Leonard Phillips/Virginia Tourism CorporationWhat’s New
• Virginia War Memorial: An education centre built partially underground will include an auditorium, theatre, library and exhibit spaces, focusing on Virginians' experience at war from Colonial times to present. Richmond.
• Journey Through Hallowed Ground: This historic corridor follows U.S. Highway 15 south to Charlottesville and features some of the most historically significant sites in America.
• SoVA Wine Trail: Connecting nine Southern Virginia wineries; it features small, boutique vineyards, restaurants, inns and bed & breakfasts.
Attractions
• Colonial Williamsburg: 18th-century capital with more than 500 buildings restored to its colonial splendour. Williamsburg.
• Crooked Road: Heritage Music Trail includes Blue Ridge Music Center, birthplace of Country Music Alliance and Carter Family Fold.
• Museum and White House of the Confederacy: World’s largest collection of Confederate artifacts. Richmond.
• Manassas National Battlefield Park: Site of the first major battle of the Civil War.
• King’s Highway March to Freedom Trail: Stage and post route used by Generals Washington and Rochambeau to move their troops to the siege of Yorktown. Prince William County.
• Historic Kenmore: A guided tour provides a look at the 18th century lives of Kenmore’s owners, their family and servants. Fredericksburg.
• George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm: Features an archaeology lab and visitor centre. New self-guided tours cover 32 hectares. Fredericksburg.
• The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Features a new library, museum shop, café and galleries. A 1.4-hectare park and sculpture garden lies outside. Richmond.
Events
• Virginia Historic Garden Week (April), Statewide.
David Cooper, Virginia Tourism Corporation• Virginia Arts Festival (April), Various locations in Hampton Roads. • Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction (July), Assateague Island.
• Galax Old Fiddlers Convention (August), Galax.
• Hampton Bay Days (September), Hampton.
• Virginia Wine Festival (September), Manassas.
• Virginia State Fair (late September to early October), Doswell.
• International Gold Cup (October), The Plains.
• 100 Miles of Lights (November to December), Richmond to Virginia Beach.
• Grand Illumination (December), Williamsburg.
Places
• Jamestown Settlement: First permanent English settlement in America featuring films, exhibits and living history.
• Alexandria: Charming waterfront community with 18th- and 19th-century architecture, historic sites, tours, shops and restaurants.
• Roanoke: Surrounded by mountains, with easy access to golf, museums, farmers’ markets, shops and restaurants.
• Mount Vernon: Mansion and outbuildings, including slave quarters, greenhouse and gardens. Alexandria City.
• Montpelier: Historic Home of James and Dolly Madison has been restored and expanded to include a visitor’s centre. Montpelier.
• George Washington Estate and Gardens: Reconstructed blacksmith shop at the original location of George Washington’s shop. Mount Vernon.
Hidden Gems
• Taubman Museum of Art: Treasures from some of the most recognizable names in modern and classical art. Roanoke.
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: Explores Valley history and displays decorative arts, paintings and furniture. Winchester.
• The American Civil War Center: All of the stories – Union, Confederate and African American – share significant space. Richmond.
• Ralph Stanley Museum: Interactive museum combines the career of Dr. Ralph Stanley, and the history of mountain and Bluegrass music. Clintwood.
Did You Know?
State Motto: Thus Always To Tyrants
State Flower: Dogwood
State Bird: Cardinal
Fast Facts
Region: MID-ATLANTIC
America’s Byways: Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Skyline Drive.
Direct Flights: Air Canada, United Express
Cruise Lines: Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean
Sales Tools: Virginia Is For Lovers Travel Guide, Virginia e-Newsletter,
Info: Virginia Tourism Corporation
1-800-671-4195
www.virginia.org