Major Events and Openings | Thrills | The Great Outdoors | Wine and Culinary Unordinary | History | Overnight Stays | Getting Around | On Display | Especially for Groups
MAJOR EVENTS, EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS:
- 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation (statewide): Virginia will be in the spotlight as the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation begins in 2011, and with good reason. More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, by far, than in any other state. The stories of the people caught up in the cataclysmic event of their time are told at some of America’s best museums and historic sites throughout Virginia. The anniversary commemoration of the battle of First Manassas in July 2011 kicks off a four year event in Virginia.
- Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond): Only the most dedicated Picasso fan knows that the famous artist kept many of his best works for his own collection. After his death, these items became the centerpiece for the Musée National Picasso, Paris. While that facility undergoes renovations the collection goes on a world tour, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of only seven museums worldwide, one of three in the U.S. and the only East Coast museum to host the exhibit. February 19 – May 15, 2011. Tickets on sale now on www.vmfa.state.va.us and a dozen special travel packages for the Richmond area are featured on www.Virginia.org/picassoexhibit/.
- 75th Anniversary of Shenandoah National Park: One of America’s great natural treasures celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. Shenandoah National Park and its main artery, Skyline Drive, have been a favorite destination for travelers for generations. The park’s abundant wildlife, stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes are legendary. A variety of lodging and dining help make the experience nearly perfect. Added to that is a full slate of special programming by park rangers including Junior Ranger programs for kids, guided nature hikes, horseback riding, learn-to-camp programs and wildlife watching.
- 75th Anniversary of Virginia State Parks: Virginia’s State Parks began as projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and have since evolved into America’s finest of their kind. From Atlantic seashore to Appalachian mountains, Virginia’s 35 state parks include the best of nature, camping, fishing, boating and hiking – along with some big surprises. Some parks have high-tech conference facilities while others have lodges capable of holding extended family reunions and gatherings. At Virginia State Parks visitors can see bald eagles in the wild, attend a festival, explore a Civil War battlefield, spend the night in a yurt, go tubing on a river, explore an abandoned gold mine, go for a bike ride on 57 miles of an abandoned railroad bed, look for prehistoric sharks’ teeth or go camping with their horse.
- Heartwood – Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway (Abingdon): A stunning new gateway to the vibrant artisan region of Southwest Virginia will open in the summer of 2011 just off I-81 in Abingdon. The central feature of Heartwood will be a striking 29,000-square-foot building that will house artisan galleries, a food court serving locally-supplied organic products, storyboards and regional maps as well as a live music venue.
- Virginia Golf Trail: In Virginia, great golf is complemented by outstanding attractions, unmatched history, wonderful cuisine and excellent lodging. The Virginia Golf Trail, featuring courses across the Commonwealth, is being created to give golfers a total Virginia experience beginning Spring 2011. This new online booking engine will be a one stop show where golfers can book to play 18 holes in the morning, have lunch at a nearby restaurant, tour a winery or historic attraction in the afternoon, enjoy a memorable dinner and relax in the comfort of a fine hotel.
- Citie of Henricus 400th Anniversary (Chesterfield County): Established in 1611, Henricus was the second successful English settlement in the New World (after Jamestown in 1607). At Henricus Historical Park south of Richmond visitors explore the recreated town and interact with costumed interpreters. Special programs throughout 2011 spotlight the lives of the English Settlers and Virginia Indians of Henricus and the surrounding area.
Thrills:
- Mach Tower – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg): For decades Busch Gardens has been one of America’s best-loved theme parks. In 2011 the park adds its tallest ride yet – Mach Tower. Up to 30 riders will be lifted 246 feet and the rider platform will then rotate to allow 360 degree views before dropping at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. This is a real hold-on-to-your-hat experience enhanced by state-of-the-art special effects.
- Vanish Point – Water Country USA (Williamsburg): Guests are in for the slide of their lives at Water Country USA’s epic new drop slide, Vanish Point, that supplies two wicked ways to drop out of sight. The 75-foot tower challenges guests with two wave paths. They can step into a skybox and take a plunge when the floor drops out beneath their feet, or they can get horizontal on a 300-foot speed slide that drops them straight down as soon as they enter. Either way, it’s pure liquid adrenaline.
The Great Outdoors:
- Government Island Park (Stafford): Want to see where the sandstone used to build the U.S. Capitol and White House was quarried? This new park near Fredericksburg contains the remains of the quarry purchased by the U.S. government during George Washington’s presidency where visitors can still see chisel marks, seams and other evidence of long ago efforts to quarry the beautiful white stone now so famous. The park also contains a 1.5 mile interpreted trail and is a great place to observe native wildlife and plants.
