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Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
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covered parks
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearly, and the
annual Hydroplane Challenge fast boat
race.
Stay in style at Cooper’s Landing Inn
and Traveler’s Tavern, or a bit more rustic
in a lakefront cabin at Occoneechee State
Park.
The craft beverage scene is brewing
with Buggs Island Brewing Company. At
Three Sisters of Shiney Rock, the three
Powell sisters are reviving Native
American grape-growing such as
Muscadine and Scuppernong. (Open
Saturdays only and by appointment
other days.)
Fun Festival: Virginia Lake Festival,
July
Floyd
Buggs Island Lake—Clarksville
14
Back-to-the-earth bohemian blends with
traditional bluegrass in this town of less
than 500, but with so much to offer.
Along Virginia’s Crooked Road Music
Trail, The Floyd Country Store hosts jam
G R A N D I N V I L L A G E ( R O A N O K E ) : C A M E R O N D AV I D S O N / S C O T T ' S A D D I T I O N ( R I C H M O N D ) : T O D D W R I G H T / B U G G S I S L A N D L A K E ( C L A R K S V I L L E ) : S A M D E A N
Clarksville
ARLINGTON’S SHIRLINGTON
A running trail and dog park,
summer concert series and live
theater, an Irish pub and a cheese
and wine shop, all within walking
distance to a Hilton Garden Inn.
Shop charming Campbell Avenue,
an eclectic pedestrian friendly
area packed with local shops and
eateries.
S H I R L I N G T O N ( A R L I N G T O N ) , G H E N T D I S T R I C T ( N O R F O L K ) : A L I Z A M A N / O L D T O W N A L E X A N D R I A : B R A M R E U S E N / M A L L A R D S AT T H E W H A R F
(ONANCOCK): SCOTT K. BROWN
Notable Neighborhoods
NORFOLK’S GHENT DISTRICT
Arguably Virginia’s quintessential
historic neighborhood within
Virginia’s port city, Ghent boasts
an amazing span of architecture
from Colonial to Victorian to Frank
Lloyd Wright-era homes. Antiquing,
eclectic dining and the arts galore
can be found in this waterfront
community along the Hague.
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Just across the river from the
nation’s capital, American history
comes alive as you walk in patriots’
footsteps on cobblestone streets to
trendy boutiques and international
eateries. Four-legged travelers
will find Alexandria truly is for the
dogs, with water dishes outside the
shops, upscale pet boutiques and
restaurants that allow pups to dine
with their masters.
sessions and performances. Just like
in days gone by, the Country Store
is the heart of town, hosting Friday
Night Jamborees and clogging sessions
and selling all the things you’d expect
from a country store (and some that
you wouldn’t!), from local preserves to
suspenders.
Surrounding town is the expanse of the
Blue Ridge Plateau where hiking, biking
and scenic drives await along the 469-mile
Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fun Festival: Floydfest, July
Onancock
With five miles of sheltered waterway
leading to the Chesapeake Bay, it’s no
wonder Onancock has been an active
port on the Eastern Shore since 1680.
Today you can take a sailing or motorboat
excursion, rent a kayak or paddleboard
or hop on the ferry to Tangier Island, 12
miles out in the Bay.
With just 1,200 people and shaded
streets lined with shops and galleries,
Onancock is the perfect walking or biking
town. Slow down with lunch at The Wharf
or an outdoor patio café, or sit on the
Mallards at the Wharf—Onancock
to watch the fishing boats
come and go and the osprey and great
blue heron feed.
Visit the artist studios at the Historic
Onancock School, the Federal-period Ker
Place House Museum or the newly opened
Samuel Outlaw Blacksmith Shop.
Liar’s Bench
Elegant B&Bs housed in Victorian beauties,
an eclectic dining scene, from Irish pub fare to
Thai fusion, live theatre and an old-fashioned
movie house showing first-run films promise
that Onancock will not disappoint.
