What's New In Virginia For 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - In 2009, Virginia celebrates the 40th anniversary of "Virginia is for Lovers" - its renowned tourism slogan, and everything is new again. From major renovations and restorations at Monticello, Montpelier and the Virginia State Capitol, to new hotels and modes of transportation, Virginia is full of new travel destinations to discover. Here's a look at new and improved destinations to live passionately on vacation in Virginia in 2009.

New Visitors Experience at Monticello
Visitors to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello will now be greeted at the sparkling new Monticello Visitors Experience, a new visitor center with grand opening scheduled for April 2009. The $43 million, 42,000 square foot center is comprised of five pavilions containing group classrooms, a caf�, store, education center, welcome area, theaters and hands-on exhibits. Environmentally-friendly construction and operation are things of which Mr. Jefferson would be proud.

Nation's Most Important Historic Restoration - Complete
It can be said of James Madison's Montpelier that what was old is again new. The historic home of James and Dolly Madison was for generations cocooned within a much larger mansion built around the original structure. In an architectural/archaeological collaboration, the larger structure was painstakingly dismantled piece by piece. The result is the Montpelier returned to the appearance of Madison's time. A new visitor center is also in place, completely transforming the visitor experience.

New Wineries
Virginia's wine industry is booming, with nearly 140 wineries stretching from the Eastern Shore to the Heart of Appalachia. Among new wineries with a distinct "wow" factor is Cross Keys Vineyards and Estate. This jewel of the Shenandoah Valley is crowned by a beautiful winery and tasting room building surrounded by rolling fields of grapes.

New Kent Winery near Richmond is a step apart from the typical winery as it includes a residential development. The surrounding countryside is being landscaped to lakes, bridges, walking paths and a polo field. The 17,000 square foot winery building is constructed from pre-Civil War bricks and timbers.

Northern Virginia's Notaviva Vineyards is not only about fine wine but also great live music. The word Notaviva is itself derived from the Italian words for "musical note" and "with life." The winemaker's goal is to bottle that same kind of passion in his wines. The two will make beautiful music together. For more on wine travel in Virginia go to www.Virginia.org/wine.

Art Museum Jewel in Roanoke
For art lovers, Roanoke presents the incredible new Taubman Museum of Art. The 81,000-square-foot edifice is a work of art in itself. The architecture soars and floats like clouds over the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Inside are treasures from some of the most recognizable names in modern and classical art. Revolving exhibits will showcase the works of masters in varied media.

Segway to a Great Vacation
Getting around Richmond is now a new adventure with the arrival of Segway of Richmond. Located in historic Shockoe Bottom, the outlet for single-axle fun not only rents out Segways but conducts guided Segway tours as well.

New Meeting Space at Boar's Head Inn
Meeting planners have a great new choice in Virginia with the opening of the new Meeting Pavilion at Charlottesville's Boar's Head Inn. The $10 million facility combines the Boar's Head's tradition of timeless hospitality with the most modern meetings space and amenities.

Memorial to Civil Rights Struggle
The Virginia Civil Rights Memorial was unveiled on Capitol Square in Richmond in July 2008. The $2.6 million sculpture depicts the African American students