12 Reasons to Visit Virginia in 2012

“The country is not mountanous not yet low but such pleasant plaine hils and fertile valleyes, one prettily crossing an other, and watered so conveniently with their sweete brookes and christall springs, as if art itself had devised them.” --Captain John Smith, “A Map of Virginia” Why should you visit (or re-visit) Virginia? The reasons could quickly conglomerate into a great novel that would require hours of your time to read. Since neither you nor your humble blogger has the time to compose and study a novel of such great proportions, enjoy another of our increasingly well-loved BBAV lists. 12 Reasons to Visit Virginia in 2012:

1. The historical sites. Virginia has Jamestown/Yorktown, Monticello, Montpelier, and a vast number of other sites that explore our rich history.
2. The wineries, vineyards, and breweries.
3. The amusement parks and theme parks.
4. The state parks and hiking trails.
5. The museums and exhibits.
6. The theatres. (Did you know that Virginia boasts the only replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriar Theatre? Yep, we do, and along that that theatre, there are many, many more scattered about the Commonwealth.)
7. The scenic drives.
8. The mountains.
9. The family-friendly activities.
10. The beaches.
11. The shopping centers, malls, outlets, downtown boutiques, and locally-owned shops.
12. The Bed and Breakfasts. What kind of association would we be if we didn't highlight the wonderful businesses that comprise our organization? Virginia has some truly wonderful, individually unique bed and breakfasts, and no trip to and around Virginia would be complete without staying at one of them.

By Tara Stoll