Virginia tourism officials are hoping to draw 1 million visitors to the state’s website in May, and they’re giving away bigger prizes as they get closer to that goal. The sweepstakes begins Tuesday and runs through May 31. For every 100,000 visitors to Virginia.org, new prizes will be unlocked, including hot air balloon rides, kayak [...]
Shenandoah County’s small towns are like a string of pearls along the Old Valley Pike, Route 11. These friendly towns, each one with its own historic flavor, are great places to stop for a look at small town life, beautiful architecture, unique shops and eateries. History buffs will be fascinated with our many museums. Sample [...]
Long known for its spectacular seaport and celebrated waterfront, Norfolk also offers a host of exciting attractions that are diverse and dry. The city of Norfolk is alive with hundreds of activities and destinations for vacationers looking to explore further than the fabulous Norfolk waterfront. Norfolk offers more than 80 unique, chef-owned restaurants that are [...]
Visitors to Petersburg Battlefield have a new trail to explore Civil War history. The Civil War Trust and Pamplin Historical Park are opening the Jones Farm Loop Trail on Saturday. At just under 1 mile, the trail is part of the extensive Breakthrough Trail system. The preservation groups say the trail goes through a portion [...]
Virginia’s 3,000 miles of coastline equals sunshine adventures for family vacations. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a unique destination for families seeking fun in the sun in a natural backdrop. Home to several pristine beaches and wildlife preserves, the Eastern Shore is a summertime delight. At the southern tip of the Eastern Shore is Kiptopeke State [...]
Busch Gardens is building a new roller coaster in Williamsburg called the Verbolten. The Daily Press reports that the coaster is being designed to achieve high speeds in a short distance in the Oktoberfest section of the park. It uses the same technology that roller coasters that top 100 miles per hour use, although its [...]
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia State Parks has launched a smartphone application that will help guide visitors to a park nearest them and help them navigate trails and other attractions. The application is called Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger. It was developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and ParksByNature, which has [...]
Richmond, Va. (January 30, 2012) – The Virginia Tourism Corporation announces a major travel sweepstakes for 2012, LOVE Aquatic, which features four grand prize adventures for families that combine fun and learning on the water. From Atlantic beaches to woodland lakes and freshwater mountain streams, Virginia is awash in aquatic fun for families, providing experiences that [...]
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ A magazine has listed Virginia among the top 10 wine travel destinations for 2012. Virginia is one of only three domestic destinations earning the recognition in the February issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which is available online at www.winemag.com The other two U.S. destinations are in California: Santa Barbara and Napa Valley. The [...]
The sweepstakes begins Tuesday and runs through May 31.
For every 100,000 visitors to Virginia.org, new prizes will be unlocked, including hot air balloon rides, kayak excursions, gas cards, state park passes and a shopping spree.
If 1 million people visit the site, one visitor could win a Virginia-centered family vacation that includes a stay at Virginia Beach, overnight at the Virginia Aquarium, front-of-the-line passes at Busch Gardens and an overnight stay in Colonial Williamsburg. Airfare, car rental and several meals are included.
People can enter up to 10 times by visiting the site and sharing the link on social media.
www.virginiatravelrecreation.com
North Fork Shenandoah River Bridge – cmh2315fl, Flickr
History buffs will be fascinated with our many museums. Sample the local wines, enjoy world-class golfing, or explore mysterious caverns. The challenge of snow skiing in the wintertime or grass skiing in the summertime, and hiking are a sampling of the many outdoor activities. Browse through the wonderful antique shops and unique gift shops. The music lover will enjoy the summer season of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.
Come visit and let us show you our natural beauty, great hotels, and friendly hospitality!
For more information, contact Shenandoah County Tourism at (540) 459-6227 or (888) 367-3960. You can also visit our website www.shenandoahtravel.org
Norfolk Botanical Garden – Wikimedia
Norfolk offers more than 80 unique, chef-owned restaurants that are bursting with individuality and flavor. Likewise, the late night excitement makes this the region’s mecca for nightlife. The city celebrates all night long with live entertainment and hot spots like the hip Ghent district and along Granby Street, which offer live music and dancing.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the pride of Norfolk as the oldest building and only structure to survive the British destruction of the city on New Year’s Day, 1776. A cannonball fired into the church still remains lodged in the wall today. Built in 1739, the church has never been out of commission and features Tiffany stained glass windows and a tree-lined cemetery with 17th, 18th and 19th century tombstones. Visitors can explore the church and attend daily services.
Norfolk is one of America’s great walking cities and is best enjoyed when experienced on foot. The city is also easily accessible by ferry/water taxi, the city’s complimentary electric bus service, F.R.E.D. (free ride every day), light rail system “The Tide” slated to open in 2011, sailing or motor coach, however most visitors tend to stroll through the city streets exploring the ins and outs of Norfolk at their own pace. Not to be missed: Windows on History is a series of display windows depicting four centuries of historic people, places and events. The Cannonball Trail is a walk-it-yourself tour through downtown historic Norfolk which connects the historic sites through storytelling. Visitors listen to stories about each site in order to form their own interpretation of Norfolk’s rich and multi-faceted history.
