Virginia: Alexandria

Score: 68

"The architecture is historic, but modest. The real experience is the well-integrated transportation system, waterfront trails, and great shopping, dining, and people watching. The connection to the George Washington Parkway and city transit is a model for all to follow."

"The riverfront and adjacent colonial-era homes attract numerous visitors, but seldom seem crowded. Three large warehouses are obstacles to a riverwalk."

"The town is upgrading and in most cases this is good, but some of the modernization does not add to the social/cultural integrity and the historic sense of place."

"Just don't expect to find much of its past or future. It has considerable appeal as a neighborhood, but is neither authentic nor unspoiled, and I can't frankly think of why a tourist would want to visit it except to see the Torpedo Factory Art Center."

Virginia: Charlottesville and Monticello

Score: 72

"Monticello and Charlottesville, although different, are complimentary. They both possess the tourism assets to attract visitors fascinated with Jefferson's life and contributions: his Montpelier estate and its history, the surrounding vineyards, Monticello, and the University of Virginia campus. Also, Charlottesville's historic downtown mall, characterized by restaurants and small business shops."

"In spite of tremendous pressure, as can be seen on the hillsides surrounding Monticello, this is still a magical and compelling area."

"Highway 29 north of Charlottesville is appalling—miles and miles of ugly road-rash and tangled traffic. The downtown core is nice—the pedestrian mall is one of the handful that remain viable. University of Virginia and Monticello are world-class treasures, of course, and much of the surrounding countryside is serenely beautiful."

"The docent told us about happy slaves without a blink, as if slavery was a free choice embraced by all involved. That tainted my entire visit to the house, and we ended up walking out on our tour and wandering the grounds near the old slave quarters on our own."

Virginia: Richmond historic area

Score: 61

"Richmond has great resources but has done a terrible job of protecting them. Downtown is depressed and unsafe. The battlefields are surrounded by subdivisions. Historic demolitions have destroyed much of the city's unique character."

"In terms of its historic offerings and their upkeep, Richmond is a jewel, although it doesn't score high on the tourist circuit. The city is doing a fair job of coordinating the various 'islands' of attraction—downtown, Fan District, Shockoe Slip, Church Hill, etc.—but needs to package the whole thing better. The outlook is good, however, since its location and access rate are high."

"The riverfront revitalization is engaging and offers good services."