While we often think of travel as going to foreign and exotic places, moving back to my home state of Virginia – whose motto is “Virginia is for Lovers” – earlier this year has made me realize that there’s a lot in my own backyard I haven’t explored.

Virginia, in the briefest terms:

• Has mountains, farmland, cities, and beaches
• Is smack in the middle of the United States east coast
• Is the country’s fourth largest wine producing state, with over 250 wineries
• Has a new brewery open every week!
• Is a great place to learn about American history – several former presidents are from Virginia, and Jamestown, the country’s first English settlement, is here
• Has a revitalized farm-to-table movement in large and small towns alike

Let me show you what my state is all about.

From cities like state-capital Richmond, where breweries and activities on the James River don’t disappoint.

To Northern Virginia’s Loudoun County wine country.

To the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.

Bright colors, murals, and the message of love, along the way.

To quaint beach towns like Colonial Beach, Virginia.

And the waterfalls of Great Falls Park.

There’s so much to see and do in Virginia – I urge you, come visit and see what we’re all about.

Have you been to Virginia? What would you most like to see?