10 Reasons to Travel to Norfolk, VA January 25, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 10 Reasons You Should Travel To Norfolk, VA! Don’t let your vacation days go to waste. Everyone deserves a getaway! We decided to help you out and give you 10 reasons why you should spend those hard-earned vacation days in Norfolk, VA! 1. Swimming. Boating. Kayaking. All types of fishing. Sailing. Sunset cruising! There’s water everywhere in Norfolk and more than enough opportunities to enjoy it. So whether you want to be in it, on it or just take in the view, you’re in the right place. @cammy_huston, Instagram 2. Filled with a vibrant mix of chefs, farmers, and bakers, Norfolk has blossomed into one of the South’s most dynamic foodie destinations. The city’s captivating urban appeal and history lure visitors in, and the culinary creations keep them here. From fresh interpretations of traditional favorites to more adventurous modern fare, Norfolk serves up its own take on Southern Classics. Glass Light Hotel, pictured above 3. Check out The NorVa theatre downtown, dubbed one of the nation’s best live music venues by Rolling Stone magazine. Roll into the later hours of the night with dancing at one of the downtown clubs; or catch live music at Gershwins, Hell’s Kitchen and more! Crowd surfing optional. 4. If you just like looking at huge aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and historic battleships this is the place. Welcome to the world’s largest Naval installation. Two-hour base cruise tours leave three times daily from the downtown waterfront or head over to Naval Station Norfolk and enjoy a narrated bus tour of the base. Hooyah! @rovercruises, Instagram 5. It’s easy to blend in here, for our Navy town is an ever-changing place of people from all around the world. So we will help you learn how to pronounce Norfolk like the locals. Right now, you are probably calling it “Nore-folk.” We understand. Everybody does that. The locals, you should know, pronounce it “Naw- fok .” That second syllable can be kinda’ tricky, so be careful with it. Or not. 6. Shop til you drop! Norfolk Premium Outlets houses stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Gap Outlet, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. The newest addition, IKEA, is an experience in itself. Don’t forgetMacArthur Center in downtown Norfolk, antique shopping in historic Ghent or the local shops downtown and along Granby Street! 7. Norfolk’s craft beer culture is hopping with several great breweries, gastropubs all over, and one of the country’s best craft beer bars. To make the wine drinkers happy, we even have our own urban winery. So put a cork in it! Looking for some tasty eats after a night out? Check out the Brick Anchor Brew House on Granby. 8. Legend has it that Abe Doumar invented the first waffle cone in Norfolk in 1904. A billion tons of ice cream and scores of imitators, impersonators, and false claims later, you can still have the World’s Original Waffle Cone at Doumar’s in Norfolk. Rolled right in front of your eyes on the original four-iron waffle machine. 9. What can you see in Norfolk that you can’t see anywhere else? Automobile heir Walter P. Chrysler Jr.’s incredible fine art collection for one. And one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of art glass and rare Tiffany for another. It’s all inside the Chrysler Museum of Art, and you can be, too. Check out the glass blowing studio and NEON Arts District while you’re in the area! 10. Why are there Mermaid statues and Mermaid pictures and Mermaid things and Mermaid places all over Norfolk? Any seafaring maritime culture worth its salt knows that if you believe in mermaids, you’ll always be protected. Norfolk is still standing after almost 400 years, so thanks to those Mermaids, it’s still a really great place to visit! Click here for a guide to the mermaids. @andrewjamescooperphoto, Instagram
New & Noteworthy for 2022 in Fairfax County, VA January 25, 2022 by Visit Fairfax Fairfax County, located in the heart of Northern Virginia just across the river from Washington, DC, has a slew of new attractions, retail, entertainment, and experiences on tap for 2022. Plus, exciting new restaurant and beverage openings and major infrastructure changes are on the way – including direct Metro access from Washington Dulles International Airport to the nation’s capital. History & Entertainment Image courtesy Capital One Center Fairfax County attractions are working on some exciting things for the coming year, from new exhibits to performing arts and even some pick-your-own experiences and putt-putt in the sky! George Washington’s Mount Vernon will unveil an all-new exhibit at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum entitled “Becoming Mount Vernon” in February 2022 that will take a broader look at how Mount Vernon came to be, from Native Americans through Washington’s ownership and into preservation efforts. New specialty tours include the Founding Flowers garden tour and the Hamilton: The Musical tour. Also new: a free app that pairs with virtual reality devices to give users an immersive tour of the property. George Mason’s Gunston Hall is