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”

The Virginia Creeper Trail: A Beginner’s Guide

I am not a cyclist. I repeat: I. Am. Not A. Cyclist. The last time I was even on a bicycle was during the early days of the pandemic, when I thought I would become a bike person the way some people started baking all of their bread from scratch. It didn’t stick (me andContinue reading “The Virginia Creeper Trail: A Beginner’s Guide”

Soho Xcursions Aquapark

My 12-year-old and I recently had a full day of one-on-one time during our family vacation to the Blue Ridge Highlands. After a morning of ziplining and an afternoon in Wytheville (blog posts coming soon!), she asked if we could find a place to swim, so off we went to South Holston Lake. South HolstonContinue reading “Soho Xcursions Aquapark”

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”

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”

Yorktown, Virginia: Kid-friendly Historical Fun

We recently spent a weekend exploring Yorktown, Virginia with some family friends. While I had been to Williamsburg and Jamestown before, this was my first time visiting the third point in Virginia’s Historic Triangle. I quickly discovered that Yorktown has the perfect blend of history, scenery, and kid-friendly activities for our little family. Continue readingContinue reading “Yorktown, Virginia: Kid-friendly Historical Fun”

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”

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”

Family Fun in and Around Cape Charles

I remember when summer road trips could be spontaneous. There were definitely times when my husband and I decided on a Wednesday that we were going to go away for the upcoming weekend, so we’d book a place to stay and then, well, we’d go. Nowadays, it seems like even small, local places book upContinue reading “Family Fun in and Around Cape Charles”