Though the north-eastern American State of Virginia is worth a visit any time of the year, the region comes alive with vibrant colours and contrasts in autumn.

From expansive woodlands, to famously blue-tinged mountains and numerous lakes and streams sprinkled all over the state, Virgina is a tourist’s delight any time of the year. But the destination converts into an amazing canvas with incredible colours during autumn. Fall in Virginia is one of the most beautiful times of the year and travelling during this season reveals an entirely different vision of the state.

Forest canopies are a jigsaw puzzle of orange, yellow, red, and green. Red maples continue to stand out this year, with individual trees ranging from yellow to orange to bright scarlet. Virginia’s diverse landscape, from the highest mountains to the Eastern shore, provides a long foliage season, starting earliest in the higher elevations and moving eastward. From romantic destinations for couples to road trips with friends and family, visitors will find all this and more in Virginia this fall!

Take a road trip through Virginia’s mountains

With fall foliage at peak throughout much of Virginia’s mountains, autumn is the time to pack up the family and head out for a fun fall getaway. Cradled by the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains, Virginia’s 230 km long Shenandoah Valley is laced with spectacular scenic byways. A visitor can load up the car and explore stunning Virginia landscapes with one of these epic road trips. Tourists can enjoy outdoor fun, delicious cuisines at the restaurants, and picturesque driving routes during an unforgettable vacation in Virginia’s breathtaking mountains!

Explore Virginia’s Wine Country

With over 300 wineries around the state, a visitor can also experience the freshly picked fruits of the season throughout the month, filling a glass or two with Virginia’s award-winning bounty. Visiting Virginia vineyards with friends and family to discover award winning Virginia wines and sharing them with the loved ones is also a popular activity.

Wine Trails and Wine Tours across the state make planning a visit easy, and with more than 300 Virginia wineries to choose from, one can find beautiful winery locations, stunning tasting rooms and plenty of unique winery experiences to ensure an unforgettable visit to Virginia wine country.

Virginia’s most stunning towns and destinations

Virginian cities and towns show off when fall colour shows up. Seasonal flavours grace restaurant menus while festivals are held in, and around downtown areas. Virginia’s small towns, unique cities, and notable neighbourhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Some of the top towns and destinations for experiencing an unforgettable fall in Virginia filled with inspired foods, drinks and activities are Charlottesville, Salem and Roanoke, Blacksburg, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Norton, Loudoun County, Alexandria, and Richmond.

For tourists looking for a 2-day driving vacation, there is no dearth of options. Here is one.

48-Hour Fall Getaway

Day 1

Spend the day in Luray. Luray is not only the county portal to the four main attractions: Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah river and George Washington Forest, but is also the home to many unique side attractions. The Luray Zoo, Garden Maze, Lake Arrowhead are other fun adventures. In between the excursions, one can stop for a meal at an array of restaurants serving every taste bud, whether craving German schnitzel or southern country fried chicken.

Before snuggling in a cozy cabin for the night, visitors can enjoy night life and entertainment. The Mimslyn Inn Speakeasy and Main Streets Evenings are local hot spots for couples and families alike will enjoy.

Day 2

Visitors can travel south on Highway 340 into the quaint town of Stanley. This picturesque town is the perfect location for a country drive. Here, a tourist is surrounded by the Massanutten and Blue Ridge Mountains. Beautiful farmland and scenic wonder are what’s in store. For an appetising meal, one can stop by at Ciro’s Pizza. Before heading out of town, one can take a ride along the river banks and through the woods with one of Stanley’s well-established horseback riding guides.