Thursday, June 18, 2009

Forty reasons to love Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the state's famous "Virginia is for Lovers" tourism slogan with discounts at 200 hotels, museums and attractions.

The "40 Off Program" includes deals worth $40 off and "buy three, get one free" deals for tickets and nightly stays, depending on the venue. Expiration dates for the deals vary so check details at Virginia.org/40Off.

Some sample offers: At George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, buy three tickets and the fourth person gets in free, through Aug. 31. In Chantilly, admission is always free to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, but tickets for movies at the Smithsonian Theater are buy three, get one free through Dec. 31.

Between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31, Luray Caverns also has a buy three, get one free, admission deal. The Haunts of Richmond Walking Ghost Tour is offering a fourth ticket free when you buy three, valid through Sept. 30. In Alexandria, buy three "Key to the City" passes at 50% off and get a fourth free, through Aug. 31. The passes include 60 offers for shopping, dining and attractions.

For accommodations, rooms with a view are 40% off at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. Stay three nights and get the fourth free at 70 places to stay in the Williamsburg area, including complimentary admission to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield and Yorktown Victory Center. If you like riding, a "horse-lover's escape" at Shangrila Retreat in South Boston is 40% off, with meals, lodging, riding and other on-site activities included. In Norfolk, take $40 off at the Quality Suites or the Sleep Inn at Lake Wright in Norfolk. At Holiday Inn Surfside in Virginia Beach, stay three nights and get one at 40% off.