Discover the Ultimate Girls Getaway in Virginia: The Perfect East Coast Retreat

Virginia boasts over 300 wineries, exciting outdoor activities, and rich cultural experiences.

Virginia is for lovers, and this has held true since 1969, when the state adopted its famous slogan. While Virginia has a wealth of attractions, this catchy phrase adequately expressed my familiarity with the state as I prepared to meet my best friend for our semiannual trip.

We aimed to discover Richmond and Charlottesville—two of the state’s most fabulous cities—on a vacation filled with flavor, ample wine, a sprinkle of adventure, and plenty of laughter. Throughout those few days, I realized that Virginia’s slogan is not about the cheeky, slightly risqué connotation I had imagined. In reality, Virginia is a haven for lovers of history, nature, food, wine, art, and much more. It is also an ideal destination for best friends.

So, if you and your gal pals are seeking inspiration for your next adventure, here’s an overview of what to see, do, and eat in Virginia based on insights from my unforgettable getaway.

Charlottesville

In Charlottesville, we checked into Quirk Hotel, aptly named for its quirky design and unique artwork showcased throughout. It stands out as the first boutique art hotel in the historic downtown area.

That central location proved beneficial, as the hotel was just a short stroll from Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, a charming pedestrian area featuring over 120 shops and 30 restaurants. We explored the mall, diving into used bookshops, vintage clothing stores, and more. When hunger struck, we found numerous options, from Brasserie Saison and Citizen Burger Bar to The Whiskey Jar—our top pick—where we relished a classic Southern meal. The culinary scene extends beyond the Downtown Mall as well, with The Wool Factory, which brilliantly merges its industrial roots with a vibrant food and beverage hub offering fine dining, craft beers, wines, and artisanal coffee.

Moreover, beyond Charlottesville’s downtown lies a delightful array of vineyards. To our surprise, we learned that Virginia is home to dozens of wine trails boasting more than 300 wineries. A particularly breathtaking option located just outside Charlottesville is Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. We settled at a table near Pippin Hill’s picturesque gardens, admiring the vine-covered landscape while enjoying two wine flights—one red and one white—along with some light bites.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is part of the burgeoning Monticello Wine Trail, named after Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate located nearby—a must-see for history aficionados. For a fantastic outdoor experience in the vicinity, consider visiting Carter Mountain Orchard for a pick-your-own fruit outing accompanied by delicious homemade cider donuts.

Richmond

In Richmond, we cherished the nostalgia of our college years while staying at Graduate Richmond. However, it was a more refined experience, featuring a collegiate theme and a touch of sophistication that surpassed any dorm room I encountered in my university days. This hotel also honors local tennis legend Arthur Ashe, born in the city.

Another centrally located accommodation allowed us to rent electric scooters and discover the city. Each neighborhood exhibits its own unique charm and architecture, much of which pays homage to Richmond’s rich history dating back to the 1700s. As the capital of Virginia and former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond is steeped in historical significance, particularly along Monument Avenue, where you can observe the evolving story of the city as efforts are underway to remove Confederate statues, leaving behind only their pedestals.

To dive deeper into Richmond’s history while savoring delicious local fare, we ventured to Church Hill, one of the city’s oldest districts, to embark on a Discover Richmond Food Tour. Along this culinary journey, we sampled exotic Ethiopian cuisine, charming New Zealand-style handheld pies, delectable pizza slices, hot chicken sandwiches, and flaky croissants filled with chocolate.

And to wash it all down, we visited Buskey Cider, one of Richmond’s four cideries, followed by a well-deserved nightcap at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, a noteworthy addition to the city’s extensive craft brewery scene, which includes 35 breweries. If you and your friends are passionate about food and drink, a visit to Virginia will never disappoint.

Moreover, with all that indulgence, we knew we had to incorporate some physical activity into our trip. Thankfully, Richmond offers numerous opportunities for adventure. We went white-water rafting on the James River with RVA Paddlesports and concluded our getaway with a rejuvenating yoga class at BareSoul, a studio emphasizing self-care and connection.

When considering your next girls trip, both Richmond and Charlottesville serve as excellent options, yet the entirety of Virginia holds captivating experiences too. These cities merely scratch the surface of a state lush with natural beauty, abundant wineries, and vibrant urban centers.