Enjoy National Park Week in Virginia

Spring is when the world comes alive again. As warmth in the air emerges, so does a wash of green over the natural world, and there is no better place to immerse yourself in springtime than in the National Parks of Virginia. April 18-19, 2015 is the opening weekend of National Park Week, “America's largest celebration of national heritage.” The opening weekend will offer FREE admission into every National Park, which is the perfect excuse for a quick getaway to visit some of Virginia’s historic outdoor playgrounds. Shenandoah National Park: “Five hundred miles of trails, consisting of 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, lead visitors to waterfalls, panoramic views, protected wilderness and preserved human history in the Shenandoah Valley.” (InnVirginia Lodging: A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge, Waypoint House B&B, Foster Harris House.) Colonial National Historical Park: “It began on the swampy marshes of Jamestown in 1607. It ended on the battle scarred landscape of Yorktown in 1781.” Beauty and history collide at this historic park. But no description will do this place justice, so you’ll just have to visit for yourself! (InnVirginia Lodging: Boxwood Inn, Newport House B&B) Petersburg National Battlefield: From the movies and exhibits in the Visitors Center to the driving tour of the battle sites, this National Park provides peaceful views dotted with remnants of past conflict: “Petersburg, Virginia, became the setting for the longest siege in American history when General Ulysses S. Grant failed to capture Richmond in the spring of 1864.” (InnVirginia Lodging: Scents of Cedar B&B, Grace Manor Inn) Booker T. Washington National Monument: “Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.” Tour this park’s exhibits, farms, films for a peek at the past and a view of Virginia scenery. (InnVirginia Lodging: King George Inn, The Inn on Campbell) Click here for a full list of Virginia’s National Parks. Click here to view all of our member inns.