Virginia Blooms with April Events

Virginia's April events celebrate the outdoors, blooming flowers and patriotism. Whether you're planning to travel or are local, enjoy Virginia's Southern hospitality, local charm and historical significance during these April events.

Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon, Chesapeake
April 14, 2007; 8:00 a.m.
Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and runners won't want to miss the inaugural Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile course has been sanctioned by USA Track & Field and will be run at Chesapeake's newly-opened Dismal Swamp Trail. It traverses through Virginia's wetlands and the historic Underground Railroad. The Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon is limited to 2,500 runners and prizes totaling $10,000 are up for grabs. All runners who complete in the half marathon receive goodies, such as a sweatshirt and a commemorative medal.

Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon
Location: Dismal Swamp Trail, off Route 17
Entry fee: $50 by April 6, 2007
www.dismalswampstomp.com

Norfolk's International Azalea Festival
April 15 - 21, 2007
Visit Norfolk to smell the azaleas during the International Azalea Festival. According to the festival's Web site (www.azaleafestival.org), the event's purpose is to "celebrate the NATO Command" in the city. This year's International Azalea Festival will celebrate the United Kingdom. Throughout the week, the U.K.'s culture will be celebrated and an array of activities ranging from the Queen Azalea's Welcome Reception to NATOFest, where event-goers can visit 26 countries in a day.

Norfolk's International Azalea Festival
Location: Throughout Norfolk
www.azaleafestival.org

Virginia International Tattoo, Norfolk
April 20 - 22, 2007
Dubbed as "one Tattoo you'll never regret," travel to Norfolk to experience the Virginia International Tattoo. This Tattoo is the largest within the U.S. and is celebrated with NATO and Norfolk's International Azalea Festival. The Virginia International Tattoo is a celebration of patriotic military precision. More than 800 performers come together as drill teams, bands, drummers, bagpipe players and buglers.

Virginia International Tattoo
Location: Scope Arena
Tickets: $20, 30, $40, $45
www.virginiaartsfest.com

The 7th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival, Waynesboro
April 21 - 22, 2007
Yes, you read correctly, a festival devoted to fly fishing and wine. All in one weekend, learn to tie a fly and pair a wine with your catch. Clinics are offered to all skill levels of fly fishermen (and fisherwomen) and local wineries offer wine tastings. Fine cuisine and toe-tapping music round out the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. The event is on the banks of the trout-filled South River. While half of the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival's net profits are used to promote the next year's event, the other half goes into repairing the South River.

7th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival
Location: Banks of the South River
Admission: $10, children under 16 free with an adult
www.vaflyfishingfestival.org

Historic Garden Week in Virginia
April 21 - 28, 2007
Across the state, the Garden Club of Virginia annually coordinates "America's Largest Open House," to showcase the Virginia's historic landmarks, private homes and gardens. During Historic Garden Week in Virginia, tours are offered through the more than 250 participating sites and will appeal to horticulture lovers and architectural dreamers. The Jamestown settlement is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year and at least one of the Historic Garden Week tours will celebrate the anniversary.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia
Location: Throughout the State of Virginia
Tickets: $10 - $34
www.vagardenweek.org

For more information about April events or to plan your visit to Virginia: www.virginia.org.