Looking for a few new experiences to kick off 2022 in Virginia? We’ve compiled a list of the brand new hotels, restaurants, and destinations around Virginia that you need to visit, giving you the chance to experience Virginia in a fresh and exciting way!
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Kings Dominion’s Tumbili—Doswell
Kings Dominion will debut Virginia’s first 4D Spin Coaster in spring 2022. Tumbili suspends riders on either side of the track as the cars flip continuously throughout the ride. Featuring state-of-the-art magnetic technology that induces and controls spinning, this 4D Spin Coaster will give riders the feeling of weightlessness as they cruise along the track tumbling and spinning head over heels in the rainforest tree canopy.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture Renovation—Richmond
Photo Credit: Chad Williams, @echadwilliams
In Spring 2022, The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will complete a nearly $30 million renovation project of nearly 250,000 square feet. This revamped space includes multiple new exhibition spaces, an immersive orientation theater, a family-friendly interactive learning space, an expansive research library with a state-of-the-art rare book and manuscript suite, multiple education and meeting rooms, a café, and a museum gift shop. Many of the museum’s community and event spaces will be renovated, including a second floor event terrace and an outdoor event space on the lawn.
Rockfish Ranch—Shipman
Rockfish Ranch opens in mid 2022 with a vineyard, modern cabins overlooking the Rockfish River, and the area’s first indoor/outdoor event venue that is perfect for weddings and private celebrations. The 600-acre property has walking trails, fishing, canoeing, and swimming along the private riverfront, and skeet shooting equipment available to rent.
Red Hill Bed & Breakfast—Lovingston
The four-room Red Hill Bed and Breakfast opened in late 2021, renovating a historic home and grounds into a cozy B&B.
Champion Icehouse—Gordonsville
Champion Icehouse is Gordonsville’s newest brewery and restaurant, offering Champion beer and serving the famous fried chicken recipe and southern classics created by Craig Hartman, owner of local gem the BBQ Exchange.
Southern Revere Cellars—Louisa
Photo Credit: Jeremy Denton
Opening in late 2021, Southern Revere Cellars is a destination for all craft beverage lovers looking for a rural retreat, pouring a selection of beer, cider, and wine in their tasting room. After ordering beverages, head out to the outdoor patio for stunning views of the bucolic countryside.
Everleigh Vineyards—Louisa
Another picturesque winery for Louisa, Everleigh Vineyards is expected to open in early 2022, offering craft beer, cider, hard seltzer, and wine.
Black Bear Creamery—Nellysford
Photo Credit: Danielle Duffey, @dufflovesyou
Black Bear Creamery opens January 2022, adding a family-friendly offering to the Nelson 151 craft beverage trail.
Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom—Charlottesville
University of Virginia basketball legend Ralph Sampson is opening American Taproom in the Barracks Road Shopping Center in 2022.
Siren Restaurant—Charlottesville
Helmed by Chef Laura Fonner, who has appeared on the Food Network and won in Guy’s Grocery Games, Siren serves American-Mediterranean fare.
Chiswell Farm & Winery—Charlottesville
Charlottesville has several new additions to the Monticello Wine Trail, the latest being Chiswell Farm &Winery, opened by the owners of Chiles Family Orchards. Hazy Mountain Vineyard & Brewery and Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard also joined the Monticello Wine Trail in 2021, which now has over 40 wineries in the trail.
93 by Trapezium Brewery—Richmond
Adding another location to their Petersburg and Amherst locations, 93 by Trapezium Brewery is set to open in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood in early 2022.
