🍸 You had me at martini trail.


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Hi Reader,

I just got back from a travel creators conference in Virginia, and besides getting to see so many online friends IRL, one of my favorite parts was exploring a few places I'd never been before.

I got to spend an afternoon at Jolene Family Winery in New Kent, just outside of Richmond.

It’s a family-run winery right on a small lake with a huge patio and adorable glamping tents you can rent.

If you're a fan of dry wines, I loved their Family White, a Chardonnay-based blend. And the Vidal Blanc was excellent too. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.

After the conference, Visit SoSi invited me to spend a weekend exploring Danville and Pittsylvania County.

I'll admit, I didn't know much about the area before I arrived. By the end of the weekend, though, I was wondering why more people don't have it on their radar.

I loved how many of the city's old warehouses and historic buildings have been converted into restaurants, hotels, and gathering spaces. It made every stop feel like it had a story.

A few of my favorites:
🍸 The Lady Astor Martini Trail inspired by one of Danville's most famous residents
🍷 Self-pour wines at Crema & Vine (inside a converted gas station!)
🦀 Some of the best crab cakes I've had at The Schoolfield Restaurant
🚶‍♀️ A gorgeous riverfront park and miles of walking trails
🏛️ Beautiful Gilded Age mansions in the Old West End

Whether you're planning a Virginia road trip or just looking for somewhere new to explore, Danville is worth checking out.

​See the full guide for all my recommended stops, plus tips for planning your weekend getaway.

Cheers,

Laura

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Stays I'm Loving

​This hotel in a former newspaper office

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Activities I'm Into

​A walkable "safari" in the River District

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Travel Tools I'm Using

​This guide to Danville's Old West End

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

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P.O. Box 44, Pinehurst, MA 01866
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Wine Travelista

Hi! I'm Laura, your go-to source for all things wine and wanderlust. Whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you experience the same joy and education that wine country travel has brought me. From wine travel basics to wine region guides to done-for-you itineraries, I make planning a wine tasting trip simple…and fun!

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