 Besides the general cuisine of the Southern United States , Virginia maintains its own particular traditions . Virginia wine is made in many parts of the state . Smithfield ham , sometimes called " Virginia ham " , is a type of country ham which is protected by state law , and can only be produced in the town of Smithfield . Virginia furniture and architecture are typical of American colonial architecture . Thomas Jefferson and many of the state 's early leaders favored the Neoclassical architecture style , leading to its use for important state buildings . The Pennsylvania Dutch and their style can also be found in parts of the state . 