Fun Festival: Ice Cream Social and Patriotic
Band Concert, July
VIRGINIA .ORG
15
THE B OON ES'
Favorites
( L O C AT E D N E A R A L O V E )
HOTEL AND
A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
Western Front Hotel
in Saint Paul
R E S TA U R A N T
The Block in Annandale
WINERY OR BREWERY
Thatch Winery in Charlottesville
and WildManDan Brewery
in Afton
PA R K O R
OUTDOOR LOCALE
Colonial Beach
CITY OR TOWN
Roanoke
MUSEUM OR
HISTORIC SITE
Chrysler Museum of Art
in Norfolk
L OVE
W
O
R
K
S
Family Tour
16
L O V E W O R K I M A G E S : C O U RT E S Y O F L AT I S H A B O O N E
As a single mother balancing work, school and family, Latisha Boone wanted a budgetfriendly getaway with her daughter. What better way to explore Virginia than with a
LOVEworks journey for quality family fun and adventure? Latisha and Jai have now “Love
Toured” the entire state three times, visiting more than 200 LOVEworks!
L O V E W O R K I M A G E S : C O U RT E S Y O F L AT I S H A B O O N E / R O A N O K E S TA R I L L U S T R AT I O N : K I M D A LT O N
Q. What prompted you to start visiting the LOVEworks?
A. Our #LoveVA journey started in February 2017. Valentine’s Day was
approaching and I recalled always wanting to stop to take pictures with
the LOVEwork at the East Coast Gateway Welcome Center in New Kent;
we’d driven past it several times in our travels, but never had time to
stop. I looked up its address for a future visit and discovered there were
many other LOVEworks all over the state. Our first LOVEwork road
trip, nicknamed “Love Tours,” started with a local tour of several LOVEs
near our home in Hampton Roads. From there, we visited each region
until we eventually explored the entire state.
Q. Have you met anyone new on your Love Tours?
A. Meeting locals has been our favorite part of this journey because
they’ve taught us so much about their communities. Everyone we’ve
encountered along the way has been welcoming and intrigued by our
journey. We’ve met fellow LOVE travelers through social media who
have been part of our journey from the start and become like family to
us, sharing a love of our beautiful state.
Q. Have you discovered anything unexpected while visiting a LOVE?
A. Visiting LOVEworks has uncovered many hidden gems around the
state. As a “Mountain Lover,” my favorite is Powell Valley Overlook. It
is one of the most beautiful mountain overlooks – and doesn’t require
a hike or driving up a mountain! I always plan a stop there when I’m in
Southwest Virginia. Jai’s favorite is definitely the delicious popcorn at
Northern Neck Popcorn in Kilmarnock. She’s the “Food Lover” in our family.
Q. What are your three favorite LOVEs?
A. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (Wytheville), Silver Hearth Lodge (Bent
Mountain) and Liberty Mills Farm (Somerset) will always be our favorite
LOVEworks. We cherish our time spent at these LOVEworks the
most because of their amazing owners. We were welcomed with open
arms and spent hours chatting with them. Each owner made our visit
memorable and we will always appreciate their kindness. We left those
visits feeling as if we have friends for life in Ellen, Bob and Farmer
Kent. Not only did we find LOVE at their locations, but we also
experienced it through them.
Q. How have you and Jai grown as a result of your travels?
A. Jai and I developed a stronger bond over the past two years as
a result of our #LoveVA journey. We’ve discovered more of each
other’s interests and aspirations through our explorations of Virginia.
LOVE encouraged us to take risks and be adventurous. Now we feel
we can take on any challenge that comes our way!
Q. Last summer, you took a week-long trip to visit more than 30
LOVEs. What were some highlights from this trip?
A. The scenic mountain views, friendly and welcoming locals, stunning lodging
accommodations and kindness of LOVEwork owners! I highly recommend
taking a week or more of vacation to Love Tour in Southwest Virginia.
