Find the best of “old school” America in Virginia, from the birthplaces of some of the USA’s world-renowned diner treats including the “waffle cone” and “Skeeterdog” hotdog, to the haunts of swing legends and some of the last drive-in cinemas. Embrace the retro lifestyle, forget Whiltshire’s Stonehenge and think Virginia’s “Foamhenge”. Upload “old school” experiences in Virginia to a public 3D show reel showcased on the website.

Diner “hangouts” of “old school” music legends

Delve into America’s old school music and diner scene at the ‘must-see’ Southern Inn in Lexington, or at Bristol’s Burger Bar in the birthplace of Country Music. The menu at the Burger Bar is worth the drive and boasts dishes named after the songs of Country Music legend, Hank Williams who according to legend enjoyed his last meal here. Alternatively, the Southern Inn is known as the restaurant where Big Band leaders from the swing era, including Glen Miller and Gener Krupa “hung out”. Sample old school American cuisine here.

“Foamhenge?”

Looking for a home away from home? Take in “Foamhenge”, an exact life size replica of the world-renowned Stonehenge, but instead of stone this Virginian marvel is made of foam. Constructed by celebrated artist, Mark Cline, this not-so-prehistoric monument has been hailed as a ‘foamnomenal’ by those who visit. Conceptualised as an April Fools prank in the early 00s, “Foamhenge” resides at Natural Bridge, an attraction in its own right which boasts an enormous and breathtaking natural bridge of rock in the Shenandoah Valley.

America’s last drive-in cinemas

Virginia is one of the last state “champions” of “old school” drive-in movies with ten drive-ins still operating in the state. Catch a movie at one of the few drive-ins left in the USA at the famous retro Moonlite Drive-In Theatre in Abingdon, now on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Beneath the night sky, this open air cinema is a uniquely American experience. Other popular drive-ins include the Hull's Drive-In near Lexington and the Keysville Drive-In Movie Theatre.

The world’s first waffle ice cream cone

In one of America’s oldest diners at over 100 years old, find a tantalising array of ice creams in the birthplace of the world’s first American waffle cone. This was first created by wrapping a waffle into a cone shape at Doumar’s Cones & BBQ. The Owner, Abe Doumar has sold over 23,000 cones to date. Enjoy retro diner décor, curb side service, Virginian BBQ treats and plenty of ice cream and waffle cones.  Alternatively, take a drive to Carl's Frozen Custard, a legendary ice cream stand and National Historic Landmark in Fredericksburg, famous for their 50’s style fresh frozen custard.

The birthplace of Skeeter’s “world famous” American hot dogs

Take a road trip to “Skeeters” and take in the authentic American hotdog at the home of the USA’s world famous Skeeterdog.  Located in Downtown Wytheville, a beautiful town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this renowned hot dog store has sold over 7 million Skeeterdogs since the business opened in the historic district in 1920. History buffs will notice that this building is also the birthplace of former First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, the wife of former President Thomas Woodrow Wilson.

The world’s largest musical instrument

In the depths of Virginia’s Luray Caverns lies a stalacpipe organ, a National Historic Landmark and the world’s largest musical instrument. The Caverns are the largest on the East Coast and boast vast chambers which produce music of symphonic quality. This music resonates throughout the Cavern’s cathedral-sized rooms, stone columns and crystal clear pools. This fascinating instrument took Mr Spring, a Virginia mathematician and electronics scientist at the Pentagon, nearly 36 years to perfect.

To find out more about Virginia’s ‘old school’ attractions, visit. www.Virginia.org/OldSchool
To find out more about Virginia and the Capital Region USA,  visit www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk 

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For further information please contact: Jo Thomas jo.thomas@kbc-pr.com