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The scenery is remarkable, the cuisine is unique, and the outdoor adventures will get your adrenalin pumping. We’ve gathered Virginia’s top sights, attractions, adventures and food experiences that are all waiting for you. Now’s the time to book your long-awaited trip to the Old Dominion, so what are you waiting for!?
Experience the Chef’s Table at Pleasure House
Set out on the Lynnhaven River and discover how Lynnhaven Oysters are harvested. Boat tours provide a behind-the-scenes look through various oyster farms along the river. Don’t miss the chef ’s table tour dining experience as you stand knees-deep in the river at a table set up in the water at the Pleasure House oyster farm and enjoy their legendary flavor. pleasurehouseoysters.com
Explore a Winery on Horseback
King Family Vineyards is a family owned and operated boutique winery located in Crozet, just 15 minutes from Charlottesville at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 1998, the winery’s first vintage was only 500 cases, but today produces just over 10,000 cases per year. And with the Indian Summer Guide Service, you can enjoy a guided tour of the winery on horseback. kingfamilyvineyards.com
Check Out the Ponies at Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island, a tiny fishing town off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and famous for the Chincoteague ponies that live in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at nearby Assateague Island. Each July the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s Pony Swim and Auction brings scores of spectators to the island town as the saltwater cowboys round up ponies and swim them across the channel. fws.gov
Wonder in Amazement Inside the Luray Caverns
Eastern America’s largest caverns are a U.S. Natural Landmark noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural colors. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also hear the haunting sounds of the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ creating music of symphonic quality from stone formations. luraycaverns.com
Visit George Washington’s Home and Distillery
See how the first president of the United States lived as you explore the estate and home of George and Martha Washington in Mount Vernon along the Potomac River, just 15 miles south of Washington D.C. Then stop by a fully functioning reconstruction of George Washington’s Distillery for a tour (and a sip of whiskey) from the only site in North America that demonstrates 18th-century distilling from seed to barrel. mountvernon.org
Time Travel to Virginia’s Historic Triangle
Located in Coastal Virginia between the James and York rivers, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg together are named the Historic Triangle for their historical significance and close proximity. The area includes five historic sites and attractions from the first English settlement at Jamestown, to the end of the Revolutionary War at York- town, and the founding of a new nation at Williamsburg. The sites are easy to visit when traveling along the scenic Colonial Parkway and feature outdoor re-creations, inter- active exhibits and living history museums. virginia.org
Dine at the Inn at Little Washington
Dining at The Inn has been likened to a performance in wondrous cocoon of luxury with the guest always playing the star role. Chef Patrick O’Connell’s healthy, eclectic yet imaginative creations arrive at one of the 30 intimate tables as if served by invisible hands, course after course more dazzling than the last. An award-winning 14,000 bottle wine cellar includes the finest offerings from Bordeaux, Burgundy, California and Virginia. theinnatlittlewashington.com
Kayak to Chatham Vineyards
Enjoy a relaxing 45-minute paddle on kayak from the local wharf of Bayford to Chatham Vineyards. Guides will identify local wildlife and aquaculture along the way, then provide a tour around the historic property once ashore. After a complementary wine tasting there’s always time to sit outside with a glass of wine and cheese tray to enjoy the vineyard before paddling back. chathamvineyards.com
Get Ready to Play Some Golf
Fore! Get ready for some of the country’s best classic course designs and modern layouts. It has one of the world’s great mountain courses (The Highland Course at Primland) and one of the world’s great golf destinations (Williamsburg, ranked No. 24 in the world by Golf Digest). With over 220 public courses, whether it’s Virginia’s great metropolises or the wonderfully quaint small towns, it’s a safe bet you’re just a few miles from a great golf experience. aubergeresorts.com/primland
Enjoy the View Along Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is Shenandoah National Park’s linear conduit, 105 miles long with 75 overlooks connecting travelers to all the major visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges, picnic areas and most trailheads. Concrete posts numbered every mile keep you apprised of your whereabouts. Fall is the most popular time to travel the Drive, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November. Spring offers colorful wildflowers as well as blooming azaleas and mountain laurel. virginia.org