Every visit to a LOVEwork there will inspire you to experience more of
that well-known Virginia charm.
VIRGINIA .ORG
17
LOVE
VIRGINIA BEACH.
ALL YEAR.
T
he recipe for our culinary scene is born
from the rich culture of our surroundings.
Come get a taste of the good life, straight
from the hands of the people who grow, catch
and brew the best of what we have to offer.
fulfill your appetite at VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM
G E T A WA Y
AND RELAX
THOUGH OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP IN TRADITION, OUR SELF CARE AND WELLNESS PRACTICES HAVE EVOLVED WITH
THE TIMES - A L L W H I L E MAINTAINING THAT CLASSIC
VIRGINIA TWIST. FOLLOW THIS GUIDE F O R YOUR IDEAL
G E T A W A Y T O R E L A X , R E C E N T E R A N D R E C O N N E C T.
Virginia has long been acclaimed for its history
and outdoor beauty. But tucked among these iconic
sites and sweeping vistas is a lesser-known wellness scene
where visitors and Virginians alike can unplug and unwind.
20
M A H M O U D H ASS A N
WRITTEN BY SYDNEY E. LAKE
OM N I H OM E ST E A D R E S O R T ( H O T S P R I N G S ) : CO U R T E SY OF T H E OM N I H OM E ST E A D R E S O R T
The Omni Homestead Resort
H I S T O R I C G E T A WA Y
Hot Springs, VA
Nestled in the northwest region of the state is Hot Springs, where The Homestead
Resort can be found. Fit for the ultimate luxury vacation, this historic resort has
hosted 23 United States presidents, and provides guests with enchanting views
of Virginia landscape and a full-service spa. The spa offerings are like none other,
as services are completed using the mineral-enriched water from the surrounding
Hot Springs area. Following a salt stone therapy massage, guests can relax in
natural-body-temperature, mineral-rich water in the Octagon pool, which dates
back to the 19th century, all while taking in the resort’s breathtaking views. For an
indoor luxury experience, spa guests may visit the nascent Aqua Thermal Suite, a
collection of European-style healing aquatic environments which combines “heat
and cool therapy” for relaxation. Lounge, soak, let go.
At Left: Eupepsia Wellness Center
VIRGINIA .ORG
21
SOUTHERN CHARM
South Boston, VA
Just near the southern border of the state sits
Berry Hill Resort, a former antebellum estate
turned premiere resort venue. Only a short stretch
from Richmond and Lynchburg, Berry Hill is the
perfect place to escape for European-quality spa
services such as massages, body treatments, facials
and more – including monthly specials such as
detoxifying avocado body wraps and Swedish
massages. There’s even a curated gentlemen’s spa
menu! While in South Boston, visitors can imbibe
some of Virginia’s fine wine on the Southern
Virginia Wine Trail, or expend some energy
either hiking or biking the surrounding trails.
Energize, restore, escape.
Berry Hill Resort
TREETOP ESCAPE
Blue Ridge Mountains, VA
22
RECHARGE AND
RECONNECT
Appalachian Mountains, VA
Escape from the hustle and bustle of dayto-day life in the Appalachian Mountains,
just west of Roanoke in southwest Virginia.
Here, the Eupepsia Wellness Center is home
to an array of self-care plans, providing the
ideal atmosphere to truly relax. Of their many
health retreats, Eupepsia offers wellness retreats
designed for guests to detox, rejuvenate and
renew. Strengthen your mind-body connection
through yoga and meditation classes, or
educate yourself about wellness at one of the
many workshops hosted at the vast 256-acre
resort. Fitness may also be a focus of your stay,
where you can exercise inside with a personal
trainer, or go hiking or whitewater rafting in
the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
Complete your stay with hydrotherapy or
hot stone therapy at the wellness spa. Care,
breathe, feed.