restoring its magnificent river-side garden, which will enhance the authenticity of the historic property, reveal much about the Founding Father himself, and provide an educational setting as distinctive as Mason’s original garden design for the signature landscape feature of his home – the Home of American Rights. The restoration is the culmination of more than four decades of archaeological research. By now, hopefully, you’ve heard about the incredible lifestyle and entertainment options that Capital One Center has brought to Tysons, including The Perch, a 1.2-acre Skypark located 11 stories above the region’s newest performing arts center, Capital One Hall. This spring, there’s even more fun to be had at The Perch, when an 18-hole mini-golf course will open for business, as well as an innovative food truck experience featuring a double-decker London tour bus, an Airstream, and a vintage Flxible bus. (ICYMI: Video of when they craned the food trucks up, Mission Impossible-style!) Also, keep an eye out for the second annual Perchfest event and a slew of restaurant announcements at the Center, slated to open in late 2022. The Workhouse Arts Center has a slew of exciting announcements coming down the pike, including a new performing arts season comprised of live main stage productions, matinee family productions, stand-up comedy, and more that will continue throughout spring 2022. Summer 2022 will bring back the popular Workhouse Brewfest and some major infrastructure improvements are on deck for the near future that will bring vibrant commercial and performing spaces to the campus. When the Gibbs family decided to open Hidden Gems Farm in Centreville, it was initially to create better food and products for their family. Eventually, they wanted to share that with the community. Today, Hidden Gems Farm is truly a bespoke treasure in Fairfax County, offering the public intimate Pick-Your-Own opportunities for blueberries, strawberries, sunflowers, and pumpkins seasonally, animal interactions, food products, and a line of home and beauty goods made from goat’s milk. Retail & Sports Image courtesy Mosaic District From new shopping experiences to some new heart-pumping fitness centers, you can enjoy a number of retail and sports-related activities this year in Fairfax County: Trendy urban village Mosaic recently landed the first-ever location of Bloomie’s, an exclusive retail experience from Bloomingdale’s. The highly curated boutique concept also serves up cocktails, coffee, & small bites from the Cuban-style Colada Shop, plus a monthly calendar of lifestyle services. Luxury landmark Tysons Galleria is unveiling new dining & entertainment options that include a CMX CinéBistro, a Bowlero, an outdoor plaza & streetscape, showrooms for retailers like Arhaus and Crate & Barrel, and upscale common areas for recharging or resting. Aslin Beer Co, known for its innovative brews and sour ales, has launched its own coffee brand that will focus on the consumer, farmers, and the planet through sustainable sourcing, environmentally friendly packaging, and advanced brewing methods. Leading the charge for Aslin Coffee will be Danielle “Dani” Moreno, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Beans are available on AslinCoffee.com and at both tasting rooms until physical locations open later this year. For fitness lovers, Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness brings bouldering to Tysons, with the opening of a new facility in April of 2022. The center will offer one-of-a-kind training, 9,000 sq. ft. of bouldering terrain and a 2,000 sq. ft. coffee bar and full café. In Reston, it was announced that The St. James Performance Club will open at Reston Town Center in spring of 2022, an extension of its flagship location in Springfield and offering state-of-the-art training equipment, services, and classes. Beer & Spirits Image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fairfax County is home to a number of wonderful craft breweries and unique wineries, but the insatiable thirst for local Virginia beer, wine, and spirits means that the scene continues to grow. Check out some of the new opportunities coming that will keep your glass (more than half) full this year: Merrifield-based Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. celebrated its third anniversary in 2021 by announcing it will open a second location in Fairfax County in the spring of 2022. Settle Down Easy – Oakton Tasting Room will specialize in SDE Belgian drafts, but also serve up a rotating selection of other Fairfax County breweries, in addition to local wine and cider. Gourmet paninis and other fresh fares will be served up by The Fermented Pig, in an exclusive partnership that gives the local vendor its first-ever brick-and-mortar space. Juicy Brewing Co., a new startup brewery, aims to open a small taproom in Herndon in early 2022 and will feature a mix of fruity sours to hazy IPAs. George Washington’s Mount Vernon has released its first-ever 18th century-inspired beer in a partnership with Northern Virginia brewery Dynasty Brewing. Inspired by George Washington’s love of porter, the first two releases are Mount Vernon Virginia’s Porter and Mount Vernon Rye Cask Aged Porter. The latter beer was aged in barrels previously used for whiskey production at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill. In March 2022, seasonal beers inspired by Washington’s Rules of Civility will be released regularly. Beers can be purchased at the Shops at Mount Vernon. