STUART, VA - Fairy Stone State Park's swimming beach is open daily for the remainder of the summer, after closing in early July.

The swimming area of Fairy Stone Lake, which includes a sandy beach, bathhouse and lifeguards, reopened July 13 at 10 a.m. The area was closed July 8-12 after an unacceptable bacteria level was found during a routine water test. A subsequent test determined that the swimming area water was back to normal.

"We're pleased there's no longer any issue associated with the swimming area," said Park Manager John Grooms. "Thousands of people enjoy the beach each summer, including the children's Beaver Pond play area, and we just want the public to know that we're open with a clean bill of health."

Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, home of the legendary fairy stones, the park is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir. Other attractions include cabins, a campground, group camping, an equestrian campground, a conference center, hiking trails, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water.

Click Here for a location map of Fairy Stone State Park.

Zachary Pittard, Education Support Specialist, Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is hosting their Annual Ice Cream Sundays lecture series starting August 7, 2016 at 2 p.m.

The serial program will provide topics on the life and times of Federal Cavalry General Philip Sheridan; a discussion on fact and fiction revolving around Confederate supply; an interactive singing program that takes a look at a common 19th Century singing practice known as shape notes singing; and for those interested in natural resources a local author will talk about hummingbirds.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Ice Cream Sundays lectures offer some of the best discussions in the area put on by talented staff, Friend's Group members, and guest speakers. Admission to the park is free to the public as well as the lecture itself. For two dollars, visitors can enjoy an all-you-can-eat ice cream bar.

Lecture Series Dates and Speakers

August 7 - Phil Sheridan: Point of the Spear - Park Education Specialist, Jim Godburn

August 14 - Hummingbirds - Local author and naturalist, Joe Lively

August 21 - Confederate Supply Controversy - Park Education Specialist, Zachary Pittard

August 28 - Traditional Shape Note Singing - Richmond Shape Note Singers

*All lectures begin at 2:00 p.m.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield, as a Virginia State Park, has taken many strides over the past several years. From a decrepit farmhouse in dangerous need of restoration, the park has exploded into one of the finest preserved battlefield in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The park offers guided tours of the fully restored Overton-Hillsman House, has one of the finest museums that abounds with artifacts from the actual battlefield, and offers four trails that are well established with detailed historic markers. The park is still growing and will, hopefully with continued support, continue to grow. As with all Virginia State Parks, Sailor's Creek Battlefield strives to provide some of the best interpretive and educational programs to the citizens and visitors of Virginia.

For more information about the Annual Ice Cream Sundays, please contact the park office at 804-561-7510 or by email at sailorscreek@dcr.virginia.gov. sailorscreek@dcr.virginia.gov

Click Here for a location map of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park.

John Gresham, Education Support Specialist, York River State Park

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it fall, does it make a sound? At York River State Park the answer to this age old question is a resounding "No."

The park lost an iconic figure to its 40 mile trail system on July 13, 2016. The silent sentinel in the form of a White Oak tree (Quercus alba) has at last fallen.

The once majestic oak; of which the trail it hailed upon is named, stood for an estimated 265 years.

Some say it could even have been a sapling when Powhatan and Pocahontas roamed these very woods. Its giant 8 foot diameter statue stood 79 feet tall in its glory days and its vast canopy stretched 58 feet wide. Even with its enormous structure, in the end its hollowed out core clung to life by only a thin thread of wood about 4 inches thick.

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Click Here for a location map of York River State Park.

Sue Leon, Travel Writer

Located along the Northern Neck Peninsula of the Potomac, Westmoreland State Park offers pristine views of the Potomac River, hiking trails and an abundance of activities. When we entered the road leading to the Visitor's Center, we passed acres of beautiful trees and lots of families and small groups unloading their cars with beach gear. Who could ask for a better location, being just a short drive from the metropolitan area of Northern Virginia and our state's capitol. Westmoreland is a great getaway spot to get you away from the daily activities of home and work and put you back in touch with nature. Plus, it's a great place to spend together as a family or some quiet time alone just to listen to the sounds around you.

I must say, that the Visitor's Center is one of the nicest I have ever seen. And what a sight! Out through the doors and you are right on Horsehead Cliffs overlooking the Potomac River. There are railings to keep you safe. It was awesome to put it mildly! After getting some information about the park, we were out on our way to explore all that we could.

