5 Ways to Enjoy Your Staunton Staycation

February 10, 2022

Not ready for far-away travel just yet? You might want to skip that mid-winter trip out of the country. Why not take a Staunton staycation instead? We’ve rounded up five ways to have a blast and make new discoveries right here in Staunton. Here are our tips for seeing our beautiful city through fresh, new eyes.

Fill Your Days With Local Fun

How well do you really know Staunton? Why not find out with one of the unique tours you can take when you download the Traipse app on your phone. Combining trivia with touring, Traipse brings Staunton to life in over 12 themed tours. Level up your history game with a tour of the Frontier Culture Museum or the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library, and the Camera Heritage Museum. Little ones will love the Antique Fire Engine Museum at the fire station, starring the oldest motorized fire engine in Virginia.

Try a New Outdoor Adventure

Venture a little way out of Staunton for some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. Glide downhill at one of the area’s four awesome ski resorts: Wintergreen Resort, Bryce Mountain Resort, Omni Homestead Resort, and Massanutten Resort all offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Bridgewater’s Generations Park has a stellar skating rink. Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are packed with interesting trails in a range of difficulties, though you should check online before visiting for an area’s opening status. Head underground at Grand Caverns, the country’s oldest show cave. Another way to get underground is by exploring the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail that follows an old railroad bed under Afton Mountain!

Skip the Souvenir and Invest in Something Unique and Meaningful

Do you sometimes waste money buying silly trinkets when you’re on vacation? Why not take all that money you’ll be saving and put it toward something you’ll really love, something that will bring your room together? Consider heirloom-quality furniture from Concepts Created, which uses reclaimed wood to create custom dining tables, hutches, benches, mantles, and more. Buy some exquisite art glass from Sunspots Studio, or make your walls pop with work from a local artist from the CoArt Gallery. If you like to personalize your space with words, check out the gorgeous custom signs from Blair Made. And if your kids are pining because they didn’t get Mickey Mouse ears, take them to Pufferbellies Toys & Books and let them pick out something they’ll love even more!

Make Take-Out a Fine Dining Experience

If you’re still hoping to wait a bit before hanging out in a crowded restaurant, why not take carry-out to the next level? Iron the fancy tablecloth and use those fancy forks you got for your wedding. Shake things up by ordering something new from your favorite restaurant. Most Staunton restaurants offer takeout, so you could even order different courses from different spots. Start with a bottle of wine from Yelping Dog Wine and a loaf of fresh bread from Newtown Baking. Enjoy entrees from Table 44, Chicano Boy Taco, or the Depot Grille. Still hungry? A decadent pie from Firkin Pie or a sundae from Wright’s will taste just right at the end of your night.

Your Home Away From Home

Clutter and day-to-day tasks overwhelming you? Leave your baggage (physical and emotional) behind and check into a Staunton lodging property. Not only will you enjoy some focused time with just the essentials, but you’ll also see your city with new eyes. Best of all, someone else will make the bed! Book a room in a luxury historic hotel, a convenient brand hotel, a well-appointed bed and breakfast, or a unique vacation rental. Stop by the front desk or the Visitor Center for some brochures and ideas about where to spend your day. Staunton has much to offer both visitors and long-time residents. Get out there and have fun like a tourist!

Date Night on Colley Avenue in Historic Norfolk, VA

February 10, 2022

Date Night on Colley Avenue

Whether this is your first date or date 100, here are some inspiring ideas for you to make it that much sweeter! Norfolk loves love so grab your special someone to have a romantic night out on Colley Avenue.

To Do

Movie

Catch a film at Colley’s iconic 1936 single screen movie theater, the Naro. Bright marquee letters light up Colley Avenue and the ever rotating movie selections are perfect for a date night with your special someone.

Stroll

Just before the sun begins to set, discover Norfolk’s oldest independent coffee shop, Elliot’s Fair Grounds. You can grab a latte to go or savor the comfort of a hot cup of tea. With liquid warmth in hand, stroll the quaint neighborhoods of Ghent where houses date back to the 1800s with beautiful landscaping and architecture.

ghent - crowdriff photo

@michellezil, Instagram

Create

Looking for a more hands-on activity? Check out the upcoming classes atPendulum Fine Meats for you and your loved one to partake in. One of our favorites is the Charcuterie class where you get to taste charcuterie and create your own charcuterie board. They also have a sausage making class where you can then take the sausage home and cook a romantic dinner together.

