Tourism Divisions

Save Gas Money and Travel Virginia This Summer

NEWS RELEASE

May 1, 2008

Save Gas Money and Travel Virginia This Summer

-State Tourism Office Encourages Virginians to Travel Their Own Backyard-

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Tourism Corporation is encouraging Virginians to travel their own state this summer.  Virginia is one of the top travel destinations in the country.  For Virginians concerned about gas prices, traveling in-state is an excellent way to save gas, explore Virginia’s heritage and culture and support the state’s economy.  Travel planning resources are on www.Virginia.org.

“As Virginians, we live in one of the nation’s premier travel destinations,” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  “We want our fellow citizens to take advantage of what millions of visitors enjoy every year— bountiful outdoor offerings, historic attractions and unique towns and cities throughout Virginia.  With concerns about increased gas prices, now is the perfect time to travel the Commonwealth and see the exciting destinations in your own backyard.”

Virginia’s tourism office offer these travel tips to help Virginians travel their own state this summer.

Live Passionately Vacation Ideas for Virginians:

Outdoor Adventure

Get outside in Virginia’s outdoors.  Check out the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, kayak to a winery with Southeast Expeditions in Cape Charles or dig in your heels along Shenandoah National Park’s 500 miles of hiking trails. 

Beaches

Why drive to neighboring states when Virginia has more than 3,000 miles of coastline?  From Virginia Beach to sandy stretches up and down the Eastern Shore, beach lovers will find Virginia’s beaches are perfect for fun in the sun.

History, Heritage & Culture

Virginia is an iconic history destination, from Civil War sites to the founding of Jamestown, Virginia’s history stretches 400 years and beyond.  Visit living heritage along trails such as The Crooked Road or the Virginia Indian Heritage Trail and the new historical trails such as the Road to Revolution.

Historic Downtowns

Spend a few days on foot exploring the history, shopping and dining of Virginia’s historic downtowns, from Richmond to Roanoke to the state’s many Virginia Main Street communities, downtowns are excellent destinations for gas-price conscious travelers.

Virginia Wineries

Virginia was recently rated one of the top up-and-coming wine destinations in the country by Travel + Leisure magazine.  Virginia has more than 130 wineries statewide, many of which hold special events and have historic B&Bs and inns near-by.  More wine travel ideas are available at www.Virginia.org/wine.

Resorts

Virginia’s world-class resorts have it all – stunning golf courses, indulgent spas, fine dining and even indoor water parks.  Spend a weekend getting pampered at resorts such as Kingsmill, Wintergreen, Boar’s Head, The Homestead or Keswick.  Enlist for Food and Wine Camp at Lansdowne Resort or learn to sail at Tides Inn in Irvington.

Award-Winning State Parks

Virginia’s State Parks are consistently recognized as America’s best. Reserve a comfortable cabin, a tent site or even a yurt and spend a weekend fishing, canoeing, nature hiking, bird watching or simply unwinding. Check ahead for guided ranger programs for the whole family.

Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas in Virginia and to request a free copy of the 2008 Live Passionately – Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.  Travel resources are also available by calling 1-800-932-5827.

Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $17.7 billion in visitor spending, supporting 208,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia’s communities. 

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