Fall has arrived so why not come out to Douthat State Park to kick-off the season at Apple Day: A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the beach complex.
The hay rides are always a big hit
I love fall, it is my favorite season. The crisp cool air, the smells, getting out fall decorations, and visiting craft fairs. And Apple Day happens to be one of my favorite traditions to go to.
Spend a fun-filled weekend in the park with apple butter making, traditional Appalachian artisan and craft demonstrations, great food, including a pig roast, and much more.
Have the kids identify some animal pelts or try your hand at it
There is always old-fashioned apple butter making at the park. I Love putting apple butter on my biscuits and my four-year-old daughter has learned to ask for it any time I serve bread.
This begins at 8 a.m. with the Simmons Family. They will spend the day cooking up some delicious homemade apple butter.
Demonstrations and the arts and crafts fair begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. Visit with traditional artisans and crafters including: apple farming, basket weaving, blacksmithing, soap making, quilting, and knitting.
Blacksmithing is always popular
Pick up something for the house
Or shop for Christmas (my four year old would love an apron!)
When I get out my fall decorations I realize there are simply decorations that I am missing and going to arts and crafts fairs are a must to fill my void, come to Douthat's.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music and clogging or pick out a pumpkin and carve it for Halloween.
Take a pumpkin home with you
I'm not much in to getting my hands messy so I'll probably buy a pumpkin and take it home to carve later. There will also be hands-on demonstrations: corn husk doll making, butter churning, frontier games, and more.
Delicious apple treats will be cooking over an open flame at the Campfire Cookery program. A small serving is $1 and a large serving in a souvenir mug is $5.
Enjoy some Brunswick Stew
Douthat State Park will be providing concessions all day Saturday. Souvenirs and fun food will be available to purchase including a pig roast dinner, Brunswick Stew, “roast your own” hot dogs, and more. My four year old will get a kick roasting her own hot dog this year.
For general park information visit the Virginia State Parks website, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or e-mail Douthat State Park. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Va. 24460.
For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or click here.