What's New in Group Travel

Northern Virginia | Blue Ridge Highlands | Central Virginia | Hampton Roads | Eastern Shore | Southern Virginia | Shenandoah Valley | Chesapeake Bay

Statewide

Minds Wide Open
June of 2010, thousands of special events will occur to honor contributions by women to arts and culture. edelbuono@ndp-agency.com, www.vamindswideopen.com

Historic Garden Week
Step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” gdnweek@verizon.net, www.vagardenweek.org

 

Northern Virginia

Alexandria

Collingwood Library & Museum
Long known as a wedding venue, is now available for off-site meetings, retreats, conferences and business events. The new American Legacy Center that opened late last year seats 208 guests in rounds and 240 in classroom style and comes complete with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and food service. The main building and grounds, which were once part of George Washington’s River Farm, are also available for business events, as well as weddings, receptions and other private functions. An outside reception area can accommodate 200 people; inside capacity is 100 standing or 60 seated. eventmanager@clma.us, www.collingwoodlibrary.com

Prince Michel Old Town Alexandria Wine & Gift Shop
Nestled in Old Town Alexandria ambiance, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you through a selection of Prince Michel wines at the tasting bar. Browsing our eclectic selection of gifts and artwork while you sip your favorite vintage provides a pleasurable and memorable experience. lhansen@princemichel.com, www.princemichel.com

Fairfax

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Visit George Washington’s home, combine daytime admission with shopping, dining and an evening tour of the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center. Receive a 10% discount at all Mount Vernon shops when you combine admission, dining and expert guide services! edibella@mountvernon.org, www.mountvernon.org/visit/group

Laurel Grove Colored School
The Story of the Laurel Grove Colored School epitomizes the actions of many freedmen and freedwomen after the Civil War. Former slaves built the one-room schoolhouse and parents, grandparents, and neighbors provided the materials and labor. Laurel Grove School opened a gateway to the literary and basic skills necessary for the first generation born to freedom. pford17@cox.net, www.laurelgroveschool.com

Sully Historic Site
Tours highlight various aspects of the federal period: the beginning of the Federal Government and establishment of Washington D.C. as the nation's capital; life during the time of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison as presidents, and contributions of the enslaved African Americans.
African American Presence: “Sully Slave Quarter: From the Ground Up” is an award-winning 41-minute video that focuses on the circumstances of slaves who lived at this Federal period estate.  After many archaeological excavations a representative slave quarter was built at Sully and years of research, documentation, and hard work have gone into making this recorded document.
tammy.loxton@fairfaxcounty.gov, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully

Fredericksburg

Life in Colonial Fredericksburg
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Kenmore Plantation, James Monroe Museum and Fredericksburg Area Museum.  Tour length varies depending upon the number of sites visited lhill@fredericksburgva.gov, www.VisitFred.com

Caught in the Crossfire:  Civil War History in Fredericksburg
Retrace the history of the Civil War at four battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. It takes a full day to see all four battlefields, but two battlefields can be visited during a four-hour period.  Guide service is recommended. lhill@fredericksburgva.gov, www.VisitFred.com

Combo Tour:  Colonial and Civil War History in Fredericksburg, VA
This tour combines first-person Colonial history at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and Rising Sun Tavern with Civil War history at Chatham Manor and the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.  Please allow 4 hours for this tour. Guide service is recommended.  lhill@fredericksburgva.gov, www.VisitFred.com

Historic Kenmore
The home of George Washington's sister Betty and her husband, Fielding Lewis, Kenmore has undergone a 7-year architectural restoration returning the house to its 1770s splendor. A new guided tour explores the 18th-century lives of the Lewis’s family, and servants. hayes@gwffoundation.org, www.kenmore.org

George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry farm
The place where George Washington lived from the age of six until about 20. Self-guided tours of about 80 acres along the Rappahannock River. Archaeological site with lab exhibit. Birding trail. Chesapeake Bay Gateway. hayes@gwffoundation.org, www.ferryfarm.org

Courtyard by Marriott
The only hotel property located in the enchanted Historic City of Fredericksburg, VA which offers a vibrant blend of small town charm with big city amenities. Located halfway between the two civil war capitals, Washington DC and Richmond providing quick access to historic sites. JLilly@pgmhotels.com, www.marriott.com/fkrcy

