Historic Old Town Alexandria (Photo by Richard Nowitz, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Historic Old Town Alexandria (Photo by Richard Nowitz, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” was adopted in 1969, during a period when was American culture was undergoing a transformation led by Generation X. The ad agency of the Virginia State Travel Service at the time felt a more modern approach was necessary and came up with the slogan. No one knows exactly what the phrase means, but “part of the mystique of the slogan is that it has meant many things to different people,” says the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Now a new generation of visitors is discovering Virginia’s beautiful mountains, sunny beaches, fascinating historical sites, dynamic cities, and warm hospitality.

Virginia is considered a subtropical region and has even been said to have a “Goldilocks Climate” – not too hot and not too cold. The weather is a mixture of warm and cold during the winter season and can be humid in the summer. The state can be separated into five climate regions: Tidewater, Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Western Mountain, and Southwestern Mountain. The different regions welcome Virginia visitors to a wide range of outdoor activities, such as snow skiing in the mountains and playing golf in the valley both in the same day.

Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy Virginia’s numerous beaches as well as various festivals held all around the state. The festivals celebrating local crafts, heritage, regional produce, and music are a great way for tourists to get a real taste of Virginia.

Heritage

Virginia has strong African American and Native American roots. As a result, it’s the perfect place for history lovers to visit. Tourists can visit various museums and historical sites within the state to learn of the struggles of the ethnic minorities. Virginia recognizes its past and celebrates its current diversity through statewide representations of its cultural past and present through festivals and in museums.

In addition, tourists can learn about the Confederate heritage of the state through demonstrations of civil war battles, as well as museums in which civil war fanatics can view authentic mementos from battles.

Golf

Riverfront Golf Club (Photo by Christopher Hunter, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Riverfront Golf Club (Photo by Christopher Hunter, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Travelers who would like to play golf on some of the best courses in the United States should consider embarking on a Virginia golf tour.

The Virginia Golf Trail is a unique partnership between premier courses in the state, wineries, hotels, restaurants and much more. Due to the convenience of Interstate 95, visitors can stay just about anywhere in the state and still visit their desired courses, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Virginia’s warm climate allows for golfing nine to 10 months out of the year in any of the six golfing regions. Visitors can pick a region and plan a golf vacation in the area complete with lodging, suggested restaurants, wineries, and other available activities through the Virginia Golf Trail.

Beaches

Beaches of East Norfolk (Photo by David Hills, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Beaches of East Norfolk (Photo by David Hills, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Virginia is home to a large strip of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean making it a perfect vacation spot for beach lovers. The abundance of ocean beaches, freshwater rivers, and lakes gives travelers the opportunity to swim, surf, snorkel, fish, boat, kayak, parasail, and kite-board. Beachgoers can also hike, cycle, climb up lighthouses, dig for clams, eat local seafood, or just play in the sand.

There are a variety of accommodations available for those who wish to spend their vacation at the beach, including private beach houses and large-scale resorts. Virginia Beach is a premier resort area with 28 miles of public beach and a 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk.

Visitors can enjoy popular attractions there, such as the Virginia Beach Ocean Breeze Waterpark and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

Virginia’s Eastern Shore consists of three beaches and two islands where you can wade in shallow waters, see wild ponies, and visit charming restaurants and craft galleries.

Ultimately, Virginia may be the perfect destination for romance, but it has something to offer for people of all persuasions and interests, whether you’re traveling as a couple, as a family, or even as a single seeking adventure in this ruggedly beautiful state.