New hotels, attractions, and experiences shaping a year of compelling reasons to visit the Commonwealth

Richmond, VA – Today, the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) released What’s New in Virginia in 2026, the agency’s curated guide highlighting new and noteworthy developments for the travel industry in the year ahead. Produced annually, the guide offers an overview of what’s coming to the Commonwealth in 2026.

To view the full What’s New in Virginia 2026 guide, visit pressroom.virginia.org/whatsnew2026.

Some of the new and noteworthy items featured in this year’s guide include:

Statewide News and Major Openings

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Spotsylvania to open in Fall 2026
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making waves with its fifth resort, set to open in Fall 2026 in Spotsylvania. With over 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center, Kalahari will be a full-service vacation destination. A world-class resort conveniently situated right off I-95, it will be the perfect adventure destination for families in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area, as well as neighboring cities.
Celebrate America’s 250th with Special Programs and Signature Events
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission has a full schedule ready to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Signature events include a celebration of Tribal nations and a Fourth of July event at Colonial Williamsburg. The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience sets off with its display, Out of Many, One, and the VA250 Passport program continues at historic sites around the Commonwealth — pick up your physical passport at a Virginia Welcome Center or at select sites. Also, don’t miss Sail250. For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America. For ten days in June 2026, 10,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors across Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill
Massanutten Resort Expanding Indoor Waterpark, Adding New Hotel in 2026
Splash into 2026 by planning a stay at Massanutten Resort’s new five-story, 140-room hotel. It’ll be the ideal place to stay if you’re planning to enjoy the resort’s WaterPark, since the hotel will be connected via a stunning atrium. Major enhancements are also underway at the Indoor WaterPark, where 28,000 square feet of additional space will feature a racing slide, a family raft, and a new children’s area
Virginia Guesthouse Coming to Charlottesville in Spring 2026
The Virginia Guesthouse promises Charlottesville visitors an immersive experience on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. Located in the University’s Ivy Corridor, the 223,00 square foot hotel and conference center will have 214 guest rooms and suites and more than 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Soar into CarMax Park
The minor league Richmond Flying Squirrels will begin play in their new home in April 2026. As a multi-use entertainment venue, CarMax Park plans to host hundreds of events in addition to Squirrels games, from concerts and boxing matches to corporate gatherings and fundraisers.
Coastal Boutique Hotel The Sitio Opening in Virginia Beach in March 2026
Reservations are open now for stays at The Sitio, a new lodging option in Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Park development. The contemporary coastal hotel will have 20 rooms, an elevated pool and deck with lagoon views, and concierge surf experiences sure to please first timers and longtime surfers alike.
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship Presented by Virginia’s Richmond Region is Coming in October 2026
The Federal Club in Glen Allen will be the new home of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, set to take place October 5-11. Spectators can take in all the action of the season finale in person or by watching live on the Golf Channel.

Where to Stay in Virginia in 2026

The Birdwood Mansion, located on the grounds of the Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, is undergoing a renovation and expects to open its doors by April 2026. The historic property features four accommodations in the mansion, three adjacent cottages, and a culinary program that brings in some of the most experienced creative chefs from around the world to create seasonal, international tasting menus for the Birdwood Mansion’s dining room.
A luxury wildlife retreat is coming to Halifax County in Spring 2026. A stay at Wilde Manor will include unforgettable encounters with wildlife and elegant suites.
Get ready for a luxury glamping escape at Camp Yellow Cardinal, located just thirty minutes outside Richmond in Prince Edward County. Named for the lucky bird known for occasional sightings in the American South, Camp Yellow Cardinal will feature geodesic dome campsites with hot tubs, king-size beds, and fire pits.
A new boutique hotel opens in Danville in February 2026. The Laurel Hotel is located in the historic Schoolfield Village, just steps from Caesars Virginia. It features 36 rooms with modern comforts, thoughtful decor, and attentive service.
Virginia’s first JW Marriott opened in Reston Station in September. The Northern Virginia hotel features 243 guest rooms, luxury residences, 35,000 square feet of meeting space, chef-driven dining at The Simon, and the elevated Schar Bar, along with wellness-focused Mindful Rooms, public art, and an innovative walkable garden.
New life is being given to what was once a historic bank in the heart of downtown Roanoke. The Promissory Hotel debuted on New Year’s Eve with 27 rooms — including suites and lofts — as well as The Exchange Music Hall, a 1,200-person performance venue, and a Spanish restaurant, ¡Suerte!
Three Hill Historic Estate and Spa is set to open in Spring 2026. The boutique inn and spa is set on 44 acres in the renowned Warm Springs Valley, emphasizing natural wellness for all who stay.

