Virginia Hunt Country Tour
- When
- Where
- Virginia Hunt Country, Washington, VA
- Event type
- driving_tour
The GWS-MBCA Virginia Hunt Country Fall Driving Tour is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. This two-day driving tour will explore Virginia's Piedmont counties, offering lodging and dining options, along with opportunities for hot air balloon experiences. On Saturday, September 19, the tour begins at 10:30 a.m. with coffee and pastries at Hidden Jules Cafe, located at 14950 Washington St, Haymarket, VA, 20169. Departure for Washington, Virginia is at 11:30 a.m., arriving at 12:15 p.m. for a leg stretch. Lunch will be at the Blue Rock Inn, 12567 Lee Hwy, Washington, VA 22747, departing Little Washington at 1:00 p.m. to arrive at 1:30 p.m. After lunch, at 3:30 p.m., participants will head to Culpeper, Virginia, for hotel check-in. Those interested in the evening Balloon Festival will travel to Bealeton, Virginia. Tethered balloon rides are available for $30 per adult and $20 per child aged 11 and under, with children 2 and under free. These rides are cash only and paid at the balloon on a first come, first served basis. Free-flight balloon rides are available for $300 per person. Dinner options in Culpeper include Ferlazzo 1938 (Italian), It's About Thyme (European), PINTO Thai Culpeper Restaurant & Bar (Thai), and Zandras Taqueria, Culpeper (Mexican). Reservations may not be accepted for large parties, so groups may need to split for dinner. Lodging options in Culpeper include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper by IHG (approx. $157), Hampton Inn & Suites Culpeper (approx. $229), Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Culpeper (approx. $115), and Baymont by Wyndham Culpeper (approx. $113). Sunday, September 20, begins with hotel check-out at 11:00 a.m., followed by travel to Bealeton, Virginia, for the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Air Show, and Wings & Wheels Car Show. Early risers can attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Registration for the Wings & Wheels portion of the air show is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for military members with valid ID, $10 for children aged 5-12, and free for children under 5. The Air Show runs from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with travel home scheduled for 4:30 p.m. after the show.