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located 3 miles from the Mount Vernon estate, still produces Washington’s famous Rye Whiskey using his 18th-century recipe and methods. While the site has begun doing limited spirits tastings, visitors will be able to enjoy a new, permanent tasting room on the property in 2022. Coming soon to Tysons will be Northern Virginia’s first roaming outdoor lifestyle experience – a Biergarten made of shipping containers with varied food and drink concepts called Shipgarten. Also, coming to Herndon: the 2,000-sq-ft, Bavarian-style Herndon Biergarten with 60+ drafts and rooftop deck. Visit Fairfax has launched a new digital passport that allows guests to check in at area breweries and wineries to collect deals and incentives. Fairfax County’s Locally Poured Field Guide can be added to users’ phones at no cost and easily shown at participating taprooms for redemption. Where to Stay Image by Kip Dawkins Photography for Archer Hotel Tysons Weekend getaways, vacations, and even staycations have never sounded better after the few years we’ve mutually endured. And lucky for you, Fairfax County has some brand-new additions to its vast hotel collection, as well as some stunning renovations waiting to be enjoyed. Here are a few hotels to consider for your next trip: The Archer Tysons is a 178-room boutique hotel in Tysons, and only the seventh property for the award-winning boutique brand that places major emphasis on local discoveries, with a distinct nod to the destination each property calls home. The Archer Tysons greets guests with a spirit of casual elegance – lofted ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial-chic design – and hones in on the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand featuring an impressive variety of Virginia-focused art and products. Nestled in Tysons’ up-and-coming neighborhood, Scotts Run, and adjacent to the new Capital One Center complex, The Archer Tysons also features a buzzy hotel bar called AKB, stylish event space, and unique design palettes. The Watermark Hotel is a 300-key, all-suite elevated residential-style property located at Capital One Center, the new entertainment complex at the corporation’s headquarters in Tysons, Virginia. The hotel has been thoughtfully designed with oversized suites, upscale furnishings and convenient access to Northern Virginia & Washington, DC’s amenities. The property’s lobby opens up to The Perch and is also home to Wren Tysons, a Japanese American fusion dining experience, which was already included in a round-up of the “Hottest New Restaurants Around DC” by Eater. The Archer Falls Church joins Washington, DC-area’s innovative retail and entertainment district, Mosaic, as its headquarter hotel property. This transformation of a former Hyatt House to the new Archer brand will feature chic new interiors, dramatic lighting, locally curated art and fabulous finishes, touches and trims, a new lively bar under the AKB brand, redesigned suites and guest rooms, complimentary amenities and thoughtful touches like turndown treats, bathrobes and slippers, and a drink + dine credit for direct bookings. The hotel will remain open for guests throughout the renovations, which are currently underway. Tysons Corner Marriott recently completed a $25 million floor-to-ceiling renovation. Some of the enhancements included a new lobby, 400 fully transformed guest rooms, over 12,000 square feet of reimagined event space and two additional event spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, a refreshed dining space inspired by a sophisticated Gastropub, and the addition of a 24-hour M Club for Marriott Bonvoy members. Quick Run Down of Hot Dining Spots Image of Bluestone Lane, courtesy The Boro Lest you get hungry after enjoying all of this fun, try a few of these exciting new restaurants coming to or already opened in Fairfax County: Popular Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão will be opening at Reston Town Center in mid-2022 Chevy Chase, DC favorite Little Beast recently opened a location at RTC West, also offering cupcakes from Red Velvet Cupcakery Shake Shack will be opening at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in 2022 In Tysons at The Boro, look for new additions to include taco & tequila favorite El Bebe, brunch staple Circa, and the already-opened, Australian coffee shop Bluestone Lane, among others If you haven’t been by Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee in Vienna yet, give this gorgeous Instagrammable cafe a shot. It’s the only place in the USA to serve Lokma, an Iraqi dessert. Jake’s Ice Cream, an artisanal small-batch ice cream shop partly staffed by differently-abled adults, opened in Falls Church this past year. KitchenCray Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant with a modern take on Cajun and Soul food, opened its Alexandria location last year and is quickly becoming a hidden gem in the southern part of #FXVA. Honest Grill, a premium Korean BBQ spot in Centreville, features high-end meats that aren’t always available in the area. And finally… Image courtesy WMATA For the first time since Dulles Airport opened in 1962, travelers will have a fast, easy, inexpensive rapid transit option for getting from Dulles to parts of Fairfax County and other points throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, DC when the Silver Line Metrorail extension opens – sometime this year! Read on FXVA.com, or for more information on any of the above, contact Ali Morris at Visit Fairfax at [email protected].
