News: Save Gas on “Park the Car Getaways” in Virginia

04-29-2008

Virginia Announces "Park the Car Getaways" to Save Gas Money on Summer Vacation
-Walkable cities, resorts and convenient locations make Virginia big on fun and low on fuel-

(Richmond, VA) The Virginia Tourism Corporation today announced "Park the Car Getaways" for gas price-conscious travelers seeking sensational summer vacation values.

Adventure seekers with a passion for filling a shopping bag or an empty stomach instead of a gas tank can find the "Park the Car" trip ideas on www.Virginia.org. Virginia's convenient location, just 2-6 hours from major cities such as D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Raleigh make it the remedy for gas pump blues, with dozens of walkable cities, all-in-one resorts and other destinations that require little or no driving.

Walkable Cities
Some of Virginia's best towns and cities are also the most foot-friendly. "Old Town" Alexandria, with its blocks and blocks of sensational shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries is entirely do-able on foot. Hop on the King Street Trolley for free transportation up and down Alexandria's main street or board the new Potomac River water taxi to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon.

The city of Staunton, one of Virginia's many walkable Main Street communities, combines historic charm with a modern arts vibe. The stately Stonewall Jackson Hotel sits next to the American Shakespeare Center where professional actors present the best of "the Bard" in a recreation of the famous Blackfriars' Playhouse. Art galleries and outstanding restaurants line the city's streets. Drop into Sunspots for fine glass art and live glassblowing demonstrations.

Roanoke, once Western Virginia's railroading center, is experiencing a new wave of excitement. Stay at the majestic Hotel Roanoke adjacent to a vibrant downtown. Catch a play at Mill Mountain Theatre, shop for art, fine jewelry and accessories and join in the bustle at some of Virginia's most popular new restaurants. And keep an eye out for the new Art Museum of Western Virginia, opening Fall 2008.

Historic Richmond is easy to love, with many hotels right downtown, so visitors can walk up and down the cobblestone streets to lively restaurants, historic sites and shops, or take a hotel shuttle to the "Mile of Style" in Cary Town.

Virginia Beach is a summertime favorite and perfect place to park and play. Stay at one of the many oceanfront hotels lining America's longest pleasure beach hugging the Atlantic Ocean. The three-mile-long boardwalk has separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and is a sunny conduit to sand castles and salty breakers. Stroll leisurely or rent a bicycle or 4-wheel surrey to and from Virginia Beach's excellent restaurants, shops and outdoor adventure outfitters for biking, fishing, parasailing and more.

Close and Convenient Locations
The early residents of Virginia's Historic Triangle Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, did just fine without cars, and so will visitors today. Stay at the legendary Williamsburg Inn, the splendidly renovated Williamsburg Lodge or The Woodlands and the entire historic district of Colonial Williamsburg is within easy walking distance. Browse historic buildings, artisan shops and taverns and keep an ear peeled for the famous Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps. At the Visitor Center, board a shuttle that takes visitors along the scenic Colonial Parkway to Jamestown or Yorktown for exceptional modern looks at American history.

Stay-n-Play Resorts
Virginia's luxurious resorts are destinations unto themselves that pamper visitors so much that cars are unnecessary. Charlottesville resorts such as Keswick Hall and Boar's Head Inn are fine destinations to luxuriate in hospitable surroundings, rejuvenate with spa treatments, golf and indulge in delicious dining. How about a chance to take a hot air balloon ride? Balloon adventures embark right from the Boar's Head Inn's front door and soar with the breeze over area wineries and even Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Lansdowne Resort in Northern Virginia has Greg Norman golf and the 12,000 square-foot Spa Minerale. The resort's fine dining is accentuated by its star sommelier, Mary Watson-Delauder, whose passion for wine makes the resort's food and wine camps a must for wine lovers. Talk about happy campers.

The historic Homestead Resort in the Alleghany Mountains of Virginia has been a respite for travelers long before vehicles existed. Since 1766, travelers have vacationed in luxury at the resort known for legendary golf, classic cuisine and natural warm springs that once soothed the "soles" of Thomas Jefferson himself.

Williamsburg's Kingsmill Resort has a spectacular riverfront setting, a full-service spa, fine dining and championship golf. For guests seeking nearby adventures, Kingsmill also offers in-season shuttles to neighboring Busch Gardens and Water Country USA and regular shuttle service to and from Colonial Williamsburg.

"Park It" at Virginia's State and National Parks
Put it "in park" at Virginia's state and national parks for a vacation low on fuel but big on fun. Virginia's State Parks are consistently recognized as America's best. Reserve a comfortable cabin, a tent site or even a yurt and spend a weekend fishing, canoeing, nature hiking, bird watching or simply unwinding. Check ahead for guided ranger programs for the whole family.

Shenandoah National Park includes lodging from rustic to ultra-comfortable. Choose from more than 500 miles of scenic hiking trails, take a guided horseback trail ride or explore local flora and fauna in special park ranger programs.

Visit www.Virginia.org for more "Park the Car Getaways" in Virginia. Explore the Web site, discover your "passionality" and request a free copy of the 2008 Live Passionately Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide. Travel resources are also available by calling 1-800-932-5827.

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