Virginia Steampunk events July 2011?

[Araminta L. Tinhat]

Hi

We are planning a visit to Virginia from 12 July through 26 July (lop off top and tail for travel days).  Will be staying in Richmond and travelling out for visits to Charlottesville, Arlington, Luray, Williamsburg. 

Just wondering if anything special is going on steampunk wise.

[Prof Ainsworth Halfmain]

Do you mean July 2012, perchance?

Since this was posted 28 Dec 2011 that is my assumption. I don't know of anything specific at the moment, and steampunk activity in the general Richmond/Williamsburg area is somewhat limited at best, more practically described as almost non-existant in general. Strange for a city so steeped in Civil War heritage and that was a rather large and influential city during the entire Victorian era.

However, if I find anything that appears to be of general interest, I will be pleased to post it. Otherwise, I can give you some information on Richmond and Williamsburg that may be of interest for visiting while you are in the area.

[Araminta L. Tinhat]

I did mean 2012, of course.  I get so confused with all this time travel.  Thank you for your reply Prof. Halfmain.  I grew up in Hopewell Va and spent my summers knocking around Williamsburg as a child. 
Suggestions of buildings and sites of interest in the Richmond area would be greatly appreciated.  My English husband is keen on the American Civil War so we will be making some visits to battlefields and such.

[Darkhound]

Might I suggest visits to the two historic residences of Wilmer McLean? His house near Mannassas was Beauregard's  headquarters and was attacked in the opening stages of First Mannassas or First Bull Run (the Confederates tended to name battles after towns. and the Union after streams, which is why so many Civil War battlefields have two names). He moved well out of the war's way, to Appomattox Court House, where Lee surrendered to Grant - in McLean's house! He used to say "the war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor!"

[Virginia Ash]

Arlington to me means Mount Vernon and the Arlington Cemetery. Both are beautiful. Manassas might be out of your way from Richmond to Arlington but it's right off 66 which takes you out towards Luray from Arlington. July is usually when they hold the re-enactments for the battles there. You stand a good chance of seeing living historians at Stone House most weekends in the summer. Luray has a great maze. Its an half acre of fun. Virginia is full of historical landmarks from the Revolution and the Civil War. Don't miss the wineries. Virginia is full of them nowadays. Also Virginia is the 3rd largest producer of apples in the US. That means Cider. Albermarle Ciderworks isn't too far from Richmond.