Best of Virginia Winners

Table of Contents

No results found! Sorry, no resource were found with this specification

General

At ACAC in Charlottesville, you don’t have to choose between one-on-one personal training or large group classes. A small group training option offers activities like kettlebells or Pilates in groups of 3-6, in 30- or 60-minute sessions. For those who prefer larger groups, the gym offers classes, including Bodypump, Zumba and Cycle EX.

Address:

Phone Number:

434-984-3800

Link:

CharlottesvilleACAC.com

Address:

Phone Number:

804-827-1100

Link:

RichmondRecSports.VCU.edu

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-644-9622

Link:

YMCARichmond.org

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-977-6882

Link:

AlbemarleAngler.com

Among Angler’s Lane’s guided trips is the Best of Virginia tour, during which fishermen spend five days in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Jackson, Piney, James and Staunton rivers, casting for trout and smallmouth bass between chef-cooked dinners and overnight stays in cabins. Every trip features a 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 fisherman to guide ratio.

Address:

Phone Number:

434-385-0200

Link:

ForestAnglersLane.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-975-0210

Link:

Orvis.com

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-845-1888

Link:

AmazementSquare.org

After a year of renovations, the Farm at Maymont re-opened last March. Along with its resident donkeys, ducks and goats that are always a hit with wee visitors, the completed project includes two large new classrooms; updates to restroom facilities (including changing tables); and new play and welcome areas.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-7166

Link:

Maymont.org

Address:

Phone Number:

434-325-2200

Link:

WintergreenResort.com

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-845-1888

Link:

AmazementSquare.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-864-1400

Link:

SMV.org

In May, the museum opened Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style, the only East Coast venue for the exhibition celebrating the life and style of the late couturier. Running until Aug. 27, it will feature more than 100 pieces of the designer’s couture and ready-to-wear garments, including his iconic “Le smoking” tuxedo.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-1405

Link:

VMFA.museum

Address:

Phone Number:

434-385-0200

Link:

ForestAnglersLane.com

Address:

Ashland

Phone Number:

804-496-4700

Link:

BassPro.com

Looking to keep in the know when it comes to local fishing conditions? Check out Green Top’s blogs. The retailer, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, offers weekly updates on the status of freshwater and saltwater bodies alike, including where specific species are most prevalent and the best bait to entice them.

Address:

Ashland

Phone Number:

804-550-2188

Link:

GreenTopHuntFish.com

“The show began as a way to bring a mix of neighbors together,” says event chair Jennifer Hulzing. Going into its 46th year, Arts in the Park now attracts 450 exhibitors from around the country in multiple disciplines. Proceeds help fund local organizations; last year, they helped build a tot lot in Byrd Park.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

Link:

RichmondArtsInThePark.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

Link:

RVAFirstFridays.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-643-1708

Link:

1708Gallery.org

Address:

Ashland

Phone Number:

804-496-4700

Link:

BassPro.com

Green Top outfits hunters top to bottom, from dog training guidebooks and decoys to calls and drop point knives. Famously bustling on the weekend, shoppers have the option of purchasing online for in-store pickup. The store also sells archery equipment, survival tools and several hundred firearms at its 55,000-square-foot location.

Address:

Ashland

Phone Number:

804-550-2188

Link:

GreenTopHuntFish.com

Address:

Rice

Phone Number:

434-603-2803

Link:

SailorsCreekOutfitters.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-296-2181

Link:

BoarsHeadInn.com

Address:

Phone Number:

434-979-3440

Link:

Keswick.com

Accommodations at Wintergreen include traditional hotel guest rooms as well as condos and single-family homes. Sports enthusiasts may play golf at Devils Knob or a game of tennis on one of the property’s 19 clay or three deco-turf courts, while those looking for a bit of R&R will find it in the resort’s spa.