What’s New for 2022 in Wicomico County, Maryland January 19, 2022 by Wicomico County Two canoes are shown on a Whitehaven dock as the sun comes up. Photo by Bob Debski. When was your last visit to Wicomico County, Maryland? If you’ve never been, or if it was prior to 2021, there have been some new additions during the past year. Read on to see what’s new. Chesapeake Country All-American Road Travel Routes 50, 54, 349, 352, 13 and 413 along the Chesapeake Country All-American Road in Wicomico County. This former scenic byway travels along the Eastern Shore and was designated as an All-American Road in 2021. Read our blog post about the road and its ribbon cutting. Learn more. This Lynching in Wicomico County Historic Marker is located in Downtown Salisbury. Lynching in Wicomico County Historic Marker A historic marker honoring the lives of three Black men who were lynched in Wicomico County was installed in Downtown Salisbury, at the intersection of Main and Division Streets, in 2021. The marker is at the site of the lynching of Matthew Williams. It is a project of the Salisbury Lynching Memorial Task Force and the Equal Justice Initiative. Learn more. revival Located in the City Center building in Downtown Salisbury, this new venue offers events such as live music, comedy and drag brunches. Some upcoming events at revival are listed on our Festivals and Events calendar. Learn more. Burnish Beer Co. In the fall, Wicomico County gained its fourth brewery when Burnish Beer Co. opened in North Salisbury. Enjoy brews and food in this indoor-outdoor space. Check out our video of learning to make beer at Burnish here. Visit the brewery’s website here. Burnish Beer Co. opened in Salisbury in 2021. Heart of Salisbury Foodie Tour The Heart of Salisbury Foodie Tour was introduced this past November and will return in May. The tour offers attendees the chance to learn about local restaurants, along with Salisbury’s history, while enjoying bites and sips from several locations. Read more about our experience on the tour here. New animals at the Salisbury Zoo In 2021, the Salisbury Zoo welcomed lynx Helga and Chayne, along with black-handed spider monkeys Dweasal and Rozindi. The zoo is free to visit. Learn more and plan your trip here. Here are some more businesses and restaurants that opened in 2021. A Salt Shack Baywater Trading Co. Brazilian Taste Mission BBQ Playa Bowls Rust and Honey Co. Stoked & Smoked BBQ Two Scoops Ice Cream & Waffles Learn more about Wicomico County on our tourism blog.
Romantic Getaways in the Mid-Atlantic January 18, 2022 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, January 18, 2022) —Treat that special someone to a romantic rendezvous like no other. The Mid-Atlantic Region features many destinations across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that will leave the hopeless romantics swooning. Check out this list of the most romantic getaways this region has to offer. For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org. DELAWARE Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley Though it may be cold outside, romance abounds inside the cozily warm oasis of Longwood Gardens’ grand Conservatory. Follow the garden visit up with a Provence-influenced meal at the equally romantic Le Cavalier in the historic HOTEL DU PONT. Then, see a show at the just-refurbished Playhouse on Rodney Square, the oldest theater continually on the Broadway touring circuit. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected] MARYLAND Allegany County Take your “Romance on the Rails” with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Guests ages 21 and older are wined and dined on board a heritage dining car during a four-course meal and an evening traveling through the Allegheny Mountains between the picturesque towns of Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainSide.com, [email protected] Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Stroll our centuries-old brick lined streets. Dine al fresco under a canopy of white lights. Dance in the moonlight on a starry night. Sail the Chesapeake Bay on a sunlit day. Unwind to live music any day of the week. Reconnect with our nation’s history in our Museum without Walls. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] Baltimore Baltimore’s scenic waterfront presents a unique opportunity to have a romantic getaway with a real wow factor. Lovers can enjoy the gorgeous views while being pampered at the luxury hotels along the harbor or get in on the action with a gourmet dinner cruise on the water. