Today, the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) released What’s New in 2024, the agency’s curated guide to what is new and noteworthy for the travel industry for the coming year. The guide is produced annually and offers a regional look at what’s to come in 2024.
To view the full What’s New in 2024 guide, visit pressroom.virginia.org/
Some of the new and noteworthy items featured in this year’s guide include:
Statewide News
- The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the former colonies and future states, where much of this history took place. The celebrations run through 2024 and the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.
Central Virginia and Southern Virginia
- Shenandoah Mansions will be the first boutique hotel in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood, opening Fall 2024. The 73-room hotel, the latest from New York City-based hotelier Ash, will feature a retail space and the third location of Ash–Bar, an all-day dining concept and European cafe.
- Caesars Virginia, a premier destination resort casino, is coming to Danville in 2024. Property plans include a 500-room hotel and a world-class casino gaming floor with over 1,300 slots, 85 live table games, 24 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room and a Caesars Sportsbook. In addition, the resort will feature a full-service spa, pool, high-quality bars and restaurants, a 2,500-seat state-of-the-art live entertainment theater and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
- The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail is the newest addition to Richmond’s food and drink scene. The self-guided tour has options for over 40 restaurants in the region that all feature delicious mimosas and brunch options.
Northern Virginia
- Slated to open in the heart of Old Town Alexandria in May 2024, Hotel Heron is Aparium Hotel Group’s flagship adaptive-reuse development, located steps from the bustling King Street mile. Originally occupied from 1926 to 1971 by the George Mason Hotel, the new space includes 134 guest rooms and 30,000 square feet of hotel amenities, including a hearth-inspired restaurant offering Mid-Atlantic cuisine, a cozy cocktail bar, and a seasonal rooftop bar, as well as meeting space and ground floor retail.
- Sweet Run State Park is Virginia’s newest state park, an 844-acre green space nestled between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill mountains in far western Loudoun County. The park features 11 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of equestrian trails, two streams, dense forest and a rugged stretch of the world-famous Appalachian Trail. There is also a picnic pavilion, a “nature play area” for children and a fishing pond stocked with sunfish and largemouth bass.
Coastal Virginia – Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay, and Eastern Shore
- 2024 marks the 50th anniversary for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Celebrate the 50th Annual Boardwalk Weekend, September 27-29, with concerts scattered along 30+ blocks of the boardwalk, an Art & Craft Show with 200+ vendors, magnificent sand sculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors, an 8k race, a grand parade, and more.
- Loch Ness Monster, the iconic, registered landmark interlocking loop roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrates 46 years as the park’s most iconic attraction with a full restoration in 2024, including all-new thematic and experiential elements. Anticipated opening Spring 2024.
Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Mountains
- The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival celebrates its 100th anniversary April 26-May 5, 2024 with the theme “Locally Grown, Globally Shared.” This is in reference to the farms and orchards that founded the Shenandoah Valley. Activities this year include an Apple Growers Luncheon, farm tours, and 100th birthday party, complete with apple pie.
- The FloydFest music festival is back to its regular programming with a new location in 2024. The festival will be held July 24-28 in Check, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale.
Southwest Virginia – Blue Ridge Highlands and Heart of Appalachia
- The Carter Family Fold is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2024. Celebration concerts kick-off in March with special monthly concerts, leading up to a special “Appalachia Rising” concert on April 28, 2024 and a big 50th Anniversary musical event on August 3, 2024.
- The Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024 with special concerts, programs, and square dances across Southwest Virginia throughout the year. The Crooked Road is also joining in the celebration of the Carter Family Fold’s 50th Anniversary.
- With a projected opening in Summer 2024, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristolwill feature a 300-room hotel, five restaurants, four bars and lounges, new entertainment options, wedding and convention facilities, top-notch retailers, and an indoor and outdoor concert venue that will further solidify Bristol as the true “Birthplace of Country Music.” The casino will feature 1,500 slots, 55 tables, and a sportsbook.
Please note that openings, events, and other information on these pages may be canceled or postponed to a later date. Check with the individual location or business for more details.
Additional new events, attractions, restaurants, and more can be found in VTC’s What’s New in Virginia for 2024 Guide at pressroom.virginia.org/
