Stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia sits on the east coast of the United States, just across the river from Washington, D.C. and a few hours by train from NYC. Known for fantastic food, delicious wine, rich history, and splendid natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that Virginia is for lovers of a great holiday. Keen to know more? Come with us..
Virginia is known as “the birthplace of America”, which is a pretty big title to live up to, isn’t it? But, do you know what? Virginia does it, very well.
This is a state rich in history, cultural icons and natural wonders. Within easy access from NYC via Amtrak, Virginia boasts a plethora of stunning mountains, caves, and beaches. It’s also the home of the first permanent English settlement in the new world at Jamestown; the very first U.S. president, George Washington (along with eight other former U.S. presidents!); the Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery – not to mention the place to be if you’re a fan of country music. (It’s its birthplace of that too, after all.)
Oh, and the fun doesn’t stop there. This gateway to the South is a gastronome’s dream; tempting visitors with BBQ, world-class seafood, wine, craft beer and distilleries.
Nature lovers, rejoice! Because Virginia also has an abundance of wilderness, national parks and trails for you to enjoy and explore.
Welcome to Virginia
If you’re ready to start planning your post-pandemic U.S. trip of a lifetime, Virginia should most definitely make it to the final itinerary.
Why? Because Virginia is for lovers.
Lovers of the most epic U.S. trips going!
If being at one with nature is your love language, you’ll be pleased to know that Virginia is home to over 60 national and state parks, as well as 875 kilometres of the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, which stretches from Maine to Georgia.
That’s more kilometres of the world-famous trail than any other state. So whether you want to hike through a small section of untamed wilderness or conquer the entire path, you’ll be able to map your own journey and discover the endless beauty Virginia showcases.
Have you ever gazed up at the stars and wondered if anything was gazing back at you? With more official International Dark Sky Parks than any other U.S. East Coast destination, Virginia makes it easy to witness the magic of the Cosmos.
Did someone say “happy hour”? Probably, as this state is home to over 300 wineries and almost the same amount of craft breweries.
Not to mention, its buzzing nightlife and thriving country music scene.
Whatever lights you up, Virginia will have you feeling the WanderLove.
The top 5 must-do’s in Virginia
- Dine at The Inn at Little Washington – This Michelin 3-star gem is rated #1 in the USA & 12th in the world by Trip Advisor readers.
- Cruise down Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway that runs 170kms through Shenandoah National Park along the crest of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Slurp down oysters in the world-famous Chesapeake Bay. They are known to be mild, plump and not too salty!
- Make a wish upon a star at one of the five official international Dark Sky Parks.
- Explore the Virginia Spirits Trail, Gold Medal Wine Trail, Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, or any of the other themed trails around Virginia.
Get inspired
A trip to Virginia is about doing the things you love with the people you love most – and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether frolicking on scenic beaches or taking in the mountain views, the time to disconnect from your screen and reconnect with each other is just on the horizon.
Are you feeling the love yet?
Find your WanderLove road trip in Virginia
Whether you would like to experience the beauty of national parks and 400 years of history along Virginia’s many National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads, or take a relaxing route along winding back roads stopping in quaint towns and villages, you’re sure to find that the best part of a road trip isn’t the destination, but the adventures you have along the way.
From foodie trips to boozy trips, history trips to music and nature trips, Virginia offers a huge variety of road trips to make your heart sing.
So crank up the music, go your own way and feel free to get blissfully lost.
Take the tunes with you
Get ready to feel the love in Virginia. This playlist of Virginia artists boasts a whole lotta tunes that will have you feeling high on the good stuff (love, travel and good music, of course), while enjoying the incredible scenery this state has to offer.
From Pharrell Williams, Jason Mraz and Foo Fighters to Morgan Wade and The Shack Band, these songs will have you feeling ‘Happy’ to be ‘Wild Wild Young Men’ who, after being stuck in lockdown with ‘Cabin Fever’, live a ‘Life Less Ordinary’ as you ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Run to the Sun’.
AGENTS: JOIN THE USA DISCOVERY PROGRAM!
Get inspired by the diverse destinations and experiences available in the USA and get accredited as a USA Specialist. Maximise the unique features of the program, which include the opportunity to register for live events and webinars, and peer-to-peer learning.
Earn specialist badges as well as bespoke partner badges. Currently, the USA Discovery Program has over 50 badges to complete, providing agents with a fun and interactive way to learn all about the USA has to offer.
Click here to register and get all the knowledge for the USA.
PLUS! DESIGN YOUR OWN TRIP WITH THE USA TRIP PLANNER
The Visit USA Trip Planner is an amazing (and free!) tool that creates a customisable itinerary to match your personal preferences and style.
With over 230 million data points including the best places & times to visit, reviews and hidden gems, this is one smart piece of travel tech.
This little travel genius optimises your itinerary to minimise travel time, checks when attractions are open and even recommends how much time to spend at each stop off. Brilliant!
Finally, it lets you share & collaborate with your fellow road trippers and is easy to add or revise points of interest as you go.
Find out more: Trip-Planner.VisitTheUSA.com
GET ALL THE TOOLS ON BRAND USA’S TRAVEL TRADE SITE
From the Trip Planner to Insider Guides, and the USA Discovery Program to destination information, Brand USA’s Travel Trade Site for agents has you covered.
This article was brought to you by:
Get Connected with the in-market Brand USA team and other Australian travel agents who love the USA! Get up to date travel information and inspiration and find out what activity Brand USA has planned for the market.