Our favorite trail to hike wasn't a long one, but certainly filled with shade trees and lots of sand. The Big Meadow Trail is moderate in difficulty with some fairly steep inclines to bring you closer to the water's edge. The Fossil Trail is a spur trail leading off Big Meadow Trail bringing you directly on the beach area of Westmoreland State Park. With its impressive cliffs surrounding us and a few fallen trees laying partially in the water, no wonder this is such a captivating place for families to come and have fun. There were lots of children playing at the water's edge as parents watched. Fossil Beach earns it name through the shark's teeth that can be found in the area. We came across several as we looked, but primarily enjoyed the views of the water and the cliffs. Please note that there are no designated swimming areas along the river's shoreline.

Speaking of trails, there are seven available for you to pick from in varying distance and level. There is even a trail with fitness stations along the way for those wanting to break up the hike with exercises you can complete. Near Fossil Beach, the Boardwalk Trail is just that....a nice boardwalk allowing you to pass over a marshy area with lush green vegetation, turtles and birds native to the area.

After hiking back to our car, we drove to the camping and cabin areas. Cabins 19-25 are the closest to the Visitor Center and have incredible views of the Potomac. You know these are popular cabins to use as each was occupied. With the Potomac in your back yard, what else could you ask? From there, we passed the Discovery Center and drove towards the Potomac River Retreat at the opposite end of the state park.

Now I felt more at home.....entering the older section of the park were the CCC log cabins that we absolutely love. We drove extra slow through these cabin sites just to savor the history and surroundings. They were beautiful, just like any other CCC cabin we've been fortunate to stay in. Finally, we reached the Potomac River Retreat! Wow! This place is awesome! An Olympic sized pool, boat ramps and, of course, the river. The pool was bustling with people having a great time swimming and sunning. Others were busy at the boat ramp either coming or going with their boats. Why there was even rental kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. We aren't that brave, but our son would be in a kayak in a minute if given the chance.

If you are into fishing, the sky's the limit with the variety of catch found in the Potomac. Be sure to follow licensing and other permits whether fishing or boating on the Potomac. The best place to get information to help you best prepare for your outing or stay is on the park webpage. If we are going to a state park we haven't visited before, this is the first place we look for information on what's available there. You'll certainly give yourself a head start on being prepared.

We explored the campground area of Westmoreland with a large selection of camping options from sites with hookups for water and electric to tent sites. Another option is staying in a Camping Cabin. (Refer to the webpage for what is and is not included with them so you can come prepared). Since camping is so popular, consider making your reservations in advance to give you the best chance of getting what you want and your dates. I suggest this definitely for cabin stays also.

Another thing we have learned from checking out the webpage of the state park we are interested in, is looking at available events and programs for that park. This has helped us in deciding when to go, especially if there is something that sparks our interest. If you are staying at Westmoreland for a few days and want to check out some neighboring areas, I suggest the short drive to Washington's Birthplace, just minutes from Westmoreland. It's like stepping back into time and the area is rich in history. Stratford Hall is also a short drive from the park and is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. Be surrounded in history in the incredible surroundings of Westmoreland State Park.

Westmoreland State Park is one of the six original Virginia State Parks opening in 1936. We can now say we have visited all six of them as we continue along with the Trail Quest program. We are enjoying every minute of our travels to see all the Virginia State Parks in the state we call "home". As the opportunity arises for you to get out and spend some quality time with family, friends or yourself, there is a Virginia State Park just waiting for you. With park staff who make your experience memorable, nature that seemingly calls to you, get out and soak up all you can. These are the Virginia State Parks and we love it!

Click Here for a location map of Westmoreland State Park.

Peter Radlowski, Sarah Sumoski and Mr. Rigby, Travel Writers

Are you looking for a beautiful family camping getaway, a little off the beaten path, with a lot of space to offer? Well, Holliday Lake State Park may just be for you!

We took full advantage of this park, passing up our original plan to spend half of our weekend at James River State Park (about a 40 minute drive from Holliday Lake), and opting to stay and enjoy the scenery.

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Click Here for a location map of Holliday Lake State Park.