Fall Media Kit
Far Out Ways to View Fall Foliage in Virginia
For release August 1, 2009
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s natural beauty shines bright in the fall, as 15 million acres of foliage burst into brilliant color. Fall color tours abound, along scenic drives from the Eastern Shore to the Blue Ridge Mountains. For travelers looking for new and exciting ways to do some serious leaf peeping, Virginia offers these far out ways to view fall leaves from a whole new angle.
Take Flight
If trees bursting with fall color look spectacular from ground level, think of how it all looks from above - way above. Take in the breathtaking views from a hot air balloon, soaring above the Virginia countryside. Monticello Country Ballooning and Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons are two companies that provide hot air balloon rides over some of Virginia’s most beautiful landscape. Celebrate a safe flight with a customary champagne toast upon a happy landing.
For something a bit edgier, take to the skies with the Flying Circus Air Show in Bealeton. Take a standard ride for fall foliage views, or, for adrenaline junkies, ask for an “aerobatic” ride. Experience 15 minutes of spins, barrel rolls, snap rolls and loops – and do some leaf peeping at the same time!
Ever seen fall foliage from a flying motorcycle? At Precision Windsports in Lynchburg, hop aboard a two-seater “trike’ – it’s about the size of a motorcycle with a propeller and canopy wing attached – with a personal pilot and enjoy a ride from 500 feet above the ground. Trikes are FAA-approved Weight-Shift Light Sport aircraft and are perfect for breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain foliage viewing.
Free fall into Virginia’s fall foliage with a sky diving excursion. Never jumped before? No problem. Guests exit the plane securely attached to a certified jump instructor from several companies in Virginia, such as Skydive Orange in Central Virginia or No Limits Skydiving in Southern Virginia.
Get a speedy view of the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountain fall colors on the Zip Line at Bryce Resort in the Shenandoah Valley. Travel at along 3,000 feet of cable over ski slopes and through the woods reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Wintergreen Resort near Charlottesville makes good use of its ski lifts in the fall by offering gentle fall foliage viewing rides.
Go Natural
For an up close and personal fall foliage experience, contact Blue Ridge Tree Climbing inSouthwest Virginia. Don’t be afraid to branch out – guests are secured with ropes, harnesses and helmets to ascend into some of the Blue Ridge Mountains most beautiful mature trees.
One of the best ways to see fall foliage is on horseback, with companies such as Saddle Soar Equitainment near Peaks of Otter. The friendly staff offers trail rides, hayrides and lovely overnight accommodations at Reba Farm Inn. It’s good for first timers and experienced riders.
Bicyclists love Virginia and with good reason. Virginia is the only state through which both national bicycle routes, U.S. 1 and U.S 76, pass – and in fact there are 838 miles of the two routes in Virginia. Rails to trails sights such as the New River Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail are stunning year-round.
Take in all the luminescent colors of fall on an invigorating hike through state and national parks. Shenandoah National Park has more than 500 miles of diverse hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Mountains while the Blue Ridge Parkway has countless places to pull off for hikes. Breaks Interstate Park in Southwest Virginia has breathtaking overlooks into the 1,000 foot gorge of the Big Sandy River. Virginia State Parks have been acclaimed as America’s best. Nearly all of them have well-maintained hiking trails through woods and meadows or along lakes and streams. Many Virginia State Parks also have overnight accommodations in cabins or lodges.
Traditional Favorites
Virginia’s 2,500 miles of scenic drives, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive are ideal options for travelers looking for more traditional color tour experiences. Build a getaway around these classic American drives and meander through natural beauty, small towns, wine trails and historic sites.
Virginia’s fall travel Web site at www.fallinVirginia.org will make trip planning easy. Book rooms, plan itineraries and get the most accurate information on fall foliage and peak viewing across the state, all online. Or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free, Virginia is for Lovers – Live Passionately travel guide.
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