What’s more adventurous than a road trip? Summer and fall are the best times of year to jump in the car and head out to explore a region you’ve never had a chance to visit, or to rediscover one of your favorite destinations. If you’re looking for some inspiration, Virginia is a great state to road trip through.
Here are six ideas to get you started on the Virginia road trip of a lifetime!
Virginia Road Trips – Ideas for Everyone
Virginia is the ideal place for any explorer, with its beautiful beaches to the east and spectacular mountains to the west. We have some of the best food in the country, world-renowned music festivals, and a rich history. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to love on a road trip through Virginia.
Check out some of our suggestions below!
For Wine Lovers
Did you know Virginia is the #5 wine-producing state in the country?
Just a short, beautiful drive away from The Inn at Virginia Tech’s front door you will find gorgeous wineries with mountain views and wine tasting. Some favorites include:
- Beliveau Estate Set on a 165-acre estate, this country winery features hiking trails, lavender fields, and award-winning wines to sip and savor in tranquility.
- Whitebarrel Winery Known for its picturesque scenery and distinctive wines, Whitebarrel Winery offers breathtaking winery views, daily wine tastings, winery tours, and an eatery featuring local foods and cheese.
- Chateau Morrisette Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chateau Morrisette has been hand-crafting wines since 1978 and boasts vast mountain views, daily wine tastings, and a fine dining restaurant.
INNSIDER Tip: Every June, the Beliveau winery hosts the Lavender festival. The event celebrates local craft vendors and lavender products. If you pay the $12 entry fee, you get a glass of souvenir wine and admission to a live music performance.
RELATED: See, Sip, Savor: Virginia is for Wine Lovers
For Foodies
The south-eastern state was once a roll of farmlands, explaining its rich culinary culture. Pimento cheese is one of the most iconic foods in Richmond. It’s a spicy blend of mayo, roasted red pepper, shallot, sharp cheddar, and tarragon. When served with crackers, crudités and pickles, it’ll make you crave for more!
In summer, you can’t find a beach resort in Virginia without soft-shell crabs. Blue crabs molt when it’s hot to make way for new growth, and this is the best time to harvest them, as they make mouth-watering delicacies.
Here at The Inn, we’re thrilled to be home to Preston’s Restaurant. A farm-to-table experience offering regional and seasonal cuisine comes straight from Virginia’s farms and seas.
For History Lovers
No state is more associated with American history than Virginia. After all, it’s the birthplace of eight US presidents!
Here are some ideas to fuel your historical curiosity.
First, there’s the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of American war veterans. You can visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps if you’d like to get a glimpse of US military hardware.
You won’t want to miss Jamestown, the first English-speaking settlement in North America established in 1607. Then travel to Colonial Williamsburg – a living history museum where you can immerse yourself in 18th-century life.
Next up, Monticello! Here you can see Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home, or Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. Pay tribute to two more presidents at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library.
And don’t forget about Richmond, the state capital! Stroll down Monument Avenue to see the statues of Confederate generals, then learn about African American history at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Other notable historical attractions are the Alexandria Archaeology Museum and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where you can see art masterpieces.
For Romantic Getaways
Paris may be the city of love, but Virginia is for Lovers.
Blacksburg date ideas include visiting the farmer’s market and going on nature hikes. You could spend time at a few of the local wineries listed above or take a drive down the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Our favorite idea for a romantic getaway is to explore Blacksburg “staycation” style here with us at The Inn. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then spend the day strolling around Blacksburg. Enjoy dinner at Preston’s and opt for an early bedtime so you can relax in our comfortable accommodations and get a good night’s sleep. There really is nothing more refreshing than that!
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In Charlottesville, you can stroll hand-in-hand through the Historic Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-only shopping district lined with quaint boutiques and local restaurants. Consider going on a hot air balloon ride for a unique experience!
Richmond is filled with romantic things to do as well, such as picnicking in Bryan Park, touring Maymont’s 100-acre estate, or getting a couples’ massage at one of the city’s many spas.
And don’t forget about Virginia Beach! Go for a walk on the boardwalk, relax on the beach, enjoy some seafood, and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
For Adventurers
Lastly, Virginia has stunning landscapes that guarantee amazing hiking adventures. The most notable is the Appalachian trail that allows you to recreate a story in the Highlands, without visiting Everest! Obviously, the thrill can’t match climbing the world’s highest point, but the experience is enjoyable.
If mountaineering isn’t your thing, you can go biking in the Carvins Cove in Roanoke, or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Floyd, a city with rich culinary, cultural, and artistic heritage.
Virginia is one of the most visited states because it enjoys favorable weather conditions throughout the year. Winters don’t get extreme like northern states, and summers are also comfy.
For Music Lovers
Virginia is a music lover’s paradise, with something for everyone from country to classical.
The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, is the pioneer of contemporary country music. The 1000-seater shed plays traditional music every Saturday and recorded over 300 hit songs in the first half of the 20th century.
If your taste is classic country, you can pay a visit to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. The facility is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
And for those who want to get their groove on, the Virginia Beach FunkFest is an annual two-day music festival featuring R&B, soul, and hip-hop performers.
What’s more, the state has an array of attraction sites that can suit everyone’s preferences. Art enthusiasts, history lovers, and romantic couples can get adequate enjoyment by visiting the state.
We invite you to start your Virginia road trip here with us in Blacksburg, where you can experience Southwest Virginia and the scenic New River Valley and see where your adventure takes you!
