Experience classic elegance at one of Virginia’s Historic Hotels and Inns. Throughout the Commonwealth you will find places to stay that are steeped in history and that offer world class amenities. Each has its own distinctive charm and style with dining options sure to please the palate.

Make plans to visit and relax at one of these Virginia gems in 2013.

The George Washington Hotel, Winchester
Constructed in 1924, this upscale and luxury property features 90 newly restored guest rooms and was the 2011 Wyndham Hotel of the Year. Be sure to check out the Roman-style indoor pool and Saumaj Health Spa.

The Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke
With amazing amenities and tremendous location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic Hotel Roanoke, circa 1882, is a fully-restored Tudor-style property on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to dine at the newly renovated Regency Room.

The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Recognized as one of the finest hotels in the United States since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel is known for its awe-inspiring architecture, elegant decor, luxurious guest rooms and friendly service. You will surely have a memorable stay at The Jefferson.

The Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg
Adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg live interactive history museum, The Williamsburg Inn is decorated in an elegant English Regency style and regarded among the world’s finest hotels. Luxurious accommodations with fine dining, clay tennis courts, award-winning golf and The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg are among the numerous amenities of this resort.

The Martha, Abingdon
Originally built in 1832, the Martha Washington Hotel and Spa has served many functions and its history is undeniable. The Martha is a member of the Camberley Collection of fine historic properties. Explore all that Southwest Virginia has to offer with The Martha as your home base.

Craddock Terry Hotel, Lynchburg
This turn of the century shoe factory is now a residential-style boutique hotel located in historic downtown Lynchburg. You will find historical artifacts from the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation accenting the decor throughout. With 44 luxurious guest rooms and suites, many with dramatic views of the James River or the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Craddock Terry Hotel is a perfect fit.

The Homestead 1766, Hot Springs
Located in the four-season splendor of the Allegheny Mountains, The Homestead truly is a luxury resort with unforgettable Southern Hospitality. Welcoming 22 US presidents since the 18th century, this grand belle is thoroughly authentic and breath-taking.

Mimslyn Inn, Luray
Comfortable, inviting and ready to experience, the Mimslyn Inn‘s classic Georgian Revival architecture and location in the Shenandoah Valley will make your stay welcoming and unforgettable.

Stonewall Jackson, Staunton
Built in 1924 and nestled in historic downtown Staunton, The Stonewall Jackson Hotel captures the spirit and charm of the old South. The hotel was also recently recognized by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. With modern guest amenities and services you will thoroughly enjoy your relaxing stay.

The Morrison House, Alexandria
Recognized by “Travel and Leisure” on the 2012 list of 50 best hotels in the world, the Morrison House offers award-winning elegance and service. Located just off King Street in Old Town Alexandria, history is everywhere. And The Morrison House is pet-friendly with no fees or restrictions!

These are just a few of the stunning historic hotels in Virginia. Tell us about your favorites and find more at www.Virginia.org

Valentine’s is all about love. Same is true for Virginia is for Lovers. This is especially true for families who are always looking for ways to spend more time together, which is exactly what a weekend trip to Virginia has to offer. So why not think about Valentine’s a little differently this year and make it a long weekend to celebrate LOVE of family. We’ve got seven ideas of things you can do and places to visit in Virginia to make Valentine’s Day weekend a true family affair:

1. Handmade Gifts of LOVE – Visit artisan and craft centers in Virginia to pick out special Valentines gifts for each other that come from the heart. Or better yet sign up for a family class and make gifts for each other.

2. Get Together in the Great Outdoors – February can be a beautiful time for a hike in Virginia. Trails across the state offer paths from easy walking trails to more challenging for families who are experienced hikers. The leaves are off the trees, affording clear and amazing views for miles around.

3. Share your LOVE What are you most passionate about? Art? Music? History? Virginia has museums for everything and Valentine’s Weekend is a great time to share your love of music, art, history and more with your family and start building great traditions together.

4. All in one Resorts – Great for family togethering with tons of activities but also if mom and dad do want some time for just the two of you, programs to keep the kids entertained and on-site babysitting services.

5. Go Old School Take your kids to one of Virginia’s charming small towns and let them delight in the old-fashion goodness of real soda fountains, local diners, farmers markets, cool old train stations and true Americana.

