The other day, I was going through my emails when I saw one that caught my attention: “Come Find Your Virginia.” Honestly, I’m used to hearing about big U.S. travel spots like California or New York, but Virginia? That one hadn’t really been on my radar at all, so my curiosity was officially sparked.
I did a little digging and was totally blown away. This state is a true gem, especially if you prefer unique, luxurious experiences over big crowds. What I found made me instantly add it to the very top of my travel bucket list!
Recently, traveling has felt a bit like a checklist. You pick a place, go to all the same famous spots everyone else does, wait in long lines and just feel like a tourist. The destination changes, but the list doesn’t.
So somewhere along the way, I fell in love with slow tourism. It’s all about finding a place that’s beautiful and not overly packed with people, where you can find comfort while also connecting with the local culture and nature.
So, Here is What Made Me Put Virginia at The Top of My List?
Imagine this: You’re paddling a kayak on the waters while seeing wild dolphins swimming nearby, their fins breaking the surface. On a guided tour, you even get to be up close and personal with these amazing creatures, all from the eye-level view of your kayak. I mean, how amazing is that?
When “Farm-to-Table” Gets a Literal Upgrade
For all the food and wine lovers out there, Virginia takes the “farm-to-table” concept to a whole new level. Forget a restaurant seat, this is a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.
I found something called the “Chef’s Table Tour” with Pleasure House Oysters, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. You put on waders and literally stand knee-deep in the water at an oyster farm. A table is set up right there in the river, and you get to taste fresh oysters that were just pulled from the water below your feet. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Over the Blue Ridge Mountains
For a different kind of adventure, there is the option to take to the skies in a hot air balloon. They say that a flight over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley offers view that can’t be found anywhere else. And I’ve seen some videos and pictures, it looks absolutely breathtaking, I cannot imagine what it might be like in person.
A Taste of the Terroir
I was astonished to find out that Virginia is home to more than 300 wineries. The region around Charlottesville was even named “Wine Region of the Year 2023” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
But the state’s delicious offerings don’t stop there. For those who love seafood, you should know that Virginia has 8 distinct oyster regions, each producing oysters with a unique flavor. The taste of an oyster is influenced by the salinity of the water, which ranges from the briny Atlantic to the sweet waters of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries. This means you can go on a culinary adventure just by trying oysters from different parts of the state.
Getting There in Comfort
To top it all off, getting there comfortably is surprisingly easy. I found out that United Airlines flies daily from Zurich and Geneva directly to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The flight itself is part of the experience, with options like their Polaris Business Class designed for pure rest and comfort making it feel like your vacation starts the moment you’re on board.
So there you go, these are my reasons and I think that this one one of those destinations that can be perfect both for a romantic trip or a family adventure. Combining luxurious experiences, beautiful nature and feeling undiscovered. I can’t wait to plan my trip and see it all for myself. My thanks to the Virginia Tourism and United Airlines for introducing me to this incredible destination.
