Upcoming major events, exhibits and openings in Virginia:

• 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation (statewide): Virginia will be in the spotlight as the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation begins in 2011, and with good reason. More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, by far, than in any other state. The stories of the people caught up in the cataclysmic event of their time are told at some of America’s best museums and historic sites throughout Virginia. The anniversary commemoration of the battle of First Manassas in July 2011 kicks off a four year event in Virginia.

• Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond): Only the most dedicated Picasso fan knows that the famous artist kept many of his best works for his own collection. After his death, these items became the centerpiece for the Musée National Picasso, Paris. While that facility undergoes renovations the collection goes on a world tour, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of only seven museums worldwide, one of three in the U.S. and the only East Coast museum to host the exhibit. February 19 – May 15, 2011.  Tickets on sale now on www.vmfa.state.va.us and a dozen special travel packages for the Richmond area are featured on www.Virginia.org/picasso.

• 75th Anniversary of Shenandoah National Park: One of America’s great natural treasures celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. Shenandoah National Park and its main artery, Skyline Drive, have been a favorite destination for travelers for generations. The park’s abundant wildlife, stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes are legendary. A variety of lodging and dining help make the experience nearly perfect. Added to that is a full slate of special programming by park rangers including Junior Ranger programs for kids, guided nature hikes, horseback riding, learn-to-camp programs and wildlife watching.

• 75th Anniversary of Virginia State Parks: Virginia’s State Parks began as projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and have since evolved into America’s finest of their kind. From Atlantic seashore to Appalachian mountains, Virginia’s 35 state parks include the best of nature, camping, fishing, boating and hiking – along with some big surprises. Some parks have high-tech conference facilities while others have lodges capable of holding extended family reunions and gatherings. At Virginia State Parks visitors can see bald eagles in the wild, attend a festival, explore a Civil War battlefield, spend the night in a yurt, go tubing on a river, explore an abandoned gold mine, go for a bike ride on 57 miles of an abandoned railroad bed, look for prehistoric sharks’ teeth or go camping with their horse.

• Heartwood – Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway (Abingdon): A stunning new gateway to the vibrant artisan region of Southwest Virginia will open in the summer of 2011 just off I-81 in Abingdon. The central feature of Heartwood will be a striking 29,000-square-foot building that will house artisan galleries, a food court serving locally-supplied organic products, storyboards and regional maps as well as a live music venue.

• Virginia Golf Trail: In Virginia, great golf is complemented by outstanding attractions, unmatched history, wonderful cuisine and excellent lodging. The Virginia Golf Trail, featuring courses across the Commonwealth, is being created to give golfers a total Virginia experience beginning Spring 2011.  This new online booking engine will be a one stop show where golfers can book to play 18 holes in the morning, have lunch at a nearby restaurant, tour a winery or historic attraction in the afternoon, enjoy a memorable dinner and relax in the comfort of a fine hotel.

• Citie of Henricus 400th Anniversary (Chesterfield County): Established in 1611, Henricus was the second successful English settlement in the New World (after Jamestown in 1607). At Henricus Historical Park south of Richmond visitors explore the recreated town and interact with costumed interpreters. Special programs throughout 2011 spotlight the lives of the English Settlers and Virginia Indians of Henricus and the surrounding area.

For more information, packages, deals and getaway ideas, visit Virginia.org