Loudoun County

SpringHill Suites Ashburn Dulles North
Complimentary breakfast, wired/wireless Internet, modern fitness facility, indoor pool, hotel shuttle. MARSOCFRSTTeamLeads@marriott.com, www.marriott.com/iadas

Manassas

Hylton Performing Arts Center
Business, civic, arts, and service groups are encouraged to hold events at the center. The center is able to host corporate meetings, “expos,” individual special occasions. Merchant Hall (1,166 seats), Gregory Family Theater (300-seats), Didlake Grand Foyer (300 for a seated dinner and 650 for a reception) www.communityperformingartscenter.com

Candlewood Suites
Located at I-66, exit 47. For business or leisure, for one night or for an extended stay, the Candlewood Suites Manassas hotel provides guests with the comforts of home, guests can cook meals in the fully equipped kitchen.

Stafford

Staybridge Suites Quantico/Stafford
Offers 83 guest Suites and is proud to feature complimentary wireless and hard-wired high speed internet access, 32 inch High Definition LCD Flat Screen TV's, full size refrigerators, dishwashers, stove top cooking, fully stocked dishes silverware glasses, microwaves, hairdryers, coffeemakers and iron and ironing boards in all rooms. Indoor pool, an indoor whirlpool as well as an on-site fitness center. Business center which offers as an added amenity complimentary printer and fax service. Complimentary continental breakfast daily. Located less than 3 miles from Quantico Marine Corp. base and is 1 mile from I-95. Unwind at our evening Sundowner Reception. Stop by our BridgeMart® for an easy-to-prepare meal, work out in our fitness center or visit our complimentary laundry facility - anytime. abuck@kalyanhospitality.com, www.staybridge.com

 

Blue Ridge Highlands

Abingdon

Virginia Highlands Festival
Expanded activities and venues for 2009 offering Fine Art, Juried Arts & Crafts, Antiques, Literary Events, Music, Youth & Family Events, Performing Arts, and many other events daily. vhf@eva.org, www.vahighlandsfestival.org

Bristol

Caterpillar Crawl
The “Caterpillar Crawl” is a scavenger hunt for families in Historic downtown Bristol, based on the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Scavengers can download a map and clues to find 10 permanent caterpillar statues on State Street. cblevins@believeinbristol.org, www.jlbristol.org/caterpillar.

Galax

Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc.
September 10-12, 2010 - three days of festivities, entertainment, educational exhibits, cultural programs, performances, and special commemorative ceremonies marking the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary. Anniversary weekend festivities will take place in and around Cumberland Knob, where Parkway construction began on September 11, 1935. elizabeth@blueridgeparkway.org, blueridgeparkway75.org

Franklin County

Booker T. Washington National Monument
To Be A Slave –See, touch, and smell life in the mid-nineteen century Burroughs plantation. 
Lifting the Veil – Explore the uncertain future faced by millions of freed men. 
War on the Home Front – Discover how the Civil War events affected the masters and the slaves.
Cast Down Your Bucket! –Explore the Southern plight form the 1880s through the turn of the 20th century as African Americans struggled, fought and even died for the right to vote.  Connie_mays@nps.gov, www.nps.gov/bowa

Wytheville

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
The museum tells the remarkable story of Edith Bolling Wilson, First Lady and wife of President Woodrow Wilson. Learn about her Pocahontas heritage, her success as a businesswoman at the turn of the twentieth-century, and her romance with Mr. Wilson. Self-guided and group tours are available. info@edithbollingwilson.org, www.edithbollingwilson.org

 

Central Virginia

Bedford

National D-Day Memorial -Valor, Fidelity, Sacrifice
Examine the type of equipment worn by soldiers on D-Day, view artifacts from the period, meet veterans, and learn about the shortages on the American home front during WWII.  Program includes a guided tour of the Memorial. acheek@dday.org, www.dday.org

Bedford County

Poplar Forest
Visit Thomas Jefferson’s personal mountain retreat. grouptours@poplarforest.org, www.poplarforest.org/programs/summer-camps

