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| Weekly Newsletter | August 25, 2016 |
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False Cape State Park
Bird Watching Platform
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UVA-Wise Bluegrass Band to Host Community Coffee House
Retha Cole, Education Specialist, Southwest Virginia Museum
 Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host its First Saturday Community Coffee House on Saturday, September 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The UVA-Wise Bluegrass Band will serve as the featured hosts for this month's Coffee House.
The UVA-Wise Bluegrass Band had humble beginnings. During the concluding performance by the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Band as part of the UVA-Wise 50th anniversary celebration, some questioned why the college did not have a bluegrass band. Richard Galyean, the College's band director and instructor of music, decided that night that there would be a bluegrass band in the near future. So, a few short years later Richard Galyean started the UVa-Wise Bluegrass Band. Today, the band is directed by Chris Rose. The UVA-Wise Bluegrass Band aims to keep the bluegrass tradition alive. The band also is influenced by other genres such as blues and rock
The First Community Coffee House is an open-mic event and is open to all family-friendly performers. All interested musicians, storytellers, and poets should arrive by 6:30 p.m. for sign-up and scheduling. Admission is free to this program. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information, 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. |
A Golden State Park.....Lake Anna
Sue Leon, Travel Writer
 Who would have ever thought that a Virginia State Park would have its beginnings as a gold mine? We certainly never considered it. But in the Northern Virginia region of the Virginia State Park system is Lake Anna State Park. Lake Anna's humble beginnings was in the hay days of mining for gold. This land served as the location of the Goodwin Gold mine after gold was discovered in the area back in 1829 through the 1880's. That's a long time. Later it was used by Virginia Power and in 1972 it was acquired by the state and opened in 1983 as what many know and love as Lake Anna State Park.
 When you enter into Lake Anna, like all other state parks we have visited, is clean with beautiful old trees lining the road in a forested area. We stopped at the contact station to get some information and a map and then started on our way. We were excited about going to see what made the park so wonderful. Obviously, it is the lake. With an overall size of 13,000 acres, Lake Anna State Park is 3,127 acres with ten miles of lake frontage so there's room for everyone.
We were there on a busy day. We were lucky to find a place to park. Obviously, this is a very popular destination, especially on weekends and holidays. There were people playing in the water and swimming under the watch of a lifeguard. The park staff was busy doing Junior Ranger programs for children. There were lots of parents and grandparents watching as the children were soaking up all the information the park staff was sharing with them. In a nearby area, some had waded into the water hoping for a good catch at the end of their reels. Others were stretched out on the sand to soak up some of the sun. And yet others, like us, were looking for shady spots to sit and hope for a cool breeze. Within eyesight was a nice bathhouse at the beach area of Lake Anna for visitors to use. It was a busy day, so lots of use.
 If you are considering a visit or stay, be sure to check out the events and programs offered by the Park staff. What great choices and I know we would enjoy the panning for gold program and guided tour of the Goodwin Gold Mine. These are programs you can do with your group or family. As many programs are so popular, as are the 2 mentioned, be sure to check about registering to assure a spot for yourself. Some programs have limited numbers they can accommodate. I'd definitely be reserving a spot. Some programs have a nominal fee, such as paddling down Ware Creek in a canoe or kayak. Just think of how enriched your time at the park will be as a direct result of participating in one of their programs.
 There are several piers at the park to fish from. One is designed especially for children and handicapped but still offering the same fishing experience. There is a wonderful boat ramp that allows you to get your boat into and out of the water. If you're an extra early riser, the boat ramp area has lights to help you get out there and be an early bird. Guess it's more like the early worm catches the fish.
We just enjoyed the views and being together. We had our little dog, GinGin, with us who was more than happy to get in the shade or cool spot we could find.
 On our way into the Visitor Center, we passed a display of different kinds of bags you could pan for gold, just like in the 1800's. I wondered why this was a display, but once I learned more about the history of Lake Anna, it all made sense. Inside was a wonderful camping display, lots of goodies and information about Lake Anna. It really was nice.
