Bristol, VA/TN: One Place, Two States
That 2016 Geico Jeopardy! commercial where the gecko visits Bristol was very effective advertising. From the moment my older daughter saw it, she started asking us to take her there. I can’t say that I blame her – where else can you visit a downtown district whose main thoroughfare also happens to be the state…
Wild in the Woods: A Nature Play Space
Did you know that there are more than 570 national wildlife refuges in the United States? These properties are maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can be found in every state and many U.S territories. We recently had the opportunity to visit the Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Refuge. Though this particular refuge…
Wytheville, Virginia: A “Novel” Visit
For a book nerd like me, it doesn’t get much cooler than visiting a place you’ve read about in a novel. We’ve gotten to do a lot of this since my older daughter and I read Virginia is for Adventurers by Tara Z. Fisher, a fun chapter book whose scavenger hunt plot takes readers on…
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
I have been traveling to the Northern Neck of Virginia at least once per year for the past decade, and there is no question that this quiet, beautiful peninsula is my happy place. Though I have my favorite spots, it is always a pleasure to be enchanted by someplace completely new to us. Such was…
Sweet Run State Park: Virginia’s Newest State Park
On an unseasonably warm December afternoon, my girls and I headed to Sweet Run State Park for the first time. The 42nd and newest park in the system, Sweet Run was just dedicated by the governor a couple of months ago. It is located in Loudoun County’s Hillsboro, Virginia, about 45 minutes from our Fairfax…
The Urbanna Oyster Festival
I love small town festivals. There is nothing more charming than a community that rallies together around a time-honored local celebration. That is why I was so excited to visit the 66th annual Urbanna Oyster Festival last month. Each November, thousands of people come together to experience this two-day weekend event that lauds one of…
Belle Isle State Park
We recently enjoyed the most lovely, peaceful visit to Belle Isle State Park. Located in Lancaster, VA, this 892-acre park just celebrated its 30th birthday. Though it is known for its seven-mile stretch of shoreline along the Rappahannock River, Belle Isle is also flanked by Deep Creek, Mulberry Creek, and several smaller inlets. In addition,…
Steamboat Era Museum
Ah, the Northern Neck. This peaceful peninsula of water-oriented communities is rich in more than just the delicious seafood it’s known for – there is also a deep commitment to preserving the region’s history. We happened upon one such example when we strolled by the Steamboat Era Museum on our way to the Saturday farmers…
Hungry Mother Outdoor Adventures: Zipline Course
My 12-year-old and I have had precious few days of one-on-one time since my toddler joined the family. My husband and I therefore decided that for one day of our Blue Ridge Highlands vacation, she and I would get a full Saturday together while he stayed back with our little one. We began our special…
Powhatan State Park
Today, we had the pleasure of visiting Powhatan State Park for the first time. This 1,565-acre park can be found about 40 minutes northwest of Richmond. Powhatan is home to 12 miles of trails, including options for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other features include picnic shelters, campgrounds, yurt rentals, a playground, three canoe slide…
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Old Dominion for Young Virginians 