World-class art exhibits, outdoor landmarks and new amusement park thrills keep visitors coming back to Virginia – and in 2011 they’ll be back to help Virginia celebrate three major anniversaries including the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation.
More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, by far, than in any other state. The stories of the people caught up in the cataclysmic event of their time are told at some of America's best museums and historic sites throughout Virginia. The anniversary commemoration of the battle of First Manassas in July 2011 kicks off a four year event in Virginia.
One of America's great natural treasures celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. Shenandoah National Park and its main artery, Skyline Drive, have been a favorite destination for travelers for generations. The park's abundant wildlife, stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes are legendary. There is a full slate of special programming by park rangers.
And finally there is the 75th Anniversary of Virginia State Parks which began as projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. From Atlantic seashore to Appalachian mountains, Virginia's 35 state parks include the best of nature, camping, fishing, boating and hiking – along with some big surprises. At Virginia State Parks visitors can see bald eagles in the wild, attend a festival, explore a Civil War battlefield, spend the night in a yurt, go tubing on a river, explore an abandoned gold mine, go for a bike ride on 57 miles of an abandoned railroad bed, look for prehistoric sharks' teeth or go camping with their horse.
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.
For more information visit Virginia at www.Virginia.org