National parks

Virginia’s national parks are a hidden gem for anyone looking to escape the daily grind, breathe in fresh air, and recharge in nature. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls through scenic forests, conquering mountain peaks, engaging in adventure sports, or simply soaking in breathtaking views, these parks have something to offer. But is it worth your time? Let’s break it down.

Have you ever wanted to visit all of our National Parks, but needed inspiration first? Or perhaps you're in the process of exploring all 63, and need a journal to keep notes? 

Virginia’s national parks are a treasure trove of adventures, both familiar and unexplored. While many visitors stick to well-trodden paths, there’s a whole world beyond the obvious trails, ripe for discovery. 

Life has been a whirlwind of traveling lately! I have just returned from a 16 day trip to Costa Rica with G Adventures and I am still pinching myself over this experience!

A Mighty Fort Stands Proud for More than 500 Years
San Felipe Del Morro Castle, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
 

The United States is home to some of the most captivating camping sites in the world, thanks to its vast expanses of diverse terrain. A multitude of national parks, lakes, beaches, and canyons double up as camp sites welcoming a steady stream of visitors. Those planning a camping holiday in the USA must, of course, make sure they book a spot well in advance to avoid any disappointments, especially if the preferred camping ground has a limited capacity.

When I first heard of the book Escapism: Words + Photos, by Candice Lee, I was excited. Nature plus poetry plus lived experience? YES! Then the book came in the mail, and I opened it and happily dug in. 

This summer, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan helped the National Park Service celebrate its 100th anniversary with the dedication of the pane of 16 National Parks Forever stamps. The first-day-of-issue ceremony took place in New York City at the World Stamp Show-NY 2016– which is the world’s largest stamp show and is only held once a decade in the United States.

In The Best Things in Life are Free: The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Guide, the travel experts at Lonely Planet collected the most priceless experiences they've discovered from over 40 years of on-the-ground research into one essential resource. Packed with money-saving tips, tricks and recommendations, The Best Things in Life are Free features 884 free (or almost free) sights and experiences in 60 major cities around the world from Boston to Bangkok.

Some books come into your life and stay with you. For whatever reason, they strike a chord and fit right in. And while this is rare, it does happen. One book that is forever lodged in my heart is Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America's National Parks, by Mark Woods. It's a personal look at natural spaces, at family and friends, at moving and doing, at being in nature. It's a thoughtful record of exploration and listening and thinking, of love, of essence of place.