A huge selection of accommodation and restaurants range in style from family-orientated budget caf s and diners to elegant inns, resorts and haute cuisine dining establishments. Richmond , both an old Southern capital and a college town, offers cheap student eateries, thoughtfully-prepared regional cuisine and every type of ethnic food. Visitors can pick up their own fresh fruit and vegetables at the Farmers' Markets . At Williamsburg , the Williamsburg Shopping Center offers a colonial culinary experience, fast-food places and as many pancake houses as one could wish for. There are many fast-food restaurants along the boardwalk at Virginia Beach , where outstanding seafood restaurants can also be found.
Theatres abound in Virginia and many have historic and outdoor settings.
The Richmond State Ballet and Virginia Opera offer a rich and varied programme of events. Traditional mountain music and dance is popular, and the world's largest fiddlers' convention is held every August in the small town of Galax . Jazz and rock music are on offer in Charlottesville , while at Richmond, comedy clubs, rock venues and pubs offer a diverse nightlife. Top-name folk musicians play at the Birchmere in Alexandria . In Virginia Beach, Peabody's and Hot Tuna are popular clubs.