Abbott Lake, Virginia, along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Photo: Keith Lanpher/VTC

by Brook Wilkinson

Looking to stay close to home for this summer's eco-friendly vacation? If you're on the east coast, look no further than Virginia. The state's tourism office has recently launched VirginiaGreenTravel.org, a site dedicated to green attractions, hotels, and restaurants around the state. What's nice about this site is that the definition of green isn't limited to the great outdoors--though Virginia has plenty of state parks worth exploring. You can also find ideas for walkable city vacations in Richmond or Roanoke, and sun and sand in Virginia Beach. And if you're headed to the greater Washington, D.C., area, consider staying at either the Morrison House in Alexandria, or the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner in McLean; both Virginia Green properties were named to Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Gold List.

To spot Virginia Green members on the ground, look for the following logo: