With its mountains and vineyards, coastline and countryside, it is little wonder that Central Virginia has been called 'the Eden of the United States'. Natural beauty aside, this part of the state has also been the setting for some of America's most historic occasions, from the arrival of the first English settlers to the battles of the Civil War, earning it the nickname 'Cradle of Democracy'. Locals remain fiercely proud of their colonial heritage to this day, and whilst the larger cities and towns have plenty on offer by way of nightlife and entertainment, to come to Virginia is to step back in time.