Virginia: A Rich History with Modern Flair

From excellent culinary options to family-friendly attractions, Virginia will both educate and entertain your group

Introduction

Virginia Destination Guide

​Virginia is so much more than the birthplace of modern America. Group travelers will find limitless experiences and adventures to choose from when constructing their itineraries. A place for something old and something new, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the state, or look forward in time by enjoying state-of-the-art facilities and innovative culinary experiences.

Virginia has taken advantage of the lull in travel to re-imagine and renovate its favorite attractions and offer brand-new experiences and venues. Even groups who have traveled to Virginia before will have a whole new adventure awaiting them upon their next visit.

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Destination Profiles

Featured Destination

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City of Fredericksburg

Welcome to Fredericksburg, Virginia located halfway between Washington and Richmond. Welcome to the boyhood home of George Washington. Welcome to the site of four Civil War Battlefields where the city changed hands seven times during the war. Come hear the story of John Washington’s escape from Fredericksburg across the Rappahannock River to obtain his freedom after having been enslaved. Welcome to a 40- block Historic District with 18th and 19th century buildings filled with restaurants, specialty shops and interesting architecture. Welcome to the region with Virginia’s Oldest Distillery, A. Smith Bowman and an incredible collection of early American aircraft at Shannon Air Museum. Welcome to theater at the Riverside Center for Performing Arts featuring artists such as Sally Struthers. Welcome to historic homes and gardens during April, Garden Day and Candlelight Tours during the holidays. Welcome to the future site of a Civil Rights Trail. Welcome to the Fredericksburg Region!

From family-friendly experiences to outstanding views of nature to deep-dives into the past, there’s a place for everyone in Virginia.

SeaQuest, in Lynchburg, offers visitors an intimate experience to interact with hundreds of exotic animals from across the globe. Groups can get a snorkeling lesson among the stingrays and fish, spend some time with the slow-moving, two-toed sloths or get immersed in the walk-in aviary filled with tropical birds. SeaQuest promises to bring out the inner explorer in everyone, regardless of age.

Around 100 years after women won the right to vote in the United States, the state of Virginia unveiled plans for a monument to honor the women who courageously fought to have a voice in our democracy. The Turning Point Suffragist Museum’s constriction was delayed due to the pandemic, but had its long-awaited opening in May of 2021 in Lorton.

Apex Entertainment at Virginia Beach is a brand-new, 85,000 square foot facility that offers countless experiences: axe throwing, ropes courses, bowling, VR experiences, go kart racing, escape rooms, and laser tag just to name a few. This huge facility can even be rented out in customizable packages for large group celebrations or events.

The only location to explore the entire 245-year history of the army is located in Virginia: The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir. This museum serves to preserve the country’s history of military combat and honor former and current U.S. soldiers. The museum’s exhibits feature state-of-the-art technology, making history come to life with their advanced interactivity. The museum also includes the Army Theater and the Army Action Center, virtual reality and motion theater experiences.

Virginia’s lush native landscape is also worth exploring, and the state’s unique flora and fauna are all highlighted in the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden. This space features 14 total miles of paved and unpaved paths that feature picture-perfect backdrops for any group event. The ever-changing landscaping means you can visit the garden all year long and be amazed by the scenery. This 175-acre preserve also features a butterfly garden and educational events for both children and adults.

Explore a Little Bit Of Everything

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Destination Profiles

Unique Foods and Brews

The cuisine and drinks enjoyed by Virginians are time-honored traditions and often feature locally grown ingredients. 

Destination Profiles

Built out of a 20th-century dairy farm in Manassas, The Black Sheep Restaurant offers the rustic aesthetic that can be expected out of a locally influenced tasting room and restaurant. With its private dining rooms and both indoor and outdoor bars, this is the perfect location to enjoy a night out during a group trip to Virginia. The Black Sheep sits on an eight-acre campus of entertainment, food and craft liquor called Farm Brew LIVE. This includes theYARD, an outdoor concert venue just a short walk away.

If your group finds itself in the Blue Ridge Highlands, Southern Craft BBQ in Bristol is the top place to taste a refined take on southern comfort food. This restaurant is part of a huge project that opened in 2020 that features three renovated historical buildings: a candy factory, a grocery building, and a granary mill, which houses Southern Craft BBQ. This authentically Virginian complex also houses Sessions Hotel and Vision Day Spa and Salon.

From the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, there are hundreds of places to stay that will provide the comforts and amenities groups need.

