Romantic Getaways in Virginia

With a history as old as the country, Virginia is blessed with rich heritage of culture, art and architecture. Other than this state’s geographical contours such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay mean that Virginia has miles of scenic views – all ideal as the setting of romantic getaways.

Lynchburg

This cozy town is a long time favorite of couples vacationing in Virginia and with good reason too. Lynchburg has a plethora of cultural and historic attractions not to mention scenic views that draw couples to its environs. While Amazement Square is all about children, couples can take the simulating boat ride down the James River which is sure to make for a romantic experience. For those interested in literary heritage of the state, a must-see is the Anne Spencer Museum; her home is still furnished with many of the items she owned and the garden that inspired her to write is still attached to her home but make sure you have an appointment beforehand. Another popular historic site in Lynchburg is Fort Early, located at the corner of Memorial and Fort Avenues. For a more romantic experience though, head to the Percival Island River Walk which offers plenty of trails to walk down to the James River as well as park benches to rest and admire the view. If you and your partner are the more active kind, here you can ride bikes, roller skate, walk and jog. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is another historic attraction where you can learn a good deal about General Robert E. Lee and the surrendering to Union Forces. Original buildings from that era make it a trip to remember while Reenactments played out here bring the history alive – in all a memorable experience to take back from your romantic Lynchburg trip. The town also offers many getaways that are ideal for couples - The Craddock Terry Hotel is one of the historic hotels of America while The Wingate by Wyndham hotel is sure to feel cozy and inviting. The Holiday Inn Select is in the heart of downtown Lynchburg Virginia is also perfect for a romantic getaway for two.

Richmond

Culture enthusiasts will find a romantic vacation to Richmond most enjoyable. For one this is home to the Richmond Museum of Fine Arts which is famous for its collections, ranging from its ancient Indian art and priceless Fabergé eggs and bijoux to its British sporting paintings to the modern art, sculpture, and photography. And if you want to bring home a souvenir of your trip to Richmond, the museum shop has a fine selection of gifts, prints and books. For a setting perfect to romance your sweetheart, head to the Richmond Riverfront, a place where you both can ply the waters on a narrated, historic Richmond Canal Cruise, attend a concert or other event on Brown’s Island and the Turning Basin on the Canal Walk or simply stroll along the 1.25-mile corridor that's home to shops and restaurants. Late in the evening, take your beloved for a drive down the wide and well-planted Monument Avenue which as the name implies, is punctuated with monuments of Confederate and other southern heroes set alongside some distinguished Beaux-Arts, Tudor Revival, Georgian, Roman Revival, and even Mediterranean-villa style architecture. History lovers will be particularly interested in the Agecroft Hall which was actually built in England more than 500 years ago and then disassembled, crated, sent across the Atlantic Ocean, and reassembled on the banks of the James River; today the historic site welcomes visitors to the Elizabethan house and gardens. The Edgar Allen Poe Museum is another attraction for the culturally oriented and documents the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe with images, poems, and relics. In fact so romantic is the site that Museum's Enchanted Garden is a popular place where couples often hold a wedding ceremony. No downtown trip can be complete without some shopping and herein Richmond is sure to spoil you for choice as its three malls — Richmond's Stony Point Fashion Park along with Regency Square and the Short Pump Town Center offer plenty of temptation. Finally wind up your romantic Richmond tour with a cozy dinner at Julep's Restaurant, located in the historic Shocktoe Bottom district. Here even if you start your meal with one of the eatery's Southern Delight Mint Juleps, you may be tempted to order from the inspired wine list, which features vintages from Virginia along with other domestic and international choices.

Virginia Wine Country

 With Virginia having celebrated its four-hundredth anniversary in 2007, its wine cellars are among the oldest in the country. A romantic idea would be to explore Virginia’s wine heritage and its many wineries, which are located in idyllic settings and thus make great romantic getaways. Virginia’s boutique wineries, many family-owned, begin outside of Washington, DC, nestle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, wind past Colonial Williamsburg, and surround the rolling hills of Richmond. A must-see is America’s living-history museum, Colonial Williamsburg which portrays the 18th-century capital of England’s oldest colony as it appeared on the eve of the American Revolution. Wine lovers can tour and taste at the Williamsburg Winery, which is on a 300-acre farm outside of Colonial Williamsburg. In the evening, you and your sweetheart can choose unique activities as guests at Williamsburg; whether attending a candlelit concert, taking in a dramatic performance such as “Cry Witch” or a theatrical farce, you will experience entertainment similar to those colonial Virginians reveled in. again if you are planning an overnight stay in the Wine Valley, Poplar Springs Inn, Casanova is a boutique Virginia Wine Country and boasts of an outstanding wine cellar at its Manor House Restaurant. Yet another getaway option is Lansdowne Resort as a dozen wineries are located within a half hour of this place Then again you can also choose from wine country tours which apart from dining and lodging options also provide chauffeured sedans and other forms of transportation so you and your sweetheart can indulge yourselves with some of the best wines in the state.

Virginia Beach

Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is famous as the “The World’s Longest Pleasure Beach” by the Guinness Book of World Records. The place is pure recreation for couples where they can swim, sun, play golf, visit the Aquarium, go kayaking or whale-watching, bike alongside the water, cheer at the Virginia Beach surfing championships or its marathon. After you are done with all the activities, it is time for some sight-seeing since Virginia Beach neighborhoods have distinctive vibes where shops and restaurants line the busy streets of the city. A particular point of interest is the 2,888-acre First Landing State Park on Chesapeake Bay which offers more than a mile of sandy beach and 20 miles of hiking, biking and fitness trails. The park's name honors its place as the first spot the Virginia Company landed before they went on to settle Jamestown. Many of the tent sites at First Landing's campground make romantic and secluded getaways, tucked away in the woods a good distance from other campers. Other than this, you can choose from historic hotels, luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts for overnight stays.

Alexandria

Just outside the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, Alexandria boasts an Old Town that is ideal for couples. The United States Botanic Garden, with hundreds of tropical plants, is the perfect setting for a romantic tete-a-tete in a idyllic setting, while the National Mall area is ideal for a picnic for two. Apart from this, you are a short rail ride from the center of Washington, D.C. with all of its museums, memorials and sights. In the evening, you can stroll down cobblestone streets arm in arm with your loved one, and take in the preserved colonial architecture that lines the roadways. Several intimate restaurants dot the waterfront area, and you can find a souvenir to commemorate your trip in one of the Old Town shops. If you prefer a busier nightlife, you can or take in a show at The Little Theater of Alexandria after which you can set off on a quiet water taxi tour and see the lights of Washington, D.C. from the bow of a boat.  

Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive

You can drive some of the prettiest roadways in the country in Virginia and one of the most favorite of couples is surely the Skyline Drive for the way this scenic path weaves across the crest of 195,000-acre Shenandoah National Park. An equally beautiful drive is the Blue Ridge Highway;  located at southern end of the park, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches the across Virginia from the Shenandoah Valley to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Particularly breathtaking in the fall and spring months, some of the Parkway’s highlights include the Humpback Rocks at mile post 5.8 in northern Virginia, as well as the quaint Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill at mile post 169. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails along the Parkway, while romantics can picnic, enjoy wildflowers or explore interpretive exhibits along the drive. For a rustic experience, rent a cabin or camp in the mountains along the Parkway. However if you prefer more upscale accommodations, dozens of bed and breakfast inns, in addition to standard hotels and rental cottages, are available on the route.