Address:

Wintergreen

Phone Number:

434-325-2200

Link:

WintergreenResort.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-354-6008

Link:

BowTiesCinemas.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-864-0460

Link:

CobbCineBistro.com

Along with second run showings of blockbusters and indie darlings, Richmond’s nearly 90-year-old picture palace runs series, such as Big Screen and Family Classics, and hosts events, including the French and Richmond International film festivals. It remains largely the same as the day it opened, complete with an 18-foot chandelier lit by 5,000 crystals.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-353-9911

Link:

ByrdTheatre.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

Link:

BroadAppetit.com

After loading up your plate with Hellenic favorites like souvlaki, moussaka and spanakopita at the annual spring festival, take in a guided tour of the beautiful Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. The fest also features traditional Greek music and dancing.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-5996

Link:

GreekFestival.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-270-7234

Link:

StAnthonyMaroniteChurch.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-968-5541

Link:

Hermitage-Cedarfield.com

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-582-1500

Link:

SummitLynchburg.com

Last year, Westminster Canterbury Richmond opened The Marketplace, a grill-like casual establishment serving lunch favorites like Chesapeake crab cake sandwiches and Reuben paninis. It also includes an ice cream parlor and billiards room. Open for more than 40 years, WCR offers “continuing care,” from independent living to assisted living and memory support.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-264-6000

Link:

WCRichmond.org

Address:

Orange

Phone Number:

540-661-0430

Link:

ChestnutHillBNB.com

Address:

Orange

Phone Number:

540-317-1206

Link:

InnAtWillowGrove.com

The name might conjure up images of 19th century literature, but the accommodations are Thoreau-ly modern: amenities include Apple TV and walk-in rain showers. The most popular rooms are the Walt Whitman Grande Suite, which includes access to a two-person hot tub on a screened porch, and the Longfellow Loft, featuring special reading alcoves.

Address:

Reva

Phone Number:

540-509-1440

Link:

WaldenHall.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-228-5814

Link:

CHFRichmond.org

For nearly 20 years, the Richmond SPCA Fur Ball has been raising funds for furry friends like Elvis, a 5-year-old shepherd/basset hound who, through a spinal cord injury, lost the use of his back legs. Personalized care from the SPCA (and a custom wheelchair) helped Elvis take his first steps without assistance. This year’s ball will take place Nov. 4.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-521-1300

Link:

RichmondSPCA.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-9495

Link:

SportsBackers.org

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-455-1500

Link:

CraddockTerryHotel.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-6040

Link:

DestinationHotels.com

A Richmond mainstay for more than 120 years, The Jefferson Hotel recently completed a three-year renovation. The hotel’s 262 guest rooms were converted into 181 suites all with entry foyers, marbled baths and dressing areas. The hotel’s iconic Rotunda, Palm Court and Lemaire restaurant were also updated.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-788-8000

Link:

JeffersonHotel.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

540-322-9275

Link:

CrossFitAddict.net

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-313-9348

Link:

CrossFitRVA.com

Residents of the River City frequently spot SEAL Team Physical Training participants around town; the outdoor program designs its workouts for specific locations, such as Belle Isle or Dogwood Dell, rotating instructors and muscle focus each session. Modeled after the workouts of Navy SEALS, the class is held rain or shine.

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-262-1894

Link:

SEALTeamPT.com

Address:

Manakin-Sabot

Phone Number:

804- 677-5691

Link:

DeepRunHorseShow.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-293-9501

Link:

FoxfieldRaces.com

The Montpelier Hunt Races debuted in 1934, begun by legendary horse breeder Marion du Pont Scott and her brother William du Pont Jr. Today, the event is part of the National Steeplechase Association circuit and is held the first Saturday of November each year.

Address:

Orange

Phone Number:

540-672-0027

Link:

MontpelierRaces.org

Address:

Wintergreen

Phone Number:

434-325-2200

Link:

WintergreenResort.com

For the golf enthusiast, Independence Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course (with five sets of tees, ranging from 5,000 to more than 7,100 yards tip to tip), plus a less challenging 9-hole short course. Beyond golf, the club also offers on-site laser tag and hosts weekly concerts.

Address:

Midlothian

Phone Number:

804-601-8600

Link:

IndependenceGolfClub.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-798-4996

Link:

TheFederalClub.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-521-2500

Link:

FeedMore.org

Last year, the Richmond SPCA opened the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital, a full-service veterinary care facility whose mission is to provide quality care to pets with low-income guardians. The 12,000-square-foot facility comprises four surgical suites, a surgical prep and recovery suite, an intensive care space, and recuperation rooms.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-521-1300

Link:

RichmondSPCA.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-828-6901

Link:

TheDoorways.com

Address:

Phone Number:

804-510-0488

Link:

RichmondGallery5Arts.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-1990

Link:

GlaveKlocenGallery.com

“We don’t think the gallery experience should be intimidating, serious or stuffy,” says Adam Dorland, general manager of Quirk Gallery. To put visitors at ease, the hotel’s gift shop, filled with jewelry, gifts and prints, serves as a gateway to the gallery where recent shows have featured photographer Kip Dawkins and mixed media and collage artist Pam Sutherland.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-6036