Pendulum

To Eat

The Green Onion

A dining favorite in Ghent, the Green Onion, is an unpretentious bistro that locally sources food for their French-inspired menu. One of their most beloved dishes is the Prince Edward Island mussels, spinach, garlic and butter broth that is perfect for dipping a toasted French baguette into. Sip on some French wine, indulge in their Steak Au Poivre (pepper encrusted rib eye, pommels frites, spinach topped with a rosemary Demi glacé) and enjoy the company of your sweetheart.

LeGrand Kitchen

This 28-seater intimate “finer-diner” restaurant is nestled at the northern end of Colley Avenue and has an ever-changing menu due to sourcing the freshest ingredients for your taste buds. We love their unique dishes like beef tongue with creamed chanterelles or their decadent sea scallops with grilled cauliflower, Asian pear, smoked peanut and nuoc Cham. A must-try is LeGrand’s burger which has made a name for itself in Norfolk and is absolutely mouthwatering.

Le Grand

Fellini’s

Italians are romancers so what better way to treat your loved one than to an Italian dinner! This family run business has had their home in Norfolk for over 20 years and continues serving tasty plates of fresh pesto and slices of warm pizza. Get cozy inside while sipping fine wine and devouring delicious Italian cuisine!

To Drink

Elation Brewing Company

Their big leather sofas make for a cozy spot to cuddle up with a local brew, but they are also offering local Virginia wines and ciders for you to enjoy. If you are looking for entertainment, they also have live bands and acoustic players on the weekends.

Elation Brewery

Evening Night Cap at Press 626

With the cozy house atmosphere and lit fireplace, Press 626 is arguably one of the most romantic places along Colley for a night cap. Their wine list is very extensive, but with an extremely knowledgeable team it instantly feels less intimidating. Although Press 626 is known for wine, their cocktails are equally as delicious. Whether you like a smooth whiskey or old-world red wine, Press 626 will set the mood for a loving evening.

Press 626

Comfort Foods in the Mid-Atlantic

February 4, 2022

(Mid-Atlantic Region, February 4, 2022)- There is a time and place for healthy foods, but sometimes carbs and comfort just hit the spot. Destinations across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia boast an impressive variety of restaurants that offer the most indulgent and comforting dishes. Dig into this list of hearty offerings across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

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. There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of chicken soup. Some of the best around is at Rosenfeld’s Delicatessen. Craving the comfort foods of turkey day? The Bobbie at Capriotti’s is Thanksgiving on a sub roll. Retro diner Sterling Grille has a menu full of comfort-centric dishes. Or pick up some Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken, and try to guess the secret ingredients.Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Allegany
Top-notch bakers and baristas have come together on the Mountain Side of Maryland to introduce a new gourmet food and beverage trail in the destination. Stops along the new Donut and Coffee Trail will have you falling in love with both the sweet and bold sides of Allegany County! Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainSide.com, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Nothing says love like comfort foods and the warm satisfying feeling they can add to any day! Enjoy your favorites at a host of restaurants including Iron Rooster, Miss Shirley’s, Galway Bay, Luna Blu, Willy’s Kitchen, Ashling Kitchen and Bar, Evelyn’s, Vin 909, and Davis’ Pub, to name a few. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected]

Baltimore
Nothing beats the comfort of a big bowl of soup. And in Baltimore we do soup with our favorite versatile crustacean: crab. Whether it’s the tomato-based Maryland Crab Soup or a luscious Cream of Crab (both spiced with local specialty Old Bay Seasoning), each spoonful is like a warm hug. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert
Whatever your go-to comfort food is, there’s surely a food truck in Calvert County, Maryland to satisfy all your cravings! From hot, fresh beignets, to thick and rich cream of crab soup topped with fresh crab right out of the bay, to an icy snowball that reminds you of your childhood! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Charles
If comfort food is what you crave, look no further than the variety of offerings in Charles County. From Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and Braised Pork Shank with sweet potato risotto to Fried Seafood Platters and French fries and sweet treats galore, there are tons of hearty home cooking inspired dishes waiting to be explored! Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Maggie Boyden, ExploreCharlesCounty.com, [email protected]

Hagerstown
In the mood for comfort food? The Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant in Hagerstown will not disappoint with their Knusperige Schweinshaxe – Pork Shank served with Rahmsauce. Served with homemade sunflower bread and authentic German brews. It doesn’t get more comforting than this, and must be ordered 24 hours in advance. Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected]

