsuspecting cities.

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

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

But, that is the case for Virginia.

Amtrak Virginia is the most well liked practice ticket proper now, whilst 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 seems like a publication overlaying all the most recent happenings throughout the Chesapeake Bay, but it surely’s actually the title of a fairly sizable metropolis of practically 200,000 folks.

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

It appears most vacationers traversing Virginia might not know Newport News, but it surely’s one of many state’s finest 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 part — 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 because the subsequent metropolis we’ll talk about at the moment holds the crown…

Norfolk: Virginia’s Trending Summer Destination

With roughly half 1,000,000 passengers touring to Norfolk by air in June alone, plus a separate 542,743 Amtrak riders visiting over the previous 12 months, Norfolk is certainly Virginia’s trendiest summer season vacation spot.

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

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

New flights have actually helped give Norfolk a lift, but it surely’s additionally a simple springboard to Virginia’s most well-known vacation spot close by, Virginia Beach.

While Amtrak Virginia doesn’t supply 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 record 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 affords dolphin watching excursions previous summer season, 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 document numbers do not cross the state line.

Virginia is dwelling to many authorities workplaces and navy installations, making it simple and, some would say, crucial at instances 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 instances and enhance 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 stunning architectural marvels are lined with rows of rustic tree traces and sometimes sees fewer crowds in comparison with summer season.

Although faculty discipline journeys from neighboring states are in full pressure, perhaps pack earplugs?

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based 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 lightweight on lesser-known gems.