Appommattox

Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park
After 4 years, 630,000 deaths and 1 million casualties, Lee surrendered to Grant here at Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park.   Bert_dunkerly@nps.gov, www.nps.gov/apco

Lynchburg

Historic Sandusky
Learn about the battle of Lynchburg during the Civil War. Select from a variety of activities and programs on medicine, music and the impact of war on their lives.  Civilwar@historicsandusky.org, www.HistoricSandusky.org

Lynchburg Museum System
At Point of Honor, a historic mansion on the James River, delight in the activities of hearth cooking, making candles, spinning and weaving, quill pen writing and learning about the Civil War and Native American Culture.  Rachel.deddens@lynchburgva.gov, www.lynchburgmuseum.org, www.pointofhonor.org

Old City Cemetery
Offers historical tours that highlight notable Cemetery "inhabitants" and grave markers, the Confederate Section, and any of the five museums on the grounds; nature tours that feature wildlife on the grounds, antique roses, the goldfish pond and butterfly garden, and the compost education center; or a combination of both. The Old City Cemetery was established as Lynchburg's first and only public burying ground in 1806.  Today it is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. occ@gravegarden.org, www.gravegarden.org

Amazement Square
Experience how the Monacan Indians lived, worked and played over 1,500 years ago, meet Pocahontas or Betsy Ross or take a journey around the solar system.  volunteer@amazementsquare.org, www.amazementsquare.org

Thomas Indoor Soccer Center
Newest addition to the recreation complexes at Liberty University. The building contains two individually enclosed turf soccer fields. Community leagues and camps for both adults and children are offered when the University is not in session. arsherwo@liberty.edu, www.ultimatelu.com

Nelson County

Black Eagle Farm
Beef, pork, goat and lamb born and pasture raised. Organic free range brown eggs. Retail sales at the farm market. info@nelsoncounty.org, www.blackeaglefarm.com

Basement Bistro
Located in the basement of the Lovingston Opry, home style cooking in the village of Lovingston. Daily specials. Eat in or take out. Limited delivery service. info@nelsoncounty.org, www.lovingstonopry.com

Vito's Italian Restaurant
Gourmet pizzas and subs. Great Italian food and full American menu.info@nelsoncounty.org

Amherst-Nelson Summer Solstice Wine and Farm Festival
Sponsored by 10 Nelson County wineries and Amherst Estate Vineyard. Wine tastings, arts and crafts, seminars, festival foods, entertainment and a Fun Area for all ages. info@nelsoncounty.org, www.summersolsticefestival.com

Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival
Spend the day in Nelson County enjoying local cider from Albemarle CiderWorks as well as local beer from Blue Mountain Brewery, Starr Hill, South Street Brewery and Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Live music, great food! info@nelsoncounty.org, brewridgetrail.com

Blue Mountain Brewery
First Virginia craft brewery to produce beer in cans for on premise sales of six packs of Full Nelson. Bursting with local hop flavor, this flagship Strong Pale Ale features Blue Mountain's own farm-grown Cascade variety hops as one of the key ingredients. Beer is cans preserves the beer longer, is environmentally friendly (recycles easier than glass) and is more portable for events and camping. info@nelsoncounty.org, www.bluemountainbrewery.com

Java Depot
Serving breakfast and lunch. Daily specials. info@nelsoncounty.org, www.thejavadepot.com

Orange

James Madison’s Montpelier
Unwind in Virginia’s beautiful rolling foothills amidst the miles of picturesque woods and pasture of James Madison’s Montpelier. Explore the wine country, join an archaeological dig, or tour the newly restored mansion with those who made it happen. Choose from five themed Excursion packages and eight luxurious bed & breakfasts. bmorrill@montpelier.org, www.montpelier.org

Richmond

Richmond Folk Festival
Visit Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. www.richmondfolkfestival.com

Henricus
Visit the re-created Powhatan Indian village of Arrohateck and the Citie of Henricus to interpret the environmental resources, history, technology, economics and politics of these two 17th century cultures that lived side by side on the James River. duballc@chesterfield.gov, www.henricus.org

