With gas prices being so high, many U.S. travelers are choosing to travel closer to home, or visit areas in the U.S. instead of heading overseas.

Always on the lookout for deals for our wanderingeducators.com members, I found a fantastic deal at the Jefferson Hotel, in Richmond, Virginia.

Founded in 1607, Richmond was named after the Thames River in Richmond, England. Richmond became the capitol of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1780, replacing Williamsburg. Thomas Jefferson designed the State Capitol building. Full of rich history, Richmond is also looking forward to the future - a new Riverfront Canal Walk allows people to wander along 1.25 miles of the James River.

Other sights to see in Richmond include the Shockoe Slip, a Farmer's Market, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, the Valentine Museum (a historical museum), art, theme parks, whitewater rafting on the James River, 9 theater venues, 4 dance companies, and the Virginia Opera, golf, shopping, music...the list goes on and on! For more information on Richmond, VA, please see:
http://www.visit.richmond.com/
http://www.virginia.org/
http://www.richmond.com/

On the verge of just picking up and heading to Richmond myself (after reading all about the area), I contacted the historic Jefferson Hotel, and found out that they had a great deal going on this summer for travelers! I talked with Jennifer Crisp, Marketing Coordinator at the Jefferson Hotel- here's what she had to say...

WE: Tell us a little bit about the Jefferson Hotel...

JH: Since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel has been recognized by discerning travelers as Richmond's grandest hotel and one of the finest in America. Known for its genuinely friendly service, luxurious guestrooms, breathtaking architecture and elegant décor, The Jefferson Hotel is reminiscent of a more gracious era.

Guests of The Jefferson enjoy a variety of amenities and services, unmatched by any other luxury Richmond hotel, with two award-winning restaurants, 24-hour room service, a complimentary on-site health facility including an indoor swimming pool, and complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and local telephone calls.

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, The Jefferson Hotel is just blocks from the state capital, historic Shockoe Slip, the Richmond Convention Center and Richmond’s financial district. All of Richmond’s most popular shopping, entertainment venues, museums and restaurants can be reached using the hotel’s complimentary transportation.

WE: Do you have any specials going on right now?

JH: HALFWAY TO YOUR HOLIDAY
Since the advent of the automobile, Richmond has proved a popular stopover for those traveling up and down the East Coast. Less than five minutes from the north-to-south thoroughfare of I-95, The Jefferson is offering a special one-night rate including complimentary self parking. (Taxes not included.)

Superior Accommodations: $195*
Deluxe Accommodations: $215*

* Offer is not valid on consecutive days, but does extend through September 3, allowing you to stop in Richmond on both legs of your journey.

We have a variety of other packages that you may find useful at http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/packages.aspx

WE: I see you have two restaurants - can you please tell us a little bit
about each?

JH: Lemaire Restaurant

Our fine dining restaurant is named for Etienne Lemaire, who served as Maitre d'Hotel to Thomas Jefferson from 1794 through the end of his presidency. Jefferson was known for his appreciation of fine wines and Lemaire is widely credited for introducing the fine art of cooking with wines to America.

Jefferson was also known for his fondness of meals prepared with light sauces, garden-fresh herbs and creative uses for the region's abundant variety of ingredients. That spirit has inspired this menu. Lemaire features only fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs. Our chef prepares our lighter sauces, smoked items, breads and desserts daily. The restaurant menu features updated regional Southern cooking to which the chefs add their own European classical and American contemporary influences.

TJ's Restaurant

TJ's Restaurant offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for business lunches, pre-theater dinners, family celebrations, a romantic rendezvous, or a relaxing mid-week dinner. Our menu features healthful American cuisine with regional specialties like peanut soup and oyster chowder. We are committed to featuring local organic produce, naturally raised meats and sustainably harvested seafood wherever possible.

Central to our dining room is the mahogany wine cabinet that showcases some of the 100 selections we offer by the bottle in addition to our 30 by the glass selections. Our wine list consists of a mix of old and new world wines in a wide range of styles, vintage and non-vintage ports, sherries, and dessert wines.

Our inviting lounge offers a casual atmosphere suitable for sampling our selection of distinguished single malt scotches or single barrel bourbons, while watching the game on our distinctly placed plasma screen television.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

JH: Guests of The Jefferson also enjoy a full compliment of luxurious services and amenities, many of which are complimentary! All guests receive complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, local telephone calls, use of our 3,4000 square foot fitness facility and atrium indoor pool and complimentary area transportation.

Guests also can enjoy a variety of luxurious services at The Salon at The Jefferson while massage services are available in our fitness facility.

WE: Thanks so much, Jennifer! I appreciate your time in letting us know about the Jefferson Hotel and the Halfway to your Holiday Special.

For more information, please see: http://www.jeffersonhotel.com

All photos provided by The Jefferson Hotel.