Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel, and while travel doesn’t seem quite the same this year, you can still explore Virginia’s endless beauty with an epic road trip this fall. Fall is perhaps the season where Virginia shines the brightest. The end of summer would be sad if it weren’t for the arrival of autumn in Virginia. The crisp autumn air is an invitation to get outside, hop in the car and meander down roads where trees are beginning to explode into their colors of vibrant reds, glowing yellows, bright oranges and deep maroons. Virginia’s expansive woodlands, famously blue-tinged mountains and rambling scenic byways are the places to be when the colorful autumn leaves are at their fiery peak.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge immediately comes to mind. Whether it’s an overnighter or several days, there are a variety of accommodations suitable for a getaway for singles, couples, families or a few of your closest friends. Mountain resorts will have a variety of condos, cabins and houses from which to choose. Even tree houses! Bed and breakfast quaint accommodations are scattered throughout the Blue Ridge. Several wineries have small inns and cabins on their grounds. Virginia state parks offer another way to explore the rich, natural wonder of our beautiful state.
A central location to consider is Wintergreen or Charlottesville. From there you can day trip in every direction. A great place to start is Crabtree Falls, located in Nelson County and just six miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Providing the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, Crabtree Falls features a series of five major cascades and a number of smaller ones. The first overlook is just a few hundred feet from the parking lot for those who might not be in for a serious hike. The more adventurous hiker can continue along the 2.5 to 3-mile trail to four other outlooks with spectacular views of Crabtree Falls. The trail is perfect for both the novice and experienced hiker.
Every day does not need to be a workout. Take a relaxing drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive and admire the fall beauty. Visit the local towns and discover the local gems. No matter which direction you travel, there are farmers’ markets, orchards for apple picking, country stores to wander through, farms for horseback riding, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants galore with farm-to-table menus to experience.
As the birthplace of American wine, Virginia offers an abundance of wine trails surrounded by lavish scenery, quaint small towns and historic sites. Sip and swirl and meet some of the makers who bring the region’s flavors to life. You will be impressed with the quality of our Virginia wines!
There are an amazing variety of top-tiered wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries to visit. Virginia boasts more than 80 distilleries, making some of the finest whiskey, bourbon, vodka and liqueurs, all waiting to be sampled. If you plan to spend a morning or afternoon visiting some of the local watering holes, enjoy a tour that offers wine samplings and leave the driving to the tour guide.
Before the end of the year and the cold weather is upon us, contact your local travel agent to plan a memorable getaway just for you.
Be the first to comment