St. John’s Church
The site of Patrick Henry’s impassioned oratory “give me liberty or give me death” and the oldest wooden church in Virginia. The permanent exhibition in the Visitor Center explores the history of Richmond, political elections in the eighteenth century, events leading to the American Revolution, the delegates to the Second Virginia Convention, and Patrick Henry’s political career.
programs@saintjohns.cc, www.historicstjohnschurch.org

Science Museum of Virginia
Investigate alternative energy sources. Pilot a Segway® Human Transporter and serve your own head on a platter. whupp@smv.org, www.smv.org

Virginia Holocaust Museum
Holocaust and genocide through tours and programs.  lweedon@va-holocaust.org, www.va-holocaust.com

Edgar Allan Poe Museum
This museum features a collection of artifacts belonging to Poe, who began his literary career in Richmond. Poe’s Life and Times, Poe’s Works Brought to Life, Poe: Man of Mystery, and Poe: Fact or Fiction. chris@poemuseum.org, www.poemuseum.org

The American Civil War Center
Housed in the 1861 Gun Foundry, the exhibit explores the war through three interwoven perspectives: Union, Confederate and African-American. abourne@tredegar.org, www.tredegar.org

Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, houses America’s oldest legislative assembly. Daily one-hour guided tours showcase historical statuary and paintings, rare exhibit objects and newly restored legislative chambers. laura.fields@governor.virginia.gov, www.virginiacapitol.gov

aloft Richmond West
Bold, fresh, and fun new hotel featuring loft-inspired design and always-abuzz public spaces. Perfectly positioned for an easy breezy travel experience in the city's classy West End suburbs at the hot new West Broad Village lifestyle center! sbean@ltdmanagement.com, www.aloftrichmond.com

Virginia War Memorial
The new 18,000 square foot Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center will include an auditorium, a theater, abundant exhibit space, visitor services, and a library to serve as the Commonwealth’s Center of Excellence to educate about Virginians experience of war from the birth of our nation to the present. candishelton@vawarmemorial.org, www.vawarmemorial.org

Richmond CenterStage
Contains the newly renovated and restored historic Carpenter Theatre, as well as the multi-purpose Rhythm Hall, the 200 seat Gottwald Playhouse and the glass-walled Showcase Gallery. All venues are available for performance events as well as catered receptions, banquets, and corporate activities. ssawyer@richmondcoliseum.net, www.richmondcenterstage.com

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Upon opening in May 2010, the significantly expanded VMFA will be among the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the nation and will include two restaurants, VMFA Shop, and an extensive art reference library. A 600-car parking deck and 4 acre sculpture garden will complement VMFA’s vibrant campus. specialevents@vmfa.museum, www.vmfa.museum

 

Hampton Roads

Chesapeake

Hyatt Place Chesapeake/Greenbrier Hotel
libby.ross@hyattselect.com, www.hyattplacechesapeake.com

The Hampton Inn & Suites-Chesapeake/Portsmouth/Suffolk
Including a rebate program for our sports guests. Enjoy an 8% rebate on each room successfully occupied!
erin.horton@hilton.com, www.chesapeakesquaremallsuites.hamptoninn.com

Hampton

Hampton Jazz Festival
43rd Annual festival featuring hundreds of top performers. bnewton@hamptoncvb.com, www.hamptonjazzfestival.com

Newport News

Mariners’ Museum
Age of Exploration: Journey to an era when cartographers were still mapping the world and mariners were discovering new landmasses.  Examine spices and other objects, many common and cheaply acquired today, and learn about their importance in fueling the Age of Exploration. sroane@mariner.org, www.marinersmuseum.org

Virginia War Museum
Soldier’s Heritage: Explore the history of the American soldier from the American Revolution through Desert Storm. aromanick@nngov.com, www.warmuseum.org

Virginia Living Museum
Explore nature and space science and learn the daily challenges animals face to survive, tackle real world environmental issues, or tour the universe with the newest technology in the planetarium theater. Conservation Garden/Living Green House: Learn how to build and garden in a manner that uses less energy, produces less waste, and is kinder to Mother Earth. See the latest ways to build and maintain an earth-friendly home. This is the first such exhibit in Virginia and one of the first in the United States. grouptour@thevlm.org, www.thevlm.org
Oasis in Space: Discover the uniqueness of our home planet seeking that most basic necessity for life – water. Does water exist elsewhere in the solar system, can life survive beyond the confines of Earth? www.thevlm.org/spacescienceprograms.aspx