6. Sweets for the sweets If chocolate is a must for your Valentine’s amusement, take pride in the sweets you buy. Visit local chocolatiers and candy shops such as Chocolate Occasions, Gearhearts, Chocolates by Kelly and others found throughout Virginia and make a day out of it by shopping for the best with the family.

7. Put LOVE at the Heart of Your Virginia Vacation Can you think of a more perfect photo opp for Valentine’s then you and your family in front of a giant LOVE sculpture? There are more than 20 to choose from in Virginia. Make a weekend out of visiting as many Virginia is for Lovers LOVEworks as you can, take your picture and share it out to send your love to your family and friends.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
Request a free Travel Guide.

‘Tis the season for gift-giving and Virginia has you covered with great outlet shopping.

Virginia’s Premium Outlets are located in Leesburg and Williamsburg. Sign up to be a VIP Shopper (for free) and receive access to online coupons, the VIP Coupon Book and advance notification of sales events.

In Leesburg, the outlet includes 110 high-end stores like Michael Kors, Coach, Burberry, Juicy Couture and Barneys New York.

In Williamsburg you’ll find 135 stores with some of the above plus Dooney & Bourke and Calvin Klein.

Both outlets will be “Black Friday” havens as several stores are opening at midnight on November 23 and will entertain extended hours all weekend. Better yet, quite a few are opening Thanksgiving night at 9 p.m.

Woodbridge is home to Potomac Mills Mall – Virginia’s largest mall with more than 200 retailers, including Bloomingdales – The Outlet Store, DKNY and The LEGO Store. When you need a break, take the bags to the car and enjoy a movie at one of the 18 AMC Theatres. Stores open at midnight on the 23rd and have extended hours all weekend.

Find more great shopping locations at Virginia.org and don’t forget “Shop Small Saturday” (November 24) for great local deals in Virginia’s charming downtowns.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
Request a free Travel Guide.

Virginia has baskets of tradition for harvest season, but for those who crave amazing food experiences paired with a dose of history, the Thanksgiving season is an absolute bonanza.

Whether it’s an original feast at Berkeley Plantation, a meal fit for a king at the classic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, or a lavish buffet to make Santa’s belly jiggle like mad at the Homestead Resort, turkey lovers and pumpkin pie fans won’t be disappointed.

Find your feast and bring the whole family along. Traditions have to start somewhere – make one today where you don’t have to do the cooking.

 

 

• History, Food and FUN – Thanksgiving 1619 Style at Berkeley Plantation, November 4
• A Feast Santa Would Enjoy at The Homestead, November 22-24
• Feast Like a King at The Jefferson Hotel, November 22
• A Decadent Thanksgiving Bed and Breakfast Package, November 22-25
• Traditional Feast and Thanksgiving Getaway, November 21-22
• Traditional Feast, Grand Illumination and Ski Swap at Wintergreen, November  22-25
• A Feast for the Eyes and the Tummy at Natural Bridge, November 21-23
• A Festive Thanksgiving Feast at Founders Inn and Spa, November 22

 

Fall in Virginia is all about LOVE – of the outdoors, the traditional Autumn harvest, and unique family-friendly experiences. So it’s no surprise that this year Virginia’s larger-than-life LOVE comes to Natural Bridge, with a massive corn maze nearly as wide as a football field that opens this Saturday, September 29th.

If you’ve never been corn “mazing” in the Fall in Virginia, you’ve missed out on an exciting experience. The Natural Bridge Corn Maze adds even more intrigue, with a unique interactive scarecrow game and the chance to win valuable vacation and admission prizes. Tickets also include hay-rides, a corn-kernel sand box, a hay-bale slide and beanbag toss.

Once you’ve navigated your way out of the maze, you and your family can marvel at The Natural Bridge, one of the country’s most iconic and historic natural attractions, just a short distance away.

And if distance makes it hard to get all the way to the Lexington area and Natural Bridge, you can easily find a Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch or Orchard near your home. Put your town or zip code into our interactive activity map and instantly find a Fall activity near you. Or if you’re really excited to try a maze or pick a pumpkin, visit our Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch page for a complete rundown of where to go.

When you conquer that maze too, don’t forget to share your snapshots of triumph on www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter with the hashtag #LOVEVA.