Where to Eat & Drink in Virginia in 2026

R Kohls Winery will open in Stanardsville in May 2026. The family-grown winery plans to utilize grape varietals including Albarino and Chardonnay.
Downtown Hopewell welcomed its first brewery when Good Ship Brewing & Eatery opened in the first week of January 2026. The converted space includes fire pits, a spacious beer garden, and area for live music.
Combine history and bourbon tasting on the Elijah Craig History and Cocktail Trail, new to Orange County in May 2026. The trail will feature historic sites, distilleries, and restaurants with drink specials.
Expected to open later this year, Bread & Butter is a new Onancock restaurant from Executive Chef and Owner Shannon Andes, a classically trained chef with nearly two decades of experience. The restaurant will bring internationally inspired cuisine to the Eastern Shore, offering globally influenced dishes rooted in thoughtful, elevated cooking.
The former head chef of The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is opening a new restaurant, farm, and eight-room boutique inn. Waverly Springs will situate diners inside a cozy, 1600s stone farmhouse to enjoy true farm-to-table fare sourced from the surrounding 17-acre farm.
The Commonwealth’s first winery to focus exclusively on sparkling wine opened in Loudoun County in October 2025. Petit Domaine and Estate features a beach club-esque property and will start selling its own bottles in 2027.
Stone Ledge Cider will introduce a new tasting room and craft cider production facility on the grounds of its 20-acre farm in Augusta County. This year will also see the reopening of the on-site Cider House Bed and Breakfast, which has been undergoing restorations due to a fire.
Sip your way through Front Royal, Warren County, Berryville, and Clarke County on the all-new Bottoms Up Beverage Trail. The digital passport experience includes 12 local breweries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies where visitors can earn digital stamps to win fun prizes.

What to Do in Virginia in 2026

Richmond’s Brown’s Island will reopen in October 2026 after undergoing a major renovation. The riverfront space will feature river terraces, play areas, shaded seating, restrooms, accessible pathways, and potable water.
Lynchburg’s new amphitheater at Riverfront Park is set to open in Spring 2026. The venue seeks to attract national touring acts and host 10-20 performances annually.
A multi-year expansion to Norfolk Botanical Garden, called “Garden of Tomorrow,” is set to be complete in Spring 2026. The project will add a new visitor’s pavilion, skywalk, and conservatory featuring Chihuly glass art.
The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is on track for an August 2026 opening. The over 200,000 square foot complex will include systems for basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor turf field, spectator and event spaces, and concessions.
The Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail is set to debut in 2026. When complete, the trail will guide visitors through more than three centuries of the city’s Black history over 2.5 miles with interpretive markers, public art, and digital storytelling.
A too-sweet immersive experience is coming to Tysons Corner in Fairfax in March. The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will be a family-friendly affair with interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and plenty of chocolate.

Milestone Anniversaries

125th Anniversary of Main Street Station
Richmond’s Main Street Station is often recognized as one of the most beautiful train stations in the country. This restored 1901 Beaux-Arts landmark has continuously served as a gateway to Richmond, connecting history to modern life under its iconic clock tower.
100th Anniversary of Agecroft Hall
Agecroft Hall will celebrate its centennial on Virginia soil with “Cheers to 100 Years!,” a Roaring 20s–themed party on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026. Guests will enjoy live jazz, themed drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, lawn games, a silent auction, and the spectacle of more than 5,000 tulips in bloom.
100th Anniversary of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Founded from John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s 1926 vision to restore 18th-century Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg has grown into the world’s largest U.S. history museum and a global leader in education, preservation, and research. Programming and special accommodations packages are being offered in celebration of this milestone.
100th Anniversary of Maymont
In 2026, Maymont celebrates 100 years of its founding as a public park and museum gifted to the city by the Dooleys. The Dooley Mansion reopens this year after undergoing renovations, plus an enhanced Virginia Wildlife Trail with new habitats for porcupines and coyotes.
100th Anniversary of the John Jasper Memorial Room & Museum at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond
This museum is one of the earliest church-run museum initiatives in the country and houses a collection of artifacts tied to Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church’s rich history and the legacy of its founder John Jasper.
100th Anniversary of Hampton Cup Regatta
North America’s oldest continuously run hydroplane boat race returns for its 100th year Aug 1-2, 2026. The Hampton Cup brings racing action and family-friendly activities to the East Mercury Bridge at Fort Monroe. Dating back to 1926, the event remains one of the most prestigious courses on the American Power Boat Association circuit, attracting top hydroplane racers from around the world.

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.