If I’ve learned one thing about visiting America’s National Parks, it’s that each park truly offers something unique. California’s Joshua Tree National Park, home to two different desert ecosystems, the Colorado and the Mojave, is no exception. Our recent California trip to visit family gave us the opportunity to explore the park’s roughly 800,000 acres. So what’s special and what’s there to do in Joshua Tree? Experiences at the park span scenic drives, hiking and rock climbing to stargazing, ranger-guided tours at historic Keys Ranch, and unique flora and fauna. Read on to learn about our favorite Joshua Tree hikes, a two day plan for exploring the park, and tips you’ll want to save if you are planning a visit.
*This post was updated March, 2023
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I don’t know about you, but as the weather turns cooler, I often feel this mad rush to get active outside! Now more than ever people are discovering the simple joy of spending time in nature. One easy way to get outdoors without traveling far from home is to head to your local state park. In Virginia, we are lucky to have 41 diverse parks scattered throughout the state. In the past year and a half alone, we have discovered natural wonders, waterfalls, bald eagles, and hidden places on the water. Plus we love that Virginia State Parks are both super family and dog-friendly, with many easy, accessible trails. Read on to discover 3 Virginia State Parks in particular that we think are worth exploring--Natural Bridge, Shenandoah River, and Mason Neck State Parks. Plus find ideas for other fun things to do near each park. And while you travel around the state keep a lookout for all the unique LOVEWorks, like the one above we found at Natural Bridge State Park.
Head to Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary For a Unique Kayaking Adventure9/3/2021 
Did you know there is a place less than an hour from Washington, DC where you can kayak through history? Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary in Charles County, Maryland gives you the chance to glide among the ‘Ghost Fleet’ — the remains of over 100 wooden steamships built as part of a massive World War I American shipbuilding effort. Even more amazing is the amount of life that this unique ecosystem now supports. Besides an abundance of marine life, common bird sightings include bald eagles, herons, ospreys, and cormorants. Not to mention the sanctuary is home to islands of vegetation woven into the skeletons of the sunken boats. Kayaking here will bring you up close and personal with both a piece of America’s history and the natural world. Here’s what you need to know before you spend the day kayaking and exploring at Mallows Bay in Maryland. May to September is the recommended time for this exciting outdoor adventure in the DC area, but of course it’s all weather dependent.
Have you ever heard of the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia? Don’t let the name fool you, the New River is considered to be the second oldest river in the world. The area was recently redesignated, and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve became America’s 63rd national park. We recently spent a few days exploring this expansive, outdoor area and came away impressed by the scenic views and variety of activities. Like most of our national park visits, there was much to see and do, and not enough hours in the day. Besides the scenic mountains, the area offers multiple levels of hiking and mountain biking trails, white water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and a thrilling opportunity on the New River Gorge Bridge Walk. As a bonus, the park has no entrance fees! Keep reading to find things to do at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, plus a few tips to know before you go.
Have you taken a day trip recently? When life gets busy, sometimes a change of scenery that doesn't require much planning or packing is just what the doctor ordered. Luckily in the DC area, it's easy to plan a quick escape, with many options for day trips from DC just a short drive away. So whether you want to step into the great outdoors, enjoy local food favorites, explore a new museum, or browse in fun shops, here are 5 of the best day trips from the DC area, each with something unique to offer.
Welcome 2021! Like so many, we are yearning to get out and safely explore after staying at home and distancing for months on end. While there are still many travel restrictions in place at this time, it’s never too early to start planning for a future getaway. As a family, we have found that vacationing with tweens and teens opens up opportunities to include more adventurous activities and visit places better suited for older kids. These four adventure activities are sure to add some lasting memories to your next vacation. The first one still makes me smile thinking of the look on my son’s face watching a curious young manatee check us out! Each activity is paired with a vacation destination or can be part of a family road trip. Of course, be sure to review destination and attraction websites for any travel restrictions and updated business hours.
Are you searching for a fun place for outdoor adventure, scenic views, and great food? Then add the mountain town of Roanoke, Virginia to your list. Over the years we’ve driven up and down Interstate 81 at least a dozen times, stopping in Roanoke for an occasional meal or a quick visit to the unique Black Dog Salvage. We recently had the chance to throw our bicycles in the car and spend a few days exploring this outdoor playground in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of just under 100,000, Roanoke has received dozens of accolades over the years like Top Adventure Town and in 2022, included in the Best Mountain Towns in the United States. Once you take in the view from the top of McAfee Knob or one of the many other trails, you’ll understand why. From hiking and biking to a thriving food scene, here’s our suggestions of ways to enjoy Roanoke’s outdoor playground along with a few restaurants we discovered during our recent visit.
*This post was updated August, 2022 
Fall is my favorite time of year, when nature paints a colorful picture in neighborhoods, parks, and forests. When I originally wrote this post in late 2020, many people were eager to take short road trips and day trips for a much-needed change of scenery. If you are like me, there is something soothing about taking a walk or a drive to enjoy the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellow of the season. But where to go to see the colorful fall leaves? Here are 5 ideas for interesting places to see fall foliage, some of which might be closer to home than you think.
*This post was updated August, 2024 
One of the best things about living in the suburbs of Washington, DC is the ability to make repeat visits to the stirring memorials and monuments around the National Mall. If you have ever walked the path at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or read the 24 bronze panels on the World War II Memorial, you can understand how design elements play a powerful role in evoking emotions and sharing history. It is this same sense of reverence that you feel upon approach to the beach tableau that is part of the 88 acre National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The memorial was brought to life based on the vision of D-Day Veteran, John Robert “Bob” Slaughter. Just 19 years old when he stepped foot on the beach as part of the D-Day Allied invasion during World War II, he had the opportunity to return to Normandy several times over the years. In 1989, he began working with other veterans to fulfill his vision of creating a memorial to honor those who did not make it off the beaches June 6, 1944. The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia was officially opened and dedicated by President George W. Bush on June 6, 2001.
*This post was updated June, 2024 
If you have traveled to Virginia, you probably have seen the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan. After living in the state for over 30 years, I’ve discovered many things to love, including mountains, lakes, iconic food, local beer and wine, history, and tons of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The geography in the state varies, with the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountain ranges in the west, and coastal beach areas in the eastern part of the state. In between, lakes and rivers offer water activities, fishing, hiking, camping and other fun outdoor activities. Throw in the close proximity of Northern Virginia to Washington, DC, and it’s a great choice for family fun. I hope that this list of 30 things to do in Virginia gives you a sense of the variety of activities the state has to offer for both visitors and locals. This Virginia bucket list has been broken down into several categories to help with planning. As locals, we think this list includes something for everyone.
*This post was updated August, 2024 |
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