Book excerpt: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beach, in this book travelers and their dogs will find hotels and inns that offer canine-inspired Southern hospitality as well as a wide array of things to do with your best canine pal. Virginia truly is for dog lovers. For over 40 years Virginia’s tourism slogan has been “Virginia is for lovers,” but both resident pooches and visiting Fidos know that it really should be “Virginia is for dog lovers”! Whether they’re relaxing on the river, checking out the crabs on Chesapeake Bay, or hiking through the beautiful state and national parks, four-legged visitors are welcomed warmly. After all, Virginia is one of only a handful of states that has an official dog breed, the American Foxhound, a direct descendant of the hounds that George Washington bred to indulge his passion for foxhunting. Virginia’s historic love affair with canines continues today, with more than 1,000 pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, attractions, and events that you and your best furry friend (BFF) can explore together. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beach, visitors traveling with their BFFs will find fine hotels and inns that offer canine-inspired Southern hospitality, verdant vineyards that beg for a long stroll, battlefields, beaches, and an array of dining and entertainment options that you can enjoy with your best friend. Virginia truly is for dog lovers!