RICHMOND Va., 2013-05-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — June Great Outdoors Month is a time when America celebrates shared natural resources and benefits that outdoor recreation and active lifestyles provide. From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore to the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty for outdoor lovers to enjoy, making it an ideal place for people looking to unplug, unwind and spend quality time together in the great outdoors.
Virginia’s 22 national parks, including Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls National Park, 35 award-wining Virginia State Parks and dozens of Natural Area Preserves, State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas offer respites for outdoor lovers to escape to this June for Virginia Great Outdoors Month.
“We have it all in Virginia – hiking along the Appalachian Trail, leisurely rides or walks along Virginia’s Rails-to-Trails, long-distance singletrack mountain biking on the new 480-mile Virginia Mountain Bike Trail, and even urban whitewater rafting in Richmond” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We are fortunate that Virginia has plentiful natural resources that have been protected and well preserved for residents and visitors of all skill levels and interests to enjoy.”
Throughout June the Virginia Tourism Corporation will celebrate Virginia’s natural resources with a Virginia Great Outdoors Month promotion featuring an outdoor-themed travel sweepstakes, backpack giveaways, travel packages, deals, itineraries and outdoor events. Highlights of the promotional sweepstakes and giveaways are below with additional sweepstakes info, outdoor travel deals and packages found at www.Virginia.org/GOM.
Virginia Great Outdoors Month Sweepstakes and Backpack Giveaways
A total of 18 prizes will be awarded during Virginia Great Outdoors Month. Three grand prize outdoor getaways will be awarded and outdoor enthusiasts who also love social media will have additional chances to win. Outdoor lovers are encouraged to post to the Virginia is for Lovers Facebook Page, tag their best outdoor inspired Instagram photos and tweet @VisitVirginia with #loveva and #VaOutdoors. Throughout the month 15 lucky people who have shared their favorite Virginia outdoor photos and experiences with Virginia is for Lovers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will be chosen at random to receive Virginia is for Lovers backpacks. The backpacks were created with the outdoor lover in mind and are filled withVirginia is for Lovers merchandise and free entry passes to some of Virginia’s best outdoor attractions. Highlights in the backpacks include:
- One year free entry to all 35 Virginia State Parks.
- One year Virginia Wildlife subscription, wildlife journal, pocket survival book, and more provided by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
- Two free tickets to Luray Caverns.
- Gift certificates from Walkabout Outfitters and The Sole Source.
Grand prize giveaways include:
Experience Outside Magazine’s “Best River Town Ever” – Richmond was named the Best River Town Ever by Outside Magazine in October because it offers an outdoor playground in an urban center. The rapids of the James River flow right through the heart of Virginia’s capital city and singletrack mountain bike trails are also located in the city. The getaway includes:
- Two night weekend stay at the Historic Miller & Rhoads/Hilton Garden Inn and dinner for two at the Garden Grill.
- Real Richmond Food Tour for two.
- Paddle boarding or whitewater rafting activity on the James River.
- Historic Walking Tour
- Attractions Pass to selected Richmond Region attractions and museums.
- Guest passes to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
Blue Ridge Bliss in Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley – Mountain lovers will gravitate toward this getaway far up in the Blue Ridge Mountains with one night in Southwest Virginia at the luxurious Primland Resort, followed by a night at a Virginia natural wonder – The Natural Bridge. The getaway includes:
- One night stay at Primland Resort with choice of two hour ATV ride for two or two 50 shot rounds of sporting clays.
- Two free Bike Rentals on the Virginia Creeper Trail with Creeper Trail Bike Rental and Shuttle.
- Float trip down the James River with Twin River Outfitters.
- One night stay in the historic Natural Bridge Hotel with complimentary breakfast
- Passes to the Natural Bridge and attractions including a guided Caverns tour, a walk through the Cedar Creek Nature Trail to Lace Falls, the Monacan Indian Village, indoor butterfly garden and the wax museum.
Eco-tourism Getaway to Virginia’s Eastern Shore – The Eastern Shore of Virginia offers pristine costal waterways that water loving outdoor enthusiasts will adore. The getaway includes:
- Two nights stay at The Cape Charles House B&B.
- Kayak trip by SouthEast Expeditions.
- Choice of an outdoor adventure by Broadwater Bay EcoTours including seaside clamming, surf and fly fishing, bird watching or crab and clam aquaculture tours.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. Stay connected at www.facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitVirginia.
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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Tubing on the James River at Hattons Ferry.