There is so much to see and do in the region!
Here are little inspirations.

(See Weather Forecast for Purcellville)

Virginia is home to some of the richest histories and oldest American landmarks, so make the most of your time in the Old Dominion State by rediscovering something old or experiencing something new. Our campus is also only an hour from downtown D.C. and even closer to West Virginia and Maryland!

Top 10: Leisure Activities

1. There is so much to see in Washington, D.C.

*Tip: Rent a bike and see more of D.C. with Capital Bikeshare.

Being only 48 miles from the U.S. Capitol, it would be a shame not to include D.C. on our list. Here are a few suggestions:

Museum of the Bible: Walk on dry land through the Red Sea, wander the streets of a first-century village, see rare artifacts from the Vatican and Israel, and sample biblically inspired foods from our award-winning chef. 

Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall

See the monuments at night with D.C. After Dark Wonder Tour

The U.S. Botanical Garden: right next to the Capitol Building

Tour the Library of Congress

Arlington National Cemetery, the grave sites of those lost in combat and home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

2. Air and Space, Dulles: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

This museum (just 30 minutes away in Chantilly, VA) is the annex facility of the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Two huge hangars hold thousands of aviation and space artifacts including the space shuttle Discovery.

3. Tour of the Presidents' Homes

The three most popular VA presidents' homes are Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington (1 hour from PHC), Monticello, the architecturally magnificent home of Thomas Jefferson (2.5 hours away from PHC), and the understated Montpelier, James Madison's home (2 hours away from PHC).  VA is known as the "Presidential State," because it has been the home state of the most presidents—eight so far. 

While in the Old Dominion State, you can also visit James Monroe's Oak Hill (20 minutes from PHC) and Highland (2 hours from PHC), John Tyler's Sherwood Forest (3 hours away from PHC), William Henry Harrison's Berkeley Plantation (3 hours away from PHC), and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum (2 hours from PHC).  Zachary Taylor was born on a privately owned plantation while his family was traveling to Kentucky.

4. Historic Harpers Ferry, WV

A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Just 21 miles from Patrick Henry College, stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike trails and battlefields.

5. Morven Park

In nearby Leesburg, visit Morven Park where you can stroll around historic buildings framed by gardens of magnolia, holly, and boxwood. Expansive lawns open up to views of a forested ridge line, horse pastures, and 100-year-old brick walls punctuated by wrought-iron gates. Visit Morven Park in May and June and you can attend a hunter derby.

6. Loudoun County Birding Hotspots

Find your Northern Virginia birding hotspot and enjoy God's creation.

Located just north of the village of Upperville, scan the skies and treeline on both sides for raptors, including Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and American Kestrel, as well as Common Ravens... Expect woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and other woodland species. On the right spring day, this might be a fine spot to encounter a flock of migrating passerines.  —Matt Anthony, February 2021

A bit further out of the way

7. Patrick Henry and American Revolution Sites

In addition to the presidents' homes, VA has plenty of historic buildings and other gems. Check out the homes of other Founding Fathers— including PHC's namesake and Virginia's first governor, Patrick Henry! Here are some of his properties for history enthusiasts to tour: Patrick Henry's  Scotchtown (2 hours away from PHC in Beaverdam); Patrick Henry's Red Hill (4 hours from PHC in Brookneal). To top it off, tour Historic St. John's Church (2.5 hours from PHC in Richmond), where Patrick Henry delivered his celebrated "Liberty or Death" speech.  Watch reenactments of that speech and more!

 Other historic attractions from early American history include George Mason's Gunston Hall (1 hour from PHC in Lorton); the John Marshall House (2.5 hours from PHC); and Yorktown National Battlefield (3 hours from PHC in Yorktown). Click here for more places to visit.

8. The Caverns

VA is home to seven tourist-accessible caverns and large underground caves worthy of exploring. They stay about 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, so visiting one is a perfect way to cool down from a hot afternoon!

Shenandoah Caverns (1 hour from PHC); Skyline Caverns (1 hour from PHC); Luray Caverns (1.5 hours from PHC); Endless Caverns (1.5 hours from PHC); Grand Caverns (2 hours from PHC); The Caverns at Natural Bridge (2.5 Hours from PHC); Dixie Caverns (3 hours from PHC)

9. Natural Bridge

Speaking of natural mineral formations, Natural Bridge is a must-see, only two and a half hours from the College.

This "bridge" is a gorge formed by years of erosion as the Cedar Creek streamed through limestone.  The land was once owned by Thomas Jefferson, and may have even been surveyed by George Washington. During the day, you can hike along the creek, and at night, you may observe a light show.

Nearby attractions include the Natural Bridge Zoo, Caverns at Natural Bridge, and the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. 

10. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most famous living history museums in the country, and it's only 3 hours away from the College. Williamsburg was the capital of the VA colony from 1699 to 1780. You can pay for full access to the museum, but you can also walk through the streets and visit the old-time shops in the Merchant Square for free.

Williamsburg is one leg in the "Historic Triangle." The other two are the Jamestown and Yorktown settlements, both just a few miles away from Williamsburg.

11. Civil War Sites

Richmond, VA served as the Confederate capital during the Civil War. The state is home to six Civil War national parks perfect for history buffs.

Manassas National Battlefield Park was the battleground of two major battles fought near a stream called Bull Run. The First Battle of Bull Run was the very first battle of the war. (40 minutes from PHC) 

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park preserves and interprets the Battle of Cedar Creek and the antebellum plantation manor house Belle Grove, owned by Isaac Hite, brother-in-law of President James Madison. (1 hour from PHC)

The Fredricksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park houses the battlefields of four battles: the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. (2 hours from PHC)

Richmond National Battlefield Park highlights the Seven Days Battle. (2.5 hours from PHC)

Most of Petersburg National Battlefield is devoted to the nearly 10-month siege Petersburg endured in 1864 and 1865. (3 hours from PHC)

Appomattox Court House and National Historical Park recreates Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. (3.5 hours from PHC)