Quilting Across Virginia
Day 1 – Harrisonburg
Arrive in Harrisonburg just in time for lunch. Then head over to the Virginia Quilt Museum.
The Virginia Quilt Museum is a galleried art museum as well as a resource center for the study of quilts as pieces of art and cultural artifacts. As the Official Quilt Museum for the state of Virginia, the museum offers opportunities to view rotating exhibits of both traditional and contemporary quilts. Located in the Warren-Sipe House, the museum offers three floors of exhibit space, a gift shop, and hosts a variety of regularly-scheduled programming.
Head to Dayton to visit Virginia’s largest quilt shop, Patchwork Plus where they LOVE their customers and strive to provide the best in quilt fabric, quilt patterns, quilt notions, sewing machines and quilting machines!
Have dinner in the quaint town of Dayton. The Thomas House is a cafeteria style restaurant serving comfort food. Be sure and save room for dessert!
Spend the night in Harrisonburg.
Day 2 – Staunton
In the morning head to the Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley. Hit the pavement with a guided walking tour (motorcoach tours also available) of Staunton’s four historic districts which includes an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Along the way, visit some of these local textile artists at work in their studios:
Appalachian Piecework – blending contemporary designs with traditional techniques this working textile studio features beautifully handmade quilts, baskets, rugs, scarves and other handwoven goods.
Artful Gifts – fiber artists create master works that you can wear. Using raw fibers of wool and silk, combined with accent pieces of other natural materials, artists create fun and functional wearable art. Watch a demo or partake in a hands-on workshop.
Sunspots Studios – the magic of glassblowing comes alive at Sunspots Studios. Stop in for a free glassblowing demonstration. Be sure to browse their retail gallery of art glass.
For lovers of stained glass, Trinity Episcopal Church is a must see! Peruse their collection of magnificent stained-glass windows, 12 of which were created by Tiffany Studios.
Enjoy a lunch on your own at one of our many cozy cafés or coffee shops sprinkled throughout downtown. After lunch head over to the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse and take a tour of the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. There you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look as you go on, behind and under the stage. Photography—including selfies–are encouraged!
Head back to your hotel and freshen up for a night out. Enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants in downtown Staunton. Visit Emilio’s for its authentic Italian taste; Aioli’s for its Mediterranean fare; Mill Street Grill for their barbecue ribs; or The Depot for American inspired dishes. Then it’s off to the Blackfriars Playhouse for an award-winning performance.
Spend the night in Staunton.
Day 3 – Virginia Beach
Head to Virginia Beach for Quilting Week. (Virginia Beach Quilt Week: October 3-6, 2018, September 29-October 5, 2019 and September 27-October 3, 2020)
Following an afternoon arrival at your oceanfront hotel, meet your local guide and embark on a Welcome to Virginia Beach riding tour. Get to know the coastal city and see the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse and the spot where the English colonists first landed in 1607. That evening, experience fresh local cuisine at Rockafeller’s, one of Virginia Beach’s landmark restaurants.
Day 4 – Virginia Beach
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then it’s off to spend the day at the Virginia Beach Quilt Show! Peruse the quilt exhibits, attend a workshop, browse the vendor hall or take part in the learning center. Take your time to soak in the quilting magic! That evening, it’s off to dinner at Waterman’s, offering seafood and American specialties in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Day 5 – Virginia Beach
After breakfast at the hotel, depart with your guide for a morning on the water. Keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins and playful sea mammals during your Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise. Lunch will be from Taste, a favorite local sandwich shop. Then, show your creativity at the Mermaid Factory by painting your own mermaid, a local iconic mascot. Next, journey to the Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest surviving brick homes in the country, to view the 18th century architecture and furnishings. Then travel back to 1812 for tea and refreshments with Mrs. Land at the Francis Land House. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight and free time to shop at Town Center, a beautiful pedestrian-friendly shopping center. Your guide will recommend some of the best restaurants and shopping destinations. Then enjoy a chocolate and wine tasting at The Royal Chocolate.
Day 6 – Virginia Beach
Following breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning in quilter’s paradise at the Quilt Show. Spend time exploring the displays and exhibits. Then, depart with your guide for an afternoon at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Ride a trackless tram to explore 155-acres of rare flowers, mature forests and one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, and roses on the East Coast. Next, embark on a Norfolk Riding Tour to learn about this historic seaport’s rich 335-year history. Visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, named one of the top 20 museums in the country. Dinner tonight will be at Freemason Abbey, a pub-style restaurant located in a restored church.
Day 7 – Virginia Beach
Depart for home with fond memories of the quilt show and your time in Coastal Virginia.