DESTINATION GUIDES

Virginia Golf

 

Transportation

By road, Virginia has an extensive interstate that easily connects most popular destinations. I-81 travels from the southwestern part of the state, entering from Tennessee rolling up to the northeast town of Winchester. I-66 can be picked up from I-81 to take east into Washington D.C. I-64 is another major highway which extends from Roanoke and Virginia Beach up through Richmond to Charlottesville, traveling northwest. I-95 also goes through Richmond on its way north to D.C.

Newport News-Williamsburg, Richmond and Norfolk each have international airports. The Baltimore-Washington D.C. International Airport is another option for travelers in the northern part of the state. Several regional airports also service Virginia and its surrounding regions, including Charlottesville-Albermarle, Roanoke and the Washington Dulles airport.

 

FAQ

1) What makes a golf trip to Virginia unique?

Virginia is a different destination if only because of its history. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in America. More battles were fought in Virginia during the Civil War than any other state and most battlefields are open to the public. Colonial Williamsburg in particular is one of the richest spots in America. Over 500 historical buildings on over 300 acres make for the best American history class you ever took. There are some towns however, like Virginia Beach that offers a more modern appeal.

2) But is Williamsburg the place to go for golf?

Williamsburg is considered Virginia's golf capital. Among its public and resort offerings are these acclaimed establishments: The Golden Horseshoe Resort, Kingsmill Golf Resort, Williamsburg National and Ford's Colony Resort.

3) Is Williamsburg somewhere your kids would enjoy?

Of course, Colonial Williamsburg may leave your little ones itching for some excitement after a few hours. Williamsburg has plenty of entertainment for kids, including Busch Gardens. Your children make take to Colonial Williamsburg better than you think, however, because it is considered to be a very kid-oriented, hands-on attraction.

4) The Homestead claims to be the most historic golf resort in America. Any truth?

It'd be tough to disprove it. The Homestead was originally built as an inn in 1766. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital for the Confederate Army. Several years after the war, it turned into a luxurious resort. But in 1901, it burned to the ground. A year later, a new brick hotel was erected. Since 1929, the hotel rooms have remained nearly the same.

5) Where do the pros play in Virginia?

No current courses host a PGA Tour event, but the TPC of Virginia hosts the Virginia Open on the Nationwide Tour. The TPC of Virginia is open to the public, located in Virginia Beach, home of Curtis Strange. The Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg is home to the LPGA's Michelob Light Invitational as well. Fit for a king indeed, its Virginia's largest golf resort.

6) Where can I enjoy the Atlantic coast in Virginia?

Virginia Beach is the most popular place to hang out at the beach in Virginia. It has storied history, just like everywhere in Virginia (has been home to settlements dating back to 1586), but Virginia Beach is more of your classic beach town with miles of white sand and clubs and restaurants along the shores. Over a dozen golf courses are in Virginia Beach as well, so bring your clubs.

7) I didn't know Virginia was so visitor-friendly. How much does Virginia see itself as a tourist state?

Tourism is the third largest employer for Virginia and is a $12.9 billion dollar industry. Over $700 million dollars were invested in Virginia in 2002 and 2003 on new attractions to boost tourism. Virginia prides itself in its diversity of attractions, ranging from colonial museums to Busch Gardens and other theme parks and amusements.

8) How do I decide which region in Virginia to visit?

Virginia is too big to see the whole state in one trip. In fact, it may take several trips to see everything in the Williamsburg area or Blue Ridge Parkway alone. Virginia's attractions are divided up into four categories:

North: Alexandria, Arlington and Arlington National Cemetery, Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg National Battlefield Parks, Mount Vernon, Potomac Mills. Across the Potomac is Washington D.C. as well.

Central: Charlottesville and Monticello, Danville (the last capital of the Confederacy), including Paramount's Kings Dominion, Petersburg, and Virginia's capital, Richmond.

Western: Abingdon, Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway, Bristol, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Lexington, Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, Roanoke, Shenandoah National Park in the Shenandoah Valley, Skyline Drive and Winchester.

Tidewater: Mostly the Williamsburg area, including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Williamsburg Pottery and Yorktown. Also Virginia Beach is included in the Tidewater area.

9) What is the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is located in the western part of Virginia and is one of Virginia's most visited attractions. It's more than 450 miles of road that weaves through some of the most scenic and natural areas in Virginia. It's also takes you through the highest parts of the Appalachian Mountains. It begins in Shenandoah National Park and ends in the Smokey Mountains. The highlights include the variety of trees and wildlife. For information about accommodations and attractions: www.blueridgeparkway.org