BERRY HILL RESORT (SOUTH BOSTON), THE CAVALIER (VIRGINIA BEACH): SARAH HAUSER / OCEANFRONT BEACH CLUB (VIRGINIA BEACH): ALI ZAMAN
Eupepsia Wellness Center
Primland
P R I M L A N D T R E E H O U S E : C O U RT E S Y O F P R I M L A N D / P R I M L A N D I N S E T: S C O T T K . B R O W N / E U P E P S I A W E L L N E S S C E N T E R : M A H M O U D H A S S A N
For the ultimate stargazing experience, look no further than Primland, the Blue Ridge Mountain
resort where an unmatched treetop experience can be found. Condé Nast Traveler ranked
this hidden gem on its Gold List of the "Top 100 Resorts and Hotels in the World," so this
elevated experience – literally and figuratively – takes the idea of glamping to a lavish next
level. Guests may choose from luxury treehouses or lodge accommodations perched on the
12,000-acre land. Nature walks, massages and horseback riding are popular daytime activities
at Primland, while stargazing and peaceful sleeping are just two of the calming nighttime
expectations. This observatory experience is like no other, and is the perfect way to allow
your own thoughts to melt away before a long night of sleep. Primland’s spa offers exclusive
treatments inspired by Native American healing rituals and European spa techniques, utilizing
only the finest organic products and essential oils. Inhale, exhale, gaze.
C OA S TA L E L E G A N C E
Virginia Beach, VA
Oceanfront Beach Club
Inset: The Cavalier
Coastal Virginia is a breathtaking year-round
destination. Enjoy a beach holiday with the
changing of seasons at The Cavalier, located on
the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Kick off your
relaxing getaway at the hotel distillery, Tarnished
Truth, with samples of their signature bourbon, rye
whiskey and AVA Vodka. Or soak in your spirits
with the Bourbon Tea nutria-Body Wrap at the
spa, designed to leave skin soft and moisturized.
For a more secluded beach experience, venture
to nearby Sandbridge. If waking up early doesn’t
cramp your vacation style, it’s well worth the early
alarm to view the sunrise over the pristine sand
dunes. Absorb, view, savor.
VIRGINIA .ORG
23
visit
LOUDOUN
Loudoun County is
the East Coast’s Napa
Valley, its tumbling
hills and lush slopes
home to scores of
boutique wineries and
tasting rooms, all in
spectacular settings.
There’s never been a
better time to spend a
weekend in DC’s Wine
Country.
Sip a summery Seyval Blanc – a
Michelle Obama favorite – in a
rustic-chic oak-paneled tasting
room in Middleburg hunt
country, or sample classy
French-style Bordeaux blends at
a mountain-top winery outside
Leesburg. Earthy Nebbiolo and
Cabernet Francs hold sway in
a Tuscan-style villa near the
Potomac River to the north,
while award-winning rosés are
created by an all-women vintner
team on a historic farm outside
Purcellville.
TO U R
There’s more to wine country
than sampling fine vintages.
Unique winery-based
experiences include barrel
tastings (blend and label your
own bottle), vine-to-glass
tours, romantic horse-drawn
carriage rides through the
trellises and frequent live jazz
and classical music concerts.
If you need an energy
boost, take a yoga class –
Vinyasa in the Vines – your
mountain pose enhanced
by breathtaking Piedmont
panoramas.
FEAST
Loudoun’s family farms provide
bountiful fresh produce to
our wineries – goat cheese,
charcuterie, fresh breads – often
complemented by visits from
oyster shuckers or guest chefs.
But you don’t have to be at a
winery to enjoy farm-to-table
cuisine. Pair a Loudoun Viognier
with a foraged mushroom
bruschetta on King Street,
Leesburg’s restaurant row;
enjoy Potomac views over a
glass of Petit Verdot in a hillside
gastronomic hideaway; or
hunker down in a hunt country
bistro over a velvety Cabernet
Franc and a grass-fed steak.