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected] Calvert County Cove Point Lighthouse is a beautifully restored and re-purposed active lighthouse and keeper’s home that sits on a secluded point of land, right on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The gorgeous lighthouse keeper’s house is the perfect, unique and romantic getaway! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Hagerstown, Washington County Get to the heart of romance with a stay in BoonsBoro, MD, home of author Nora Roberts, with a getaway to her beautifully appointed Inn Boonsboro. Offering the warmth and welcome of a B&B and the luxury of a boutique hotel, the inn offers you an unforgettable experience. Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected] Harford County Plan a weekend trip to the waterfront town of Havre de Grace and stay at Vandiver Inn. Enjoy dinner at The Vineyard Wine Bar and enjoy a stroll through the boutique shops downtown or catch a show at The State Theatre. Your sweetie needs a box of homemade Bomboy’s chocolates. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] State of Maryland Romance comes in many flavors, and unique lodgings in Maryland offer a smorgasbord of possibilities. Select a five-star hotel in Baltimore City, a Victorian bed and breakfasts in a quintessential Chesapeake Bay town, or a cozy log cabin tucked into the mountainside of Maryland to flutter your true love’s heart. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Talbot County Chesapeake Bay views and old-world charm make Talbot County your romance destination. Enjoy an Easton carriage ride from the landmark Tidewater Inn; St. Michaels’ The Wildset provides chic accommodations and bistro; The Oxford Inn has cozy rooms and Italian eatery; and the Wylder Hotel offers nautical sophistication on Tilghman Island. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico County Make plans for a romantic getaway to the quaint village of Whitehaven in Wicomico County. Located along the Wicomico River, Whitehaven is about 15 miles away from Salisbury. This village is home to the waterfront Whitehaven Hotel and the historic Whitehaven Ferry, along with other history to discover. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Bradford County Discover romantic relaxation at the 1901 Queen Anne style Golden Oak Inn B&B located in the heart of the beautiful countryside of Bradford County. Gourmet breakfast served in the sunny dining room amidst a relaxing and romantic atmosphere of candlelight and music is but one feature couples will savor. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Butler County Cozy up Forest & Flowers Retreat, a handcrafted cabin with modern artisan and vintage furnishings nestled on 50 wooded acres. Enjoy peace and quiet in this tranquil environment, or take a winter hike nearby at Moraine State Park. Forest & Flowers Retreat also offers wellness amenities and private crafting workshops. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Columbia-Montour Winter is the perfect time for a getaway with your significant other, and Columbia-Montour Counties have what you need for the perfect romantic visit. Book a quiet Inn or B&B stay with romantic package add-ons; then hit the road for wine tasting, antiquing, fine dining, historic walking tours, and more! Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, itourcolumbiamontour.com, [email protected] Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania The Eagles Mere Inn is a historic country inn located in the heart of “the town that time forgot” in the heart of Sullivan County. Nearby trails, waterfalls, museums, wineries and covered bridges offer couples a full menu of activities to enjoy on a romantic getaway to this cozy mountain destination. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Lancaster County Warm up in Lancaster County, home to the second largest B&B community in the eastern U.S. Combine a cozy stay with some authentic Amish interaction during the area’s unique “mud sales” season, from late February to mid-April. These community auctions provide a wonderful opportunity to mingle with our Amish neighbors. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands Escape to Oak Lodge with your sweetie! Cozy up by the fireplace in your private cabin in the woods or relax in the Main Lodge’s newly renovated Eagle’s Nest suite. Close to many of the region’s iconic attractions, Oak Lodge also offers spa services, on-site dining, and a serene setting. Go Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GoLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected] Lehigh Valley Have a date weekend in Lehigh Valley, Pa. There are over 30 nearby wineries for tastings and several distilleries and breweries for tours and tastings. Enjoy romantic accommodations from charming bed and breakfasts to historic boutique inns. Top off the night with a show at a historic theatre. