Virginia Tourism Corporation

"Whether you live in or plan on traveling through the state of Virginia, enjoying the state's beautiful mountains is always a good idea." It is definitely a good idea! Check out Southern Living Magazine's latest story on Virginia's mountain towns and start planning your visit today! https://lnkd.in/gP5JkdXJ

We have some exciting news to share! The Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 0 to milepost 198 in Virginia, which closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 11. This includes the 198 miles of the scenic byway from Shenandoah National Park south to Virginia Route 685 - Skyview Drive/Turkey Ridge Road (near Fancy Gap). The Humpback Rocks, James River and Peaks of Otter visitor centers will reopen, as power and water have been restored to all facilities where it existed before the storm. Visitors should be aware that trail assessments have not been completed in all areas and caution should be exercised when hiking. The National Park Service hopes to reopen the remainder of the parkway in Virginia within the next two weeks. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehCpQ4Zy

Our hearts continue to go out to the communities of Southwest Virginia that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. While some parts of SWVA are still recovering, we're grateful that much of the commonwealth was unaffected and is ready to welcome visitors this fall. As we resume our fall travel and trip planning posting this week, please know that SWVA and our neighboring states are still very much in our hearts and minds. If you’d like to support Virginia’s recovery efforts or learn more about traveling through Southwest Virginia, please visit https://lnkd.in/evfgsW_i

You can help Hurricane Helene relief efforts. United is donating $125,000 and 500,000 MileagePlus miles toward relief efforts, and you can make our impact even greater. We’ll match up to $75,000 and 250,000 miles when you donate to our nonprofit partners Airlink, World Central Kitchen and Good360. Donate now: uafly.co/HeleneRelief

Our hearts go out to all of the communities in Southwest Virginia and beyond that have been impacted by the devastating effects of Helene. For visitors planning travel to or through SWVA in the coming days, please be aware that many areas are still without power or phone service, and you are likely to encounter closed roads and storm debris along the way. If you must travel to or through these areas, please use added caution and allow extra travel time during this challenging situation. Without power, some travelers may also see a delay in communication with the attraction or destination they are trying to visit. For traveler assistance, especially directional as you navigate through Virginia, please call the Virginia Welcome Center at Covington - 540.559.3010 or the Virginia Welcome Center at Clear Brook - 540.722.3448. Please note, our Welcome Centers are staffed from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. For road closures and current traffic conditions, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTrrWBi7 or download the Virginia 511 mobile app. For Virginia emergency response information, visit https://lnkd.in/eqNFFf7t. If you would like to help support the affected areas through donations or organized volunteer efforts, please visit https://virginiavoad.org. We will share updated travel information on our social media accounts as we receive it. Stay safe!

Martinsville Speedway will be hosting its first ever IMSA - International Motor Sports Association race Saturday, October 26 with a 100-lap Mazda MX-5 Cup Series race at 6 pm.?This race will kick off the double header night of racing that will also feature the Championship Race for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series with a 200-lap event at 7 pm.?You don’t want to miss this new and exciting lineup of racing at Martinsville, The Short Track! Get your tickets to the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 here: https://lnkd.in/eKXWc8AN

?? Save the date for our next Virginia Tourism Virtual Orientation! ?? October 22-23, 9:00 am - noon each day Join us for our upcoming virtual?orientation to learn about VTC programs and resources, including research, development, funding and marketing opportunities that can help increase visitation to your destination, events and festivals, attractions, or region. VTC Orientation is a?must?for Virginia DMOs, tourism-related business owners, tourism marketers, and representatives from Virginia attractions, restaurants, events, retail, and lodging establishments. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eXxVQQtc

The leaves will begin changing before you know it - some are already starting. ?? Use our fall foliage map to help plan out your autumn adventures. Remember, trees in the mountains peak first! ?? https://lnkd.in/e7mtUnhJ

Virginia is for Wine Lovers, indeed! Check out this fabulous Travel + Leisure piece showcasing Virginia’s wine industry. Read the article, then come celebrate Virginia Wine Month with us in October…or anytime! Cheers!?? https://lnkd.in/eAyDtvjC

VTC President & CEO Rita McClenny addressed 39 global tour operators visiting Charlottesville and Albemarle County during the annual Capital Region USA Global Travel Exchange. GTE is an annual marketplace designed to connect the region's travel suppliers, overseas buyers, travel trade media, and receptive operators in face-to-face appointments, regional familiarization tours, and engaging networking events. The evening event was held at beautiful Southwest Mountains Vineyards and showcased 30 Virginia suppliers.