Travels In Virginia Blog

The countdown is on to the first-ever Virginia Wine Week - Love By The Glass.  There are more than 200 restaurants and wine shops across the state participating in this special promotion to shine the light on Virginia wine.  During March 22 - 28, wine lovers will just need to look for Love By The Glass posters and decals to find at least two different Virginia wines for sale by the glass, to accompany a beautiful meal or buy and take home to enjoy.  Celebrate the growth and success of the Virginia wine industry and take part in this first-ever event for Virginia.  More information about wine travel in Virginia can be found here and visit www.VirginiaWine.org for a complete list of participating wine week businesses.

 

Outdoor recreation and sports lovers get ready for a rockin’ good time in Richmond this spring.  Yesterday Sports Backers and Venture Richmond announced the sporting event schedule for this year’s Dominion Riverrock, the second annual sports and riverlife festival, being held on Brown’s Island, May 14-15, 2010. 

This two-day festival celebrates Richmond’s vibrant and active river life with a series of sporting events – trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, freestyle biking and ultimate air dogs – along with musical performances, food vendors, exhibits and more.  

Those curious about the sporting events schedule, or who want more details on events and registration, check out the new web site at www.dominionriverrock.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation just named The Crooked Road as one of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

The Crooked Road is one of the most meaningful, moving and authentic destinations in the country - full of old-time, bluegrass and traditional country music.  The Crooked Road spans nearly 300 miles through the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia and links legendary music venues such as The Carter Fold, Rex Theater, Country Cabin, Floyd Country Store, Blue Ridge Music Center and the Ralph Stanley Museum together in the musical trail.

The Dozen Distinctive Destinations award honors the Crooked Road's efforts to preserve and protect the music, culture, history and landscape of the region.  The National Trust presented the award at a special ceremony at the Floyd Country Store on February 3. 

Wayne Henderson kicked things off with rousing tunes, followed by comments from National Trust, Crooked Road and tourism leaders. 

It was followed by a reception (word to the wise - The Floyd Country Store has some of the best lemon bars on the planet).

Vote The Crooked Road as your fan favorite of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations by going to www.PreservationNation.org/ddd through February 28.

Complete news release here.

 

 

 

 

Word is the white stuff is headed to Virginia this weekend.  Virginia's mountain resorts welcome the weather with open arms - as do travelers looking to get their skiing and snowboarding fix.  This winter has been a banner year for The Homestead, Massanutten, Bryce Resort and Wintergreen, as their slopes glow a great winter white. 

These resorts are family playgrounds that cater to outdoor fans of every age.  The Homestead has a Ski Free package from $199 that includes free lift passes with room purchase*.  Bryce Resort has First Time packages for great rates for the youngest of skiiers.  Wintergreen is offering President's Weekend special packages and where else but Massanutten Resort can you find an indoor water park at a ski resort?

President's Day Weekend (Feb. 12-15) is the perfect time to cover Virginia - the Mother of Presidents. Virginia has given the nation eight presidents -more than any other state. (Can you name all eight?)

Take time to explore the Three Ms - Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Monticello.  All three have recently undergone major restorations, additions and renovations making for exciting times for visitors of all ages.  New additions like the Grist Mill at Mount Vernon and the new visitor center at Monticello are not to be missed.  And Montpelier continues a historic transformation, with on-site archeological digs.

Presidential homes are popular but so are birthplaces, family sites, libraries, historial happenings and even favorite taverns and churches are part of Presidential travel in Virginia.  Use President's Day weekend to build a great story around the Mother of Presidents.  Get more details and ideas here.

The Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75 this year and what better way to celebrate than win an eco-friendly family vacation on the beautiful Parkway? Virginia has just launched the Go Green on the Blue Ridge Parkway family vacation giveaway - seven-nights, six days along "America's Favorite Drive", complete with airfare for four, a hybrid rental car, stays at premiere Virginia Green hotels and resorts and activites galore - hiking, picnic lunches, music, and more! Visit www.Virginia.org/BRP for complete details and enter to win. Click here for news release.

Looking for an unexpected twist to visiting Virginia Beach? Winter is as popular as ever at the beach thanks to the whale watching tours offered through the Virginia Aquarium.

This is a great story for family travel especially as kids will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing humpback whales as they migrate further south. The Virginia Aquarium also just opened a brand-new exhibit called Restless Planet which is ideal for family exploring. Here are more details on the tours.

Whale Watching Boat Trips
Experience a two and half hour adventure searching for humpback whales, fin whales and sea birds. Marine educators direct the trip and offer a hands-on experience with whale artifacts. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. Boat trips leave from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet.
December 27 – 30: Daily 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
January 2 - March 14: Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays (January 18 and February 15) at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m.
FEE: $28 per adult (ages 12 and up), $24 per child (ages 4 to 11).

Now that calendars have turned to 2010, Virginia is officially celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway is one of the most pristine and inspiring destinations in the country and Virginia is proud to be home to half of what is often called "America's Favorite Drive". The parkway is truly the ultimate family road trip but so much more. It is the ideal place to relax and reconnect with loved ones on vacation in Virginia. There are exhilarating hikes, stunning visitas, small town surprises, state and national parks, and nearly a dozen wineries on and near the parkway. Start planning now for new angles on this American treasure. We have a lot of great photography for media use in our image library.