RICHMOND – In honor of National Travel & Tourism Week (May 1-7), the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is sharing What’s New in Virginia for Summer 2022, the agency’s curated guide to what is new and noteworthy for the travel industry in Virginia this summer.
Central Virginia and Southern Virginia
New opening or renovation
- The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will complete a nearly $30 million renovation project this spring with a grand reopening May 14. The renewed museum complex of nearly 250,000 square feet will include multiple new exhibition spaces; a new immersive orientation theater; a new interactive learning space for families; a new research library with a state-of-the-art rare book and manuscript suite, and multiple new education/meeting rooms; a new café, museum store and other amenities; and multiple new and renewed community and event spaces, including a new great hall, a second floor event terrace, an outdoor event lawn, an expanded parking lot, and an improved Virginia Museum of Fine Arts campus connector.
New or returning event
- The Ashland Strawberry Faire is celebrating 40 Years in 2022. Held Saturday, June 11, this free, family-oriented event celebrates the strawberry harvest and raises funds for Hanover County scholarships. Experience 300 vendors, including arts & crafts, non-profit groups and Hanover County businesses in historic Ashland, Virginia. The Faire is held on the tree-lined streets of beautiful Randolph-Macon College.
Northern Virginia
New opening or renovation
- The Ballpark Loudoun, opening this May, is an interactive indoor baseball facility with 12 batting cages that combines cutting-edge hitting and pitching technology with a lively bar and restaurant scene. Brainchild of Loudoun sports and tech entrepreneur Chris Bourassa, the concept is set to do for baseball what TopGolf has done for golf.
- EATS opened early May and features fresh, local beef smash burgers, loaded waffle fries, foot long hotdogs, fresh fried seafood and donut sandys made with products from local businesses – Tilly’s Ice Cream and Freddy’s Donuts.
- Wild Hare Cidery is opening its fifth location in downtown Fredericksburg on May 16.
- Officially opened in May after an April cold open, Bia Kitchen is the chic new restaurant of Dublin-born chef Shane O’Connor, located in a former metalwork shop in historic downtown Purcellville. The two-floor space – bar and cocktail lounge serves seasonal European dishes: hearty Irish and Scandinavian fare in winter; lighter Mediterranean small plates in spring and summer, much of the ingredients sourced from surrounding farms.
- Opening in Historic Fredericksburg Square in June, Water’s End Brewery will join Hot Chickn Kitchn in the historic building. This is Water’s End Brewery’s third location and Hot Chickn Kitchn’s second location.
New or returning event
- Otterly Amazing Fredericksburg campaign kicks off on May 21 with the opening of the new park downtown – Riverfront Park. The Visitor Center will be hosting an otter scavenger hunt to see the new statues.
- The 9th annual Tarara Summer Concert Series begins Saturday May 28. Enjoy four months of live summer music every Saturday through September at the Lucketts winery on the banks of the Potomac River. Enjoy Tarara wine and Loudoun beers while watching bands perform on a stage suspended over a lake.
- Rock the River marks the official kickoff to summer at the Rappahannock River on June 4. The festival itself combines the adventurous side of multi-sport river and foot races as well as the enjoyment of great beer, tasty food, and live music throughout the day.
- Antique Auto Show returns June 4 on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg celebrating 65 years. Enjoy a day filled with some of the region’s top antique automobiles along with the fine dining, shopping and historic attractions that Fredericksburg has to offer.
Coastal Virginia – Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore
New opening or renovation
- Key West Cottages at Chincoteague Bay is looking at an early summer grand opening. They are adding 33 additional cottages, a pool, a waterfront beach on the bay and a lobby / reception location. There will be opportunities for boat docking, paddle boarding, kayaking, yoga and event options such as retreats and weddings.
- Opening early summer 2022 is the Hamtown Mercantile located in the heart of historic downtown Smithfield, VA. This unique store is a collection of over 20 small sophisticated local boutiques and shops, all in one combined location. Shops include home goods, children’s clothing, gourmet foods and much more.
New or returning event
- Wednesday, July 27 will mark the 97th year of Chincoteague’s annual Pony Swim. The Chincoteague Pony Swim, held every July, attracts tens of thousands of spectators from around the world to gather on Chincoteague Island to watch this annual tradition, which is finally back for after a two-year hiatus.
