Virginia Scores High Marks in Travel Magazines’ Lists of the Best

Nine Virginia destinations, attractions and lodging establishments have been rated among America’s best in the latest issues of two prominent travel magazines. Southern Living Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “500 Best Hotels” each feature a notable presence of Virginia locations.

Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation said the honors are both welcome and appropriate. “Virginia is fortunate to be home to many world-class destinations and attractions,” said Bailey. “We congratulate our tourism partners across the state for their commitment to excellence and invite Virginians and visitors to share in the celebration of this national recognition.”

Each year Southern Living publishes its “Readers’ Choice Awards” – listing the South’s ten best in a variety of categories as chosen by the magazine’s readers – travelers who are the ultimate judge of quality. This year the following Virginia destinations scored high marks with the magazine’s readers:

• Williamsburg, home to the famous historic district, theme parks and family-friendly lodging and dining facilities was selected as one of the ten best family destinations.
• Virginia Beach was picked as one of the South’s ten best beaches. Its stretch of sparkling Atlantic sand and surf is rimmed by glittering hotels and a boardwalk that is the nerve center of beach activity.
• Richmond’s eclectic Carytown shopping district made Southern Living’s list of best neighborhoods for shopping. Its boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and antique stores are bathed by a hip street vibe that is as infectious as it is enticing.
• The Inn at Little Washington is on everyone’s list of the very best restaurants in America. Southern Living’s readers consider it to be among the most “splurge-worthy” restaurants in the South – an honor that goes well with its AAA 5-Diamond rating.

Travel + Leisure Magazine annually rates the world’s Top 500 Hotels. The New York-based publication focuses on the world’s best luxury destinations and to be included on any of its superlative lists is a singular honor. In Travel + Leisure’s recently-released list of the Top 500 Hotels in the world, six Virginia properties garner recognition.

• Travel + Leisure describes The Homestead in Hot Springs as “looking as grand as a state capitol building” and makes notes of its classic traditional style and amenities including down featherbeds. The Homestead sits on 3,000 acres and offers skiing, golf, fly fishing and even falconry among its outdoor activities. The indoor swimming pool is fed by natural mineral springs.
• Richmond’s storied Jefferson Hotel, an 1895 Beaux-Arts masterpiece (pictured above), comes in for special mention because if its history and 1992 rebirth. The Jefferson once had live baby alligators in its rotunda fountain, Travel + Leisure notes, but today seems to have nothing but happy guests luxuriating in its outstanding service.
• Keswick Hall, near Charlottesville, is Virginia luxury through and through. Travel + Leisure loves everything about the 48-room country estate, especially Fossett’s Restaurant, and notes that Fossett’s bar doubles as the tasting room for nearby Blenheim Vineyards, owned by Dave Matthews.
• The Williamsburg Inn has hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth and her cortege and is a stone’s throw from Colonial Williamsburg’s historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Since its remodeling and renovation the hotel has also added an elegant spa and is the stepping off point for a top golf course. Traditional leisure activities include lawn bowling and relaxing in the lounge.
• Appearing again is the Inn at Little Washington, and Travel + Leisure notes with accuracy that chef/owner Patrick O’Connell has developed a true masterpiece of hotel and restaurant that are destinations unto themselves. Though it only has 16 rooms, the Inn at Little Washington is America’s most honored inn.
• The newest Virginia hotel on the list is the Ritz-Carlton, Tyson’s Corner. The 24-story tower has 398 rooms and two restaurants. Travel + Leisure recommends the day spa’s Champagne Indulgence Pedicure as a way to recover from a day of shopping in the adjacent Tyson’s Corner Galleria.

Tourism generates $18.7 billion in revenue for Virginia, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia’s communities.

For more information on planning a vacation to Virginia to experience these and other top destinations, visit www.Virginia.org or call toll free 1-800-VISITVA and ask for a free Virginia is for Lovers – Live Passionately Travel Guide.