Virginia is for Lovers and visitors will love the many events and festivals awaiting them there in January ..... and for the rest of the new year.
Southern VirginiaUsher in 2010 with a visit to the past in Martinsville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where The Virginia Museum of Natural History will host its 5th annual Dino Day Festival on January 23.
The festival includes a variety of dinosaur exhibits, displays and programs for visitors of all ages. The festival features a Dino Dig Pit, Dino Films, Costumed Dino Characters, and educational activities for visitors of all ages.
Heart of Appalachia
In Richlands on January 24, Citizens for the Arts presents Laura Ingalls Wilder. One of America's most beloved authors shines brightly in ArtsPower's heartfelt musical about the pioneerin' adventures of Laura Ingalls and her loving family as they search for the perfect little house they can call home.
Central Virginia
There’s a Ghost Watch at Historic Centre Hill Mansion in Petersburg on January 24. Travel back in time and tour the house while listening to the "ghostly stories" associated with the mansion. Hear the Civil War soldiers as they clamber up and down the staircase with swords rattling. Learn how a young boy woke up and discovered a woman dressed in white in his room.
Shenandoah Valley
Contestants from around the United States compete for national recognition in the IPRA sanctioned Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo in Salem from January 8 – 10. Events include bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling and bareback and saddle bronc riding among others.
The Stonewall Jackson Birthday Celebration at the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington on January 21 will include birthday cake, hot apple cider, and free tours of the Stonewall Jackson House – the only home the famous Confederate general ever owned.
Hampton Roads
The James River Plantation Progressive Candlelight Winter Tour is scheduled for Williamsburg on January 16, 23, 30. Visitors can explore collections of antiques and historic buildings while touring Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation. This special evening includes very special "Tours-by-the-Owners”, with cider and cookies fireside in the elegant dining room of Ashland.
Blue Ridge Highlands
Damascus hosts Winterfest on the Virginia Creeper Trail on January 16. There will be dogsleds on the Virginia Creeper Trail, Alaska lumberjack competition, daschund race and more. Teams of dogsleds will relay "serum" a total of 16 miles to the park in Damascus. there is magic and more outdoor entertainment for the entire family.
Northern Virginia
Celebrate the 283rd anniversary of Hugh Mercer's Birthday in Fredericksburg on January 17. You'll learn from Dr. Mercer's assistants what combination of herbs, extracts and barks were used to cure what ails you. Take a walk in the herb garden. Leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws made up just some of the remedies.
For more information about top events in Virginia, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Virginia at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-virginia.html
Or, take a look at the official web site for Virginia at www.virginia.org/