After we returned to the air conditioning of the truck, we began our trek around other parts of Lake Anna. We passed some deer grazing along the side of the road and some really neat looking rocks on our way to the cabin area. There are 10 cabins, several with lake front views and each with a boat slip. That would be really cool! In the camping area, there were camping cabins and sites for your RV or tent. There are bathhouses for use by campers and a nice fire-ring at each site for campfires and cooking.
 There are plenty of picnic spots and shelters along with playgrounds to help the children burn off some energy. As it grew closer to time for us to leave, we agreed this would be a wonderful place to make a return visit and spend more time (in my book that means days). GinGin gives it a "four paws up". Like any of our visits to any Virginia State Park, including Lake Anna, the only thing we didn't like was having to leave.
Happy Camping!
Click Here for a location map of Lake Anna State Park. |
A Day in the Life of York River
Beyond Our Screens
 In this wildlife series photographer and park ranger John Gresham will share his perspective through his lens at York River State Park
It is not hard to find things that divide and keep people separate in our society. Both traditional and electronic media are full of talking heads who make money shouting at the other guy and their fans shout along with them from the comfort of their screens. Imagine a world where people can't hide behind their "pages" and have to share an experience with strangers. It happens at York River and other Virginia State Parks. And, usually, the encounters are very good.
Read the entire blog by Clicking Here.
Click Here for a location map of York River State Park. |
Getting to Know Virginia: Grayson Highlands State Park Bob Diller and Kevin Divins, Travel Writer  Exciting cell phone camera tips have arrived and right in the nick of time, capturing the magnificent scenery and wildlife at Grayson Highlands State Park. We just returned from the most amazing 5 day Virginia State Park visit ever. It was the one place on the planet I chose to celebrate the last birthday in my 40's. After a disappointing visit to see the Chincoteague ponies once, where they were far away dots off in the marshes.
Pick up some tips while you enjoy the photos by Clicking Here.
Click Here for a location map of Grayson Highlands State Park |
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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Claytor Lake State Park Located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin VA 24084 08/27/2016 Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Claytor Lake History Tour 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join a park interpreter to learn how our beautiful lake came to be, the story behind the Howe House and the Christian Chimney, and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants. Location - Park Office: Howe House Phone - (540) 643-2500
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016 Stewardship Virginia Fall 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fall is here! After another successful and busy season there is much work at hand. There are projects to complete, things to clean, and services to be done as we get ready for winter. Contact us to volunteer to lend a helpful hand. Participants will receive a certificate from the Governor in recognition of volunteer service. Contact the Park Office at 540-643-2500 or email the park at ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov to schedule a time to volunteer. Location - Park Office: Howe House Phone - (434) 572-4623
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Fairy Stone State Park Located at 967 Fairystone Lake Drive Stuart VA 24171 08/29/2016 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
09/05/2016 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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First Landing State Park Located at 2500 Shore Drive Virginia Beach VA 23451 09/02/2016 - 09/05/2016 Labor Day Weekend What better way to get every last ounce of summer fun in, before returning to work and school, than with a visit to First Landing State Park. Come to the park for a weekend full of family fun!! There will be programs for all ages! Get a copy of the program schedule when you arrive to find out where and when all the activites are occuring. Location - Various Location Throughout the Park Phone - (276) 930-2424
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Grayson Highlands State Park Located at 829 Grayson Highlands Lane Mouth Of Wilson VA 24363 09/03/2016 Albert Hash Memorial Festival 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Albert Hash Memorial Festival is held to honor Albert L. Hash, beloved fiddler and luthier. A collection of Hash's fiddles will be on display. Along with performances and instrument-making displays, there will be plenty of food, local crafts, concessions, a farmers' market, cake walks and lots of dancing. Admission is $10 per person, and kids 12 and under get in free. For more information and this year's lineup, visit: http://www.alberthashmemorialfestival.com. Location - Picnic Area Phone - (276) 579-7092
09/04/2016 Wayne C. Henderson and Friends 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. What better way to treat yourself on a holiday weekend, than an evening of music in the fresh mountain air. Music is the cornerstone of our Appalachian heritage. Award-winning guitar maker and musician Wayne C. Henderson wants to spend some time with you sharing memories and music of the area. He will even bring some of his most musically talented friends. Location - Campground Amphitheater Phone - (276) 579-7092
