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”
Tag Archives: Parks
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”
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”
Kiptopeke State Park
I am the type of person who likes to stay on top of projects and tasks because I get anxious when I get too far behind. Apparently, I am also the type of person who writes about a summer beach trip the week before Halloween. To be fair, we moved this summer, and moving withContinue reading “Kiptopeke State Park”
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!)”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 