Christi Braginton, director, global markets, Virginia Tourism Corporation told TTG: “When Brits think about the US Declaration of Independence, they tend to think Philadelphia with the Liberty Bell and Massachusetts with the Boston Tea Party. But so many of the moments that made America what it is today happened in Virginia. Here in our state, you can walk in the footsteps of the decision makers, the founding fathers.”
This summer's 250th celebration of American Independence is a profile-raising opportunity for Virginia's historic attractions, which include St John's Church in Richmond, where founding father Patrick Henry delivered his landmark speech: “Give me liberty or give me death.” Also Mount Vernon, the former home of America's first president George Washington and the Yorktown Battlefield National Park, last major battle site of the Revolutionary War.
However, Braginton, together with Carla Murray, director of marketing communications for Richmond Region Tourism, acknowledged the US co-hosting of the Fifa World Cup this summer was a double-edged sword for the historic region.
“It will be easy to get lost in the noise,” admitted Braginton, “but this is also our chance to make people aware that we always have this product here, and our immersive history is a quintessential US experience.”
The geographical positioning of Virginia midway between Fifa host cities Boston and Miami is a particularly convenient placing for Scotland supporters. Given it’s possible to take the train all the way from New Jersey to Florida, Braginton pitched rail as a way to save money on the cost of flying between host cities, while adding to the travelling experience.
“The price point is a huge reason to take the train,” she said. “At present Amtrak has no agent portal with trade discounts, and we are pushing for that. But it’s easy to book online and another benefit is that the stations tend to be centrally located.”
She also described the state in general as offering better value for travellers than other regions of the US.
Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the world © iStock Thomas Faull
“Take Fourth of July,” she said. “New York will be way more expensive and overcrowded, and we will be putting on a hallmark firework event in [historic district] Colonial Williamsburg.”
Another way that Brits can enjoy an unforgettable event, in a more budget-friendly way, she said was visiting Norfolk, Virginia for the Sail250 celebration from June 19-24. Other ports taking part in the maritime celebration for the 250th anniversary will be New Orleans, Baltimore, New York City and Boston.
In Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, a video art projection celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is planned from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28 June. Set against the historic façade of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the free experience will blend illuminations, music and storytelling, and be preceded by a family-friendly block party filling the museum campus.