Harford
From juicy burgers to Italian dishes, Harford County knows comfort food. The Abbey Burger offers exotic meats like camel or kangaroo to locally farmed Roseda dry aged black angus. Add a spiked shake! Not your average pizza joint, Acapella Italian Restaurant cooks up fresh Italian dishes like Penne con Pesto. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Kent
When temperatures dip, nothing satisfies like a good, home-cooked meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Relish grass-fed beef over hearty mash, sample oyster stew filled with local veggies, or delight in a mounding bowl of gumbo. You’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere paired with hometown hospitality. Start your culinary journey in Kent County, MD! Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected]

Maryland (State)
Maryland’s ultimate comfort food consists of 7-10 pancake-thin layers of yellow cake lovingly wrapped in rich chocolate icing. Declared our Official State Dessert in 2008, Smith Island Cake went from a hyper-local confection to an international sensation and is now found on restaurant menus across Maryland. Pass the fork please! Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Talbot
The cold weather signals oyster season in Talbot County! Whether Rockefeller-style, in an Oyster Pot Pie, or raw with a dash of hot sauce, this Eastern Shore comfort food comes fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Plan your own oyster-based culinary tour by clicking “Oyster Trail” on our website’s “Eat” page. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region
Warm up with the offerings of Table 105, Taproom & Eatery. Sink your teeth into the comfort of an Artisan Flatbread Grilled Cheese with a cup of Tomato Bisque or a Battered Haddock Sammie with a local craft IPW. Dessert-a dreamy chocolate mousse. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected]

Bradford
With a fantastic menu brimming with popular American favorites like Cheesesteaks, Fish Fry, Burgers, Steaks and Wraps, the historic Wyalusing Hotel is a place to indulge your taste buds! The elegant dining room and rustic country barn-style bar serve a diverse menu seven days a week. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected]

Columbia-Montour
Let’s be honest – comfort food can really be any type of food that makes you feel good! Whether you’re looking for a hearty Pennsylvania Dutch meal or a warm, spicy curry, you’ll find plenty of options in Columbia & Montour Counties: Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian, American, and more. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected]

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
After hiking nearby trails or a day on the slopes, head to nearby Bingham’s Restaurant for the area’s premier homemade pies and bakers, and authentic freshly made American favorites like pot pies. This family restaurant known for their incredible desserts has served everyone from tour groups to Presidents at their restaurant! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Lancaster
When it comes to comfort food staples of Lancaster County’s PA Dutch heritage, you can’t go wrong with a delicious bowl of chicken corn soup at the iconic Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected]

Laurel Highlands
Brought to the Laurel Highlands by Eastern European immigrants, pierogies have become a staple on tables throughout the region. These dumplings can be bought ready-made or enjoyed at local restaurants where they’re fried fresh to order. Variations include potato and cheese, sweet cabbage, sweet potato, sauerkraut, cheddar and jalapeno pierogies. GO Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GOLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected]

Lawrence
Visit Lawrence County is excited to announce the 2022 Craft Burger Trail. Fifteen local restaurants all with unique burgers – you have one goal, devour your way through the trail! Experience unique and delicious burgers and there is a vegetarian version that defies the taste buds. Visit Lawrence County, Ginny Jacob, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley
Hand-dipped chocolates, pastries, local wine, burritos, and more can be found at the Easton Public Market which is open year-round. Mark your calendars for PA Bacon Fest (11/5-11/6) where 100+ vendors line Easton with delicious unique bacon treats, live music, and family-fun activities all weekend long. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Potter-Tioga
Pretzel pieces and other ingredients go into the delicious bark that is the signature creation of Highland Chocolates. Throughout the year the delectable confections made by the differently-abled workers draw visitors from far and wide to learn about this wonderful business and delight in the sweet creations the team creates. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Raystown
Allow us to direct your taste buds on a delicious excursion through the unique dining delights of the Raystown Lake Region of Pennsylvania! From casual fare in an upscale setting to down home diners, taverns, quaint cafes & food trucks – you’re sure to enjoy a culinary cruise through Huntingdon County. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Liza Gutshall, Raystown.org, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Giles
Perched on a hilltop, tucked into Giles County, one finds the most special hidden treasure, The Bad Apple. This sheep barn turned speakeasy destination dining experience is the place for craft Virginia cocktails and lively atmosphere. To indulge in the utmost comfort, order the Shrimp and Grits with a Gimlet. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected]