Link:

QuirkGallery.com

In California, a Hollywood tour might consist of movie star mansions: In the Commonwealth, it means a visit to the final corporeal home of some of history’s most significant figures. Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as Virginia governors, media figures and Confederate generals.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-648-8501

Link:

HollywoodCemetery.org

Address:

Orange

Phone Number:

540-672-2728

Link:

Montpelier.org

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-984-9800

Link:

Monticello.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-646-8911

Link:

JamesRiverPark.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-560-0068

Link:

RiversideOutfitters.net

The Discovery Ridge Adventure Center takes full advantage of the resort’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests enjoy archery, zip lining and plunge tubing. In the summer, guests may purchase a Mountains of Adventure pass, which includes two water adventures, five outdoor adventures and unlimited hiking and mini golf.

Address:

Wintergreen

Phone Number:

434-325-2200

Link:

WintergreenResort.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-243-4960

Link:

JohnPaulJonesArena.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-353-1888

Link:

TheBroadberry.com

Built in 1922 as a movie theater, The National began its second act as a music venue nearly a decade ago. Today, it adds up to 10 new shows a week. Recent performances have included Eli Young Band and The Decemberists. Get into the show early when you dine at the nearby Vagabond restaurant beforehand.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-612-1900

Link:

TheNationalVa.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-984-9800

Link:

Monticello.org

Address:

Troy

Phone Number:

434-589-2011

Link:

RedRockerCandy.com

After four years touring the globe, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Fabergé Collection returned last fall. The VMFA owns the largest public collection of the ornate objects (outside of Russia), including five Imperial Easter Eggs, which are on view in the newly renovated Fabergé and Russian Decorative Arts galleries.

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-1405

Link:

VMFA.museum

This year marks Orapax’s 30th anniversary. Located 30 minutes west of Richmond, the dedicated hunting preserve provides 350-acres of quail, pheasant and chukar hunting on 10 fields as well as mallard-release duck hunting in its marshland areas.

Address:

Goochland

Phone Number:

804-556-2261

Link:

Orapax.com

Address:

Henrico

Phone Number:

804-367-1000

Link:

Wildlife.Virginia.gov

Address:

Goochland

Phone Number:

804-467-9000

Link:

Rasawek.com

Address:

Midlothian

Phone Number:

804-897-6800

Link:

PassagesRVA.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-521-1300

Link:

SPCA.org

Throughout July and August, campers ages 7-14 take to the water—and the trails, the mountains, and the fields—for Westview on the James’ junior and senior residential camps. Canoeing, climbing and wilderness survival are on deck as well as more unusual activities such as water trampoline and disc golf.

Address:

Goochland

Phone Number:

804-457-4210

Link:

WestviewOnTheJames.org

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-412-8100

Link:

PassionAcademy.net

Richmond Ballet’s 2017-2018 season kicks off with performances of Portrait of Billie and Tarantella in September, followed by Trio (Gloria, Silence and Journey) in November, its annual production of The Nutcracker in December, and The Sleeping Beauty (with the Richmond Symphony) in February, among others.

Address:

Phone Number:

804-344-0906

Link:

RichmondBallet.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-282-2620

Link:

VirginiaRep.org

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

Alexandria – 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival Sept. 13–14: Stroll Old Town’s John Carlyle Square Park as it’s transformed into an outdoor art gallery for this fall festival. Admire the work from more than 200 juried artisans from around the globe. VisitAlexandria.com Virginia Beach – VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL Sept. 26–28: The 51st anniversary of […]

by Madeline Mayhood

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

It was during the early days of the Great Depression, and Virginia’s statewide prohibition was still in effect, banning all sales of alcohol. Meanwhile, in Franklin County, the area was laying the foundation for its future title: the Moonshine Capital of the World. Nestled among the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains, the Turner Motor Co. […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

After a successful career in investigative services in Washington, D.C., Terri Wesselman and her husband, Julien Patterson, decided to settle down in Irvington. Initially drawn to the area by the Tides Inn, the couple had been weekending in the Northern Neck since the late ’90s. “There was something about the area that was quiet but […]

by Stephanie Ganz

Best of Virginia Winners

General

Current Issue

Most Popular

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

Best of Virginia Winners

General

Current Issue

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today