VIRGINIA

Virginia is for Lovers

Travel in Virginia has always been about doing the things you love with the people you love most – and making memories that will last a lifetime. Home to the majestic mountains of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway along with kilometers of warm sunny beaches, Virginia’s diversity of landscape serves up every outdoor experience imaginable. A celebrated culinary scene guarantees extraordinary dining, featuring fresh produce, heritage meats and cheeses, plus sublime Virginia oysters - all enhanced by more than 330 boutique wineries, 300+ craft breweries and cideries and awardwinning distilleries. Rich American history, homes of founding fathers and acclaimed art museums promise hours of discovery. Connecting it all are picturesque scenic byways passing through rolling green hills and historic small towns, leading to five-star resorts, spas and golf courses tucked away from the troubles of life.

Rich History

The official Birthplace of America, Virginia’s Historic Triangle, is home to the first permanent English colony in the new world at Jamestown; Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum; and Yorktown, where America’s fight for independence ended, resulting in the birth of a new nation.

Colonial history is further unveiled at the homes of the founding fathers, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Madison’s Montpelier. Eight US presidents hailed from Virginia, more than any other state.

Scenic Road Trips

Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah Valley are destinations forever tied to the very roots of our country. Before the rest of the continent was explored, the Shenandoah Valley was considered the American frontier. Quaint small towns like Luray - home to the largest caverns in the eastern United States, Luray Caverns - dot the Valley and act as gateways to the mountains where Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive and the connected Blue Ridge Parkway are recognized as two of the most popular scenic drives in America.

Take to the famous Appalachian Trail as it winds through Virginia, boasting more miles than any other state. You’ll also discover some of the famous trails and most iconic and photographed locations, like McAfee Knob.

You’ll find more than just brag-worthy hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The area around Roanoke was designated a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association - the only destination with that level of distinction on America’s East Coast.

Travel from the mountains to the coast, where the world-renowned Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll find the vibrant and bustling city of Virginia Beach, offering the longest pleasure beach in America. Also known for its flourishing local dining scene, arts and entertainment, maritime history and family-friendly attractions, Virginia Beach features a variety of beach experiences for everyone to enjoy – from the bustling boardwalk to remote vacation homes.

Virginia Beach also acts as the gateway to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, accessible via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, one of the engineering wonders of the modern world. The Shore stretches 70 miles, is situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, and is a treasure trove for small town coastal getaways, as well as home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and its wild ponies.

Winding around the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries, you’ll find the Virginia Oyster Trail, featuring eight distinct regions, each creating a unique flavor profile for the tasty bivalves that line its shores. You’ll also find exclusive ways to try the delicious delicacies - like on the water with chef’s table tours.

Practical Information

POPULATION: 8.6 million

CAPITAL & MAIN CITIES: Richmond

TIME DIFFERENCE: -5h

CLIMATE: Mild with four distinct seasons. Virginia’s weather has been described as a “Goldilocks Climate” – not too hot and not too cold.

WHEN TO GO? Spring serves up gorgeous blooms, summer offers ideal beach weather and fall brings stunning foliage.

LOCAL TIP: Virginia is one of the few states where you can visit the beach and the mountains all in one day.

Charming Cities With Flair

Virginia’s cities may be small, but they are mighty, offering up countless unique attractions and insights into authentic America. Highlighting just a few - Alexandria, recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture; Richmond, Virginia’s capital, once also the capital of the confederacy and now a city where urban edginess meets southern charm; Charlottesville, Thomas Jefferson’s hometown and home to the University of Virginia; and Norfolk, with its energetic, art-laden walkable waterfront.

Virginia’s rich music scene boasts a variety of different genres such as country, gospel, R&B, hip hop, rock and roll, jazz and more. A must for music lovers takes you from Southwest Virginia, home to Virginia’s Heritage

Music Trail, the Crooked Road and the official Birthplace of Country Music, then east across the bottom of the state to Hampton Roads to immerse yourself in the roots of America’s Hip Hop and Jazz.

A stop for shopping is a definite must, with locations like Tysons Corner offering some of the best on the entire East Coast and luxury outlet malls like Leesburg Premium Outlets, both only miles from Dulles International Airport.

Finally, no trip to Virginia would be complete without a visit to one or more of Virginia’s 330+ state-wide wineries to discover our award-winning vintages. Wine trails and tours make planning easy, and you’ll find beautiful winery locations, stunning tasting rooms and plenty of unique winery experiences in Virginia wine country, no matter what part of Virginia you choose to love.

Getting There

GATEWAYS:

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located in Northern Virginia

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located in Arlington, Virginia

Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)