Don’t let the shorter days and colder temperatures get you down! Winter is actually a great time to explore many of the wonderful things that Virginia has to offer. From winter sports to festivals and cozy wineries, take some time this January and February to explore the Commonwealth. Here are a few of our favorites:
Whale & Wildlife Boat Tours
Winter is a great time to see whales and other wildlife as they migrate down the Eastern seaboard toward warmer temperatures. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers special 2 to 2-1/2 hour boat excursions on the weekends between now and March 8th to see whales and other wildlife along the Virginia coastline. These narrated trips travel past the Cape Henry Lighthouses and the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum so bring your camera and binoculars. Most importantly – dress warmly!
Ice Skating Along Duke of Gloucester Street
Love history? Love ice skating? We’ve got the perfect spot for you! Liberty Ice Pavilion is a family-friendly ice-skating rink in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Take a spin on the ice while enjoying all the sights and sounds of one of the United States’ oldest cities. Visitors can enjoy refreshments like hot cider, coffee, freshly baked cookies from the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, and more. After skating, take a stroll down Merchants Square for one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences.
Ski Outing at Wintergreen
Wintergreen is one of Virginia’s most prized ski resorts. With 24 slopes for varying skill levels, tubing at The Plunge, Terrain Park, and Ridgeley’s Fun Park, there are great winter-weather adventures for every age group. The best part is that Wintergreen is a full-service resort with on-site dining, spa, fitness facilities, pool and more, so once you are ready to leave the slopes there is still plenty to do!
Enjoy a Cozy Winery in Nelson County
There are so many beautiful places in Virginia and Nelson County offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the biggest draws for Nelson County is Veritas Vineyards. This cozy vineyard offers a rich tasting room with spectacular views of the mountains. There is also an on-site restaurant which serves gourmet sandwiches, salads, charcuterie and cheese plates from 11 am – 4:30 pm daily. Veritas Vineyards is a great place to see winter at its best in a relaxed environment.
There is so much to do in Virginia, and we hope that you will explore all that the state has to offer.