National and State Park Experiences in Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway | Credit: NPS

Virginia is home to a rich array of national and state parks, each offering unique natural beauty and historical significance. With their diverse landscapes and rich history, these parks preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region while providing open spaces for recreation.

The Appalachian Trail, for instance, is a renowned 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, providing hikers with an immersive experience of America's wilderness.

History enthusiasts can visit the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia marked the end of the Civil War, posing questions about the nation's future and the realization of emancipation. 

For those interested in maritime history and coastal ecosystems, Assateague Island National Seashore presents a dynamic environment shaped daily by ocean winds and waves, featuring sandy beaches and salt marshes teeming with wildlife.

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Virginia. The park is known for its cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, wildflowers, and quiet woodlands and other habitats.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a different pace, with a slow, relaxing drive revealing stunning vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. 

Moreover, the Booker T. Washington National Monument honors the influential African American educator and leader, inviting visitors to explore his birthplace and learn about his life and philosophies.

The Cape Henry Memorial, part of the Colonial National Historical Park, commemorates the first landing of English colonists in 1607, marking the beginning of a new chapter in American history. 

Virginia's state parks complement these national treasures, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and conservation.

First Landing State Park, located at 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, offers not only a rich historical significance as the first landing place of the Jamestown colonists in 1607 but also provides visitors with over 20 miles of trails and a variety of water activities.

False Cape State Park, accessible only by foot, bicycle, beach transport, or boat, is a serene getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

With over 42 state parks scattered across the state, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, and exploring historical sites.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages state parks in the Commonwealth.

Virginia Farmers Markets

Virginia farmers markets offer fresh produce and other items from early Spring until late Fall. Summer is the busiest season, with fresh fruits and vegetables of every description being available.

A trip to a local farmers market is a great way to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts and more.

Virginia farmers are known for producing high quality fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, other foods.

Virginia farmers have been growing peanuts since the early 1840's. Virginia's peanuts are grown in Southeastern Virginia's sandy soil where the climate is ideal for producing large peanuts. Because of their size, Virginia peanuts have acquired the reputation of being the "Cadillac" of peanuts.

Strawberries are another food produced in Virginia. Each spring, small to mid-sized farms produce abundant crops of fresh, juicy strawberries in April and May.

Tomatoes are a local favorite in Virginia. Most of the crop is grown in summer thru early fall. Small producers and specialty crop farmers produce greenhouse tomatoes nearly all year round.

Virginia is known for its variety of greens. Grown mainly by small specialty farmers, varieties include turnip greens, kale, spinach, collards, and others.

Virginia orchards produce a variety of fresh fruit. Local favorites include peaches, apples, blueberries, and raspberries.

Find Local Food Sources

Tidewater Virginia Farmers Markets

This directory of Tidewater Virginia Farmers Markets lists sources of fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts, and other products.

Local Harvest (localharvest.org)

Visit www.localharvest.org to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.

Organic Consumers Association (www.organicconsumers.org)

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.

USDA - Find a Farmers Market

Use this USDA tool to find farmers markets in any U.S. state.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (vdacs.virginia.gov)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship.

2022 FOR Wild and Scenic Film Festival

10th Annual Friends of the Rappahannock Wild and Scenic Film Festival (Hybrid format)

University of Mary Washington Outdoor Amphitheater
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
April 2nd, 2022
Doors Open at 7pm l Films 8-10pm

After a two-year hiatus, the 10th annual Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) Wild and Scenic Film Festival will be held April 2nd, 2022, at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) Outdoor Amphitheater in Fredricksburg, Virginia.

The event will be presented in a hybrid format so that the Wild & Scenic festival can be enjoyed throughout the entire watershed. Whether enjoying the films virtually or in person, viewers will have access to the online film program for 5 days after the initial showing time.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to enjoy a broad spectrum of environmentally themed films about a wide range of causes and issues from across the globe.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival travels on tour across the country and offers over 100 films to host at the hundreds of events nationwide.

source: riverfriends.org

Shenandoah National Park Fee Free Days 2021

There will be seven fee-free days at Shenandoah National Park in 2021. Six of the days celebrate significant national events and all national parks will waive their entrance fees on those days. The seventh day, Neighbor Appreciation Day, is a special fee-free day for Shenandoah National Park alone.

 Shenandoah National Park fee-free days for 2021 are:

● Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
● Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
● Saturday, June 19 – Neighbor Appreciation Day
● Wednesday, August 4: One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
● Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
● Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day
● Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day

The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping or special tours. Shenandoah National Park’s entrance fee is normally $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per individual providing entry for seven consecutive days.

Shenandoah National Park overlook

With over 200,000 acres of protected lands, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Virginia.

The park is known for its cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, wildflowers, and quiet woodlands and other habitats. 

Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. The mountain is popular with hikers, climbers, and explorers.

Shenandoah National Park is within a two or three hour drive from Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, and other metropolitan areas.

In 1976, Congress designated 79,579 acres of Shenandoah National Park as Wilderness under the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act.

The Shenandoah National Park smartphone app allows users to explore the park with detailed maps, self-guided digital tours, points of interest, and park information.

For more information, visit the Shenandoah National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/

Winter Wildlife Festival 2020

The next Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival will be held January 24-26, 2020. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Winter Wildlife Festival.

Three days of guided outdoor field trips offer the chance to see wintering coastal birds and wildlife, including ducks, seabirds, owls, whales, seals, winter songbirds, and more.

Winter Wildlife Festival weekend includes a free keynote reception with renowned birding consultant, Sharon "Birdchick" Stiteler, as well as wildlife excursions, walk-up workshops, an exhibit hall, and children's activities.

Since 1997, Sharon ‘Birdchick’ Stiteler has traveled the world as a field trip leader, birding consultant, humorous keynote speaker, bird field technician, bird bander and writer.

She is the author of the books “Disapproving Rabbits”; “City Birds/Country Birds” and “1,001 Secrets Every Birder Should Know.” Birdchick is #32 in the Geek A Week Trading Card set and works as a National Park Ranger for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Birdchick is a regular on television and radio broadcasts including “Outdoor News Radio”; “All Things Considered”; and the ”NBC Nightly News” where she answers bird questions.

The Winter Wildlife Festival headquarters is located at the Princess Anne Recreation Center, however activity locations vary. For information on the excursions, workshops and other activities, as well as to register, visit VBgov.com/winterwildlife.

source: City of Virginia Beach