Norfolk

Virginia Arts Festival: Virginia International Tattoo
The call of the trumpets, the beat of the drums, the wail of the pipes - the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo! Centuries-Old Scottish tradition with a 21st century American Soul. Groups traveling from around the world are drawn to the wail of the pipes, the pounding of the drums, the pageantry, the patriotism and the sheer spectacle. With 850 international performers including many of your favorite groups from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the Virginia International Tattoo is truly a perfect show for groups of all ages and interests! The 2010 Tattoo will thrill with music, majesty, and might! dstarkey@vafest.org, www.vafest.org

Nauticus
Battle Blast: Join us at Nauticus for awesome experiments to investigate the science of energy, force and pressure associated with Battleship design!  The USS Wisconsin 16-inch guns are the basis for this exciting program.  After the 45-minute program, walk the decks of Battleship Wisconsin and explore the power of the sea at Nauticus!  
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship showcases treasure and artifacts from first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters. The 8,400-square-foot interactive exhibition includes a replica of the actual ship that visitors can board. reservations@nauticus.org, www.nauticus.org

American Rover Tall Ship Cruises
American Rover Sailing Adventure! Has been sailing the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor since 1986.  Learn to set the sails, steer the ship, and learn about the tools the captain uses to navigate, tie Sailor knots, interact in group activities, and experience the history of ships and sailing. tom@americanrover.com, www.americanrover.com

37th & ZEN
Destination for Great Food, Great Music & Any Zen you want. Featuring the best variety of our areas talented musicians. You can satisfy a wide array of tastes while you enjoy our eclectic yet casual atmosphere. holly@37nzen.com, www.37nzen.com

Portsmouth

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
Take a kayak paddle trips up Hoffler Creek. The preserve has recently been added to the National Park Service’s Captain John Smith Water Trail. hofflercreek@hofflercreek.org, www.hofflercreek.org

Childrens Museum
Sounding Out: The sound program focuses on waves, frequency, music and communication.  Sound is energy and the students will investigate what is needed to make sound and how to make “noise.” 
On the Home Front: Examine the challenges faced during World War II by studying the impacts on the City of Portsmouth and other cities in the USA. Though no fighting took place on the U.S. mainland, WWII changed the shape of everyday life with shortages, rationing, and the employment of a large number of women. perryn@portsmouthva.gov, www.childrensmuseumva.com

Smithfield & Isle of Wight

Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitor Center and Arts Center @ 319
Our unique Visitor/Arts Center is a great place for groups to become acquainted with Smithfield & Isle of Wight's historic and cultural offerings. We welcome groups to take a guided tour of our historic district, stroll through the Center, where they can meet a resident artist, and shop in the gallery/gift shop. cwhiten@isleofwightus.net, www.VisitSmithfieldIsleOfWight.com

Virginia Beach

Oceana Air Show
Thrilling performances from world class jet teams. jcoggin@vbgov.com, www.Vbfun.com

8th Annual PANorama Caribbean Music Festival
Enjoy the warm spring sun on the waves as you sway to the island sounds of the steel drum! This oceanfront festival has become a favorite with residents and visitors alike. Performers include internationally acclaimed steel drum masters and gifted young players from around the country.www.vafest.com

Naval Air Station Oceana
Home to some 300 F/A-18 Hornets and Superhornets, and a variety of other support commands, NAS Oceana is the U.S. Navy’s Master East Coast Jet Base. Kelley.Stirling@navy.mil, www.cnic.navy.mil/oceana/programs/navalairstationtenantcommands

Old Cape Henry Lighthouse & Museum
Located on a bluff above the Chesapeake Bay & Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse was the first public building authorized by the new federal government in 1789. Constructed in 1791, with stone from quarries that provided stone for the Capitol, White House and Mount Vernon.  jcoggin@vbgov.com, www.vbfun.com