SPONSORED CONTENT
24
Take a break from all the vino
and explore Loudoun’s historic
downtowns and villages.
Middleburg, the heart of horse
and hunt country, is where
Jackie O loved to go riding,
while Leesburg’s three-acre
Dodona Manor was home to
statesman General George C.
Marshall of the Marshall Plan
fame. Learn about Quakers and
Revolutionary-era architecture
in historic Waterford (Est. 1733),
and the Germans who settled
beer-friendly Lovettsville nearby.
End with a hike at Bears Den
above charming Bluemont, with
imperious Shenandoah River
views to the west.
S TAY
Check into a boutique B&B or
stone cottage, waking to the
best vineyard views this side
of Tuscany. Of the two swanky
Loudoun resorts, one offers a
Cabernet Crush vinotherapy spa
treatment, the other a Cabernet
Cacao Manicure. Wine, wine
everywhere!
TO P : TO D D W R I G H T P H OTO G R A P H Y / I N S E T: B RO O K E S I LV E R M A N P H OTO G R A P H Y
TA S T E
E X P LO R E
Nothing expresses a “sense
of place” like well-made
wine – especially here in
Virginia, where more than
300 wineries and 3,800
acres of sweeping vineyard
views reflect the fruit of a
400-year experiment.
Today’s winemakers are
a community of artisans
obsessed with expressing
their land – drawing out
the story in every vine and
vintage and crafting wines
that embody the grace, grit
and experimental spirit of
the Commonwealth.
What’s happening here
is bigger than a drink. It’s a
way to reconnect – with the
land, the locals, our loved
ones and ourselves.
WITH THE BREAK
OF A BUD,
A N A DV E N T U R E B E G I N S . . .
And if you ask us, that’s
worth raising a glass to.
SARAH HAUSER
26
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards—North Garden
virginiawine.org
VIRGINIA .ORG
27
W R I T T E N B Y G I N G E R WA R D E R ,
AUTHOR OF "FID O'S VIRGINIA"
FIVE OF MY
FAV O R I T E
THINGS TO DO
Fun With
FIDO
TO D D W R I G H T
28
From the
mountains
to the sea,
Virginia rolls
out the red
carpet for its
four-legged
visitors.
Long summer days are perfect
for exploring the Monticello Wine
Trail in Virginia’s Piedmont
region near Charlottesville,
and Sundays are fun days for
Fido. Include a stop by Keswick
Vineyards for its Sunday Yappy
Hour, where the fenced, off-leash
dog park makes it easy for both
you and your pooch to socialize.
Or head to Southwest Virginia
to Chateau Morrisette – literally
called the winery that dogs built
– where pups are welcome in the
tasting room, on the restaurant
balcony and in the courtyard for
the winery’s free Sunday music
series. While you’re in Virginia’s
Blue Ridge, pop into Black Dog
Salvage in Roanoke for a little
upcycle shopping and meet the
human and canine stars of D.I.Y.
Network’s Salvage Dawgs. To
cool off, I like to head for the
water.
In Alexandria, dogs ride
free on the Potomac Riverboat
Company’s Canine Cruise, a great
way to see the city from a different
perspective. Or if you’re craving
sand between your toes – and
paws – head to Virginia Beach.
Dogs can play on the north end of
Virginia Beach before 10 a.m. and
after 6 p.m. during the summer
season and are allowed on the
public beaches and boardwalk
at any time after Labor Day
and before Memorial Day. Cape
Charles on the Eastern Shore
offers the Sandy Paws off-leash
dog beach, as well as a beachside
dog park.
Pictured: Alexandria Waterfront
VIRGINIA .ORG
29
If you’re looking for an outdoor
adventure with your pooch, Virginia
has you covered! All of our state
parks are pet-friendly, and many offer
camping and other accommodations.
In addition to park cabins, however,
some unique hidden gems can be
found all across the Commonwealth.