Shenandoah Valley
New opening or renovation
- Beards & Broads Axe Throwing Bar & Grill will be opening in Broadway in June. The owners are calling this location the Flagship and it will be a full-scale model that will set the tone for future Beards & Broads Axe Throwing venues. The Flagship will have it all: an Axecellent Menu (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner); Axe Throwing; Darts; Beer, Wine and Wine Slushies; Board Games, Books, Live Music and more.
- Elkton Brewing Co will be expanding to include an outdoor pavilion and beer garden area to offer outdoor seating, a venue for outdoor music and special events starting in June. The new outdoor space will further enhance the atmosphere of the local brewery by utilizing large timbers for construction similar to the tap room which was constructed in the 1890’s to house Elkton Milling Co.
New or returning event
- Art on the Town –The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the debut of a new springtime arts festival in downtown Staunton. This inaugural event will serve as a summertime bookend with the 55th Annual Art in the Park in Gypsy Hill Park over Labor Day weekend. A variety of artists and artisans will have their work on display for sale, and everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy this new spring festival while supporting the local arts. Saturday’s festivities will also coincide with the Staunton Farmers’ Market in the Wharf parking lot. This festival is FREE and open to the public.
- Back from an almost three-year hiatus is the 34th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival held Saturday, May 21 in downtown Front Royal. Visit for a day filled with fun, entertainment, delicious food and wine tasting.
- The Warren County Fair is held this year from August 1-6. The fair is a family oriented event that offers music, motorsport events, pulling contests, animal shows, and many other attractions.
- Appaloosa Roots Music Festival, Voted DC’s best Roots Music Festival, returns to Front Royal area Sep 3-4.
Virginia Mountains and Southwest Virginia
New opening or renovation
- The Liberty Trust, originally constructed as a bank headquarters in 1910 in downtown Roanoke, is currently undergoing a full historic restoration as part of its transformation into a 54-room luxury lifestyle opened in April witha food/beverage concept to be unveiled in the main lobby this summer.
- A new Amtrak route, anticipated to begin July, will include a second daily train service run on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route from DC to Roanoke.
- Mountain Lake Lodge has begun construction on a new retail facility and outdoor restaurant/bar. They are to be open by the end of summer.
- The Merry Inn is a European Style hostel on Main Street Marion, located on the second floor above Marion Outdoors. Private bunks reminiscent of old-time train sleeper cars, and two private rooms all while walking distance to Marion restaurants, Lincoln Theatre and brewery. Opening this summer.
- Blue Ridge Discover Center opens this summer at its new campus in Troutdale, Smyth County. The family-friendly center is your gateway to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, with ADA-compliant walking trails through the restored wetlands area, and interpretive programs for all ages.
New or returning event
- Local Colors Festival, held May 21, is Roanoke’s premier multicultural festival returning to Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke in full-swing after two years of cancellations and event modifications. Featuring performances and food from cultures all across the globe, this festival has taken place annually for over 30 years.
- The Highland County Artists’ Weekend returns after a two-year absence. This popular event was last held in 2019 when 38 artists from around the state participated and enjoyed painting the beautiful landscape of Highland County. The Highland County Arts Council is pleased to bring the event back on June 24 – 26. Artists will have the opportunity to paint the farms, valleys, and vistas of this mountainous and scenic region over the three days.
- With support from Roanoke City and Botetourt County, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge will host the 2022 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships from June 29 to July 2. Several hundred athletes from around the country will compete for a chance to win national titles in the road race, individual time trial and criterium.
- The Sedalia Bluegrass Festival is back again this year from June 23-25. The Bedford event has showcased some of the best Bluegrass acts, both local and regional and is a popular festival every year.
- The inaugural Beford Virginia Pride is planned for May 20-22.
- Southern Gap Mountain Mayhem is being held July 27-30. Come out for three days packed with fun for all things off-road situated in the heart of Coal Country in Buchanan County. The event is designed to be the ultimate family friendly ATV, UTV and MX event in the East. Mud bog blitzes, ATV/UTV drag races, hill climb racing, a UTV Tug-o-War, games and more will be a part of the action during Mountain Mayhem 2022. Family-friendly, action-packed days of fun and riding are on tap throughout the event.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.