Colorful Virginia

By Donna Carroll

An original colony, birthplace of eight US presidents and site of many battles in three wars, the Old Dominion state is among the most attractive regions in North America.

Eastern hardwood trees are the reigning beauties along with covered bridges, serene lakes and old estates that are hanging on for dear life.

The Homestead, in the Allegheny Mountains, is a 15,000-acre luxury resort dating to 1766. Located in Hot Springs,Virginia, the family resort has three championship golf courses and 10 dining outlets including Sam Snead's Tavern.

Humpback Bridge, Virginia's oldest, standing, covered-bridge, is three miles west of Covington.

Douthat State Park near Clifton Forge on Route 629, is a montage of colorful, rolling hills, bird life and a large lake.

Fall foliage in Virginia is awash with changing colors.

Virginia's countryside is a tapestry of country churches, old farms, historic sites and towering trees.

The Jefferson National Forest, within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands, offers covered wagon and horseback rides.

Virginia is dotted with roadside stands where travelers load up with garden-fresh greens and jugs of almost chewy apple cider.

The Main Street Historic District of Abingdon proudly displays its restored buildings. The town is the cultural center of Virginia's southwest and has the oldest repertory theater in the United States.

Visitors can walk or bike the three-mile, round-trip, self-guided Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon, central Virginia.