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Media General News Service
Published: June 30, 2008

Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-VA-BEACH, http://www.vbfun.com) lists more than 20 economic stimulus packages at area properties. The Breakaway Package at the Boardwalk Resort and Villas includes two nights’ lodging, tickets to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and the Virginia Zoo, and an Italian dinner. From $399 for four guests. . . . The CVB also offers theme packages, such as whale watching (two nights at the Colonial Inn, whale-watching outing and admission/IMAX at the aquarium from $102 per person). . . . Peruse the Sunny Day Guide online (http://www.sunnydayguide.com/virginia_beach) or in print for free or discounted activities, such as free country or bluegrass music Friday nights at the Farmers Market. You can also download coupons for restaurants, attractions and more.

Charlottesville
Check out free live music during the Fridays After Five concert series, held summer evenings at the Pavilion. Next show is The Chickenhead Blues Band, with Rogan Brothers Band opening. . . . Ride the free trolley between downtown, the Corner and the University of Virginia. Stops include the Virginia Discovery Museum, Scott Stadium and select hotels. . . . Tour three historic homes for less with the Presidents’ Pass, a discounted, combo ticket for Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland and Michie Tavern. From $29. Info: http://www.monticello.org/visit/pres_pass.html.

For a $5 suggested donation, take an hourlong walking tour of Charlottesville with the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society (434-296-1492, http://www.albemarlehistory.org). . . . Get to know President No. 3 with the Thomas Jefferson Family Summer Package. The deal includes one night at the English Inn, tickets to Monticello, Poplar Forest and Amazement Square, and an 18th-century lunch at Michie Tavern. From $140 per person. Book at (800) 786-5400. Info: Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau, (877) 386-1103, http://www.pursuecharlottesville.com.

Shenandoah National Park
Repeat visitors should invest in the Shenandoah Annual Pass (540-999-3500, http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm). The $30 pass is valid for up to two people and admits the pass holders and car passengers at vehicle-fee areas as well as pass holders plus three adults at per-person fee areas. . . . Tag along on a free ranger program, offered spring through fall. Events include an ancient-volcano hike and a talk about bears. . . . Take advantage of lodging specials at park properties (888-896-3833, http://www.visitshenandoah.com/specials/index.cfm). The Mid-Week Escape, for example, includes one night at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, breakfast for two and two tickets to Luray Caverns for $129 . Stay a second night and receive a $30 gas voucher at any Aramark gas station in the park.

Exploring Shenandoah Valley

Williamsburg
The five-day Summer Saver Package costs $600 for a family of four (two kids younger than 18) and includes a room at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, daily breakfast, weeklong historic area admission passes and a $200 resort credit. Info: (800) 447-8679, http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. . . . A number of Williamsburg-area properties are offering fifth-night free promotions. (Average room rate is $89.) In addition, purchase a ticket, including Jamestown or Yorktown, and you can park your car at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and ride the Historic Triangle shuttle buses for free. Info: (800) 211-7165, http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/deals—packages/fuel-your-fun/index.aspx. America’s Historic Triangle Ticket includes admission to five attractions for up to seven consecutive days and parking at all attractions. Cost: $80.25 for adults, $33.25 for children ages 6 to 17. Purchase at http://www.historyisfun.org/Vacation-Packages.htm.