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Holliday Lake State Park Located at 2759 State Park Road Appomattox VA 24522 08/26/2016 Soldier's Story 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. The American Civil War ended not too far from modern-day Holliday Lake State Park. Confederate soldiers passed just north of Holliday Creek while retreating from Richmond after the Siege of Petersburg. With Union soldiers close behind and gaining, Confederate General Robert E. Lee hoped to regroup and resupply at Appomattox Court House. However, the Union had destroyed the waiting supplies leading to a final skirmish between the two sides. After deciding it would be impossible to push on to Lynchburg, General Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. Heading home after the surrender, many soldiers walked by this area again, this time with lighter steps and heavier hearts. Gather around the campfire as an Appomattox Court House National Historical Park reenactor brings the ups and downs of a soldier's story to life. This program is a partnership with the National Park Service in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Please contact the Park Office with any questions regarding park programs or to set up private programs for a group. Location - Amphitheater Phone - (434) 248-6308
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016 Stewardship Virginia - Fall This statewide volunteer opportunity, held twice a year in the spring and fall, gives you the chance to leave a positive mark on our public lands. All participants will receive a certificate signed by the Governor of Virginia as a token of our appreciation. National Public Lands Day: Lake Cleanup (Saturday, September 24, 2:00 p.m.) - Clean water is a vital part of Virginia's complex ecosystem. Come help us pick up litter around the lake in canoes while learning about the importance of a healthy habitat. See other listing for more information about this program. Please contact the Park Office by phone or email if you have a group that would like to perform a Stewardship Virginia project sometime in September or October. Location - Beach Area Phone - (434) 572-4623
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Hungry Mother State Park Located at 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354 08/26/2016 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
09/01/2016 - 09/30/2016 Stewardship Virginia Fall 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fall has finally arrived and we have lots of volunteer opportunities at Hungry Mother State Park. Get a group together and contact the park at 781-7415 to schedule a project geared to the interests of your group. A few of the projects we have available are picking up sticks and raking leaves out of the campgrounds, performing trail maintenance; raking and removing debris off of your favorite trails, picking up trash in the lake by canoeing, and picking up trash throughout the park. Location - Discovery Center Phone - (434) 572-4623
09/02/2016 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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Leesylvania State Park Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191 08/27/2016 Music at the Marina - U.S. Army Band Downrange 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The U.S. Army Band Downrange is the popular music ensemble of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own." With its own unique and ever-changing repertoire, Downrange directs the spotlight on this dynamic group of active-duty musicians-talented vocalists and a powerful rhythm section. Downrange maintains the highest standards of excellence in musical entertainment and provides an exceptional musical experience. Downrange enjoys popularity with soldiers and general audiences with its continuously up-to-date repertoire and inspirational signature patriotic showpieces. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket and enjoy the U.S. Army Band Downrange. Sponsored by Steve's Auto Repair ( http://stevesautorepairva.com) and Friends of Leesylvania State Park. Location - Breakwater Marina Store Phone - (703) 730-8205
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Natural Tunnel State Park Located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway Duffield VA 24244 08/27/2016 Clinch River Food Festival 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This event is for folks who enjoy homegrown veggies such as vine-ripened tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from the garden. The event features food grown right here in the Clinch River area. Dinner will be made using local food, and guests will be treated to stories about those who grew each dish's ingredients. It's $25 per person so call 276-452-2772 for tickets; let the receptionist know of dietary concerns. Food will be prepared by Scott County Extension. Programs will take place at the park's Cove Ridge Center. The Virginia Cooperative Extension and Natural Tunnel State Park are sponsors. Location - Cove Ridge Center Phone - (276) 940-2674
09/04/2016 14th Annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Cove Ridge Center Foundation sponsors this festival to promote the musical heritage of Appalachian Mountains. It honors the tireless work of "Papa Joe" Smiddy, a well-known old-time musician, entertainer and educator. In addition to being an old-time banjo picker, "Papa Joe" is known as Dr. Joseph Smiddy, Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Money raised will go to scholarships for local students. This year' feature performers are: New Circle Bluegrass, STSU Bluegrass and Old Time Pride Bands, Dr. Joe Smiddy and Reedy Creek, and Bill and the Belles. Festival tickets are general admission and may be purchased for $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Children 12 or younger are admitted free with a paying adult. For more information, visit http://www.coveridge.com . http://tinyurl.com/j4yefhf Location - Picnic Area Phone - (276) 940-2674
