VA ready for Inauguration travelers

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia, also known as the Mother of Presidents, today announced lodging options, trip ideas and travel packages for people planning to attend the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.  Virginia is just south of the nation's capitol and offers hotels, inns and B&Bs as well as exciting destinations tied to presidential history.

"Virginia is an excellent destination for people planning to attend the inauguration," said Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  "We are ready to welcome inauguration visitors and show them the beauty of our great state.  With more presidential sites than any other state, 130 wineries, world-class shopping and dining, Virginia is an exciting destination for the inauguration and throughout the year." 

Lodging Options

Turn out for the inauguration is reported to be one of the largest in history.  Overnight accommodations in Northern Virginia are receiving record requests due to their proximity to D.C.  Other lodging options in Virginia include localities to the west and south including Fredericksburg, Richmond, Winchester, and Luray.  Many of those cities as well as Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Norfolk feature bus services and Amtrak service to the nation's Capitol.  To learn more about lodging options in Virginia including historic inns and B&Bs, visit www.Virginia.org and click "Places to Stay" to search for available rooms.

Trip Ideas

Virginia encourages travelers coming to the inauguration to extend their trip in Virginia.  Hotels may require a minimum four-night stay, giving ample time to visit some of the Virginia's more than 130 wineries, many of which are in Northern Virginia.  Shopping is one of Virginia's most popular past times, with major malls such as Tyson's Corner, Potomac Mills, Leesburg outlets and an IKEA store within less than an hour's drive.  And for history addicts, Virginia is heaven, with major presidential history found throughout the state and nearby at Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Arlington, the Virginia State Capitol and more.

Presidential Travel Packages

To help travelers discover the birthplace of presidential politics, Virginia recently launched Presidential Travel Packages, showcasing the homes and historical sites of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Woodrow Wilson, and even Eleanor Roosevelt. 
 
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are ready to turn out in record numbers to visit the state that has given the nation more Presidents than any other state (eight and counting).

At www.Virginia.org/HomeofPresidents, political buffs will find numerous travel deals that include overnight lodging at some of Virginia's finest inns and hotels, as well as tickets to historical sites such as Montpelier, Monticello, Ash Lawn Highlands and the Virginia State Capitol.  These package deals are good through President's Day 2009.  Prices and availability vary. 

Travelers looking to make the most out of their inauguration plans should visit www.Virginia.org/HomeofPresidents and start planning a trip to Virginia - the Mother of Presidents.  For additional travel information call 1-800-VISITVA.