Six Spots for Savoring Fall in Virginia

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia offers a variety of destinations. Seniors Guide has picked six highlights to help guide your fall travel plans, with an eye for outdoor beauty along with creature comforts.

Fall in Virginia from the coast to the mountains

1. Wander through Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Explore 175 acres of tailored beauty by tram, boat, or foot. More than 60 themed gardens include a perennial garden, Virginia native plants, and a rose garden (I promise!). Take guided walking and kayaking tours. Attend classes and lectures, such as art, gardening guidance, wildlife, and more. No matter the time of year, you can feed your senses with beauty at Norfolk Botanical Garden – go to “What’s in Bloom” on the website for monthly horticulture highlights. NorfolkBotanicalGarden.org

Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Some pathways are permeable, packed gravel pathways and some have slight inclines. These can be a little tricky to navigate with wheelchairs but it is doable.

2. Traverse the Virginia Capital Trail.

The 50-mile paved trail stretches from historic Jamestown to downtown Richmond. It wanders past bucolic meadows, forests, fields, waterways, and parks, near restaurants, a riverfront winery, and historic sites. The dedicated pathway is buffered from the road, for a safer and more relaxing journey. VirginiaCapitalTrail.org

No bike? No problem! You can rent a bike or an electric bike at either end of the trail.

3. Explore Shenandoah National Park.

Scenic Skyline Drive meanders through Shenandoah National Park. The 105-mile road goes along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountain, providing lofty overlooks for prime fall leaf-peeping. Along with numerous hiking trails and waterfalls, the park offers several spots for dining and lodging, ranger programs, exhibits, special events, birding, and unlimited photo ops. NPS.gov/Shen

Seniors age 62 and above can get an America the Beautiful annual pass to all U.S. national parks for only $20. People with permanent disabilities can get an access pass free. As federal facilities, Shenandoah National Park sites have numerous accessibility features, too.

4. Travel along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The 25-mile parkway boasts 20 diverse park sites, from history to scenery to recreation. Learn of the past at Fort Marcy, part of the Civil War defenses of Washington, and at Clara Barton National Historic Site. Honor our soldiers at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the Navy and Marine Memorial. Take in nature at Turkey Run Park and Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. And go hiking, biking, birding, and picnicking and “ooh” and “ahh” at astonishing views of the Potomac River rapids at Great Falls Park. NPS.gov/GWMP

Three overlooks of the rapids are within a 10-minute walk from the Great Falls visitor center. Overlooks 2 and 3 are wheelchair accessible. The parkway is free, though some sites require National Park Service admission (see Shenandoah National Park below for more details).

5. Drink in the views and more in Nelson County.

Stay and play in scenic and rural yet packed-with-fun Nelson County . You’ll discover recreation, comfy bed-and-breakfast inns, and a plethora of craft beverage tasting rooms. Hike the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a mid-19th century railroad tunnel that stretches for nearly a mile (take a flashlight!). Visit the ornate Swannanoa. Built as a summer retreat in 1912 by Richmond’s James Dooley, the villa has a quirky history and is open to the public on weekends through October. Just across the county line, drink in estate wines and astonishing mountain and valley views at Hazy Mountain. Food and Hazy Mountain beers are available, too.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel trail is crushed gravel with only minor elevation change. From parking lot to tunnel entrance is about a half mile.

6. Soak in the sights from Mill Mountain.

Travel up Mill Mountain and look up to the Roanoke Star, the largest, free-standing, illuminated star in the world. Turn around and take in the view of the valley from the scenic overlook. Wander over to the Discovery Center’s wildflower garden and exhibits or take the grandkids to Mill Mountain Zoo. Then drive back to Roanoke , a vibrant city of classic lodging, culinary gems, and distinctive museums. Don’t miss the Virginia Museum of Transportation, astonishing railroad photography at the O. Winston Link Museum, or the Roanoke Pinball Museum!

This article first appeared in the Virginia print edition of Seniors Guide, alongside recipes, inspiring senior profiles, retirement communities, home care information, and other related products and services. You can get your copy of the magazine here.

Image credits for Fall in Virginia

Fall colors at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Image by @ Nate Cody, provided by the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Rider along the Virginia Capital Trail. Provided by Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

The Potomac River rapids at Great Falls Park along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Image by © Nicholas Moore, provided by Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Roanoke Star. Photo courtesy of © Creative Dog Media, provided by Virginia Tourism Corporation.

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