Tour the Virginia wine region and sample offerings from 160 wineries. Winery tours and wine tasting events are located throughout the state from the eastern shore to the Appalachia. October, the designated Virginia wine month, is an ideal time to visit and attend festivals with live music entertainment, food and hot air balloon rides. Wine trails are numerous including Bedford Wine Trail, Blue Ridge Wine Way, Monticello Wine Trail, Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail and the Eastern Shore Wine Trail. Tour the Monticello Wine Trail and visit 21 wineries around the historic Charlottesville area.
Tour the state at its most vibrant during the fall season. Fall foliage hues of red, orange and yellow will greet you at the Shenandoah National Park starting from mid-October to mid-November. The park has more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including a 101-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Stroll along some of the shorter trails that lead to a waterfall or venture into longer, more challenging trails that go into the forest and find yourself surrounded by the colorful fall foliage the park is best known for.
The state abounds in historical sites as the nation began here centuries ago when settlers established Jamestown Colony, the first permanent English settlement. Take a trip to historic Jamestown in James City County to explore archaeological artifacts and museums. Sights include the 1607 James Fort excavation, a reconstructed Jamestown Memorial Church and the original 17th-century church tower. Participate in driving tours to see how the settlers dealt with the wilderness while viewing animal species along the way like heron, bald eagles and deer.
View wild horses on the pristine and sandy beach of the Assateague Island National Seashore. The national park has two entrances; the north entrance is eight miles from Ocean City, Maryland and the south entrance is two miles from Chincoteague, Virginia. Stroll along 37 miles of beach or enjoy horseback riding next to the ocean. Expect to find nature sights such as maritime forests, coastal bays and salt marshes. Hike through the wildlife preserve to view the popular herd of wild ponies that some believe to be descendants of shipwreck horse survivors from centuries ago.