- Windsor Castle Park (Smithfield): New 209-acre park is in the heart of downtown Smithfield on the banks of the Pagan River. It features four miles of woodland trails, mountain bike path, orchards, picnic area, dog park, kayak and canoe launch, fishing pier and a scenic overlook. Circa 1725 plantation house and outbuildings are remnants of original Colonial era land deed.
- Nelson County Bike Festival (Lovingston): 2010 was the first year for this new festival featuring mountain bike races, road races and family events in one of Virginia’s most scenic areas. Nelson County’s trails and back roads are perfect for mountain biking or road biking at any time of year.
- The Festy (Wintergreen): Two-day camping festival saw a hugely successful inaugural year in 2010. Located at the festival grounds at Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, Festy combines the best in live music, outdoor sports and natural wellness (and beer).
Wine and Culinary Unordinary:
- New Virginia Wineries: 2010 was a big year for Virginia wine and 2011 promises to be as good or better. Now with nearly 180 wineries statewide, Virginia offers a superior travel experience for wine lovers. Among the new wineries is Glass House Winery near Charlottesville, which specializes both in great wine and gourmet chocolates. Lazy Days Winery is working on a 300-seat indoor theater. Rescued horses along with cows and miniature donkeys can be found roaming the grounds at Weston Farm Vineyard. Besides wine, Granite Heights Vineyard also produces honey and jams. A colonial tavern once sat on the site of Saude Creek Winery, near Williamsburg. George Washington is said to have quenched his thirst there.
- Fry’s Spring Station (Charlottesville): Housed in a 1931 building that served as a Charlottesville gas station for 70 years, Fry’s Spring Station now serves up gourmet wood-fired pizzas and other delectables. Locally-crafted beers and ales complement an Italian-inspired contemporary menu.
- Wild Wolf Brewing Company (Lovingston): Nelson County’s third brewery fills growlers with beer and root beer. It also carries a full line of home brewing equipment and supplies and offers beer brewing classes and workshops.
History:
- Governor’s House at Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg): New 66’ x 18’ wattle and daub row house at the recreated Jamestown Fort is based on archaeological excavations and will be furnished and interpreted as the Governor’s House, the chief administrative center for the first permanent English speaking colony in the New World.
- Anderson’s Blacksmith Shop – Colonial Williamsburg: Throughout 2011, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will conduct archaeological field work and reconstruction to expand Anderson’s Blacksmith Shop, just as James Anderson himself did in 1776. This new blacksmithing complex and armory will engage visitors in the hustle and bustle of supporting the Colonial war effort, and demonstrate the complex economic, political, and social factors which made success possible.
- Luray Valley Museum (Luray): The history of the Luray Valley is on display at this new museum on the grounds of Luray Caverns. Recreated 19th century farming community is made from restored local buildings and includes Shenandoah Valley artifacts from the 1750s.
- Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum (Staunton): What was life like in the trenches of World War I? Find out in the new trench exhibit at the birthplace of America’s president during that era. State-of-the-art immersive trench and bunker exhibit complete with light and sound effects gives a glimpse of the nature of trench warfare.
- Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace (Wytheville): As the wife of President Woodrow Wilson, Edith Bolling Wilson took on a roll much larger than that of the average First Lady. Due to her husband’s debilitating illness Edith Wilson conducted much of the president’s business. Her influence on national policy was such that some historians have dubbed her “The First Female President.” Her birthplace, the second floor of a downtown commercial building in Wytheville, has now been opened as a museum.
Overnight Stays:
- The Inn at Willow Grove (Orange): Situated on 40 acres of formal gardens and sloping lawns, the circa 1778 plantation house contains 14 luxury rooms and suites complemented by butler service. Chef Jason Daniels oversees the perfect cuisine in the 50-seat dining room. The inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and is destined to become mentioned alongside any great inn of the South.
- Blue (Cape Charles): Beautiful Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has a new six-room boutique hotel called Blue that is already making national news. The rooms are designed as lofts and each has 700 square feet of space with exposed brick walls circa 1900, leather couch and club chairs, full kitchen and bar. Guests have free use of beach bikes to get around town.
- Hotel Floyd goes pet-friendly (Floyd): In the heart of the rural artist community of Floyd is one of the most innovative “green” hotels in Virginia. Hotel Floyd embraces the notion of being eco-friendly in a way most guests don’t even notice – all the while being one of the most charming and comfortable boutique hotels. New one-bedroom suites will welcome pets in 2011.
- Bay Creek Resort Island Villas (Cape Charles): In response to a growing demand for a vacation-styled hotel/condo experience, Bay Creek Marina has opened the Island Villas – luxury furnished condos delivering a resort vacation experience for nightly stays. Beautifully furnished in coastal style, the villas feature living rooms with working fireplaces.
