Dulles Toll Road (VA 267) drivers may be paying double the current rates in three years if a proposal by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is approved.

MWAA took over operations for the toll road in 2008 as part of the $5.25 billion Dulles Metrorail project, which would extend the Orange Line after East Falls Church into Loudoun. Currently, drivers pay 75 cents at the main plaza and 50 cents at the on- and off-ramps. If the MWAA board of directors approves the proposal, tolls would begin rising incrementally in January 2010 up to $1.50 by 2012 at the main plaza and 75 cents at the ramps.

Public hearings on the proposal are expected to take place later this summer, and the final decision is expected in November, according to MWAA’s Web site.

18 Virginia Rest Areas to Close

Virginia drivers will have to make do with fewer interstate rest stops after July 21, when the state will close almost half of its rest areas to help make up for a $2.6 billion shortfall in the transportation budget.

Among the 18 rest stops to close is the one that includes the I-66 West Manassas Welcome Center, but it will remain open through the summer to accommodate summer travelers. The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-66 Welcome Center on Sept. 16.

Shutting the stops will save the state about $9 million yearly, according to VDOT.

The Dale City rest area in Prince William County is one of 18
Virginia rest stops that will close July 21.

The tour begins at Chrysalis Vineyards, where the dedication to Virginia’s native grape, the Norton, is evident in what is believed to be the largest planting of Norton grapes in the world. That dedication apparently has paid off, with recent accolades including two gold medals at the first National Norton Wine competition in St. Louis in August 2007.

The estate winery also has been recognized recently for its hospitality efforts, as Chrysalis won a Loudoun tourism event of the year award in 2008 for its Annual Hottest Cool Jazz Festival at Chrysalis Vineyards (this year’s takes place May 16-17).

You’ll begin your own Chrysalis experience outdoors, where you’ll be taken through different stations for an hour-long educational experience of your choice: a reserve tasting, includes 12 wines, including most of their reds, or an estate tasting, which includes seven wines.

Among the new wines on the Chrysalis portfolio are the 2008 Mariposa, a dry rosé, and the 2008 Chardonnay, which debuts the weekend of the tour.

Next on the tour is Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, located on Historic Valley View Farm, where the Swedenburg family continues a more than 240-year-old agricultural tradition by raising pure-bred Angus cattle and premium Vinifera grapes.

During the tasting at Swedenburg, guests will be educated on the uniqueness of the estate-grown wines and the variations of flavors across the varieties grown at Swedenburg. New this spring is the 2008 Chantilly, a dry, crisp wine perfect for enjoying on the patio or deck with friends.

And just in time for Mother’s Day, the winery is sponsoring a special artisan jewelry show on April 25th, the day of the tour!

Cost: $35 per person (does not include tasting fees or gratuity)
Lunch option: A catered box lunch from Atlanta Bread Co. is available for purchase for $15.
Tasting Fees:

Swedenburg: Six wines on the tasting menu for $5 per person
Chrysalis: $10 for reserve tastings, $5 for estate tastings

Schedule:

10 a.m. pickup West Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride
10:30 a.m. pickup Dulles Town Center
10:45 a.m. pickup Lansdowne Resort
~ 11:15-11:30 a.m. Arrive at Loudoun Valley Vineyards
~ 1:30 p.m. Arrive at Veramar Vineyards
~ 3-3:15 p.m. Depart Veramar Vineyards

To book this tour or to request more information, please call Reston Limousine at 703-478-0500 Option 1.

First stop is Busch Gardens, where you can see for yourself why this European-themed park has been named the country’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” for the last 18 years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

Busch Gardens combines Old World traditions and modern entertainment on 350 acres that features a brand-new children’s section, the Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Starting this spring, kids can enjoy pint-size thrills on family friendly rides, explore new playgrounds, watch a 4-D Sesame Street movie, and meet Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, and other favorite Sesame Street characters.

If that’s not enough to get you on the bus, here’s a great deal you just can’t pass up: Virginia residents can purchase a Fun Card for the same price as a single-day admission ticket and receive unlimited admission to Busch Gardens through Sept. 7!

Travelers Tip: Save time by ordering your tickets online at www.buschgardens.com.

If your destination is Colonial Williamsburg, then your friendly Reston Limousine driver conveniently will be dropping you off at the Visitor Center. Here, you can purchase an admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg’s exhibits and programs, rent colonial costumes for the kids, rent audio tours, and catch free shuttles to nearby Historic Triangle attractions Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

In Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll experience history in a way you never have before as re-enactors and interpreters bring the past to life in the 301-acre historic district.

First-time visitors should consider the 30-minute orientation walk, which starts at the Gateway Building. You’ll get an overview of the sights, sounds and smells you’ll find in the historic community, from a rousing march with the Fifes and Drums, to the clanging of the blacksmith hammering hot metal into shape, to the brewing of beer as it was made in the 18th century.

To get the full flavor of the revolutionary period, dine in one of the four colonial taverns (King’s Arms Tavern, a self-styled genteel colonial chophouse, was the top choice on Chowhound boards).

Travelers Tip: Get a head start and take a virtual tour online, create a themed itinerary, then purchase tickets at www.history.org.

Cost: $35 per person

Schedule:
Depart 8 a.m. from 1650 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA
Stop at Busch Gardens
Stop at Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center
Depart 5 p.m. from Colonial Williamsburg
Return 8 p.m.

To reserve your spot on this tour or for more information, contact Kacy Norris at 703-478-0500 ext. 508.

* Vehicle type subject to change without notice.