I was going to call this article "Got Flannel?"
Having lived for 11 years in the PacNorthWET I am happy as a clam here in Virginia in the wintertime. As dreary as it may seem to some, most of the time you can still get out and do what you love to do, like hiking, biking, geocaching, scavenger hunts, and picnicking at Virginia State Parks. You are not typically buried under constant drizzle and damp to the bone when you are out and about having fun in the wintertime!
Some of the things we enjoy are not complicated, just little things to get us outside for some fresh air, exercise and away from the constant dust-cycling heaters inside. Having two daughters with January birthdays and our wedding anniversary in January makes Virginia State Parks a no-brainer for this family!
YAHTZEE! (Can you hear the shake, rattle and roll?)
Twist-her and untwist-her
The dog doesn't care if it is snowing!
Family Fun in the off-season
Warm up real quick on a skateboard or bike
Deciphering animal prints in the snow
The above photos were taken last January for our daughters birthday getaway to Claytor Lake State Park. The cabins being fully equipped are open year-round and have central heating and fireplaces, there is plenty of room inside and out for fun!
We awoke to snow, which soon melted and the party went on. The girls went on scavenger hunts, sipped hot cocoa and even made snow cones!
LOCATION:From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). State Park Road ends at the park's entrance.
Drive Time :Northern Virginia, 5 hours; Richmond, 4 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 5 hours; Roanoke, 1 hour.Click herefor a Google map.
CONTACT INFO:Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084; phone, (540) 643-2500; email,claytorlake.Learn more about park offerings by calling1-800-933-PARKor emailresvs.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES:Cabins and camping.For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make areservation, you canClick here for park fees.
A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight stays. Learn more about the cabins and lodges here. The cabin pictured above is cabin 13 and is 3 bedroom 2 bath. The rental fee for this coming January is $96 per night ($83 per night for a 2 bedroom). So divide that by the 6 of us and that is only $16 per person per night. These are great slumber-party cabins. Cook up a grand meal together – no need to eat out, this is family time!