Virginia's Top New Travel Highlights from 2017: Breweries, Hotels, Adventures & Historic Sites

As you plan your 2018 Virginia vacations, take inspiration from 2017's standout openings across the Commonwealth. Discover these fresh hotspots in dining, lodging, outdoor adventures, and history to elevate your next trip with the latest Virginia travel experiences.

New for Food & Drink

Beale’s Brewery & BBQ

• Richmond welcomed innovative eateries like Broken Tulip Social Eatery, a reservations-only spot offering a multi-course, seasonally inspired menu that evolves monthly with the freshest ingredients. In Scott’s Addition, Brennar Pass debuted from Metzger’s Brittany Anderson, showcasing Alpine-inspired cuisine. Meanwhile, Little Saint in the Museum District celebrates Richmond's local pride through Virginia-sourced ingredients, staff, and custom furniture.
• In Leesburg, Northern Virginia's The Conche opened in May 2017, infusing cacao into drinks, entrées, and desserts. Watch expert chocolatiers craft truffles in the glass-walled "chocolate lab."
• Alexandria's Sunday in Saigon, launched in April 2017, blends Vietnam's regional flavors with modern Saigon-inspired décor.
• Loudoun County's DC Wine Country Passport debuted in fall 2017, providing perks at over 20 wineries. Opt for the 3-day pass ($25, saving $165+) or annual pass ($55).
• Williamsburg's James City County Marina added Billsburg Brewery in October 2017, near Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Parkway, and Capital Trail.
• In Lake Anna, Coyote Hole Ciderworks opened in May 2017, crafting premium hard ciders from 100% Virginia-grown apples and fruits.
• Twin Creeks Distillery expanded to a larger Henry, Virginia location in August 2017, producing Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey, 1^st Sugar Moonshine, and Peach Brandy since 2015.
• Bedford's Beale’s Brewery introduced a taproom and BBQ restaurant in summer 2017, with year-round crafts and seasonal releases.

New Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Inns

Graduate Hotel in Richmond, Photo Credit: Christian Horan Photography

• Downtown Norfolk's The Main opened with luxury accommodations, meeting spaces, restaurants, and an attached shopping district.
• On Chincoteague Island's Eastern Shore, Marina Bay Hotel and Suites blends boutique charm with modern amenities.
• Richmond's pet-friendly Graduate Hotel captures local culture, honoring Arthur Ashe in the lobby. Enjoy rooftop pool views, beer garden, and pup treats.
• Alexandria's first waterfront hotel, Hotel Indigo, opened in April 2017 with water taxi access to DC's National Mall.
• Le Fay Cottage at Little Washington offers a charming Blue Ridge retreat with French/English antiques, near wineries.
• Afton's Blue Mountain Brewery unveiled the Inn at Blue Mountain Brewery in December 2017 off Route 151.
• Veritas Vineyards & Winery launched The Farmhouse at Veritas, an intimate inn ideal for couples near wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

New Outdoor Attractions

Breaks Interstate Park

• Dickenson County's Breaks Interstate Park added a 2,200-foot zip line system soaring over canyons.
• Southwest Virginia's Spearhead Trails expanded with ATV trails like Ridgeview Trail, linking to 200+ miles of Coal Canyon for dirt biking, mountain biking, and hiking.
• New outfitters include Lynchburg's James River Adventures for kayaks/canoes, and Mathews County's Chesapeake Bay Paddling Company for rentals, lessons, tours, and retreats.
• Go Ape! Zip Line & Treetop Adventure opened in Springfield in May 2017, featuring swings, nets, and a kids' course—the area's largest.
• Smith Mountain Lake's Black Water Junction Wake Park in Franklin County offers wakeboarding cables, lessons, Virginia's first of its kind.
• Sterling's Zavazone Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park includes trampolines, zip lines, Ninja Warrior, Parkour, and ropes courses.
• Giles County's Kairos Wilderness Resort provides campsites, RV hookups, glamping, 40+ miles of trails, and New River activities via Tangent Outfitters.

New Historic Sites & Exhibits

George Washington’s Reconstructed Distillery

• Fredericksburg's George Washington’s Ferry Farm restored Washington's boyhood home as an outdoor museum with artifacts, trails, and Rappahannock River views.
• James Madison’s Montpelier unveiled “The Mere Distinction of Colour”, a poignant cellar exhibit on enslaved lives and slavery's legacy.
• Mount Vernon's George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill was restored, showcasing America's largest early whiskey operation and a productive gristmill.

What's new in Virginia for 2018? Share your favorite recent discoveries in restaurants, hotels, exhibits, and destinations in the comments!