Cozy Cabins
FOR CANINES
One of my favorite “secret” cabins is
located in one of Virginia’s only terracestyle vineyards at Delfosse Winery
in Nelson County. The chestnut log
cabin — more than 100 years old — was
the original tasting room and now
gives overnight guests a taste of the
lush vineyard scenery from the cabin’s
spacious deck. Although you can’t take
your pup in the tasting room, you and
your leashed pal are welcome to explore
the grounds. Grab a bottle of their
award-winning Viognier or Petit Verdot
and kick back amongst the grapes.
the lake is the second largest body
of freshwater in Virginia, and in
addition to a wide range of water
sports, the park offers hiking trails, a
visitor center and an array of special
programs.
Located in the Meadows of Dan — about
two miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway
in Southwest Virginia — A Blue Ridge
Haven has several Appalachian-style log
cabins that welcome you and your furry
family. Take advantage of nearby hiking
trails, relax by the fireplace or visit
popular wineries in the area.
Adjacent to the Mount Rogers
Recreation Area — home to Virginia’s
highest mountain peak — Highland
Hideaways offers two charming
pet-friendly cabins in an authentic
country setting, with wildlife from
guineas to goats roaming the
property. While there are no size
restrictions, the owner requests
canine guests with good “company
manners” who won’t disturb the other
four-legged tenants.
If you need to cool off during your
travels, check out the pet friendly
cabins at the 1,248-acre Smith Mountain
Lake State Park in the heart of Virginia’s
Blue Ridge. Located in Bedford County,
Five-Woof Stays
30
Virginia Beach
Duke of Gloucester Street – appropriately
nicknamed Dog Street – will make you feel
like a time traveler, while a stroll through
the archaeological digs at Historic Jamestowne
will transport you to the early days of the first
permanent settlement in the New World.
If your dog is an “outward hound” who
prefers mountain trails, head to Shenandoah
National Park or try the challenging hike to
Sharp Top at the Peaks of Otter. Take a leisurely
drive down the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway,
where you’ll have an array of opportunities to
hike portions of the Appalachian Trail or stop
for a picnic at photo-worthy spots like Mabry
Mill. If your pooch prefers hiking on flatter
ground, head to the Eastern Shore to Kiptopeke
State Park for miles of hiking trails and a special
dog beach that allows leashed pups.
I L L U S T R AT I O N : K I M D A LT O N / V I R G I N I A B E A C H : R O L L W I T H C O L E A N D C H A R I S M A
For history hounds – both the two-legged
and four-legged species – Northern Virginia,
Richmond and the Historic Triangle combine
great dog walks with the rich history of our
country.
Founding father George Washington was
a dog lover – and the inspiration for choosing
the American Foxhound as Virginia’s state
dog – so it’s no surprise that his historic estate
at Mount Vernon welcomes canine guests on
the grounds. You and your pal can literally
“smell the roses” in the four gardens on the
estate, visit the animals on Pioneer Farm or
take a stroll along the river and the wharf.
On Saturdays in May and October, Mount
Vernon offers a special guided walking tour
called All the President’s Pups. The 1.25-mile
tour gives detailed insight into canine life on
the plantation, Washington’s great love of
dogs and his breeding program to improve
the quality of his hunting hounds.
Richmond is not only the capital of Virginia,
but also a capital city for canines. The Valentine
offers guided History Hounds tours through
various city neighborhoods like Church Hill
– home to Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me
liberty or give me death” speech – and my
dogs love the garden-style Hollywood Cemetery
along the banks of the James River. Check
out the local legend of the black cast iron dog
that has guarded the Reese family for more
than a century.
For a glimpse into the beginnings of
our country, head to the Historic Triangle.
A stroll down Colonial Williamsburg’s
S H E N A N D O A H N AT I O N A L PA R K : S A M A N T H A B R O O K E / C H U R C H H I L L ( R I C H M O N D ) : J U L I A E L L I S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
Best Dog Walks
Nicknamed the “mother of presidents,”
Virginia offers presidential-worthy stays for
its furry visitors too, from elegant urban hotels
to country estates and river retreats.
