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 FairfaxContinue reading “Sweet Run State Park: Virginia’s Newest State Park”
Category Archives: Northern Virginia
Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
Today my girls and I visited Seven Oaks Lavender Farm for the very first time. Northern Virginia’s lavender season technically ended a couple of weeks ago, but there were still items to be picked and fun to be had on the farm, so we decided to make the 45-minute trip from our home in FairfaxContinue reading “Seven Oaks Lavender Farm”
Adventuring With a Big Kid and a Little Kid
I love to travel, but it recently occurred to me that I enjoy the research and planning process almost as much. I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time, but I think it’s so much fun to sift through websites, blogs, and TripAdvisor reviews for different destinations and activities that I hope toContinue reading “Adventuring With a Big Kid and a Little Kid”
Wolf Trap (And Our First TRACK Trails Hike!)
I had big plans for this weekend. For the first time, National Kids to Parks Day was on my radar before it happened, and I was going to take my girls on a day trip to a state park that we had not yet visited. I had selected a park that was celebrating this funContinue reading “Wolf Trap (And Our First TRACK Trails Hike!)”
Everything’s Coming Up Tulips
Spring has officially sprung. Granted, it might be hard to tell based on the temperature fluctuation, but a quick glance around at my neighborhood trees and flower beds confirms the arrival of one of Virginia’s prettiest times of year. I made it pretty clear in my last blog post that hunting for seasonal flowers isContinue reading “Everything’s Coming Up Tulips”
(Blue)Bell of the Ball: Searching for Bluebells in Northern Virginia
I love cherry trees just as much as the next Northern Virginian. Their pink and white blossoms are certainly synonymous with spring in this part of the state. Yet cherry blossoms are just one of many floral hints that winter has finally come to an end. If you happen to glance down instead of up,Continue reading “(Blue)Bell of the Ball: Searching for Bluebells in Northern Virginia”
The Play(ground)’s The Thing
The weather is finally starting to get warmer! While I don’t necessarily mind being out and about in more frigid temperatures, Daughter #2 has made it very clear that she is not a fan of winter. For that reason, watching the thermometer climb has gotten me super excited about returning to some of our favoriteContinue reading “The Play(ground)’s The Thing”
Northern Virginia’s Regional Parks
I consider myself tremendously lucky to live in an area that is so accessible to lush, gorgeous parkland. Northern Virginia is home to national park sites, state parks, and county parks that lend themselves beautifully to family-friendly hiking and exploration. Yet there is another category of park that should not be overlooked: Northern Virginia RegionalContinue reading “Northern Virginia’s Regional Parks”
Mason Neck State Park
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe 2020 is finally over. In spite of the unprecedented circumstances, I’m proud of our little family for getting outdoors as much as possible and finding magical new places to socially distance. As a matter of fact, we are currently on a two-night getaway, which was my Christmas giftContinue reading “Mason Neck State Park”
Manassas National Battlefield Park
It’s hard to believe that we are already three weekdays into Winter Break. On Monday and Tuesday, we did the typical lazy vacation routine: make a gingerbread house (except this year we used Pop-Tarts thanks to this video tutorial!), eat a multitude of cookies, watch Christmas movies, drive around looking at lights, etc. By Wednesday,Continue reading “Manassas National Battlefield Park”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 