Ten Momentous Trips to Virginia for 2007
Edited by Jennifer L. Price
As one of the original thirteen colonies, Virginia has
always been known for its history. 2007 is a special year for Virginia’s
history and everyone is invited. The Queen of England herself will be visiting
Virginia this year as Jamestown celebrates its 400th anniversary. Join the
Queen in Jamestown or take part in any of these Ten Momentous Trips:
 Jamestown 400th Anniversary
The first English settlement in the United States to survive,
Jamestown continues to leave an imprint on our nation. 2007 will be filled
with special events marking the
400th anniversary of Jamestown and is a great time to experience the most
intriguing story in American history.
Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner
Who could forget Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing into movie goers’
hearts in
Dirty Dancing? The movie was filmed 20 years ago at the beautiful Mountain
Lake Hotel in Pembroke, Virginia. The hotel is celebrating big time with
ballroom dancing and lessons, a tour of the movie scene locations, Dirty Dancing
trivia, and a showing of the film.
Big Bang of Country Music - 80th Anniversary
The Carter Family shaped the contour of American music with the first-ever
country music recordings in Bristol in 1927. Officially deemed the
Birthplace of Country Music by Congress, Bristol is one of the anchors of
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, and an ultimate bluegrass
destination. 2007 is a great time to visit and honor 80 years of musical
heritage.
 Happy Birthday John Boy
Celebrate
15 years of John Boy memorabilia at The Walton's Mountain Museum, outside of
Charlottesville. Visitors can see TV set replicas including John Boy's bedroom,
the family kitchen and living room and Ike Godsey's store. The 15th anniversary
celebration in October will include live gospel and bluegrass music, hayrides,
craft booths and more.
Hotel Roanoke Turns 125
The
grand dame of the Roanoke Valley turns 125 this year. This glorious,
Tudor-style retreat has been known for excellence since 1882. The
accommodations and famous Peanut Soup are over the top. The hotel will
celebrate with packages and events throughout the year, culminating with an
anniversary gala in December.
Celebrate Virginia’s Wild Side
The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail turns five this year and has never
looked better. Visitors follow the trail by car to catch a glimpse of
Virginia’s 400 bird species, 150 different animals, and more than 100 reptiles
and amphibians. The trail leads through some of Virginia’s most diverse wildlife
habitats.
 Still Making Waves after 30 Years
The
30th annual Virginia Lake Festival shows off Southern Virginia’s water
sports. Ranked "One of the Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society, hot
air balloons skim the water of Buggs Island Lake while sand sculptors work their
magic along the 800 miles of shoreline. Boaters line up at night for a massive
fireworks show.
 Iron Clad Anniversary
The
Grand Opening of the USS Monitor Center in Newport News falls on the 145th
Battle of Hampton Roads anniversary and the historic Civil War clash between the
USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Visitors will experience one of the nation’s
premier Civil War attractions as they survive the clash in the “battle theater”.
Liberty or Death at 232
More than 200 years after
Patrick Henry gave his impassioned speech at St. John's Church – his words
ring true today.
 Visit Richmond to experience the fire of his words in the very
same church where he delivered them 232 years ago. Historic tours by costumed
staff help transport visitors back to Revolutionary times.
30+ years of Ralph Stanley Festival
Music legend Ralph Stanley marks 32 years of his
Hills of Home Bluegrass Festival. Every Memorial Day weekend, Ricky Skaggs,
Dwight Yoakam, Gillian Welch and other stars join Dr. Stanley and his Clinch
Mountain Boys for a weekend of bluegrass jams.
For more information, click on any of the links above or
visit
www.virginia.org
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