on location: south ❖ hen it comes to love, all girls have their hearts set on something a little different. But when it comes to your girlfriend getaway, think of Virginia as everyone’s perfect match. Quaint, sophisticated and steeped in history, Virginia has aged like the fine wines it is famous for. American charm is visible even in the most modern towns, and chances are a treasure trove of antiques, gourmet food or spectacular outdoor views is never far away. For a delectable food and wine selection, Floyd is the place to settle in and stay awhile. For the group seeking a quiet, remote getaway, the Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast provides just that. A flower garden, gazebo, porch and rooms overlooking Southwest Virginia’s Cahas Mountains make this the ideal setting for your group to unwind after a day spent wining and dining. The Mountain Rose Inn, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast, is also a top group choice. Because a trip to Floyd requires at least a sample of the county’s wine, the Blue Ridge Wine Trail ensures your group gets a wide and varied tasting. The trail offers wine, mead and cider with stops at Villa Appalachia, Chateau Morrisette and Amrhein wineries, Foggy Ridge Cider and Black Snake Meadery. Remember to take the scenic route when getting around Floyd; the Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Scenic Byway visited for its natural beauty. This route is especially incredible in the fall when flaming leaves paint the countryside in a rainbow of colors. Natasha’s Market Café at the Harvest Moon Gallery is available for organic brunch, lunch and dinner.
heather swick Everything from the crackers to the desserts are made in-house, and when your meal is done there is plenty of shopping available at the gallery. The area offers enough boutique and specialty stores to satisfy even the
W
most avid shopaholic, but the New Mountain Mercantile is the hub of all local artistries. More than 100 artists and craftsmen are represented with items including books, candles, beads, jewelry and pottery. (floydvirginia.com)
Virginia
for Girls Only
Kelly J. Mihalcoe/Virginia Tourism Corporation
From mountain towns to coastal resorts, the state abounds with getaway options
Williamsburg Winery, a favorite with girlfriend groups, is a place for touring, tasting and relaxing. 24 August 2011
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Beth Furgurson/Virginia Tourism Corporation
on location: south ❖ Winchester is known as an artistic hub, and with good reason—Shenandoah University provides a college-town atmosphere with concerts, operas, plays and festivals. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival takes place here every May and more than 250,000 people from around the world attend. While family fun abounds at the festival, there is no shortage of activity for girlfriends. Live music, dancing, luncheons, celebrity appearances and carnival shows are just a fraction of what visitors can expect. Veramar Vineyard is a picturesque location for a stroll or tasting, and for those who dream of creating their own wines, the vineyard hosts a three-day wine camp with meals and lodging. For a shopping break in Winchester, browse Loudoun Street for a wide selection of antique, boutique and specialty stores. (visitwinchesterva.com)
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Groups enjoy touring Virginia homes during Historic Garden Week in April.
Tour members in Gloucester take a break from Main Street shopping.
An oceanside excursion is always a crowd pleaser, and Virginia Beach is no exception. Seventeen blocks of outdoor cafes ensure that you never go hungry. If you have a hankering for seafood, you’ve come to the right place. Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, steamed shrimp and striped bass are all local favorites. Being a health-conscious city, Virginia Beach has many health and well26 August 2011
ness spas. The Flowering Almond Spa at the Founders Inn is pure decadence for you and your girlfriends. The Virginia Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast, located right on the water, is a complete trip in itself: cozy lodging, seaside spa services and gourmet breakfasts. Spend a morning at the beach and, after lunch on the boardwalk, visit the Cape Henry Lighthouses for views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. (visitvirginiabeach.com) Chesapeake City is Virginia’s go-to destination if you are looking for a rustic escape from the bustle of everyday life, and it is the perfect backdrop for kayaking, bird watching, fishing, hiking, biking and camping. Spend a day kayaking in Virginia’s second-largest natural lake, Lake Drummond, and explore the wetlands in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Stop by Famous Uncle Al’s Hot Dogs and Grill or Wood Chicks BBQ for lunch or savor seafood at the Rose Bay Seafood Restaurant. Carafe Wine Makers allows your group to taste and create a wine of its own. Delicious wine at an affordable price makes this the perfect stop for girlfriends, and each bottle is personalized with labels designed by you. Chesapeake City is home to ample “Virginia Green” certified lodging options. For a stay that is as kind to the earth as it is to its guests, opt for the Town Place at Greenbrier, Aloft Chesapeake or the Candlewood Suites Chesapeake. (visitchesapeake.com)
Richmond is ideal for a trip to the past. Stroll the streets of the Historic District and you will be walking in the footsteps of Edgar Allan Poe, Robert E. Lee, Patrick Henry and Lt. Stonewall Jackson. Explore the tastes and sights of the city with a bar crawl through favorite local haunts like Legend Brewery or Capital Ale House. For classy dinner options to begin a night out, try Rowland Fine Dining in the Fan District or savory French cuisine at Chez Max. Participate in the Richmond tradition of Sunday brunch in the Rotunda lobby of the Jefferson Hotel. Tour the vineyards at the James River Cellars Winery, Woodland Vineyard and River City Cellars, where a wine tasting is offered every Friday night. To wine a bit more, explore the shops at Once Upon a Vine, Strawberry Street Vineyard and Wine Lovers. Richmond has a rich selection of art galleries and exhibitions. The Manchester District Art Galleries, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or a tour of the public artwork and sculptures allows your group to sample a wide spectrum of talent. (visitrichmondva.com) Regardless of the season, the towns of Virginia, from the mountains to the seacoast, have much to offer you and your girlfriends. Why should the lovers have all the fun? LGT Obtain Virginia visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com
Discover one of New England’s favorite group travel attractions! The World’s Largest Candle Store, The World’s Greatest Christmas Shop and Yankee Candle™ Home, all under one roof! Yankee CandleŽ Flagship is more than a store - Explore a wonderland of fun ... visit with Santa ‌ catch snowflakes year ’round in the Black Forest ‌stroll through our authentic Bavarian Christmas Village ‌ Satisfy every food craving with lunch or dinner at our award-winning Chandler’s Restaurant, sandwiches and more at Mrs. Claus Bakery & CafÊ or the sweet taste of our famous fudge. Contact our Group Travel Department today to learn more at grouptour@yankeecandle.com.
* &YJU t (SFFOÄ•FME 3PBE t 4PVUI %FFSÄ•FME ." t t XXX ZBOLFFDBOEMF DPN 'MBHTIJQ
Discover one of Virginia’s favorite group travel attractions! The World’s Largest Candle Store, The World’s Greatest Christmas Shop and Yankee Candle™ Home, all under one roof! Yankee CandleŽ Flagship is more than just a store. It is always snowing in Holiday Park and visit with Santa in his Toy Shop! Hickory, Dickory & Doc, our animatronic band, will entertain your group in the Town Square. Mrs. Claus’ Bakery & Cafe offers an assortment of coffees, teas and tantalizing treats for dessert as well as an array of lighter fare. There is something fun for everyone! Group Tour Contact Information: Call 1-877-616-6510 or Email us at bhuss@yankeecandle.com.
3JDINPOE 3PBE 8JMMJBNTCVSH 7" t 757-258-1002 t XXX ZBOLFFDBOEMF DPN ĘBHTIJQ