Hatch Local Food Hall—Richmond
Hatch Local Food Hall opens to the public in early 2022 with a curated collection of local food vendors in Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood. The food hall contains seven local vendors, two bars, a market, and outdoor patio and courtyard seating. The vendor lineup includes Odyssey Fish, a new restaurant from Alewife Chef Lee Gregory, Buttermilk + Honey from Lillie Pearl owner and chef Mike Lindsey, Sincero, Royal Pig, Fat Kid Sandwiches, Oro, and The Beet Box.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
“Becoming Mount Vernon” Exhibit at George Washington’s Mount Vernon—Mount Vernon
Photo Credit: Aniesia Williams, @iamaniesia
George Washington’s Mount Vernon unveils “Becoming Mount Vernon”, an all-new exhibit at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, in February 2022. The exhibit takes a deep dive into how Mount Vernon came to be, from Native Americans through Washington’s ownership and into the preservation efforts that allowed the home to maintain its historic beauty. New specialty tours for 2022 include the Founding Flowers garden tour and a Hamilton: The Musical tour. Also new is a free app that pairs with virtual reality devices to give users an immersive tour of the property.
National Museum of the United States Army—Fort Belvoir
After decades of planning, the National Museum of the United States Army has officially opened to the public. The state-of-the-art museum is the first and only museum to tell the comprehensive history of America’s oldest military service branch, with over 185,000 square feet of military exhibits. The exhibits feature stories told through the eyes of the U.S. soldier, and in addition to several interactive exhibits, the museum has a multi-dimensional theater, a Medal of Honor Garden experience, and a kid-friendly and G-STEM anchored Experiential Learning Center where guests can simulate the important work of Army soldiers.
The Archer Tysons—Tysons
The Archer Tysons is the seventh property for the award-winning hotel brand, and the 178-room boutique hotel greets guests with decor that emphasizes casual elegance and the famous “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, featuring an impressive variety of Virginia-focused art and products. Nestled in Tysons’ up-and-coming neighborhood, Scotts Run, and conveniently located adjacent to the brand new Capital One Center complex, The Archer Tysons features a buzzy hotel bar and stylish event space.
The Archer Falls Church—Falls Church
Another brand new Archer hotel property, the Archer Falls Church, comes to Fairfax in December 2021. Transforming the former Hyatt House to the new Archer Falls Church, the hotel will feature chic new interiors, dramatic lighting, locally curated art, a new lively bar, redesigned suites and guest rooms, complimentary amenities, and thoughtful touches like turndown treats, bathrobes and slippers, and a drink + dine credit for direct bookings.
The Watermark Hotel—Tysons
The Watermark Hotel is an all-suite, residential-style property located at Capital One Center, the new entertainment complex at the corporation’s headquarters in Tysons. The hotel has been thoughtfully designed with upscale furnishings and convenient access to many of Northern Virginia & Washington, DC’s most popular destinations. The property’s lobby opens up to The Perch, an awe-inspiring village green soaring eleven stories above street level. The space has a Biergarten, amphitheater, dog park, food truck experience, and mini-golf course and sits atop Capital One Hall, the region’s newest performance venue. Additionally, The Watermark’s in-house restaurant, Wren Tysons, serves Japanese American fusion cuisine, and has already been included in a round-up of the “Hottest New Restaurants Around DC” by Eater.
Juicy Brewing Co.—Herndon
Herndon’s new startup brewery, Juicy Brewing Co., aims to open a small taproom in late 2021 or early 2022, and will feature a mix of fruity sours and hazy IPAs.
Lucy Burns Museum—Lorton
The Lucy Burns Museum tells the story of the Workhouse Arts Center’s 91 years as a prison before it became the thriving arts complex it is now and the moving story of the women suffragists who were imprisoned here for fighting for voting equality. This site, along with the new Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, are part of the new “Constitution Trail,” sites connected to the Constitution in Washington, DC and Virginia, including the National Archives and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Shipgarten—Tysons
Opening soon in Tysons, Shipgarten–a biergarten made of shipping containers with varied food and drink concepts–will be Northern Virginia’s first roaming outdoor lifestyle experience.
Herndon Biergarten—Herndon
Also coming to Herndon is the 2,000 square-foot, Bavarian-style Herndon Biergarten, which will feature 60+ craft beers on draft and a rooftop deck.
