Having lived in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia) area and visited this area to see family over the years, I have visited numerous wineries, restaurants, and hiking trails throughout Virginia. I am just now realizing how big the state of Virginia really is. Below are the parks and wineries I have visited so far. This is an active list as I continue to venture out this list will continue to grow. Be sure to come back for more recommendations. Leave a comment if you know of any other great trails to visit in the Virginia area.
Wineries
1. Bluemont vineyard
Sitting on top of the Bluemont Ridge mountains, Bluemont Vineyard is one of the few vineyards I’ve visited thus far with the most amazing views. I held my birthday there with a group of girlfriends. Yes, it was during COVID-19 quarantine, but the restaurant did a great job social distancing all parties that were sitting outside.
All year round the vineyard hosts various events. You can enjoy the holiday lights in the winter and the beer garden setting with food trucks is available in the summer.
Update: In the spring, they have live music almost every Saturday.
On the second part of an excursion, I visited this winery after walking about four miles on the Appalachian trails. There’s nothing like wine quenching your thirst after a long hike in the woods. If you plan to hike first, then enjoy wine at Twin Oaks Tavern, I suggest you bring a change of clothes, an extra pair of shoes, and body wipes.
Twin Oaks Tavern also has great views of their vineyard from the patio top. On some days they have live music being played while you enjoy your wine.
Reservations
Outdoor setting is limited; it is first come first serve. They do have indoor seating you do need to call ahead and reserve.
We hosted our Hike & Wine Excursion here at Veramar. I met one of the owners, Della Bogaty during the event. She was very kind and accommodating to our group. The scenery from the patio from where we held the event was very beautiful. The vineyard is less than five miles from the Appalachian trails. Very similar to Bluemont Vineyard, Veramar hosts their own events at their location for the whole family all year around.
Hiking Trails
For all the trails I mention below, I won’t name the difficulty of the trail because everyone’s skill level is different. Check for more information about the trail on Alltrails.com by clicking the link on the title.
Appalachian Trails
The Appalachian trail stretches from Maine to Georgia. Below are a few trails in the region of Bluemont, VA.
This trail has 2 different entrances that heads southwest from Route 7. Within the park is a camp group and a lounge for hikers to stay the night. The highlight of this trail is Bear’s Den Overlook.
On the opposite side of Route 7 from Bear’s Den Park is this trail that heads north.
Shenandoah is filled with over 500 hiking trails. The park has a wide variety of trails that offer hiking experiences for all levels. The park's website makes it easy to pre-plan which trail best suites you depending on your skill level, how long you would like to hike, and when to hike the trails.
Northern Virginia
Since living in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) for the past 2 years, many parks that are filled with hiking trails, bike paths, and some have marina to rent boats for water sports. Here is a growing list of parks and trails I have visited thus far that I recommend you visit.
Potomac River Area Trails
There are tons of beautiful trails along the Potomac River on both the Virginia and Maryland side.
Great Falls National Park: This park is known for it is mini waterfall on the upper side of the Potomac River. There are many different avenues of trails you can take within the park, on both sides of the river. Similar to other national parks, you have to pay a fee. Visit the website here for more information.
Carderock Park: Even though this park is on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, it’s easily accessible from Virginia. The Billy Goat trail was nice to hike because of the great view of the river as you walk along it’s edge. This a picnic pavilion within the park and a rock climbing area for the more adventurous hikers.
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: This park is directly right across from Carderock Park on the opposite side of the Potomac River. The highlight of this park is the Scott’s Run falls at the end of the Scott’s Run River trail.
Virginia Travel Guide
~Best time to visit
Any time and any season! The wineries are open all year around and so are the parks. They are most enjoyable during the spring to fall months.
~Where to stay
To search for the best hotel accommodations in the area at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Tripadvisor and Booking.com.
Check out our Upcoming Local Excursions
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