Tourism Divisions

Ten Wasy to Live, Learn and Love in Virginia

NEWS

July 9, 2008

Ten Ways to Live, Learn and Love in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s learning vacations entice travelers with a commitment to life-long learning. People looking for more out of their vacation, looking to do more – to be more, and to be better for it when they return home, are quenching their thirst for knowledge and adventure in Virginia.  Here are ten ways to live, learn and love on vacation in Virginia.

Ride with the wind: Learn to sail with the experts at the Tides Inn in Irvington on the lower Rappahannock River. The historic resort offers a learn-to-sail package that includes a J-series yacht and private boat slip for your personal use along with four days of hands-on instruction.

Hang ten with confidence: Didn’t you always want to be a surfer? Now you can be one by taking surfing lessons in Virginia Beach. The Surf and Adventure Company offers camps and lessons for ages 8 and up, so you can make it a family affair. Catch a wave in Virginia and ride it to the adventure of your life.

Keep your family and friends in stitches: Learn to quilt in Staunton. Quilting is a traditional tie that binds families through generations. Now you can learn this craft from the very best at Rachel’s Quilt Patch, a store and learning center at the historic railroad depot in beautiful Staunton. Make your getaway complete by choosing from some of Virginia’s best Bed & Breakfast Inns or stay at the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel.  

Reel in a memorable getaway: Learn to fly fish in Virginia. The lure of fly fishing has hooked many an unsuspecting soul – and you could be next. Resorts such as www.primland.com, The Homestead and Wintergreen Resort offer fly fishing classes for beginners, and you can find friendly guides and instructors almost anywhere there’s a river or creek. Locate the one best for you on Virginia’s Outdoor & Guide Search.

Paddle your glass off: Climb aboard and learn to kayak with an expert instructor such as Dave Burden  of Southeast Expeditions in Cape Charles . You and Dave can explore local wildlife refuges and coastlines. He’ll even take you on an Eastern Shore Winery Kayak Tour.

Get sent away to camp: Wine camp, that is. Learn how to really taste wine, how to pair wines with foods, know the difference between a cabernet franc and a cabernet sauvignon? Sign up for Wine and Food Camp with spunky sommelier Mary Watson Delauder at Lansdowne Resort.  Mary’s approach to wine is perfect both for those just getting started and for those farther along.

Learn to sling hash with pizzazz: Learn how to become a real gourmet cook at Virginia’s cooking schools. You’ll find classes that suit your interests and your schedule, from day courses at Mise en Place in Richmond to full weekend immersions at the Inn at Meander Plantation  or Poplar Springs Inn and Spa. Food is big in Virginia and you’ll find cooking schools in nearly every nook and cranny of Virginia’s geographic cupboard.

Enter a historical time warp: Ever wonder what life was like for a Civil War soldier. Now you can live that life at Pamplin Historical Park’s  Civil War Adventure Camp.  Adults and kids pull on blue or gray uniforms, grab a musket and fall into rank in this incredible overnight experience. You’ll eat, sleep and live like a soldier of the 1860s, after which you can never look at a Civil War battlefield the same way again.

Learn to be one with Nature: All throughout the summer special Ranger Programs at Shenandoah National Park  give you the chance to get out into the ultimate classroom – Nature! Learn about birds of prey or take a two-mile guided hike along the Appalachian Trail. It’s the perfect way to get your toes wet in the Great Outdoors. Check out the special Junior Ranger Programs for kids.

Discover inner enlightenment: The Association for Research and Enlightenment  in Virginia Beach  maintains the legacy of renowned psychic Edgar Cayce.  Visit to comb through the hundreds of volumes of health readings before working on your own body and soul with yoga, mediation and holistic spa treatments and products.

Ready to live, learn and love on vacation in Virginia?  Visit www.Virginia.org  for more learning vacations in Virginia.  Click Portraits of Passion and watch Eric Coulson as he teaches travelers to ride the waves in Virginia Beach. Or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free Virginia is for Lovers – Live Passionately travel guide.

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