Spielberg’s biopic LINCOLN is the subject of a new trail that connects film sites, restaurants and shops in Richmond and Petersburg
RICHMOND, Va. – 2012-11-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The worlds of movie magic and travel are set to come together in Virginia with the launch of The LINCOLN Movie Trail. LINCOLN, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, opens November 16 nationwide. The movie was filmed 100 percent in Virginia at sites in Richmond and Petersburg. The state tourism office has created a self-guided trail and interactive Web site to help movie and history buffs visit actual film locations that are open for visitors as well as restaurants, bars and shops that were favorites of the stars. The trail experience includes special LINCOLN tours by Segway and guided walking tours.
Notable film locations that are open for visitors include the Virginia State Capitol, historic downtown Petersburg and the Empire Theater. Each participating trail site is marked with an iconic “LINCOLN was Here” graphic, with more information online about each site’s connection to the movie. An interactive trail map as well as LINCOLN travel packages, special offers and unique guided tours are on www.Virginia.org/LINCOLN.
“The anticipation for LINCOLN has been building for years. We’re excited it’s finally here as Virginia has a starring role in the film,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The trail launch is timed with the movie’s release so fans can come walk in the footsteps of Spielberg’s LINCOLN in Virginia and see where they made the movie and enjoy the same restaurants and businesses that were favorites of the stars.”
The LINCOLN Movie Trail is self-guided. Visitors can go to www.Virginia.org/LINCOLN and use an interactive map to plan a visit to film sites which are open for visitors and include the Virginia State Capitol, Maymont, the Virginia Executive Mansion, historic downtown Petersburg, the Empire Theater and other sites in Richmond and Petersburg. The cast and crew spent months filming LINCOLN in Virginia and reportedly had several restaurants and shops that were favorites which are now part of the trail, including Arcadia, Brickhouse Run and Bistro Bobette. Each business included on the trail completed an online application form and stated which stars visited.
“Steven Spielberg’s LINCOLN affords us tremendous opportunities to showcase the Richmond Region in a unique way. Tours being offered by our partners will allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of Lincoln and Spielberg via Segway, trolley or on foot. Restaurants, hotels and businesses are offering Lincoln-themed packages, special deals, and even special menu items,” said Jack Berry, President and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We invite visitors to
come explore the Richmond Region’s rich history and modern-day cosmopolitan energy that made it Spielberg’s destination of choice for the filming of LINCOLN.”
“The filming in Petersburg of Spielberg’s “LINCOLN” provided an economic boost and excitement for our city,” said Brian Moore, Mayor of the City of Petersburg. “Petersburg is ready for the many visitors who will want to see the historic locations that Spielberg chose for his film, while also shopping and dining in the same places as did Spielberg, the actors and his crew. Visitors will also have the opportunity to “Walk In Lincoln’s Final Footsteps” throughout the Petersburg region, and learn why Lincoln was here for the last two of the three weeks of his life. Petersburg now has a great blend of history and Hollywood.”
Online visitors can also learn about historic sites in Virginia where President Lincoln himself visited during the Civil War. The online trip planner will help build a personalized itinerary complete with museums, restaurants and lodging options.
Visit www.Virginia.org/LINCOLN to learn more about The LINCOLN Movie trail and enter to win a four-day, three-night vacation sweepstakes to Virginia to tour the sites, stay at The Jefferson Hotel and dine at the same restaurants as the LINCOLN stars.
Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2011 tourism generated $20.4 billion in revenue, supported 207,000 jobs and provided $1.32 billion in state and local taxes.
The 2011 total economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia was $394.4 million, a 14.5 percent increase over 2010. In addition, 3,817 jobs were attributed to the film industry in 2011, up from 2,651 jobs in 2010.
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Virginia Launches The LINCOLN Movie Trail