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New River Trail State Park Located at 176 Orphanage DR Max Meadows VA 24360 09/03/2016 NBHA Barrel Racing 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The National Barrel Horse Association will host an exhibition and competition at the New River Trail's Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex. The complex has a 170 by 250 foot arena, accommodations for calf-roping, seating for up to 600 and plenty of parking. The well-lit complex has a concession building, which has a refrigerator and a microwave oven, an announcer's booth and rodeo equipment. The NBHA promotes the sport of barrel racing and its growth. All participant's horses must have proof of a negative coggins test result.For more information, contact There is a $5.00 fee for this event. Location - Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex, Foster Falls, VA Phone - (276) 699-6778
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Pocahontas State Park Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832 09/03/2016 Pocahontas Premieres: Richmond Concert Band (now the Jazz Band) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Due to an unforeseen situation, The Richmond Concert Band, directed by Dr. Mark Poland, will be replaced The Richmond Jazz Band. The Richmond Jazz Band is a 20-piece "Big Band" that falls under the umbrella of the Richmond Concert Band. Mr. Tom Freeman will be directing the evenings performance. Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert is free to the public and does not require a ticket. A $7.00 parking fee applies. Picnic food allowed. Refreshments and light snacks available for purchase. Adult beverage sales sponsored by the Friends of Pocahontas. Proper ID required. No pets or coolers permitted. 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 08/27/2016 Music in the Park - Two Young, Two Old 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Get ready for another great evening of bluegrass music! Bring the whole family to Smith Mountain Lake State Park's Beach Pavilion to enjoy an evening of great music with the "Two Young, Two Old" band. The Old Dominion Cloggers from Martinsville, Va. will also entertain. Hot dogs, sausages, ice cream, drinks and other refreshments will be for sale. $5 per person, and children 12 and under get in free. Don't forget lawn chairs. Sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. For more information or to join the Friends group, go to http://www.smlspfriends.com. Location - Beach Pavilion Phone - (540) 854-5503
09/03/2016 - 09/05/2016 Labor Day Weekend Activities Looking for a family friendly way to extend your summer fun? Look no further than Smith Mountain Lake State Park! We'll have lots of activities for you and your family to enjoy throughout the entire Labor Day weekend. Some of the activities include making a unique souvenir to take home, geocaching, campfire, or crafts at the beach. Come on over and enjoy our swim beach before the season ends. Some programs require pre-registration & fees while most are free. Individual programs for the entire weekend can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/gplrzma We'll see you there! Location - Parkwide Phone - (540) 297-6066
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Twin Lakes State Park Located at 788 Twin Lakes Road Green Bay VA 23942 08/27/2016 Lakeside Luau 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The end of summer is here, and school is back in session. Come on down to the beach for a fun send off to the summer season with music, games, and great times with friends and family. Test your hula hooping and limbo skills in our family friendly competitions sponsored by our Friends of Twin Lakes. Make groovy tie-dye shirts using natural materials with the Park Rangers, and enjoy beach themed music as you enjoy the afternoon on the beach or swimming in the warm waters of Goodwin Lake. We'll see you there. Location - the ''Spot'' Concession Stand Phone - (434) 392-3435
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York River State Park Located at 9801 York River Park Road Williamsburg VA 23188 08/27/2016 Estuaries Day 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Family fun where the river meets the sea. The day begins with the York River State Park 5K Race. Ranger guided activities include fossil hunting, hiking, paddling, and seining. The Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association will lead rides along several trails. Several exhibitors will have hands-on displays to enhance the estuarine experience. For 5K race information & registration, please conatct Rick Platt at rickplatt1@juno.com or Craig Worman at xccoach@hotmail.com. All other activities are free with $4 parking. Location - Day Use Area Phone - (757) 566-3036
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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 08/25/2016 To 09/05/2016 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.
Please do not embed the photos in the email or article as they are difficult to maintain the resolution. Simply use your email attachment feature to send them along.
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