Category Archives: Chesapeake Bay

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 refugeContinue reading “Wild in the Woods: A Nature Play Space”

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 wasContinue reading “Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve”

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 ofContinue reading “The Urbanna Oyster Festival”

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,Continue reading “Belle Isle State Park”

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 farmersContinue reading “Steamboat Era Museum”

Machicomoco State Park

Virginia is so steeped in history and natural beauty that it boasts some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. I genuinely enjoy exploring all of our state’s must-see attractions, but it is sometimes even more rewarding to visit newer, quieter gems. That is just one of the reasons why I was soContinue reading “Machicomoco State Park”

Westmoreland State Park

After doing so much reading about First Day Hikes, I was pretty psyched to start off the New Year with a family hike in a state park. Since we arrived in Colonial Beach on New Year’s Eve, we decided that our first hike of 2021 would take place 25 minutes away in Westmoreland State Park.Continue reading “Westmoreland State Park”

Colonial Beach: Virginia’s Best-kept Secret

Small getaways have always been a guilty pleasure for my little family. Although we love exploring new places, we usually can’t seem to make it through a year without at least one stop in Colonial Beach. I mean, it’s hard not to plan a visit when you know you’re less than two hours away fromContinue reading “Colonial Beach: Virginia’s Best-kept Secret”