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Museum
The aquarium has over 700,000 gallons of aquariums, live animal habitats, and outdoor aviary, 10 acres of outdoor marsh habitat and over 350 hands –on interactive exhibits. The aquarium also offers educational dolphin and whale watching cruise programs.
Restless Planet: Is four immersive habitats, dozens of new exhibits and 110,000 gallons of new aquariums. The Aquarium’s original main exhibit gallery has been dramatically overhauled to represent Restless Planet, where we can see how diverse environments from Virginia’s past compare to similar environments still in existence today. The four habitats will look like a Malaysian peat swap, a coastal desert, the Red Sea and active volcanoes. A new admissions lobby area and store is also included in the renovation. jmbarns@virginiaaquarium.com, www.virginiaaquarium.com

Military Aviation Museum
One of the largest collections of WWII fighter planes restored to flying condition. Open to the public 7 days a week. Group tours, meeting and event facilities available. events@aviationmuseum.US, www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org

 Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront South
is the newest hotel on the oceanfront. Offering 141 amazing oceanfront rooms with 12 suites. Hampton Inn is known for its Cloud Nine Bedding Package, On The House HOT Breakfast each morning, On The Go Breakfast - for those guest in a hurry and Complimentary High-speed Internet. Our other hotel amenities are Business Center, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool and oceanfront banquet facility. Opening summer 2009 will be our oceanfront restaurant. robyn.cooper2@hilton.com, www.virginiabeachoceanfrontsouth.hamptoninn.com

eat : an american bistro
eclectic neighborhood bistro. www.eatbistro.com

BIG SAM'S
We are one of the few restaurants open for breakfast at 7:00 A.M. and during striper season we open at 5:30 A.M. to serve the local and traveling fisherman who need a place to meet and eat.We provide to go meals for their trips as well service customers of parasail and head boat trips as well as jet ski customers.  www.bigsamsrawbar.com

Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
World-class coasters!  suzanne.culotta@buschgardens.com, www.buschgardens.com/group

Colonial Williamsburg
Group tours are led by professional tour guides we’ve trained to interpret the Historic Area for groups of all ages.New adult Half-Day tours include touring, shopping and dining. • Study Visits redesigned to compliment state and national standards of learning in history and social studies. • New Anniversary events include: African American programs, The Capitol, The Governor's Palace and the Costume Design Center. • New evening programs include: Pirates Among Us, Jumpin' the Broom, and The Great Theatrical Disaster of 1790. • New exhibit: the Richard Charlton's Coffeehouse. awallace2@cwf.org, www.history.org/GroupTours

Yorktown Victory Center
“Popular Educational Programs: Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. At Jamestown Settlement, the “Life at Jamestown” program introduces the early struggles in the colony through interactive demonstrations. Immerse in the “Life of a Private” program at the Yorktown Victory Center and watch them analyze and develop historical skills of the American Revolution. jill.pongonis@jyf.virginia.gov, www.historyisfun.org

Historic Jamestowne
“Mysteries of the Past” teaches what archaeology and documents reveal about America’s Birthplace. Mike_Litterst@nps.gov, www.historicjamestowne.org

Grand Illumination
Spectacular evening when candles twinkling in the windows of Historic Area homes and buildings, fatwood crackles in street-side cressets, and the heavens explode with pyrotechnics. Thousands of guests turn out—families, friends, and strangers crowding the streets—to "oh" and "ah" and launch themselves on the Yuletide. www.history.org

Presidents Park
Find out who was in office when the amendments were ratified in the program, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. jordan@presidentspark.org, www.presidentspark.org

Forecaddies
We arrange custom golf outings for conferences, corporations and groups. greatgame@forecaddies.net, www.forecaddies.net

Holiday Inn Patriot
Newly renovated in 2008.13 ADA rooms.New bedding & lighting.Exterior renovation.10,000 square feet of meeting space. melinda@hipatriot.com, www.hipatriot.com

Jamestown Settlement: Werowocomoco
Seat of Power special exhibition. Artifacts from recent archaeological excavations of the site of Werowocomoco, principal residence of Powhatan, paramount chief of 30-some Indian tribes in Virginia's coastal region at the time English colonists arrived in 1607, will be exhibited for the first time in a museum setting. jill.pongonis@jyf.virginia.gov, www.historyisfun.org

 

