In case you are unaware, Virginia is one stunning fall destination. So much so that when we pondered which specific areas would be the cream of the crop for autumn vacationing, we simply shrugged our shoulders. The boss said, “Let’s let Facebook decide,” and sure enough, our followers came through with some goodies.
“WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VACATION DURING THE FALL SEASON IN VIRGINIA?”
Susan R. was feeling our pain. “My favorite place in VA is … VA!!! The whole state is beautiful.” Others simply couldn’t nail down a single place, most likely for same reason: too much beauty!
“Smith Mountain Lake and Graves Mountain Lodge and through my hometown of Bowling Green when the leaves have changed!” declared Brenda C. Donna B. enjoys the rolling countryside of the Piedmont and she isn’t afraid to name names. “Fredericksburg, VA, Spotsylvania, VA, Berryville, VA, Middleburg, VA”
For other responses, we’ve tried to group them into areas to help you out. Check it out below.
Try Virginia’s Scenic Drives!
— SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA —
Whitney graciously shared a beautiful photo and wrote, “I love heading out and driving 16 ‘The Back of the Dragon’ from Marion to Tazewell.”
Beverly C. also likes that neck of the woods. “Hungry Mother State Park near Marion. Smells so nice and autumnal!” Hungry Mother offers cabins, camping, and a restaurant.
Back of the Dragon. Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson
Margaux M. specifically likes Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke. If you didn’t know, that’s where Dirty Dancing was filmed, and it’s a beautiful resort with dining and activities to keep you busy … it you want to be busy.
Mandy H. simply wrote, “Wise County, VA,” and Kimberly K. specifically suggested High Knob Recreation Area. If you enjoy camping, that’s a fantastic area to consider.
— SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK AND SKYLINE DRIVE —
“Our wedding anniversary is Oct 20 which is always peak season on Skyline Drive so we have made it a tradition to go up the drive on that day,” shared Crystal J.
Deborah A. enjoys a stay at “Skyland … up on the Skyline Drive,” so if you’re in need of an overnight accommodation, that’s a good one. The views from Skyland are amazing.
Stony Man Mountain Overlook, Skyline Drive
— WILLIAMSBURG —
“I love Williamsburg in the fall!” wrote Mary Ann E.
Kara W. is a lover of Williamsburg as well. She wrote, “It’s so picturesque with the fall colors and colonial buildings!”
About those colonial buildings, Mary H. loves them. “I vacation at historical places during the fall. This year at Colonial Williamsburg! Love going to Appomattox NPS too!”
Stephanie G. already has plans for Williamsburg this fall, too. She’s “going to Williamsburg for fall break!! Hope they have beautiful fall colors.”
Ellie B. enjoys “driving the Colonial Parkway!” That particular byway connects Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg. It’s a good choice!
Speaking of drives, Karen F. likes “Rt 5 from Richmond to Williamsburg.” If you like to bicycle, the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail is now complete and runs parallel to Route 5. That’s a great way to enjoy the colors.
Basset Hall at Colonial Williamsburg
— BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY —
Annie B. likes one BRP destination in particular. “Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, Parkway Star. It is all beautiful.”
Peaks of Otter is Rhonda A.’s pick. A visit there offers food, lodging, several great hikes, and stunning photo opportunities.
Sydney K. shouts “Wintergreen, VA!!!!” and we couldn’t agree more. It’s the home of one of Virginia’s mountain resorts, Wintergreen Resort, which is great in every season. Golfers love the cool temps while leaf peepers love, well, the leaves!
Danielle B. suggests a hop off of the Parkway for a visit to Floyd, but while you’re up there, check out Chateau Morisette Winery. Their view is quite nice, as is their wine.
Peaks of Otter
— ALEXANDRIA, LOUDOUN COUNTY & MORE —
Luisa J. said “I would like to go back again in Great Falls Park, VA!” Perhaps you can make it a weekend trip to loop in Old Town Alexandria, as suggested by Elizabeth G., along with a couple of wineries in Loudoun County, Rebecca C.’s “home sweet home.”
Breaux Vineyards, Loudoun County
— GREATER CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA —
Charlottesville received several mentions, but some specifically noted Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Carter Mountain, and nearby Crozet, where we hear there’s a really great pizza and craft beer waiting.
Monticello. Photo by Bill Weiswanger.
— THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY & ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS —
Many followers named the Valley, with a few suggesting specific places like Harrisonburg, Lexington, Luray, and Front Royal. In the Allegheny mountains on the western side of the Valley, however, you’ll find colorful Bath County, Angela W.’s pick for a fall vacation. Bath is the home of The Omni Homestead Resort and Jefferson Pools. Not far away in Alleghany County is also one stunning roadside waterfall that you won’t want to miss. We can see why Angela loves it so much.
Lisa G. likes a visit to “Bryce Resort in Basye,” another of Virginia’s four-season mountain resorts. Take a fall foliage glide down their zip lines.
Scenic Bath County
— SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE —
Virginia’s second largest lake received several nods from our followers. Why? Maybe it’s the way the foliage vibrantly reflects on the water.
>> Virginia’s Lakes
Smith Mountain Lake. Photo by Ted Pratt.
— ADDITIONAL MENTIONS —
A large number of respondents gave one-word answers, so we thought we’d drop them here. Consider these additional destinations when planning your fall vacations.
- Abingdon
- Bedford
- Blacksburg
- Blackstone
- Colonial Beach
- Danville
- Farmville
- Lynchburg
- Manassas
- Nelson County
- Radford
- Rocky Mount
- Sterling
- Urbanna
- Virginia Beach
See all of the comments on our original request at Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers, and feel free to give a shout-out to your favorite in the comments below.