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| Weekly Newsletter | August 11, 2016 |
Bus Tour to Elk Garden & Burke's Garden
Retha Cole, Education Specialist, Southwest Virginia Museum
 Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is now accepting reservations for the Elk Garden and Burke's Garden "A Tour to Eden" Bus Tour. The tour is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Claim your seat on this special tour with regional historian Dr. Lawrence Fleenor for a scenic and historical view of beautiful Elk Garden and Burke's Garden in Southwest Virginia. The tour includes discussion of important historical places, events and periods related to these areas, views of Federalist style homes, and a visit to the famous bowl-shaped valley Burke's Garden, often called "God's Thumbprint" and "Garden Spot of the World."
The tour fee is $25 per person, and seating is limited. Participants may bring their own lunch or purchase a meal from Bellacino's restaurant.
For more information about the Tour to Eden Bus Tour, or to register, please call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322.
Click Here for a location map of Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. |
Southwest Virginia Museum Features Bead Jewelry Making for August Artisan Series Workshop
Retha Cole, Education Specialist, Southwest Virginia Museum
 Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park continues the 2016 Artisan Series of programs with the August theme, "Bead Jewelry Making", hosted by Kimberly Denise Marshall-Mullins. The workshop will be held on Monday, August 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the administrative office building.
Participants who register for Bead Jewelry Making will join Kimberly for a fun-filled evening learning the art of bead jewelry making. Beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One way is simply for beauty. Another is for value. Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads. And some cultures even used them as talismans. Participants will learn how to design a piece of jewelry that is symmetrical and will use this technique to make their own necklace and bracelet. Kimberly Denise Marshall-Mullins learned jewelry making from her father at an early age.
The fee is $15.00 per person. All supplies and materials are included.
Spaces are limited for the workshop, so register early by calling (276) 523-1322.
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park's Artisan Series will offer a craft project on the third Monday of every month from March through December, providing visitors with opportunities to create handmade crafts with regional artisans.
For more information about upcoming workshops, please contact the park at (276) 523-1322.
Click Here for a location map of Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. |
2016 Longwood Archeological Field School at Staunton River Battlefield
Shaune Lee, a student of Dr. Brian Bates of the Longwood University Archaeological Field School
 Longwood students arrived at Staunton River Battlefield State Park on May 23 to begin the nineteenth excavation season at the Randy K. Wade site, once a Late Woodlands village inhabited by the Sappony tribe. Using shovels, trowels, wheelbarrows, and buckets, the crew dug down more than 2 meters (6 1/2 feet) to study the archaeological features and geology of an 8 meter (26 feet) by 4 meter (13 feet) unit on the downward slope from what was once the high point of a prehistoric island. The four weeks spent there were a mixture of "regular" classroom-style lectures about the Sappony's traditional lifestyle - their diet, ceramic crafts, and stone tools - and hands-on applications of that knowledge throughout the excavation as artifacts were discovered.
Students also found multiple "special finds": these are items that have been either made by the Sappony (such as pottery) or modified (such as stone tools). Several bone tools, pieces of ceramic (decorated ceramics and a pipe stem fragment), and projectile points have been added to the research collection, to be used in our continuing study both at the dig and at the university. A geologic study, headed by Longwood professor Joseph Garcia, was conducted in the final days of the dig, after two student supervisors and Mr. Gary Gusset dug two large trenches, one in each lower corner of the unit. The Sappony's island became part of the mainland after the end of their occupation; the resulting layers of soil yield data on the Staunton River's movement since then, how long/severe season were, and even what plans and trees grew nearby.
Even after nineteen years, there are still questions. Ample opportunities for more study frequently present themselves, not least, the Sappony's relations with other tribes, which can be learned through the types of non-local artifacts found on the site. Building a mosaic of information takes time and patience. Longwood archaeology students look forward to continuing work at the Wade site - and finding answers to the questions the archaeology asks.
Editor's Note: This article was first published in the Sentinel, the newsletter of the Historic Staunton River Foundation.
