Aerial view of Norfolk, VA

Virginia's eastern shore is home to one of America's most cherished childhood stories. Margurite Henry's, Misty of Chincoteague was based on the annual pony swim and auction that occurs at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The event continues each July, where visitors witness the wonderment of the pony swim across the channel. From the undeveloped beaches here, south to the excitement and crowds of Virginia Beach, there is much to discover. Traveling Virginia's Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay shores are full of delightful surprises.

America's original settlement, Jamestown, is located in the regions Colonial National Historic Park. Williamsburg's Colonial town is top on the list for visitors to the area. Rooted at the core of our history, it's like coming home for visitors from across the US.

The 2010 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon is one of the top two most family-friendly marathons in the country. In its 38th year this will be held March 20-21 in Virginia Beach. With a 26.2 yard children's marathon, 8K run and middle school challenge, team events, and walks in the marathon and half marathon there is an event for any runner or aspiring runner.

The Virginia International Tattoo has nothing to do with skin and ink. In Norfolk at the Scope Arena, it is a performance spectacle of drums, drill teams, dancing and marching bands. An unforgettable event, filled with excitement and energy – a must see for everyone. This is a featured event at the Virginia Arts Festival, 2010 marking its 14th season. Unique in its structure, the Virginia Festival is held for six weeks across 10 cities.

Virginia Beach will mark 2010 with its first annual Gospelfest. Celebrating the inspiring music of traditional southern gospel, praise music and contemporary gospel hip hop, this will be two exciting days. Saturday and Sunday April 24th and 25th – put this on your calendar. Norfolk hosts another terrific music event in April at Chrysler Hall. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will present Mass by Leonard Bernstein – his largest and most theatrical of his compositions.

Naturalists and those seeking less crowds, take up trip up Virginia's eastern shore and enjoy the beautiful coastline and spring weather. Chincoteague Island hosts the International Migratory Bird Celebration May 8th. Perfectly timed with the migration of birds in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, there will be thousands of birds to see. The celebration features lectures, walks, birding experts as well as activities for children – bring the entire family.

Best Western Hotels in Virginia are proud to be located through out the region. Offering lodging convenient to the sights and events you want to enjoy, and with affordable rates, you will be in good hands with Virginia's Best Western Hotels.

Virginia State Capital
Richmond, VA

Central Virginia is anchored by Richmond, the state capital. With a diversity of restaurants, shopping and sites, it is a vibrant and exciting urban city. With the James River and its class IV rapids running through the city limits, it also offers spectacular outdoor recreation like no other urban city. Not far west on Interstate 64 is Charlottesville and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. Also a short drive, Lynchburg, is a charming city, home to several important schools drawing visitors to a wealth of cultural activities.

Brimming with historical sights, home to well know historical figures and famous names, family fun and exciting museums and events, there are lots of options when you visit Richmond. Whether business, politics, school or a vacation get away puts you in Richmond, take advantage and enjoy the cities wealth of offerings.

Celebrate Richmond's active outdoor side mid-May at the Dominion Riverrock celebration. The tamest event looks like the filthy 5K mud run and a 10K trail run (the James River Scramble). Thrill seekers look for the Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race or the Kayak Big Air among others. Dogs even get into the action with the Ultimate Air Dog competition. No worries if the events are too much, come enjoy vendor booths, an interactive village and live entertainment and watching the competitions.

Charlottesville's best activities are built in and always open. Walnut Creek Park and O Hill are the best places to take a ride if you have your mountain bike. Runners love the wide open Ridge Road and Rivanna Trail while hikers take a 30 minute drive to Sugar Hollow for some peace and quiet. Got kids in tow? Pen Park has 266 acres to set them free in, including the requisite play equipment. If you miss the 61st Dogwood Festival in Charlottesville in April, the city sponsors Fridays after Five each Friday evening through the summer – and they are all free.

Lynchburg is the start of one of Virginia's most treasured summer festivals. The James River Batteau Festival beings a Percival's Island on Saturday morning June 19th. Come watch the boats and crews launch and then head out and enjoy the City. Angel's Race 2010 will be held April 25th for the active and their fans. This is a modified triathlon featuring a 300 meter swim, 25K bike ride and a 5K run. A good warm up for the summer and more difficult distance events.

Lynchburg is the site of Virginia's oldest continually operating public cemetery, The Old City Cemetery. Celebrate near the first of May, the cemetery is host to the Antique Rose Festival. There is a full schedule of events for 2010's 15th anniversary, culminating with Saturday's festival. This is one of the more unique events for Virginia's festival enthusiasts.

Best Western Hotels from Danville and Clarksville in south-central Virginia to Harrisonburg and Leesburg in the north, welcome you and your family on your travels. Conveniently located with affordable rates, look for Best Western Hotels along your Virginia trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia's west is dominated by the Blue Ridge Highlands and the Heart of Appalachia. Ruggedly beautiful, full of dramatic scenery and wonderful people there is a lot to see and enjoy. Traversed by the Blue Ridge Parkway and easily accessed by Interstate 81, travel is easy and convenient.

Wise, in the far west is the festival capital in Southwest Virginia and the region is proud to be called the safest place on earth. The calendar is full of fun festivals and the Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail – a newly mapped route to the areas outstanding music venues.

Festival season begins the end of May with the Gathering in the Gap in Big Stone Gap. This music festival celebrates the old time and bluegrass music of Virginia. The schedule includes competitions, jams, local performers and culminates with professional entertainment. Other May options include the Pound Heritage Days and Coeburn's Hills of Home Festival – both terrific music showcases in the region.

June brings the week long Virginia-Kentucky District Fair and Horse Show at the Fairgrounds in Wise. In its 96th year, this year will be better than ever. Load up the family and come out to the Fair Grounds. The schedule includes kids days, the demolition derby, concerts with top notch headliners, the Miss VA-KY Scholarship Pageant and all the trappings of a great Fair. This will be a highlight of the summer.

The Virginia Highlands Festival, is a summer highlight for the region. Named one of America's top 100 events as well as one of the top 20 events in the southeast, plan on attending this year starting on July 24th. The community of Abingdon comes together to present a week filled with events, exhibits, seminars, sports and activities – literally just about anything fun and entertaining you can imagine. Shop the antiques market, enter a 10K, enjoy live music and bring the family for the parade. For over 60 years this festival has flourished and will be better than ever.

Roanoke,off Interstate 81, is the eastern gateway to the region and offers world class urban experiences, with the charm of a small town. Hollins University's Eleanor D Wilson Museum hosts a moving exhibit, through mid-April. “When Janey Comes Marching Home: Portraits of Women Combat Veterans” honors the special women of the Nation that have fought for the freedoms we enjoy – a nice way to support the women in our troops.

Best Western Hotels are convenient throughout Virginia, whether you travel close to home or across the state. Easy to get to and close to the music, festivals, family and events you want to enjoy. Choose Best Western Hotels for your lodging, with affordable rates tha will make your vacation a bit easier.