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”
Tag Archives: Virginia
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”
Buchanan and Covington and Lexington, oh my!
Have you ever wished you could jump into the pages of the book you were reading? As a life-long bookworm, I have definitely felt this way. I don’t know if it’s the teacher, the theater nerd, or the bibliophile in me, but when a book comes along that can easily be brought to life, I’mContinue reading “Buchanan and Covington and Lexington, oh my!”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 