What's New
New Places for Family Traditions | New Arts Additions | New at Museums and Historic Attractions | New Wine and Spirits | New at Places to Stay | New for Meetings and Groups | New and Expanded Transportation
New Places for Family Traditions
Virginia has always been a favorite of families seeking to get away for quality time together. In 2010, new ways to experience traditional favorites are joined by brand new attractions and reminders of things that have made Virginia a preferred destination for generations:- Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary. Get reacquainted with the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway as it celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2010. Starting at mile marker zero near Waynesboro, some 216 miles of the Parkway lead south through Virginia. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks and iconic photo-ops such as Mabry Mill are familiar to generations of American travelers. The Parkway reveals unforgettable cities and towns, cozy lodging, outdoor adventure, restaurants, wineries and live music venues – all of which add to the magic of this favorite family road trip.
- Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center. The mountaintop destination in Lynchburg is an all-season outdoor winter sports facility – the first of its kind in the United States. Tubing, snowboarding and skiing is available year-round for young beginners through adult experts. So what's all that white stuff up there? Snowflex is a synthetic surface designed to simulate the slip and grip effects of snow making winter fun available year-round. Certified staff members are on hand for lessons and safety. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing equipment can be rented onsite.
- The Virginia Aquarium's Restless Planet. This new addition to the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach features four immersive habitats, dozens of new exhibits and 110,000 gallons of new aquariums to illustrate how diverse environments from the past compare to those that exist today. New habitats include a Malaysian peat swamp, a coastal desert, the Red Sea and active volcanoes.
- The Intimidator comes to Kings Dominion. A tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, the Intimidator 305, coming to Kings Dominion in Spring 2010, will be the tallest and fastest gravity-driven roller coaster on the East Coast. Topping out at 92 miles per hour after an initial drop of 300, it will be the second Giga-coaster built in North America.
- Virginia Living Museum's Conservation Garden and Living Greenhouse. One of the first exhibits of its type in the United States teaches how to build and garden in ways that use less energy, create less waste and are kinder and gentler to the earth.
- Journey Through Hallowed Ground. The historic corridor following U.S. Highway 15 south to Charlottesville is one of the country's newest National Scenic Byways and features some of the most historically significant sites in America.
- Free Admission to History.The Virginia Historical Society located in Richmond has announced that admission to the museum, galleries and research library will be free, proving that Virginia's historical significance and draw to visitors is indeed priceless.
- Virginia Green Galore – The Virginia Green Program has grown by leaps and bounds, with more than 600 destinations now Virginia Green certified.Check out www.VirginiaGreenTravel.org for a complete listing of all Virginia Green hotels, restaurants, museums and other destinations.
New Arts Additions
Performing and fine arts are bigger and better than ever in Virginia with new additions to existing facilities, renovations of classic venues and new programs:- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. When it reopens on May 1, 2010, Virginia's gem of a museum will be even more astounding. An additional 165,000 square feet of exhibit space will include a new library, museum shop, café and galleries. Outside, a 3.5 acre park and sculpture garden brings inviting green space to the site of a former parking lot. The museum's fabulous Faberge egg collection will be back and better than ever when the museum reopens, along with a stunning Tiffany exhibit and Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture exhibits that draw visitors from around the globe.
- Performing arts in the Richmond area got a huge boost with the opening of Richmond Center Stage late 2009. At its heart is the historic Carpenter Theater, newly renovated and seating 1,800 for symphonies, ballet, stage productions and concerts. Two smaller performing arts venues and a visual arts gallery round out the 179,000 square-foot facility.
- The 14th Annual Virginia Arts Festival has rolled out its 2010 program with dynamic performances from April 15 to May 2010. Headliners include the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Venice Baroque Orchestra, Boston Brass, Anouska Shankar and the Reduced Shakespeare Company.
- Minds Wide Open. From March through June of 2010, Virginia celebrates women in the arts with a huge array of performances, displays and exhibitions across the Commonwealth. This first statewide celebration of its kind honors women for contributions to art and culture.
New at Museums and Historic Attractions
Existing museums and historic homes are adding new features, some of which totally transform the existing facility:- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents new adult half-day tours that include shopping, dining and touring. New evening programs include Pirates Among Us, Jumpin' the Broom and the Great Theatrical Disaster of 1790. The new Richard Chartlton's Coffeehouse is a historical recreation of a Colonial shop that served as a social gathering place as well as a venue for hot beverages.
- Virginia War Memorial. A new 18,000 square-foot education center being built partially underground will include an auditorium, theater, library and exhibit spaces centering on Virginians' experience at war from Colonial times to present. To date, the memorial in Richmond has been an impressive outdoor pavilion bearing the names of those Virginians who have died in service to their country.
- Historic Kenmore. The Fredericksburg home of George Washington's sister and her husband has undergone a seven year restoration that returns the house to its 1770s splendor. A new guided tour gives visitors a look at the 18th century lives of Kenmore's owners, their family and servants.
