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”
Tag Archives: Hiking
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”
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 FairfaxContinue reading “Sweet Run State Park: Virginia’s Newest State Park”
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”
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 slideContinue reading “Powhatan State Park”
National Public Lands Day
For most Americans, Labor Day is the go-to day in September to spend time outside with friends and family. However, there is another September day dedicated to embracing nature with wonder and purpose: National Public Lands Day. Every year since 1994, the country has celebrated National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday of September.Continue reading “National Public Lands Day”
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park is one of those elusive, bucket list destinations that I had been longing to visit for ages. This 4,502-acre park is nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, adjacent to Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak. Its elevation varies from 3,698 feet to 5,089 feet above sea level, which I believe makesContinue reading “Grayson Highlands State Park”
Hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel: What to Know When You’ve Got a Toddler in Tow
Though Virginia is home to quite a few rail trails, only one features a giant, explorable tunnel cut through a mountain. That honor belongs to the Blue Ridge Tunnel in Nelson County. The tunnel was constructed in the 19th century for train traffic, which was its primary purpose until the mid-20th century. It was donatedContinue reading “Hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel: What to Know When You’ve Got a Toddler in Tow”
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”
Pocahontas State Park
It’s amazing how quickly time passes. It recently occurred to me that I had never written about my extended family’s visit to Pocahontas State Park. When I sat down to sort through photos for this post, I discovered they were taken nearly TEN MONTHS AGO. It feels like only weeks have gone by. In anyContinue reading “Pocahontas State Park”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 