Virginia is for Lovers

I've been on the move the past couple months, traveling back and forth between my home base in Virginia Beach and the Shenandoah Valley. I've been up there three times in the past 6 weeks alone and I'm planning another trip up to Charlottesville next week to go see the VA Film Fest.

Something I took for granted while I lived up in Harrisonburg the past four years was how ridiculously beautiful the area was. It has so much to offer as far as recreation, camping, wine tasting, and even culture goes. If I had the opportunity, I would love to move up to Charlottesville. There are very few places I feel connected to, and in the few times I've been up to Cville, I've felt that connection.

Anyway, I'd like to share a few photos from my experience up in the Shenandoah Valley. If you live in Virginia and haven't ventured to that area, you are missing out.

Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville. A great place to go apple picking in the fall.


Hess Corn Maze, Harrisonburg. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this place, but if you're in the area, it's worth checking out.


The view from Skyline Drive.


Blenheim Vineyards, Charlottesville. A nice little winery with probably the most informative and friendly people I've met.


Barboursville Vineyards, 30 minutes away from Charlottesville. For $5 you can sample over 15 different wines.


Veritas Vineyards, Charlottesville. Not my favorite winery, but they did have table service and comfy chairs. Check out the next photo for an interior shot.


Veritas Vineyards, Charlottesville.

Also, for those of you looking for wedding venues, don't write off the possibility of going out of town for your wedding. Most wineries do offer wedding venue services. What could be better than getting married with the beautiful Appalachian Mountains as your backdrop and then cracking open a bottle of Virginia wine during your reception?

Finally, here are a few photos from our hike on a trail just outside of Charlottesville:






I'll continue updating the blog with more of my favorite places, both in Hampton Roads and around the rest of Virginia. Hopefully this will help spur ideas for any of you looking to go on a trip or trying out new activities. :)