In Northern Virginia, rest your paws at the
Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria. With
no size, weight or breed restrictions, this luxury
boutique hotel welcomes its visitors with pet
pillows and beds, food and water bowls, and
other pet perks. The hotel’s motto is “all pets
that fit through the front door are welcome,”
including cats, birds and even reptiles.
For Gilded Age luxury combined with stellar
service and gracious Southern hospitality,
you can’t go wrong with a stay at the opulent
Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond.
For decades, this historic Beaux Arts grand
dame has been awarded both five stars and
five diamonds, hosting the glitterati from
presidents and movie stars to "The King of
Rock and Roll." There is no weight or size
limit and the front desk always has gourmet
treats on hand for their special furry guests.
Need a dog walker or groomer?
No problem! The concierge can
arrange it for you.
Located in the heart of horse
and wine country in Middleburg,
the Salamander Resort and Spa
not only welcomes dogs – you
can even bring your horse!
In fact, the estate’s mascot
is a miniature horse named
Cupcake, who welcomes guests
for cocktails in the Living Room
during happy hour on Fridays
and Saturdays. This 340-acre
elegant country estate features
an equestrian center,
luxurious spa and
an array of onsite activities. Pets' welcome
amenities including comfy beds, food and
water bowls and organic treats – and the
resort literally rolls out the red carpet for
canine guests, with a “pup-arazzi” area at
the entrance for photo ops.
Relax on the Rappahannock River
at the Tides Inn, where you can take a
sail, play croquet on the lawn or explore
the charming Northern Neck town of
Irvington. A favorite summer retreat for
locals, the Tides Inn’s Pampered Paws
program greets four-legged guests with
beds, bowls and a doggie biscuit barrel – the
“pawfect” way to recharge while exploring
Virginia’s River Realm.
The historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel is
located in the heart of downtown Staunton
within walking distance of the shops,
restaurants and the Woodrow Wilson
Birthplace. The beloved president grew
up with a greyhound named Mountain
Boy and brought his love of animals to
the White House, where he kept a herd
of sheep to keep the lawn trimmed. The
Stonewall Jackson Hotel also loves animals
and welcomes dogs with no weight or size
limits to enjoy this elegantly restored
1928 gem.
Shenandoah National Park
Church Hill—Richmond
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Virginia is truly a state for all lovers, including the LGBTQ+
community. Here are just a few of the small towns that can't wait
to meet you; visit blog.virginia.org/lgbtfaves to discover even more!
Local Picks:
Explore: SouthEast Expeditions
Indulge: Brown Dog Ice Cream
Sip: Cape Charles Distillery
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HARRISONBURG
Locals Say:
"The growing LGBT community
in Colonial Beach is welcomed
with open arms and is
completely integrated into the
town’s character."
Locals Say:
"JMU’s culture is based
on community - it allows
students to find themselves
and make lifelong friends
and connections."
Local Picks:
Stay: White Point Manor
Play: Dockside Restaurant &
Tiki Bar
Local Picks:
Shop: Agora Downtown
Market
Cheer: JMU football game
ROANOKE
Locals Say:
"We love Roanoke's can-do
attitude and community."
Local Picks:
Savor: The River and Rail
Restaurant
Visit: Taubman Museum of Art
Stroll: SWVA LGBTQ+ History
Walking Tour
P O C A H O N TA S S TAT E PA R K : M I C H A E L S I M O N / C A P E C H A R L E S : C O U RT E S Y O F V I R G I N I A T O U R I S M C O R P O R AT I O N /
C O L O N I A L B E A C H : C H R I S M I L I T Z E R / H A R R I S O N B U R G : B I L L C R A B T R E E , J R . / R O A N O K E : J O H N PA R K
Locals Say:
"Cape Charles is truly a sm