Pete’s Pick: Plan the Perfect Vacation at a State Park

When does vacation season start? It’s never too early to start planning the perfect getaway.

This year, consider a state park. And if you go early in the season, you might even have the whole place to yourself. A state park stay can be a perfect time to reconnect with family and leave hectic schedules behind. You can get back to nature without a lot of travel, making this the perfect short getaway.

There are two great options right here in our region:

• Douthat State Park: Book a stay in the Civilian Conservation Corps cabins and be sure to hike Tuscarora Trail. The park was named one of the nation’s best parks by Outside Family Vacation Guide, has been called the “Disneyland of mountain biking,” and is one of the original six state parks in Virginia. It also includes a swimming beach and boat, kayak, and canoe rentals.
• Fairy Stone State Park: Book a stay in the Civilian Conservation Corps cabins and be on the lookout for “fairy stones” (above) throughout the park. Fairy Stone is the largest of Virginia’s original state parks at 4,741 acres and includes more than 9 miles of multi-use trails and the 168-acre Philpott Lake. It’s also minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Make it a great weekend … outside!

— Pete