Virginia is for [History, Luxury, WIne, Film, Small Town, Music, Pet] Lovers

We’ve all heard the old adage that Virginia is for Lovers, a brilliant marketing slogan that’s defined the state since it was adopted in 1969. It’s truly the perfect catch-all to define the Old Dominion state, because while it may seem like the saying is geared to romance, it’s the interchangeable middle word that can perfectly sum up what you’ll find there.  

Rich in history, luxury experiences, pop culture, and plenty of charm, Virginia is for any kind of self-proclaimed lover. Make your next vacation truly yours with a curated itinerary based around your preferred interests, or combine a collection of Virginia’s draws into a whirlwind vacation that embodies all the best the state has to offer.  

We’ve rounded up a variety of experiences targeted toward the lover in you.  

Virginia is for [History] Lovers 

Virginia is one of America’s original colonies, so it’s no wonder the state is filled with well-preserved American history. Visit a “city” seemingly preserved in the 18th century, Colonial Williamsburg. As the world’s largest United States history museum, the grounds surpass 300 acres, with 89 original buildings and more than 20 historic trades to discover through reenactments and costumed interpreters. 

Visit Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, as well as Historic Jamestowne where the first colony was established. Here, you can see the remains of an 18th-century mansion, see artifacts from the original settlers at the Archaearium archaeology museum, and witness active archaeological digs.  

Also in Virginia is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate that’s now open to the public to view. The estate includes Washington’s mansion, four gardens, historic outbuildings, a working distillery, and the resting place of George and Martha.  

Virginia is for [Luxury] Lovers 

If your vacation style is rooted in luxury, Virginia has you covered. There are a number of world-class hotels and resorts sprinkled throughout the state, including the five-star Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia, five-star Salamander Resort in Virginia’s horse and wine country, and the breathtaking Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Each of these resorts, as well as other premier foodie destinations in the surrounding area, offer impressive fine dining.  

Virginia’s wine country is luxury in and of itself, with more than 4,000 acres of grapes in 10 regions across the state, with the most popular being Bordeaux-style red blends. Visit (and stay) at Albemarle Estate, one of the most prestigious and architecturally significant residences in history. The ultra-lux property is surrounded by the state’s largest vineyard.  

Other premier experiences found in Virginia for luxury lovers include upscale shopping, world-class spas, stunning golf courses, and waterfront experiences like yacht charters and coastal excursions.  

Virginia is for [Wine] Lovers 

While Virginia’s wine country may earn it a spot on the luxury list, its impressive vineyards are a draw for any type of traveler. Head to northern Virginia to see the largest concentration of wineries. Across the state, there are more than 300 wineries to explore, and Visit Virginia has created a number of guided wine trails to help visitors maximize their experience. Consider the Artisanal Wineries of Rappahanncok, just an hour outside of Washington D.C. to hit five wineries within a short drive. Or, enjoy the stunning views on the Bedford Wine Trail or the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop that weave through the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

There are also options to stay or dine at vineyards state-wide. Consider booking a wine-focused travel package that offers discounts and extras at wineries and resorts across the state.  
virginiawine.org/  

Virginia is for [Film] Lovers 

Calling all pop culture buffs – Virginia has racked up an impressive collection of films shot in the state with landmarks and sites available to visit. Knock out filming locations and historical sites in one fell swoop at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, where the Library of Congress scenes were filmed in “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” While there, you can also walk in the filming footsteps of the 2012 Steven Spielberg-directed historical drama, “Lincoln.” Spielberg also used the town of Bayonne and Fort Monroe in Hampton while filming “War of the Worlds” starring Tom Cruise.  

Crozet and Waynesboro were featured in the 2007 movie, “Evan Almighty” starring Steve Carell, who is tasked with building an ark in the comedic biblical reenactment, and a handful of scenes from the beloved classic “Dirty Dancing” were filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke. Lastly, “The Walking Dead” amassed a cult following during its 12-year run on AMC, and while most scenes were filmed in Georgia, several were shot all across Virginia.  
film.virginia.org/locations/  

Virginia is for [Small Town] Lovers 

Sometimes a small town escape makes for the perfect getaway, and Virginia delivers with incredibly charming cities from top to bottom. A handful of highlights include Staunton, with its historic downtown and stunning Victorian architecture; Abingdon, an 18th-century town that houses the one of the country’s oldest professional theaters; Cape Charles, a coastal respite on the Chesapeake Bay; Middleburg, best known for its equestrian culture and horse farms; the art-forward Occoquan; and the island town of Chincoteague.  

A drive throughout Virginia, whether on the Blue Ridge Parkway or any of the state's scenic drives and byways, is sure to lead to a town riddled with history and charm.  
visitstaunton.com/  
visitabingdonvirginia.com/  
capecharlesvirginiascape.com/  
visitmiddleburgva.com/  
visitoccoquanva.com/ 
chincoteague.com/  

 
Virginia is for [Music] Lovers 

If you fancy live music and musical history on your vacation, Virginia is the spot for you. Bristol tops the list as the Birthplace of Country Music, when artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers first recorded country music under producer Ralph Peer in the 1920s. Explore all of Bristol’s musical history at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, see the sites along the Crooked Road Trail, or catch bands live at a number of venues like the Berglund Center in Roanoke or the Norva in Norfolk.  

Country isn’t Virginia’s only claim to musical fame, as the state boasts history in other genres like bluegrass, gospel, R&B, hip hop, rack and roll, jazz, folk, and more. There are a number of annual festivals that embrace Virginia’s influence on music all year long. Catch the Something in the Water pop and hip-hop festival in Virginia Beach each spring; the Rooster Walk Festival that serves as an arts and education hybrid in Axton in May; or the bluegrass and folk-focused Red Wing Roots Music Festival held each summer in Natural Chimneys Park in Mt. Solon.  
discoverbristol.org/  
birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/  

Virginia is for [Pet] Lovers 

Traveling with the company of four-legged friends is becoming increasingly popular, a trend Virginia is adopting like a shelter pup. From beaches to breweries, many sites across the state are eager to welcome (and accommodate) pets. Nearly all of Virginia’s wineries welcome pets on leashes either outside only or without restriction, including Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane. Not only does Barrel Oak set out water bowls and offer treats, but they also set up doggie “pools” outside when the southern heat strikes.  

Many of Virginia’s historic sites are also pet-friendly, including several we’ve shared here like Mount Vernon, Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg. Pets are also welcome to join on your coastal Virginia adventure, with pets (on leashes!) welcome at all Virginia State Parks. It’s important to note, beaches dubbed “swimming beaches” do not permit pets, but other non-swimming shorelines welcome furry friends.  
virginia.org/plan-your-trip/pet-friendly/