VIRGINIA – Where Food Is A Way Of Life

Farm-to-table has been a way of life in Virginia since way before it was a tourism trend; and the Commonwealth’s mild climate and abundant agriculture provides its talented chefs with access to local products year round. Virginia is also the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, with 8 different regions producing a range of unique flavours. And with over 300 wineries, 300 craft breweries, dozens of cideries and distilleries located throughout the State, Virginia is the perfect place to discover award winning leisure beverages of all kinds.

HIT THE TRAIL

For visitors, discovering the dozens of food and leisure beverage trails located throughout the Commonwealth is a great way to spend a vacation.

Consider the following:

• The Virginia Oyster Trail, situated in the area surrounding the Chesapeake Bay offers visitors a taste of each at restaurants, seafood companies, oyster farms and tours.
• There are dozens of wine trails and craft beer trails to explore in Virginia.
• There is even a Virginia Farmers Market Trail to be explored.

Visitors will also discover that there are
numerous food & drink tours off ered all
across Virginia.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

Virginia is famous for its delicious seafood, particularly oysters, but it also grows peanuts and produces the famous Virginia ham.

And while the question of ‘what dish or food’ is a ‘must try’ for visitors is a hard question to answer, those ‘in the know’ will tell you that oysters should definitely be on the list. Other ‘must try’ dishes would include Virginia peanut soup and Brunswick Stew – both are typically Virginian.

WHATEVER THE HEART DESIRES

While a lot of the Virginia local cuisine is southern-inspired, visitors can find any type of international fare their heart desires.

Across Virginia, travellers will find inspired culinary delights featuring Virginia’s heirloom grains and vegetables, heritage meats, savoury cheeses and, of course, its signature Virginia oysters.

Virginia chefs continue to innovate by marrying Virginia flavour with international flare, from a Pakistani-Appalachian fusion food truck to a Vietnamese restaurant named America’s Best Beer Bar.

The Commonwealth’s chefs make Virginia’s cities and towns come to life — from James Beard-nominated chefs offering fine-dining to down-home Southern cooking at family-run restaurants.

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE

While you’re tasting your way through the Commonwealth, you can enjoy unforgettable travel experiences in Virginia. From the closest warm water beaches to Canada to the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds. Because of its rich history, the state features dozens of historical sites such as presidential homes and Colonial Williamsburg, which provide hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

Virginia also allows Canadians to enjoy their favorite activities such as golf and motor sports, year-round! Come experience our authentic hospitality and see for yourself why Virginia is For Lovers!

For more, go to www.virginia.org/canada.