NORFOLK-VIRGINIA BEACH COMES TOGETHER, AT LAST For 16 straight weeks While impressive apart, combined, Take a stroll down one of America’s In the summer of 2020, the destination’s 182 miles of Top 10 favorite boardwalks**, or trace the top-ranked destination in the shoreline, four unique beaches, 20+ the trail of brave souls en route to country* for travelers wasn’t New breweries and distilleries, hundreds of their freedom on the Underground York City, nor Orlando, nor Las Vegas, independent dining experiences, 128 Railroad, watch the walls come alive it was right here in the Old Dominion hotels, dozens of museums, nearly 300 with color, charm, and creativity in the in Norfolk-Virginia Beach. As the bike trails, myriad of shopping options, NEON and ViBe districts, or sample the pandemic’s unprecedented disruption aquarium, and zoo, make for a getaway soul, seafood, spirits and more at the to travel plans the world over began few other markets can match. region’s many eateries; snag a fly ball to become evident, so too did the first- at Harbor Park (home of the Norfolk And while COVID-19 hopefully time-ever pairing of the culture and Tides), or freefall yourself at iFly at begins to wane, this partnership character of Norfolk with the surf and the Beach. Their just launched digital isn’t going anywhere. sand of Virginia Beach into a safe and discount application available at satisfying vacation offering for visitors visitnorfolkvabeach.com makes looking for an escape. saving simple while you experience TOGETHER, NORFOLK AND VIRGINIA everything both cities have to offer. BEACH TRULY HAVE SOMETHING These days, we could all use a little YOU WOULD BE HARD-PRESSED TO FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE UNITED IN togetherness. So bring a friend, bring FIND ANOTHER DESTINATION THAT OUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING YOUR NEXT VISIT IS A SAFE, the family, or bring your favorite to OFFERS SO MANY COMPLEMENTARY Norfolk-Virginia Beach. ATTRIBUTES IN SUCH CLOSE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. PROXIMITY. WE ARE DEFINITELY – Lauren Townsend, Director of BETTER TOGETHER. Marketing, Visit Virginia Beach – Kurt Krause, President and CEO, Visit Norfolk SCENIC DRIVE Winchester FIND Y O U R WANDER ith more than 3,500 miles of Scenic Byways, Virginia is a mecca for road trippers whose bucket lists include All- WAmerican Roads - we have the Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial Parkway and George Washington Parkway - as well as National Scenic Byways, like Skyline Drive and The Journey Through Hallowed Ground. While these well-known routes are each a worthy destination in their own right, here are a few lesser-known trips to fulfill your wanderlust, or WanderLove, as we call it here in Virginia. ROBERT HARRIS ROBERT 12 VIRGINIA.ORG 13 Martinsville Martinsville may be best known for its heart-pounding NASCAR Small town races, but even those looking to riverside downshift will find plenty of ways MORE IDEAS: to enjoy this friendly southern town. Thrilling Ride U.S. Route 58 stretches west to east across southern Virginia, from Cumberland Stay & Play Discover a unique blend of U.S. history, waterfront beauty and maritime Spanning 32 miles across three mountains, Grab a few reads for the road Gap to Virginia Beach, meandering through scenic stretches and picturesque culture as you follow the Rappahannock River from Northern Virginia to The the Back of the Dragon’s 400 curves and at Books and Crannies, a cozy epic views are a rider’s dream. This stretch towns, and blending natural beauty with culture and history along the way. independent bookstore in Uptown. River Realm. of Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion is a favorite during fall foliage season, Families will love discovering but you can become a “Dragon Master” exhibits that span from dinosaurs to volcanoes at the Virginia any time of the year, stopping at the new Museum of Natural History. Welcome Center to kick back and swap stories of the road. Fredericksburg The pristine, craftsmen-style Galax Starling Place sleeps up to nine History around every corner (literally). Known as the “Gateway to the guests (and a pet!) right in the Amazing local fare. And did someone Blue Ridge Mountains” - and heart of downtown. say retail therapy? Find it all in quaint “Sip” back and relax on the outdoor home to the largest Old Fiddler’s Hit the Road. Hop back on Route Fredericksburg, just an hour south pavilion while taking in vineyard Convention - this Southwest 58 east, stopping in Danville to of D.C. views at Good Luck Cellars. Virginia town teems with culture stretch your legs on the Riverwalk Trail and fill up on tacos at Mucho and charm. And with convenient Stay & Play Just a half-block from Main Street, Taqueria. access to outdoor fun, it’s the Plan a