Norfolk is a town rich with military history and tradition. An American fort since 1794, Historic Fort Norfolk has been called the best-preserved War of 1812 location in America. During the Civil War it changed hands twice. The four-acre bastion of history still keeps watch over one of the world’s busiest harbors. The Fort now offers Civil War and War of 1812 reenactments on special occasions to entertain crowds of visitors.
The Armed Forces Memorial is tucked into the southeastern corner of Town Point Park and is situated on the Elizabeth River, connected to the park by two bridges.
Spectators and golfers have their pick of courses in Norfolk.
The Norfolk Admirals are a professional American Hockey League team that provides hours of thrills and excitement for local and visiting fans. Norfolk Scope houses the team when they hit the ice to take on professional hockey teams from across the country.
The Norfolk Tides is the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The award-winning Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, provides a great view of the action from any seat. More than 70 former Tides now play for the major leagues.
For more information about Norfolk, please contact VisitNorfolk at (757) 664-6620 or toll free (800) 368-3097. Visit our website at www.visitnorfolktoday.com
www.virginiatravelrecreation.com
Petersburg Battlefield – Wikimedia
The Civil War Trust and Pamplin Historical Park are opening the Jones Farm Loop Trail on Saturday. At just under 1 mile, the trail is part of the extensive Breakthrough Trail system.
The preservation groups say the trail goes through a portion of a 685-acre area of the Petersburg Battlefield purchased by the trust in 2005. It features access to a pristine section of surviving earthworks associated with the Battle of Jones Farm and the Breakthrough assault.
These earthworks were captured by the Union on March 25, 1865, and then used for the final, climactic assault on April 2.
PETERSBURG, Va. (AP)
Virginia Beach – Wikimedia
Virginia’s 3,000 miles of coastline equals sunshine adventures for family vacations.
At the southern tip of the Eastern Shore is Kiptopeke State Park, a perfect place for families who love beaches, nature and camping. Kiptopeke’s beachfront hugs nearly half a mile of the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers four miles of hiking trails and is the only Virginia state park to feature a yurt – a cross between a tent and a cabin.
Cape Charles Beach is known for shallow Bay waters and no waves, ideal for families with small children. Cape Charles is a quintessential Virginia small town, with B&Bs, restaurants and shops lining the main street. It’s also just minutes away from the 1,200-acre Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, one of Virginia’s premier birding and wildlife sites.
Visit the Shore’s sister islands of Chincoteague and Assateague, at the northern tip of the peninsula to experience natural gems for wildlife and pure beach bliss. The National Wildlife Refuge in Chincoteague includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, birds and wildlife. The unspoiled scenery of Assateague is the perfect backdrop for gazing upon the island’s wild life. In addition to an expansive, pristine beach, Assateague operates two visitor centers and miles of hiking trails. One of the best hikes is up to the top of the Assateague lighthouse. Visit in July for the annual Pony Swim and Auction, where saltwater cowboys round up the ponies on Assateague and swim them across to Chincoteague. Broaden the Chincoteague experience by enjoying delightful B&B’s, restaurants, shops, craft galleries and one-of-a-kind museums. Camping, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and bicycling add to the family bonding.
Families seeking an action-packed beach experience will find it at Virginia Beach. The longest pleasure beach in the United States, it’s perfect for building sand castles, collecting sea shells or lounging under an umbrella.
Along Virginia Beach’s 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, families can bike, roller blade or rent a tandem bike. Fishermen big and small love the waters around Virginia Beach. Many free, family-oriented events take place along the boardwalk, such as concerts, festivals and sporting events. There is also Beach Street USA, featuring free entertainment along Atlantic Avenue with jugglers, mimes, jazz music and more – all adding to the excitement of Virginia Beach.
Not every Virginia Beach activity is fast paced. There is also opportunity to gaze at beach wildlife at the 800-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and at First Landing State Park, with outstanding hiking and biking trails for families with a passion for nature.
A trip to Virginia Beach isn’t complete without visiting the state’s largest aquarium.
Hampton is the birthplace of America’s space program and home to NASA Langley and Langley Air Force Base. The Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton is the visitor center for both sites, so families can mix fun and learning.
What about the water? Hampton has 12 deep-water marinas as well as Buckroe Beach, which offers eight acres of beach, a playground, picnic shelters, a walking and bike path, a pet-friendly Bark Park and concert bandstand. In the summer months, visitors can swing to the sounds of the Sunday night Groovin’ by the Bay concerts, or view an outdoor movie at the Tuesday night POMOCO Family Movie Series. Beach chair, umbrella, kayak and paddlecraft rentals are available and parking is plentiful, making a visit to Buckroe Beach convenient and enjoyable.