Capital One Center—Tysons
The new Capital One Center in Tysons brings a vibrant, mixed-use entertainment epicenter to the Northern Virginia area. The space includes a new performing arts center and a 1.2-acre skypark that has an amphitheater and biergarten anchored by Starr Hill Brewery, a dog park, a sculpture garden, a pop-up food truck area, and a mini-golf course. The hall’s 1,600-seat theater will host more than 200 pop/rock, Broadway, and comedy performances each year. The Capital One Center is Metro accessible and also home to the new all-suites Watermark Hotel.
Reopening of Freedom House—Alexandria
The City of Alexandria’s purchased Freedom House in early 2020 and after extensive renovations, the museum will reopen in 2022 with a multi-room exhibit telling the stories of the thousands of men, women, and children who were held in the headquarters of the nation’s one-time largest domestic slave trading company.
I Love You Art Installation—Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront is adding a new temporary art installation titled I Love You. A declaration of affection from the city to the public, the artwork creates a photo-ready postcard of Alexandria and represents both the city’s welcoming spirit and a message of hope during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be on display from March to November 2022.
Reopening of Arlington House—Arlington
The National Park Service has recently reopened Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, after three years of closure for a complete restoration of the site. New exhibits and research interprets the history of the Custis and Lee families alongside that of the more than 100 enslaved people who labored on the plantation. These stories reveal a complex, more complete picture of life at Arlington House and of the people and events that helped form our nation.
Reopening of DEA Museum—Arlington
The DEA Museum in Arlington reopened early November 2021 after more than two years of careful planning, design, and construction. The Museum has been renovated and expanded to educate the public in an engaging, contemporary space. Interactive exhibits feature hands-on activities and artifacts, and diverse, personal histories make the Museum a modern and compelling exploration of the long, dynamic history of drug use, misuse, and law enforcement.
AKA Hotel Residences—Alexandria
A new AKA luxury property plans to open July 2022 in Old Town Alexandria. Designed for longer stays, AKA balances the space and comfort of a fully appointed luxury apartment with the style and hospitality of an intimate hotel.
Nighthawk Pizza & Beer—Arlington
Nighthawk Pizza and Beer comes to National Landing in late 2021/early 2022, with a 90’s-themed beer hall fully serving a huge selection of low-alcohol beers from Northern Virginia’s Aslin Brewery and paired with crispy, thin-crust pizza as well as delicious artisan burgers.
COASTAL VIRGINIA
Iron Pony Adventure Park—Chincoteague
Image Courtesy of Iron Pony Adventure Park
Chincoteague Island’s newest destination for family fun, Iron Pony Adventure Park, recently opened to the public. 30+ aerial obstacles like ladders, tight ropes, and balancing bridges on two levels offer thrills for the entire family, and don’t miss the pony plunge, a 26-foot high thrilling leap.
Lost Planet Selfie Museum—Virginia Beach
The Lost Planet Selfie Museum is Virginia Beach’s new immersive museum that is designed specifically for guests to pose in front of wacky landscapes with over-the-top props, creating eye-catching pictures for their Instagram feed.
Oscar’s Oceanside—Virginia Beach
Oscar’s Oceanside is the latest elevated dining experience to make its debut in Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront, serving contemporary cuisine such as high-quality steaks, pastas, and the freshest local seafood, all enjoyed with pristine waterfront views.
A Taste of Texas BBQ—Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s popular food truck and catering business, Taste of Texas BBQ, will now have a brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant is known for authentic sliced or chopped brisket on Texas toast and pit-smoked pork with several house-made sauces and hefty sides.
Key West Cottages—Chincoteague
Photo Credit: Heather Williamson, @heathernwilliamson
Chincoteague’s Key West Cottages is looking at an early summer 2022 grand opening, adding an additional 33 cottages, a pool, and a waterfront beach on the bay. Guests can spend time paddle boarding, kayaking, and enjoying on-site activities like yoga while staying at the Key West Cottages.
