Virginia 2013 - The Old Dominion State

John Henley/Virginia Tourism Corporation
What’s New
• The Lincoln Movie Trail: The trail pinpoints film locations, as well as the sites frequented by Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field. The real Abraham Lincoln visited both Richmond and Petersburg in the closing days of the Civil War. Visitors can follow his historic path on foot or on Segways.
• Salamander Resort And Spa: This new resort boasts 168 luxury rooms and suites, a spa, an equestrian centre, fine dining options and conference and event facilities. Middleburg.  
• The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail: A number of new sites have been added to the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail. Visitors can trace the United States’ path to freedom at 20 sites across Virginia. New additions include the homes of four presidents: Mount Vernon, Monticello, Montpelier and Ash Lawn-Highland.
• Center In The Square: The home for Mill Mountain Theater, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia, Center in the Square has re-emerged after a $27 million makeover. Improvements include a refurbished exterior and redesigned interior, a living coral reef aquarium and a green rooftop facility. Roanoke.
• The Jefferson Heritage Tail: This trail celebrates the third US president, Thomas Jefferson. It takes in historic sites and award-winning wineries – all with a backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Capital Bikeshare: This program puts more than 1,800 bicycles at visitors’ fingertips. Bikes may be picked up at any one of 200-plus stations in Alexandria, Arlington and Washington DC, and then returned to any station the visitor wishes.  
• Potomac Shores Golf Course: In spring 2014, the first public Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the Washington DC metro area will open in Prince William Country. Located on the banks of the historic Potomac River, the 18-hole, par-72 course will offer dramatic vistas, native wetland buffers and more than 61 metres of elevation changes.

Kelly J Mihalcoe LLC/Virginia Tourism CorporationAttractions
• Colonial Williamsburg: 18th-century capital with more than 500 buildings restored to its colonial splendour. Williamsburg.
• 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. Fredericksburg.

Events
• George Washington Birthday Celebration (February), Alexandria.
• Highland Maple Festival (March), Highland County.
• Virginia Historic Garden Week (April), Statewide.
• Blackbeard Pirate Festival (May & June), Hampton.
• FloydFest (July), Floyd.
• Virginia Wine Festival (September), Manassas.
• Virginia State Fair (September & October), Doswell.
• Hunt Races (November), Montpelier.
• 100 Miles Of Lights (November & December), Richmond to Virginia Beach.
• Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend (December), Alexandria.

John Henley/Virginia Tourism CorporationPlaces
• Jamestown Settlement: First permanent English settlement in America.
• Alexandria: Charming waterfront community with 18th- and 19th-century architecture, historic sites, tours, shops and restaurants.
• Mount Vernon: Mansion and outbuildings, including slave quarters, greenhouse and gardens. Alexandria City.
• George Washington Estate And Gardens: Reconstructed blacksmith shop at the original location of George Washington’s shop. Mount Vernon.
• Monticello: Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home featuring original furnishings, gardens and Jefferson’s Grave. Charlottesville.

Hidden Gems
• Taubman Museum Of Art: Treasures from some of the most recognizable names in modern and classical art. Roanoke.
• The American Civil War Center: All of the stories – Union, Confederate and African American – share significant space. Richmond.

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, Porter Airlines.
• Cruise Lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean.
• Sales Tools: Virginia Is For Lovers travel guide, Virginia e-newsletter.
• Info: Virginia Tourism Corporation
(800) 671-4195
www.virginia.org