few stops along the Trail to the Kilmarnock Inn is your home perfect stop on your road trip. Freedom, which traces the routes of away from home, with Victorian more than 10,000 freedom seekers beauty, a serene courtyard and a that passed through the area by mid- deck made for friends. Stay & Play September 1862. Discover the region’s rich music heritage at one of the Blue Ridge Enjoy an al fresco meal at Brock’s Hit the Road. Continue along Music Center’s many live, outdoor Riverside Grill, where the patio Route 3 east, taking the bridge across performances. overlooks the Rappahannock River. the Rappahannock River to the Middle Peninsula. Grab a waterside Hike, bike or even ride horseback Wander along Caroline Street, lunch at Merroir, an “oyster tasting along the 57-mile New River Trail, exploring art galleries, dozens of room” known for their crab cakes which ambles alongside the New boutique shops and some of the best and oysters, sourced fresh from the River. With a gentle grade, ample Chesapeake Bay. THE CROOKED ROAD: BRIAN CAMP / KILMARNOCK INN: SARAH HAUSER SARAH INN: KILMARNOCK / CAMP BRIAN ROAD: CROOKED THE dining in the area. shade and plenty of opportunities GALLERIA ON THE LAKE to dip your toes, this rail-trail can Clarkesville be enjoyed by all. Deltaville Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground boasts a giant LOVE mural, as well Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay, Clarksville as a respite for every traveler - from the Rappahannock River and the cabins and motel rooms to sites for Located on Buggs Island Lake (aka: Piankatank River - and boasting RVs and tents. Kerr Reservoir), “Virginia’s only more than 25 marinas - the “Boating lakeside town” offers both a quaint KILMARNOCK INN Capital of the Chesapeake Bay” is Hit the Road. Head east on Kilmarnock Route 58 toward Martinsville, with downtown and access to the best the perfect launch pad for maritime a pit stop in Meadows of Dan to of the area’s outdoor recreation, adventure. snag some sweet treats - and a from fishing and watersports to candy-themed LOVE picture - at shoreline trails. Stay & Play Nancy’s Candy Co. Hit the Road. Head Kilmarnock Get out on the water with a boat SCENIC DRIVE: MICHAEL SPEED / GALLERIA ON THE LAKE: RYAN TRAPP TRAPP RYAN LAKE: THE ON GALLERIA / SPEED MICHAEL DRIVE: SCENIC south on Route 17 Stay & Play The Northern Neck’s commercial charter or pontoon rental from toward Virginia's River Norton Yachts. New to sailing? Their Stretch your legs with a stroll Realm, stopping at hub, this charming town will greet sailing school will show you the SCENIC DRIVE along Virginia Avenue to browse MORE IDEAS: NN Burger to satiate you with a beautifully renovated Grayson County ropes! local artwork, home decor and a Musical Journey your hunger and your selection of gourmet foods and Main Street that houses boutique Instagram feed with Explore from land at Holly Point wines. drool-worthy burgers shops and local restaurants, with Explore Southwest Virginia’s role in the evolution nods to the region’s history. Nature Park, meandering along their and the state’s largest waterfront trail dotted with wildlife Enjoy a meal - and stay the night - of Bluegrass and Traditional Mountain Music LOVE mural. From sculptures and benches to stop and at Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage there, cross the river Stay & Play take it all in. Tavern, a historic home renovated Music Trail. Running from Franklin County on Route 360 east Go on a scavenger hunt for the into a beautiful restaurant and inn. (yes, the “Moonshine Capital of the World”) to connect to Route iconic boots of Watermen’s Way, The Deltaville Maritime Museum is a all the way to Breaks Interstate Park on the 3 east through the a public art project honoring the must-visit to learn about the history Venture to Occoneechee State Park Virginia-Kentucky border, its 300 miles connect Northern Neck. area’s heritage. and culture of the region and its to park your RV, pitch your tent or 60 cultural music venues with artisan shops, watermen. cozy up in one of 13 cabins for an outdoor attractions and historic sites. overnight stay. 14 VIRGINIA.ORG 15 mountain Branch Out Travelers are familiar with Interstates 81 and 64, but natural wonders IN DC’S WINE COUNTRY® and hidden gems beg to be discovered along quieter roads as you traverse the Shenandoah Valley and head into Virginia’s mountains. SIP, SAVOR AND EXPLORE beer & wine trails, farm-fresh dining, historic small towns and outdoor adventures in scenic Northern Virginia. Winchester Come branch out in Loudoun. At the north end of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is both a hub for outdoor adventure as well as a historic town with local flair, anchored by Old Town’s vibrant pedestrian mall of boutique shops, patio dining and live performances.