Tales of imaginary catches are not necessary in Virginia. Fishermen revel in the variety of both freshwater and saltwater fish in the tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. In the Northern Neck, which stretches between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, five small public beaches run along the Potomac, such as Westmoreland State Park’s beach and Colonial Beach, the northernmost beach and site of George Washington’s Birthplace.
Westmoreland State Park offers many opportunities for family fun – an Olympic-sized swimming pool, launching ramp for power boats, campgrounds, cabins, fishing pier, boat rentals and six miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for shark teeth on the Potomac, and birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons, gulls and wintering waterfowl.
To start making plans to live out passions for travel and family fun this summer along Virginia’s many beaches, visit www.virginia.org or call (800) 932-5827.
The Daily Press reports that the coaster is being designed to achieve high speeds in a short distance in the Oktoberfest section of the park. It uses the same technology that roller coasters that top 100 miles per hour use, although its top speed will be 53 miles per hour.
The coaster will debut this spring. It is based on the theme of a car ride through the German countryside with an unexpected detour in the Black Forest.
For about three minutes, riders will experience a lurching, swerving ride complete with a free-fall indoors. The ride finishes outdoors with a 90-foot drop over the park’s Rhine River.
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)
The application is called Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger. It was developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and ParksByNature, which has partnered with a dozen states on the high-tech guide.
According to parks officials, the app will offer educational and interpretive information, videos and activities to be found at state parks. The app will allow hikers, hunters and fishermen to mark their favorite spots.
The free app is available for Apple and some Android devices.
To download the parks app, go to: http://www.stateparkapps.com/apps/va/apps.php
Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, www.virginia.org
From Atlantic beaches to woodland lakes and freshwater mountain streams, Virginia is awash in aquatic fun for families, providing experiences that connect loved ones together in memories that last a lifetime. The LOVE Aquatic Sweepstakes highlights a sampling of the best of these Virginia experiences.
Adults 21 and over can register online to win one of four aquatic adventures based in Norfolk, Smith Mountain Lake, the Tides Inn and Richmond by visiting www.Virginia.org/sweeps. Drawings will be held March 16, May 11, June 15 and August 10.
Each of the four prize packages is for a family of four and includes airfare, rental car, overnight lodging, cash card, admission to attractions and a specific aquatic experience with personalized expert instruction. Highlights of each package are below:
Tall Ship Treasures of OpSail 2012:
Become a Skipper at Smith Mountain Lake:
Come Sail Away on the Chesapeake Bay:
First Time Fisherman Journey:
“Virginia’s rich tradition of having fun on the water has brought families together for generations,” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The LOVE Aquatic sweepstakes will introduce four families to some of the best times they will ever share together, and those are the times when you really feel the love as a family.”
Registration for prizes begins January 30, 2012 at www.Virginia.org/sweeps. Winners will be notified after each drawing. Please see web site for details, terms and conditions.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. For information on travel in Virginia please visit www.Virginia.org or call toll-free 1-800-VISITVA for a free 2012 Virginia Is For Lovers Travel Guide.
Vineyard Grapes
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _
Virginia is one of only three domestic destinations earning the recognition in the February issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which is available online at www.winemag.com The other two U.S. destinations are in California: Santa Barbara and Napa Valley.
The article says: “Historically significant sites, picturesque pastoral landscapes, elegant equestrians and affable winemakers set Virginia apart as an excellent wine destination on the East Coast.”
State officials estimate that about 1million people include a visit to a Virginia winery while visiting the state. Virginia is the nation’s fifth largest wine producer and seventh largest wine grape producer.
The other destinations on Wine Enthusiast’s list of “2012 Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations” are Mosel Valley, Germany; Priorat-Cambrils, Spain; Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand; Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary; Champagne, France; Colchagua Valley, Chile; and Veneto, Italy.
Ranger Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, NPS photo
WASHINGTON (AP) _
The list includes parks like Everglades in Florida and Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, which attract a fair number of visitors in winter, as well as parks that see more visitors in the summer but that offer winter recreation as well, like Yellowstone in Wyoming and Sequoia National Park in California. For a list of participating parks by state, visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
The National Park Service website says the fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees, but other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not covered by the fee waiver unless stated otherwise.
However, some park partners and nearby businesses are offering discounts and special offers for the weekend, such as a two-for-one Grand Canyon tour offer with coupon; details athttp://www.nationalparksonline.org/special-offers/ .
Other fee-free days scheduled for national parks for 2012 are April 21-29, which is National Park Week; June 9, “Get Outdoors Day”; Sept. 29, National Public Lands Day, and Nov. 10-12, Veterans Day weekend.
Many national parks are free to enter year-round.
