It's been 55 years since the slogan "Virginia Is for Lovers" was first coined, and there's a reason the provocative campaign has remained timeless over decades.
More than just a nod to romance or a call to honeymooners, it opens itself up to be interpreted in myriad ways. Is it for lovers of history? Culture? Food? Arts? Recreation? The answer is "Yes." To all of the above!
Let's look at some Virginia destinations that offer something for everyone, no matter their heart's desire.
Lynchburg is known for its rolling terrain, as well as a multitude of historic attractions. The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House features antiques, memorabilia, military items, fine art, old photographs and more. There's also Point of Honor, a Federal-style home turned museum that presents life in the early 1800s. There are guided tours of the house Saturday mornings, or groups can schedule a private tour by appointment and staff availability.
Other top spots that will delight lovers of history are the Anne Spencer House Museum & Garden and Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Anne Spencer was an acclaimed Black poet, and the home displays artifacts and furnishings, as well as a lush garden that inspired much of her poetry. Poplar Forest, west of Lynchburg, was Jefferson's secluded retreat and is now a National Historic Landmark. Tours for both are open by appointment.
After a day of delving into the past, make a stop at Market at Main for dining and shopping.
Lovers of sweets will want to drive over to Highland County, known as the "Maple Syrup Capital of the South." There are a number of shops where guests can buy maple-themed gifts and see demonstrations. If visiting in mid-March, the Highland County Maple Festival is not to be missed! Other seasonal events are the Highland County Fair, typically held over Labor Day Weekend, and the Hands & Harvest Festival, taking place in early October.
For a peep at some unique art, take a leisurely motorcoach drive along the Barn Quilt Trail, or, for sweeping panoramas in all directions, climb 100-plus steps to the top of Sounding Knob Fire Tower, which is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. History buffs, don't dismay! There's The Highland County Museum at The Mansion House and Charles Pinckney Jones House Museum for those interested in the Civil War-era events, architecture and artifacts.
Waynesboro satisfies lovers of culture, entertainment and food alike. See a show or listen to live music at the historic Wayne Theatre, browse the many downtown art galleries or explore the array of street art. There's more music to enjoy at The Foundry, located in the historic Virginia Metalcrafters Building.
Foodies will want to linger a little longer downtown to dine at one of several locally-owned restaurants—all within a couple blocks of one another. Park at the large, bus-friendly public lot and, from there, the options are endless. And, once again, history abounds in this Shenandoah Valley community. Take a self-guided tour of the Waynesboro Heritage Museum or walk the house, garden and summer kitchen of the Plumb House Museum. Note that Plumb House has limited hours, so plan accordingly! Swannanoa Palace and The Russell Museum are also recommended stops that are popular with groups.
Ocean lovers will want to put Virginia Beach on their itinerary, though there's so much more than waves and water in this Atlantic shoreline city. Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse and first public works project in the U.S., and walk a few steps to First Landing Cross, which marks the spot where English settlers landed in 1607. Then, head to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Museum to learn about coastal habitats and more, plus take a dolphin watching boat tour in spring, summer or fall; or a whale watching tour in winter. The Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum and the Military Aviation Museum are also of special interest in the area.
No trip is complete without a stroll on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This renowned three-mile, 28-foot-wide attraction is dotted with nautical sculptures, including a towering King Neptune statue at 31st Street. In summer, live music and outdoor dining abound!
Williamsburg captivates those who love learning about the early U.S. settlements and significant events that shaped the country. The Historic Triangle—consisting of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown—is called the birthplace of America, and it holds immense cultural and historical significance.
Museums and historic battlefields are in abundance, including the Jamestown Settlement, a museum that presents America's first permanent English colony in 1607, while also focusing on the Native Americans who occupied the land for centuries and the stories of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619. The museum consists of an indoor theater and gallery and outdoor living-history experiences. Watch the film 1607: A Nation Takes Root and see re-creations of a Paspahegh town, plus board re-creations of the Godspeed and Discovery, two of the three ships that transported the earliest settlers from England.
Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens, where lovers of thrill rides and natural beauty will get their fill of both. There's also plenty of fresh, farm-to-table dining, plus a winery, a meadery, breweries and distilleries. Organizers will want to take advantage of free services offered by Visit Williamsburg, including motorcoach step-on welcomes, driver and group leader amenities and planning assistance. After spending time in Williamsburg, it'll be easy to see why Southern Living magazine readers have named the city the best small town in the South.
There are many reasons to visit Fairfax County, including its convenient proximity to Washington, DC. It's only about a 30-minute drive, making it an absolute must to include in any itinerary. But, let's take a look at what to do in the Virginia part of the region! For lovers of flora and fauna, make a day of it at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Korean Bell Garden, a 95-acre expanse located in the city of Vienna. Oenophiles will want to sample and sip at The Winery at Bull Run, situated in the shadow of Manassas National Battlefield Park, and military enthusiasts should plan for an afternoon at the National Museum of the United States Army.
Also in Fairfax County are George Washington's Mount Vernon and George Mason's Gunston Hall. The homes of America's first president and the Father of the Bill of Rights are within a few miles of each other, along the scenic and momentous Potomac River. With America's 250th Anniversary on the horizon in 2026, these two sites will be especially meaningful.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct '24 issue of Groups Today.
Photo by April Greer, courtesy of The Winery at Bull Run.
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