- George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm. George Washington grew up across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg at Ferry Farm where he lived from the age of six until about 20. New self guided tours cover 80 acres and include a nature trail, demonstration garden and wild meadow. In 2008 archaeological digs uncovered the foundation of the house Washington grew up in. An archaeology lab and visitor center make for a total family experience.
- Jamestown Settlement will present Werowocomoco: Seat of Power, a special exhibit that examines the lives of the Powhatan Indians of Virginia. Artifacts from recent archaeological excavations of the principal residents of Powhatan, chief of some 30 Indian tribes in Virginia's coastal region at the time English colonists arrived in 1607, will be on display for the first time in a museum setting.
New Wine and Spirits
Virginia is emerging as a major wine travel destination with more than 150 wineries scattered throughout the Commonwealth. New wineries and wine trails seem to be popping up all over. These are among the newest offerings:- Narmada Winery. A touch of India comes to Virginia wine country near Amissville. Owners Sudha and Pandit Patil invite you on an exotic journey that blends the wine, food, culture and sounds of their native country.
- Hunting Creek Vineyard. A new winery on the SoVA Wine Trail, this winery in South Central Virginia opened in September 2009.
- Molon Lave Vineyards. Translated loosely, molon lave is Greek for “come and get ‘em,”. Winemaker Louis Papadopoulos brings a touch of his native Greece to great wine in Fauquier County.
- Vint Hill Craft Winery. Vint Hill gives visitors the opportunity to be a winemaker, to craft and customize a barrel of wine (with help from their own winemakers) and to produce up to 25 cases all with a personalized private label on each bottle.
- SoVA Wine Trail. Connecting nine Southern Virginia wineries, this new trail leads to fresh new experiences at small, boutique vineyards. Along the way are good restaurants, inns and bed & breakfasts that perfectly complement the winery experience.
New at Places to Stay
Virginia is known for hospitality with a vast array of places to stay.These new lodging options make the choices even better:- Primland Resort, a stunning 14,000 acre haven on the eastern shoulder of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick County, has added an observatory to its already impressive list of things to do. After a day of championship golf, hunting, fishing, woodland trails, fine dining and prime lodging guests can turn their eyes to the heavens at night. Mountain elevations make for great stargazing.
- Hampton Inn Oceanfront South, Virginia Beach.The new hotel offers 141 oceanfront rooms and 12 suites. Other hotel amenities are Business Center, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool and oceanfront banquet facility and oceanfront restaurant.
- Aloft Winchester. Complimentary hotel-wide wireless internet access is a highlight of this new Shenandoah Valley hotel. Rooms have signature beds, spa shower and custom amenities such as 42-inch LCD television.
- Candlewood Suites, Manassas.For business or leisure, for one night or for an extended stay, the Candlewood Suites Manassas hotel provides guests with the comforts of home including a fully-equipped kitchen.
- Marriott TownePlace Suites, Winchester.Conveniently located off I-81 at exit 315, new suites have fully-equipped kitchens and pets are welcome. Packages and group rates are available.
- Courtyard by Marriott, Fredericksburg Historic District. Beautiful new hotel offers a vibrant blend of small town charm with big city amenities. Lobby and lounge is already a favored gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, South Boston.Clean, comfortable guest rooms, friendly service and outstanding value are a trademark of Marriott properties.
- Aloft Richmond West, Glen Allen.Bold, fresh, and fun new hotel features loft-inspired design and always-abuzz public spaces. It's well positioned for an easy trek into the city's classy West End suburbs at the West Broad Village lifestyle center.
New for Meetings and Groups
New meetings spaces reinforce the fact that Virginia is the ultimate gathering place, for meetings, group tours and special events, especially weddings:- Collingwood Library & Museum, Alexandria.Long known as a wedding venue, the facility is now available for off-site meetings, retreats, conferences and business events. The American Legacy Center seats 208 guests in rounds and 240 in classroom style and comes complete with audio/visual equipment and food service. The main building and grounds, which were once part of George Washington's River Farm, are available for business events, weddings, receptions and other private functions.
- Heartstone Retreat & Lodge, Buena Vista. The holistic retreat on 30 acres of scenic rolling farm land is in one of the prettiest parts of the Shenandoah. The Lodge is a remodeled dairy barn perfect for business meetings, family reunions, seminars and receptions. The adjacent 220 acres of farm land is great for nature strolls. Cabin rentals are available.
- The Verandah at Wintergreen Winery, Nellysford. Wintergreen Winery is one of Virginia's truly fun places. A new wedding and event facility on site now makes it a perfect place for special occasions.
New and Expanded Transportation
Traveling to Virginia just got easier with a new transportation option that connects major population centers with the heart of Virginia:- AMTRAK's new passenger service from Washington DC into Central Virginia delivers visitors to Culpeper, Charlottesville and Lynchburg, as well as expanded service into Richmond, all where history, outdoor recreation, shopping and culinary adventures await. Check www.Virginia.org for stop off and stop over suggestions.
Find out more about what's new in Virginia by visiting www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free 2010 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.