Click Here for a location map of Staunton River Battlefield State Park. |
Waggin' Trails: Dawgs Rule Cats Drool |
Festivals, National and Special Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. |
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Belle Isle State Park Located at 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster VA 22503 08/13/2016 Music by the River: Stuck on a Name 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. With the jammin' sounds of reggae, ska, punk and rock, Stuck on a Name brings both original toe tappers and classic hits to the Music by the River stage. Enjoy the gentle summer breeze off the river while you dance to the rhythm of this Urbanna, Virginia based ensemble. The Music by the River concert series is made possible by the sponsorship of many local businesses and by the Friends of Belle Isle ( http://www.friendsofbelleislestateparkva.org). Location - Picnic Area Phone - (804) 462-5030
08/20/2016 Music by the River: Southern Grace 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join Belle Isle State Park in welcoming back Southern Grace! This dynamic group combines the soulful sounds of country music and the joyful harmonies of gospel, traditional hymns, and contemporary Christian music with an upbeat tempo. There's nothing sweeter than Shenandoah Valley harmony, and this group knows how to deliver. Bring the whole family - let the kids loose on the games and activities by the playground, spread out a blanket or set up a lawn chair, lean back and enjoy the soft breeze off the river, and relax to the classic summer sounds of Southern Grace! The Music by the River concert series is made possible by the sponsorship of many local businesses and by the Friends of Belle Isle ( http://www.friendsofbelleislestateparkva.org). Location - Picnic Area Phone - (804) 462-5030
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Fairy Stone State Park Located at 967 Fairystone Lake Drive Stuart VA 24171 08/15/2016 Farmers Market & Music 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Local fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, honey, etc. Also available Hylton's BBQ Chicken and Ribs fresh off the smoker. Free parking for those visiting the market - ask for your free market pass. Most vendors do not accept credit cards or personal checks, so bring your shopping bag and plenty of cash! 2016 Music Schedule June 20 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) June 27 - Hayden Craun (jazz, blues, gospel) July 4 - Jeff & Linda Hall w Levi Cooper(old time, bluegrass, gospel) July 11 - Bill & Maggie Anderson (bluegrass) July 18 - Jackie Belcher (gospel) Glory Road Singers (gospel) July 25 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) Aug 1 - Poland Family & Friends (variety) Aug 8 - Levi Cooper (old time, bluegrass, gospel) Aug 15 - F.A.R.M. T.E.A.M. (eclectic) Aug 22 - Fred Weber (variety) Aug 29 - The Meggs Family (gospel, bluegrass) Sept 5 - Levi Cooper & Friends (variety) Location - Shelters 3 and 4 Phone - (276) 930-2424
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Grayson Highlands State Park Located at 829 Grayson Highlands Lane Mouth Of Wilson VA 24363 08/11/2016 Music with Bob Bence and Kendra Ward 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Kendra is a musician, teacher, author and composer with a lifetime of experience in traditional Appalachian arts. She has played the dulcimer since the age of four, learning primarily from her father and grandmother, but also from her constant exposure to the fiddlers, banjo players, dancers and other traditional artists who live in the Appalachian hills she has always called home. Bob is an award-winning musician who possesses a uniquely bold and powerful guitar style, and a twisted sense of humor. His professional credits include not only festivals and concert halls, but also comedy clubs and improv stages. Bob doesn't work the comedy clubs anymore, but audiences still enjoy his spontaneous wit in concert with Kendra, and at the numerous "emceeing" gigs he gets. Together Kendra Ward and Bob Bence have earned a reputation as one of the most entertaining and influential traditional music duos in the nation. Location - Campground Amphitheater Phone - (276) 579-7092
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Hungry Mother State Park Located at 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354 08/12/2016 Music In the Park 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Our popular concert series returns! Join us on the lawn at the Gazebo for great music in the great outdoors. Musical styles range include bluegrass, old tyme, folk, acoustic, oldies and Celtic. Bring something to sit on. FREE May 27 - Night Crossing June 3 - Tommy-N-Friends June 10 - Leigh Beamer June 17 - John Kinsey June 24 - Bill and Maggie Anderson July 1 - Valley Grass July 8 - Crosscut July 22 - Jason Byrd July 29 - Diet of Worms August 5 - Boogertown Gap August 12 - Timothy Seaman August 19 - Pointer Brothers August 26 - Supper Break September 2 - True Grass Location - Gazebo Phone - (276) 781-7400
08/19/2016 Music In the Park 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Our popular concert series returns! Join us on the lawn at the Gazebo for great music in the great outdoors. Musical styles range include bluegrass, old tyme, folk, acoustic, oldies and Celtic. Bring something to sit on. FREE May 27 - Night Crossing June 3 - Tommy-N-Friends June 10 - Leigh Beamer June 17 - John Kinsey June 24 - Bill and Maggie Anderson July 1 - Valley Grass July 8 - Crosscut July 22 - Jason Byrd July 29 - Diet of Worms August 5 - Boogertown Gap August 12 - Timothy Seaman August 19 - Pointer Brothers August 26 - Supper Break September 2 - True Grass Location - Gazebo Phone - (276) 781-7400
