A tourist's guide to Virginia's stays and sights

Virginia's Landscape, in Brief

Virginia stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, packing an extraordinary range into one state — colonial history, mountain trails, coastal beaches, working farms, and acclaimed wineries. Interior counties like Culpeper anchor the historic heartland, while the coast and valleys offer entirely different adventures.

Four Destinations Worth the Drive

• Wineries near Culpeper: Barboursville Vineyards offers tastings in its Tuscan Tasting Room, weekend guided tours of the Octagon Barrel Room, and a stroll past the ruins of Governor Barbour's mansion. On the Blue Ridge foothills, Old House Vineyards pairs award-winning wines with guided cellar tours and a popular event venue.
• Family farms: Belmont Farm's Stillhouse Distillery welcomes adults while kids meet and feed animals in the barns. Moving Meadows lets families explore freshly grown produce and sample farm-made breads and cinnamon buns.
• Old Town Alexandria: Old Town Alexandria lines the Potomac with historic museums — including the George Washington National Masonic Memorial — boat tours, and the mile-long King Street, recognized as one of America's great streets. A Key to the City pass covers nine historic sites at a discount.
• Virginia Beach & Shenandoah Valley: Virginia Beach offers the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Mount Trashmore Park, and the Miyazaki Japanese Garden at Red Wing Park. The Shenandoah Valley — framed by the Blue Ridge and Appalachians — is prime territory for hiking, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and camping.

Where to Stay

At Virginia Beach, the 19 Atlantic Hotel sits near the Boardwalk with rooftop decks and oceanfront views. Traveling in a group? Shepherd's Rest Vacation Rental offers three units with full kitchens and living areas. Pet owners can try the Acorn Hill Lodge near Lynchburg, while Affordable Suites of America in Charlottesville suits longer corporate stays with furnished rooms at weekly and monthly rates.