Eastern Shore

Exmore

Hampton Inn & Suites Exmore
The Eastern Shore's Newest Hotel with 86 guestrooms and meeting space. scot.rose@hilton.com, www.exmoreeasternshoresuites.hamptoninn.com

Cape Charles

Eastern Shore of Virginia Welcome Center: Step into our "gazebo" and uncover the secrets of the Eastern Shore of Virginia peninsula. The new professionally staffed Center is filled with exciting information on how to spend your coastal visit. Captivating videos, an array of printed materials, and an interactive wildlife display tells the unique story of this peaceful land between the waters. tdirector@esvatourism.org, www.esvatourism.org

 

Southern Virginia

Halifax

VIPER - Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research
VIPER is a national center for ground vehicle performance testing, engineering & research services specializing in racing and high performance vehicles. Boasting world-class testing equipment such as a driving simulator, VIPER is a unique collaboration among Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and the Institute for Advanced Learning. Tours by appointment. deborah.morehead@ialr.org, www.viperservice.com

South Boston

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® of South Boston
Your hotel experience will be what you want - a clean, comfortable guest room, friendly service and outstanding value. mwatson@truenorthhotels.com, www.marriott.com/lyhsb

Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center
Historic Plantation converted into a fabulous resort, our recent changes include new Management, hiring a new Executive Chef, Tim Pritchett, adding a new restaurant, Carrington's, Wednesday - Saturday nights opening at 5, a new Breakfast area in the Inn and a new focus on Service while becoming a destination by partnering with Halifax neighbors. www.berryhillonline.com

 

Shenandoah Valley

Lexington

Heartstone Retreat & Lodge
Heartstone Retreat & Lodge is a Wholistic Retreat on 30 acres of scenic rolling farm land. The Lodge is a remodeled dairy barn perfect for business meetings, family reunions, seminars, receptions. There are two bedrooms/private baths upstairs. Adjacent to 220 acres of farm land for walking, viewing & cabin rentals.  www.southriverhighlands.com

Luray

Luray Valley Museum & Gardens at Luray Caverns
A presentation of thematic elements celebrating our Shenandoah culture. A main museum displays Shenandoah Valley artifacts and a history in chronological delivery from the 1750's to the 1920's. In addition a collection of historic, local buildings have been transported to the site and restored to represent a small 19th century farming community. John.Shaffer@LurayCaverns.com, www.LurayCaverns.com

Roanoke

Green Ridge Recreation Center
76,000 square foot recreation center operated by Roanoke County, featuring meeting space, a wellness/fitness area, walking track, basketball courts, and indoor aquatics. Attached to the center is Splash Valley waterpark, an outdoor aquatics facility with two large waterslides, a current river, and children’s spray ground. mhenke@roanokecountyva.gov, www.RoanokeCountyParks.com

Shenandoah

45th Shenandoah Antiques Expo
October 9-11 in the Valley of Virginia and attracts 400 plus antiques dealers from throughout the US who display and sell authentic antiques. Thousands of shoppers and collectors from throughout the United States and Europe frequent this event. rmstokes@att.net, www.heritagepromotions.com

Winchester

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
A series of more than thirty events includes: band competitions, dances, parades, the Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros Circus, a 10K Race, the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, Firefighters' events, and celebrities. The Festival is an event the whole family can enjoy. www.thebloom.com

Marriott TownePlace Suites Winchester
Scheduled to open September 2009! Conveniently located off I81 at exit 315. Suites with fully equipped kitchens and pets are welcome. Packages and Group Rates are available. See you soon! Linda.Wellborn@Marriott.com, Marriott.com/WGOTS

Aloft Winchester
Breeze into our aloft rooms: signature bed; a spa shower; custom amenities; plug‘n play connectivity center w/ 42” LCD TV. Mingle with friends at our WXYZ bar; grab a snack from re:fuel, or play in re:mix lobby. Plus, you can always stay connected with complimentary hotel-wide wireless internet access! minlee@hotelsquared.com,www.alofthotels.com

 

Chesapeake Bay

Northern Neck

Northern Neck Heritage Tours
Join us for a day of history, wine tasting, and a delicious lunch – featuring the outstanding wineries of the Northern Neck of Virginia. jbeckett@nnht.com, www.NNHT.com

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