- 121 Robbins Nest Farm (Wingina): This private retreat in the heart of Virginia’s lovely Piedmont has a two-bedroom main house, rustic camping and horse trailer sites. Activities include horseback riding, inner tubes and canoeing, hiking, fishing and carriage rides – or just plain relaxing.
- Springhill Suites – Potomac Mills (Woodbridge): Located minutes from Potomac Mills Mall, one of Virginia’s most popular attractions, as well as the National Marine Corps Museum, Springhill Suites offers free wireless internet access throughout the hotel as well as an indoor pool and fitness center.
- Country Inn and Suites (Virginia Beach): Located in "The Heart of Virginia Beach" on the Boardwalk, all 114 oceanfront rooms feature private balconies, in-room microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, banquet room for up to 100, Stringers Oceanfront Restaurant, cookies and a free business center.
Getting Around:
- Mobile Visitor Center (Arlington): The city of Arlington has launched a new visitor center on wheels that takes Arlington’s tourism promotion efforts to special events and areas of high visitation such as the Arlington METRO station. A custom-designed all-electric vehicle transports an expandable kiosk that is filled with helpful information.
- The Tide – Light Rail System (Norfolk): Visitors to Norfolk will be invited to ride The Tide, a new 7.4-mile light rail system with 11 stations and four park-and-ride lots. The trains are electric and will connect travelers with Norfolk attractions such as the McArthur Center, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, Harbor Park and The Scope along with hotels, restaurants and shopping.
On Display:
- Edward Byer’s Virginia, An Artist’s 1850 Travelogue (Roanoke): The History Museum of Western Virginia hosts a fascinating exhibit February 4th through May 29th, 2011, showcasing panoramic paintings of cities, towns and other sites in Virginia painted by a roving German artist and his wife.
- Glass Studio – Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk): Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art is noted for its world-class collection of glass art, with more than 10,000 objects spanning 3,000 years. To complement the collection, the Chrysler will open a 7,000-square-foot studio for artists working in a variety of glassmaking processes including blown glass, casting, fusing, flame working and cold work. The facility, which will be the only of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region, will host free public demonstrations and classes.
- Trail of the Tiger – Norfolk Zoo (Norfolk): In time for its 110th birthday in 2011 a new master plan will transform the zoo into one of the most dynamic facilities of its kind. Trail of the Tiger will feature animals from across Asia including tigers, orangutans, gibbons and sun bears. Visitors can get up close and personal through underwater viewing windows, a raised boardwalk over an “Asian forest” and a viewing cave into tiger and orangutan habitats. Pagodas, some as tall as nine stories, will dot the landscape.
- C&O Steam Locomotive 614 – Virginia Museum of Transportation (Roanoke): Two stars of the museum’s permanent exhibit are a pair of the best-known surviving locomotives of the golden age of steam: Norfolk and Western Class J #611 and C&O Class A #1218. These two classic iron horses will be joined temporarily by another train lovers’ favorite – C&O #614 – on display through April 2011. In their heyday, 611 and 614 competed for rival railroads across Virginia and today serve as a reminder of the glory days of steam railroading in the Commonwealth.
- Chuck Close: People Who Matter To Me – Taubman Museum of Art (Roanoke): Chuck Thomas Close is an American painter and photographer who achieved fame as a photorealist, through his massive-scale portraits. Though a catastrophic spinal artery collapse in 1988 left him severely paralyzed, he has continued to paint and produce sought-after work. This exhibition features portraits of Close’s most significant subjects and reflects the wide spectrum of media that Close is known for. Exhibition runs from March 5th through May 15th, 2011.
- Virginia Living Museum Greenhouse/Animal Surgical Facility (Newport News): Museum spotlighting plant and animal life in Virginia will open new Greenhouse showcasing propagation and conservation of rare and endangered native plant species. Behind-the-scenes viewing area allows public to learn about medical treatment of the museum’s 240 animal species.
- Science Museum of Western Virginia (Roanoke): Dinosaurs come to life at the new MegaDome big screen theater. Join paleontologists as they discover exiting new things about the prehistoric reptiles in the new movie “Dinosaurs Alive.” Realistic computer-generated action brings dinosaurs back to life in a big way.
- Earl Hamner Boyhood Home (Schuyler): Who doesn’t remember The Waltons television series of the 1970s. The show’s creator was Earl Hamner, Jr., and much of what viewers saw on the show was based on Hamner’s own childhood near Schuyler, Virginia. His boyhood home has now been fully restored and is open for tours daily. Good night, John-Boy!
Especially for Groups:
- Live the Life Adventures (Virginia Beach): New group tour itineraries focus on the wonders of Virginia Beach through a series of experiential themed programs that uniquely showcase the people, places, food, outdoor activities, military history and performing arts.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more information or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. Stay connected at www.facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitVirginia.
|
|
Travels In Virginia Blog RSS Feed