Crumbl Cookies—Virginia Beach
Made famous on TikTok, Crumbl Cookies recently opened a Virginia Beach location. This cookie destination bakes classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies, as well as four weekly featured flavors made fresh on-site and served in their classic pink boxes.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Bryce Resort Sports Complex—Bayse
Photo Credit: Andrew DeVier-Scott
Bryce Resort is planning to open a new sports complex in late 2022.
Orlesa Farms—Staunton
Orlesa Farms, an historic property that was previously a top ranked Bed and Breakfast and Wedding Venue, gained new owners in mid-2021, undergoing a restructuring process to be the Shenandoah Valley’s newest wedding and event venue, also providing luxury lodging. The property was fully opened in November 2021.
Ciders From Mars—Staunton
Image Courtesy of Ciders From Mars, @cidersfrommars
Ciders From Mars opened its doors to the Staunton community in 2021. The cidery has a production facility, lab space for experimenting with flavors, and a tap room outfitted with an outdoor deck seating area, creating a communal gathering space for cider, art, and live music.
Seed to Tail Kitchen & Market—Staunton
Newly opened in late 2021, Seed to Tail Kitchen & Market is a gourmet sandwich shop and market filled with fresh goods from local farms and beloved products from the region. The restaurant menu is seasonally inspired and serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine.
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
New Black Panther Costume Exhibit at Taubman Museum of Art—Roanoke
Photo Credit: Kyra Schmidt, @kyraschmidtphotography
Roanoke’s Taubman Museum of Art latest exhibit is the “Afrofuturism in Costume Design”, showcasing intricate pieces from Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. This exhibit runs from November 2021 through April 3, 2022 and also incorporates original artwork by artist Brandon Sadler, whose murals were prominently featured in the Marvel film Black Panther.
Blue Ridge Discover Center—Troutdale
The family-friendly Blue Ridge Discover Center opens its new campus in Troutdale in summer 2022. The center is a gateway to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, with ADA-compliant walking trails through the restored wetlands area and interpretive nature programs for all ages.
Barrel Chest Wine & Beer—Roanoke
Opened in a renovated 2,000 square-foot space in late 2021, Barrel Chest Wine & Beer debuted Roanoke’s first self-pour system for beer and wine. The new location is closer to Downtown Roanoke and along with craft brews and wines, the space features a full deli case for their cheese and charcuterie pairings.
RND Coffee—Vinton
RND Coffee opened a second location in downtown Vinton’s newly renovated Vineyard Station in November 2021 in a space twice as large as their original location. The larger space features unique upcycled seating from Roanoke furniture company, Txtur, and allows for an expanded food menu.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
New Lodging, Scenic Overlook, and Welcome Center for Back of the Dragon—Southwest Virginia
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson
Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route, The Back of the Dragon, has new, motorcycle-friendly lodging on the Smyth County side, a new scenic overlook at Hungry Mother State Park completed in the fall of 2021, and a new Back of the Dragon Welcome Center in Tazewell.
The Merry Inn—Marion
The Merry Inn is planned to open in April 2022, serving Appalachian Trail hikers and adventurers in a European-style inn. The Merry Inn is located above Marion Outdoors, an outfitters shop where guests can stock up for their hiking expedition while staying at the inn. Accommodations include a hostel with bunks as well as private rooms.
36° Fifty Brewing—Marion
36° Fifty Brewing officially opens its tasting room in downtown Marion in early 2022. Named after the latitude and longitude of the town of Marion, the brewery has over a dozen craft beers on tap in their comfortable, pet-friendly tasting room.
Highlands Distilling—Marion
Highlands Distilling opened in spring 2021, offering small batch whiskey, bourbon, moonshine, and gin in the tasting room.