There is a copious amount of budget-friendly and luxury hotels for your group to gather and unwind in during your trip to Virginia. The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center has recently benefited from a $750,000 renovation, adding a modern twist to the quaint Shenandoah Valley design. Group events hosted in the conference center in this hotel will be backdropped by breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Tides Inn is one of the best costal resorts in the Chesapeake Bay region. A beautiful, private waterfront, backed by an antebellum-inspired structure, shaded by hardwood trees creates a distinctly Virginian charm about the resort. Groups can involve themselves in a number of experiences on and near the inn, like sailing, biking, golfing and wine tasting.

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Your Home Away From Home

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Find Your Next Adventure

Destination Profiles

Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Situated on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront and downtown Norfolk, Chesapeake offers an endless range of outdoor activities, terrific shopping, phenomenal food, and beautiful wildlife. Here you will find an impressively diverse collection of geography encompassing urban delights, rural masterpieces, and an endless menu of outdoor options and indoor fun. With Chesapeake as the perfect beginning of your Coastal Virginia experience, it is easy to explore all the region has to offer.

Prince William County Office of Tourism

Home to Manassas National Battlefield, Historic Occoquan, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Prince William is a casual and relaxed destination less than 30 miles from Washington D.C. From the tips of the Bull Run Mountains to the waterfront of the Potomac River, explore our Civil War battlefields, memorable museums and historic sites, catch a live performance, and enjoy exquisite shopping at outlets and boutique stores. The fun is yours to discover!

City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism

Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is the perfect destination for new adventures in a vibrant city with a big heart. We invite you to pop in to locally-owned eateries, take a stroll on the Blackwater Creek Trail connecting our vibrant downtown to the James River, or bring a multi-generational group to Amazement Square and the Lynchburg Museum in Downtown Lynchburg to learn about the rich history of this place.

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Richmond Region Tourism

If you have been searching for friendly people, a cool small town with a local food ethos and one of the best hubs for outdoor recreation, look no further than Harrisonburg for your next vacation. Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers delicious farm-to-table fare, craft breweries, artisan shops and unique museums for the perfect Instagram worthy getaway. 

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Harrisonburg Tourism

If you have been searching for friendly people, a cool small town with a local food ethos and one of the best hubs for outdoor recreation, look no further than Harrisonburg for your next vacation. Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers delicious farm-to-table fare, craft breweries, artisan shops and unique museums for the perfect Instagram worthy getaway.

Aerial of downtown Charlottesville

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are located within one of the most acclaimed wine regions in the United States and the area has a vibrant dining scene focused on local ingredients. A short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventure seekers! Visitors can also experience historical landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland. Start planning your trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County today at visitcharlottesville.org!

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Northern Neck Tourism Commission

The Northern Neck is an historic peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers on the Chesapeake Bay. Covering the Counties of King George, Westmoreland, Lancaster, Richmond, and Northumberland, the Northern Neck’s outdoor recreation assets include three state parks, a wildlife refuge, natural areas, the second-longest public beach in Virginia, a 16-mile trail, and a four-mile trail on the Rappahannock River. Three Presidential birthplaces, and 18th-century architecture provide a group tour experience apart from the crowds.

Visit Williamsburg

In Williamsburg, life moves at one pace. Yours. Dip your kayak paddle into the waters of a peaceful river. Shop at a local, independently owned boutique. Get your thrills at a theme park. Or enjoy a fascinating glimpse into American history. Enjoy farm-to-table freshness, craft beverages, colonial taverns, and more. Named “Best Small Town in the South” by Travel + Leisure’s readers, Williamsburg offers accommodations to suit every budget.

Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau

Hampton, located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, boasts adventure, history and fun from the “Sea to the Stars.” Play in the sand at the wide-open beaches on the Chesapeake Bay and trek through the cosmos at Virginia Air and Space Science Center. Experience the 400 Years Forward tour, which honors Hampton’s rich Black history and heritage. Explore Fort Monroe National Monument, the Emancipation Oak, our great museums, harbor tours and cruises.

Newport News Tourism

Centrally located minutes from Williamsburg and a short drive to Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Newport News is the best location for a Coastal Virginia tour. Visit The Mariners’ Museum and see why Congress designated it America’s National Maritime Museum. See why the Virginia Living Museum is Virginia’s animal attraction and dinosaur destination. Explore Newport News Park, the second largest municipal park in the country, and relive the stories of America’s military history at two impressive military museums.

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Shenandoah County

Located in the Northern Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Shenandoah County is a beautiful location for groups of all sizes. Located just 90 miles west of Washington DC, an ideal location for a day trip from several major city centers.

Shenandoah County offers popular attractions, shopping, group-friendly dining options, locally sourced food and beverage, wineries, breweries, farms and an abundant outdoor adventure. This 4-season destination has something for everyone.