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Ever wondered about the best kept secret add-ons to your weekend trips? We focused in on 9 amazing spaces and places that will bring adventure, beauty and uniqueness to your outing.
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FOSSIL BEACH
Westmoreland State Park DIRECTIONS: MONTROSS, VIRGINIA If this state park could talk it would tell you of hiking trails, boating , a beach, cabins , camping and more! The secret to the park however is Fossil Beach, located at the end of the Big Meadow trail. This excursion requires you to bring a pale, a shovel and a keen eye because its time to dig for prehistoric shark teeth. Many thousands of years ago, relatives to the Great White would roam these parts and the soft clay beds captured their bones and teeth. The trail head is found at the main office parking lot . The trail itself is just over 1 mile via a well worn forest trail. The beach has a very calm break (good for kiddies) and also has a low inlet marsh area (good for wading and playing as well) THINGS TO KNOW: Park Entrance Fee ($7-$10) |
Photo credit: DCR of VirgiNIA
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Belle Island Suspension Bridge
Richmond, VA DIRECTIONS: 316 tredegar street A fun experience for the family with postcard views of the James River and the city of Richmond. This aerial trail takes you across the James River to the 54 acre , Belle Island. Here opportunities abound from bike trails, mountain bike terrain courses, hike trails and the best yet... the dry rocks area. This area of rock hopping amongst the James River will provide bountiful options for finding that perfect picnic spot or photo backdrop. |
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MOO THRU
Remington, VA Directions: 11402 James madison hwy This here is a pit stop to keep handy if headed to Charlottesville or coming up to Washington DC via Route 29 . The Moo Thru is an ice cream lovers dream. It's a step back in time to when ice cream shops and parlors ruled. The Moo Thru offers drive through ice cream service or walk up/sit down seating. You will find many old fashion favorites like shakes, malts, hand-dipped, soft serve and you can even buy a glass bottle of milk. The Moo Thru makes sure to tell you this all comes from real dairy farmers and the taste of their ice cream backs the boasting up. THINGS TO KNOW: It's popular on a weekend night, so expect wait times. Be patient, this goodness is worth it. |
Photo credit moothru.com
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FALLING SPRINGS FALLS
Covington , VA DIRECTIONS: HOT SPRINGS ROAD Hello amazing and unique natural beauty founded by Thomas Jefferson. Falling Springs Falls is an 80 foot waterfall that rushes out of the mountain into a sub tropical area below. The falls overlook area was recently renovated to now include a fence, picnic tables and plenty of warning signs to avoid folks on the rocks. There is a steep rocky trail to the left of the parking lot that leads you down to the bottom where you can enjoy the cold mountain water spray. In addition there are plenty of tidal pools, small caves and areas to explore. THINGS TO KNOW: Ages 10+ , this area is heavily signed with caution. |
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BUCHANON SWINGING BRIDGE
Buchanan, Virginia Directions: 19908 main street If in and around the Lexington, Virginia area, check out this swinging bridge! At one time this bridge was covered and charged tolls, it also had many a past life dating back to the civil war time period. This fun little stop is perfect to stretch the legs and experience a unique time piece rarely seen anymore. Oh and it does swing! |
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WHITE OAK CANYON
Syria , VA DIRECTIONS: CHAD BERRY LANE A go to for summer swim holes. My family and I love being able to park , hike a few and explore small watering holes along the way. What you will find are pools of freshly cold mountain water, small fish swimming about and tons of memories. As you venture up a few miles you will come to the large upper falls. perfect to swim about in the pools but brace yourself, it will be a cold dip regardless of the air temp. This area is super popular on the weekends. THINGS TO KNOW: Ages 7+ , towels and swimsuits needed. |
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NELSON 151 BREW TRAIL
Nellysford, VA Directions: ROCKFISH VALLEY HIGHWAY A fun area to pair hiking and festivities together. This area has some of Virginia's best breweries, cideries and wineries. The area sits nestled in the Shenandoah Valley adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park. What I love is that the breweries also have amazing food! So just picture a big day of hikes finishing with a refreshment, a flintstone size plate of food and bountiful views of the mountains! THINGS TO KNOW: Pair with local hikes : crabtree falls, humpback rock and the blue ridge tunnel |
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DOUTHAT STATE PARK
Millboro, VA Directions: DOUTHAT STATE PARK RD How about a mountain setting for your swim, kayak, camp trip? This well kept secret sits just outside Lexington, Virginia and has its own beach, rentals for kayak and canoe and camp sites for a weekend getaway. Check out nearby natural bridge , VA for other activities. |
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