The slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” has been a beloved part of the state’s charm since its inception in 1969, embodying Virginia’s community spirit and rich history. Today, this Mid-Atlantic region of the US is still where visitors come to discover what matters most — time well spent with family and friends. Located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia has diverse landscapes, rich history and luxury lodgings, with Scenic Byways that wind throughout. Here’s how to plan a road trip along these remote routes, passing Shenandoah National Park and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, with stopovers at historic hotels and unique wellness retreats.
A drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway promises vibrant forests and rolling hills at every turn.
Photograph by Virginia Tourism Corporation
Day 1
The rolling countryside of Virginia unfurls beyond the Potomac River from Washington, DC, in a patchwork of mountains, plains and coastal communities. Begin by driving south through Richmond to reach the historic towns of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, which are linked together by The Colonial Parkway. Today, this historic triangle is home to small-town streets and heritage hotels once frequented by US presidents, as well as modern wellness retreats where the knowledge of stress-relieving therapies and personalised treatments is encyclopaedic.
Where to stay: Book a night at the Williamsburg Inn, a White House-style mansion built in 1937. The proud tradition of entertaining VIPs here extends to hosting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who stayed twice. Before leaving, tour the Williamsburg Salt Spa, the first of its kind on the American East Coast, influenced by the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland.
Day 2
With Virginia’s York River disappearing in the rearview mirror, motor 276 miles west through farmlands and vineyards to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is part of the Appalachian Highlands, which extends almost 2,000 miles from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to Alabama in the US. The mountains you will come to are an extraordinary phenomenon of hazy hilltops, forests and humpback tablelands that will spur you on to a gentle late-afternoon hike.
Where to stay: Hunkered among these hills is Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, near the Meadows of Dan — a mountain town filled with independent shops. This luxury hotel is an ideal base camp for horse riding through oak forests and stargazing in the clear night skies. When there, embrace the region’s time-honoured traditions by booking a treatment at the hotel’s spa, which is known for its Indigenous Native American healing rituals.
The Primland Resort is located on a 12,000 acre private mountain estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Photograph by Virginia Tourism Corporation
Day 3
Before heading north, spend a day on The Crooked Road, America’s ultimate country music highway, which runs through mountain towns where old-time bands play in small country stores. It was designated as Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, unwinding like a loosened guitar string for 330 miles, taking you past the towns of Galax and Floyd — both must-visit spots for country music fans. Between the two locations, the Blue Ridge Music Center is a treasure trove of music history and a celebration of the region’s love for country songs. Here, you can check out their regular outdoor music sessions that take place in an amphitheatre and dance to the sound of banjos, fiddles and guitars.
Where to stay: After a full day, drive further north to the Eupepsia Wellness Centre, a 256-acre resort that realigns guests with nature. Here, you can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience and refuel for the busy day ahead.
When driving along the Crooked Road, make time to visit small-town music venues and learn about Virginia’s vibrant musical heritage.
Photograph by Virginia Tourism Corporation
Day 4
Rise early and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of Virginia’s federal Scenic Byways — also known as ‘America’s Favourite Drive’. Take this road northeast to Afton on the margins of Shenandoah National Park. This route will see you pass a series of plateaus and forested highlands known for their wildlife. Keep your cameras ready for black bears, elk and white-tailed deer sightings. Keen photographers should plan to visit in the autumn months when the colours of the falling leaves burnish the landscape in red, yellow and gold.
Where to stay: Stop outside of Charlottesville at Keswick Hall, which opened in 1912. Here, the hills soften into forested grounds, surrounding a world-class golf course and an infinity pool. Before leaving, visit nearby Monticello, the plantation estate that was the home of US founding father Thomas Jefferson.
Day 5
Take the time to experience the beauty of Shenandoah National Park during your final day, home to more than 200,000 acres of protected lands and 500 miles of hiking trails. Explore the park’s Skyline Drive — another one of Virginia’s federal Scenic Byways — and watch the hills crease and fold before pulling apart to reveal panoramas of forested hills.
It’s a blissful drive, made all the better by a hike around Big Meadows or a visit to the Byrd Visitor Center, close to the park’s highest point. Oaks and mountain laurels abound throughout this area, and the Appalachian slopes are covered by hickory. This location serves as a habitat for much wildlife, including groundhogs, foraging black bears and red-backed salamanders. For added adventure, tie in a quick side trip to Luray Caverns, just outside the park. The largest cavern in the eastern US, its vast, otherworldly interiors are well worth a visit.
Where to stay: For your final night, book into the Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa, a country estate in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country. Only 45 minutes from Dulles International Airport, this is an ideal location to end this rejuvenating five-day scenic road trip.
This paid content article was created for Virginia Tourism Corporation. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).