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] Pocono Mountains Did you know the iconic heart shaped tub and 7-foot champagne tower were both founded at Cove Haven in the Pocono Mountains? The couples-only resort remains a popular destination, providing nostalgia amid modern luxury. From lavish resorts with destination spas to secluded cabins with cozy fireplaces, the Poconos has a romantic getaway package for everyone. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Brianna Strunk, PoconoMountains.com, [email protected] Potter County – Tioga County Bear Lodges are three non-traditional B&Bs in Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon region delighting guests with a unique destination experience. The relaxing lodges are ideal for a romantic getaway as a base to explore the year-round splendors of the canyon and the area’s popular outdoor recreational resources. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] Raystown Region When you book a stay at one of our gorgeous lodges from January-March for a group of 4-20 people, you get a FREE experience provided by a local connoisseur. Our Fireplace Getaway experiences include coffee cupping, cake decorating, paint class, yoga, or a private tour of one of our unique museums. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Liza Gutshall, FireplaceGetaways.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Giles County The Inn at Riverbend and its picturesque location in Giles County. Just outside your bedroom door are chairs to enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate while taking in the sunset (or sunrise). Add a romance package or a couples massage for full romantic indulgence. Locally roasted coffee and gourmet breakfast always included at this river view bed and breakfast. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg Beautiful vistas, chilly winter hikes, craft breweries and charming inns welcome you to Harrisonburg. Choose from The Friendly City Inn, By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging, or The Joshua Wilton House for charming accommodations. Enjoy live music or a show at the Forbes Center or Courthouse Square Theater. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Lexington & Rockbridge Cuddle fireside in The Vintner’s Guest House at Ecco Adesso Vineyards in Fairfield, Virginia. It’s a cozy accommodation with an expansive porch from which to soak in the mountain view with your coffee or wine. Dine heartily at nearby Osceola Mill and plan for more local flavors at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery and Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] Loudoun County Virginia is for lovers and Loudoun is where to woo them. Enjoy chocolate making classes and dance lessons; get cozy near the stone fireplace of a boutique winery and dine on earth-to-table goodness at restaurants with stunning views. Make it a weekend at a luxe resort or romantic farm B&B. Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] Norfolk Enjoy a romantic getaway on the water in Norfolk dining on fresh seafood by candlelight, cruising the river, experiencing smooth Jazz in intimate venues, exploring seasonal gardens and museums, and staying in one of our boutique hotels and BnBs. VisitNorfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Prince William County Spend a romantic weekend just miles outside of Washington D.C. in Haymarket, VA. Check into the Historic Inn at Evergreen, sip craft beer and wine at a local brewery and explore independently owned shops and restaurants or spend the afternoon outdoors at one of the nature preserves found here. Visit Prince William, Virginia, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] Richmond Look no further than the five star, five diamond Jefferson Hotel for your 2022 romantic getaway. Book the Ansel Adams Package for admission tickets to the VMFA’s Ansel Adams exhibit plus breakfast in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Lemaire. Visit Richmond, VA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County Take in the beautiful vistas, breathtaking scenery, and the sunset over the Appalachian Mountains, enjoy a bottle of local wine at one of the area’s many award-winning vineyards or settle in for the evening at a local farm stay or cozy cabin in the mountains or along the Shenandoah River. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] Staunton Looking for a romantic getaway? We invite you to come celebrate love in Staunton, VA. Unwind and reconnect as you explore our unique culture. Downtown Staunton is quite magical in every season with interesting architecture, renowned dining, nationally-acclaimed performing arts, and luxurious lodgings. Make memories with Staunton as your backdrop. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected] Virginia’s Blue Ridge Enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views and small town life from The Early Inn in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount. This historic B&B provides homemade country breakfast, 10 scenic acres and plenty of charm—all within walking distance of local shops, a distillery and more. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Taylor Spellman, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO. About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.