Hampton
Follow the flavor to Charlotte’s Cafeteria! The cafeteria-style restaurant is the perfect place to visit when you’re craving delicious Southern comfort cuisine. It features a carving station, specialty salads, enjoyable entrees, signature sides, and delectable desserts. Welcome to Charlotte’s! Leave as friends, return as family. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Leslie Baker, VisitHampton.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg
On a chilly winter’s day curl up with a grilled cheese sandwich from Grilled Cheese Mania. This Harrisonburg, VA restaurant started as a very popular food truck. Select from over two dozen mouth-watering grilled cheese varieties including gluten free and vegan options and 6 dipping sauces for the perfect indulgence. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitors Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Loudoun
Loudoun is famous for farm-to-fork dining, but we love our comfort fare too. BBQ crowd pleasers Monk’s, Schmidt’s and Carolina Bros deliver succulent smoked ribs, brisket and mac ‘n’ cheese, while trendy Senor Ramon Taqueria brings a hearty Virginia twist to burritos and tacos. Don’t miss burgers and fries at popular roadside market Roots 657. Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected]

Norfolk
Spend your chilly days at our comfort food restaurants! Indulge in authentic ramen at Alkaline, made-from-scratch soups and rosemary biscuits at The Stockpot Norfolk. Warm up with the spices of Indian Chaat street food at Tamarind or enjoy a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich at Grilled Cheese Bistro. Visit Norfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected]

Richmond
The Richmond region’s brand new Buttermilk and Honey is the place for fried chicken sandwiches! Chef Mike Lindsey’s menu features a variety of chicken sandwiches, Southern sides and decadent desserts. A Buttermilk and Honey outpost will be at the brand new Hatch Local Food Hall in early 2022. Visit Richmond VA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected]

Shenandoah
Family owned & operated Southern Kitchen has been serving home-style recipes for over 65 years. Step back in time and get comfy with your family in a corner booth. Friendly staff will serve up the best fried chicken, hand-cut steaks, barbeque and homemade pies in the region. Visit Shenandoah, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]

Stafford
Experience southern comfort and scratch-made delights in Northern Virginia with Stafford’s local restaurants. Indulge yourself with a beer at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, or experience Mediterranean flavors at Potomac Point Winery by savoring bites in their unique dining experiences. No matter the meal, get comfortable in Stafford. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected]

Staunton
Staunton’s restaurant scene is lively with an eclectic vibe. All kinds of dining establishments co-exist cheerfully. Whether it’s southern-style comfort food from Kathy’s Restaurant, grilled cheese goodness from Yelping Dog or warm savory and sweet croissants from Reunion Bakery; you’ll find it right here in Staunton, VA. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]

Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Located minutes from I-81 in Salem, Virginia, Gina’s Food with Flavor is located in a historic home that is the perfect setting for a restaurant featuring comfort food. The menu includes Southern classics like fried chicken, catfish, pork chops, salisbury steak and other daily specials. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Taylor Spellman, VisitVBR.com, [email protected]

Williamsburg
Parallel to Williamsburg’s reputation as a colonial town, you’ll find restaurateurs who are passionate about their craft and boosting the city’s profile as an East Coast destination for food. Williamsburg is home to a new wave of culinary types dreaming up dishes that will excite serious gourmands and foodies alike. Visit Williamsburg, VA, Miranda Jarrell, VisitWilliamsburg.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.

10 Reasons to Travel to Norfolk, VA

January 25, 2022

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.

Sailing Photo @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 food ^{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!

Victory Rover @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 Cente r in downtown Norfolk, antique shopping in historic Ghent or the local shops downtown and along Granby Street!

Norfolk Premium Outlets

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.

O'connors

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.

doumars

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!

Chrysler Museum

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.

mermaid photo @andrewjamescooperphoto, Instagram

New & Noteworthy for 2022 in Fairfax County, VA

January 25, 2022

History & Entertainment

The Perch at Capital One Center 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

Whiskey at George Washington's Mount Vernon 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

AKB Bar and Lobby at Archer Hotel Tysons 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

Bluestone Lane - Tysons Coffee Shops 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…

Metrorail - Silver Line 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

Two canoes on a dock along the water at sunrise. — 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.

Lynching in Wicomico County Marker, which is blue with gold writing, is shown. — 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.

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.

Learn more about Wicomico County on our tourism blog.

Date Night on Colley Avenue