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New River Trail State Park Located at 176 Orphanage DR Max Meadows VA 24360 08/11/2016 Train Tour Foster Falls to Cliffview 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. All aboard Foster Falls Express! All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what's now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible, experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering guided train rides from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water. A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778. Location - Foster Falls Depot Phone - (276) 699-6778
08/18/2016 Train Tour Cliffview to Foster Falls 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. All aboard Foster Falls Express! All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water. A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778. Location - Cliffview Depot Phone - (276) 699-6778
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Pocahontas State Park Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832 08/16/2016 Friends of Pocahontas State Park Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. New Time The Friends of Pocahontas State Park is a 501c3 volunteer organization of interested citizens that actively support the park. The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available. Activities include trail maintenance, interpretive programs, and construction projects, just to name a few. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and the parking fee is waived Attend a meeting and discover Pocahontas State Park through the Friends Group. Location - Heritage Center Phone - (804) 796-4255
08/18/2016 Pocahontas Live: UB40 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. UB40 Featuring ALI CAMPBELL, ASTRO, and MICKEY UB40 is a British reggae/pop band formed in December 1978 in south Birmingham, England. General Admission: $25 Adv (plus fees)/$30 door Gold Circle Reserve: $65Adv (plus fees)/$70 Gold Circle General Admission: $45 (plus fees) Adv/$50 door Doors: 6:00 p.m. A $7.00 parking fee applies per car. No pets or coolers permitted. Food available for purchase, adult beverages with proper ID. Advanced general tickets (only) available for purchase at Park office. All tickets available for purchase through http://www.ticketstobuy.com Location - Heritage Ampitheater Phone - (804) 796-4255
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Smith Mountain Lake State Park Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104 08/17/2016 Wildlife Wednesday Cruise 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled & informative lunch cruise. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month from June thru October to enjoy a delicious lunch while hearing from our park interpreter about the wildlife that call Smith Mountain Lake home. We'll even cruise close to several Osprey platforms on the lake. (There is a fee for this event.) Cruises run from Noon to 2:00 p.m. - Boat boards @ 11:30 a.m. at the Virginia Dare Marina Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina 3619 Airport Road Huddleston, VA. 24104 Call (540) 297-7100 for price, reservations, or further info. http://vadarecruises.com Location - Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina Phone - (540) 297-7100
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Southwest Virginia Museum State Park Located at 10 West 1st Street North Big Stone Gap VA 24219 08/20/2016 Adventures in History: 'Tour to Eden' Bus Tour 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Claim your seat for a scenic and historic view of Elk Garden and Burke's Garden in Southwest Virginia. The tour includes discussion of important historical places, events, and periods related to these areas, views of beautiful Federalist style homes, and a visit to the famous bowl-shaped valley Burke's Garden, often called God's Thumbprint. The fee is $25 per person, and seating is limited. Location - Museum Front Gate Phone - (276) 523-1322
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Westmoreland State Park Located at 145 Cliff Road Montross VA 22520 08/20/2016 Music on the Cliff's presents Smitty's Doghouse of Blues 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Westmoreland State Park welcomes, Ricky Wilkins, Albert Thompson, Karl Sluder, & David Smith the Smitty's Doghouse of Blues! R&B, Jazz and Rock and Roll. What more could you ask for? Grab your lawn chair, pack a picnic dinner, and get in the groove as you listen to the smooth sounds of one the Northern Neck's favorite local bands. And, it all comes with the magnificent view of the Potomac River. The Music on the Cliffs concert series is made possible by sponsorship from the Friends of Westmoreland. Coolers are welcome but please, no alcoholic beverages. Bring a blanket, chair and your favorite music lover. Location - On the Cliffs behind the Visitor Center Phone - (804) 493-8821
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All Other Events At times it may become necessary to cancel or change the date or time of an event. If you are planning to visit us based on a specific event you may want to call ahead to verify that there have been no changes. | |
Due to the large number of events in this edition we are not able to list them all.
You can link to a list of events from 08/11/2016 To 08/21/2016 by clicking on your favorite park.
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 Last Minute Cabin Discount
Book on Thursday or Friday for the upcoming weekend for a 25% discount.
Available by calling 800-933-7275 only.
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Become A Virginia State Parks Travel Writer  Share your favorite State Parks story. This is a great way to share your favorite Virginia State Parks with other readers! While you can't comment on an eNews article, as you can on a blog, you still can share your experiences.
Submit your story with (preferred) or without photos - to Don.Byrne@dcr.virginia.gov. Don't wish to write an article? We also welcome any photos you might care to share.
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