Just yesterday, Colton—out of the blue, as most five-year-olds do—informed me that he’d figured out why he’d been acting crazy lately. “I haven’t gone outside on a walk in a long time,” he lamented.
We talked a bit about the chill in the air at wintertime, but that did little to deter his longing. I asked where he’d like to walk to, and of course he responded with the only words known to prompt me from my winter hibernation: “Callands Coffee.” Y’all know I’m never passing up that opportunity. We bundled up and took our little 42-degree stroll, procuring what he later told me was the “good-est” hot chocolate ever.
That got me thinking… maybe we’re all having a bit of cabin fever, huh? If that’s the case for you, then you’ll love this week’s quick highlight. Let me know where you’re planning to go—but before you head out, remember: I’m so glad you’re here.
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Visit Virginia’s portals, where you can escape to another world
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Here’s what you need to know: Okay, so it’s not a wardrobe leading to Narnia. But we’ve rounded up some secret spots that certainly look like they could be elsewhere. Plot twist: They’re all right here in the commonwealth!
Our top picks:
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Hogan’s Alley—Despite looking like many of the small-town main streets scattered throughout the commonwealth, the alley is actually a mock training ground for the FBI Training Academy. You can buy a bite to eat at the local deli, but a closer look shows you’ve entered a false reality. The cars outside of Honest Jim’s car dealership aren’t real, and the Dogwood Inn Restaurant is actually a classroom for agents.
- Dinosaur Land—Who needs Jurassic Park when you can go to this roadside attraction instead? Some of the dinosaurs on display include the Velociraptor, Megalosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Stegosaurus. The park reopens in March, so now’s a great time to start planning your spring trip!
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Great Falls Park—Surprisingly, the scene looks as though it’s been transported from a western state to just 15 miles from the nation’s capital. The visually stunning path that the Potomac River cuts through a series of steep, jagged rocks along the narrow Mather Gorge is truly a sight to behold.
Searching for more travel ideas? Click below to access 10 of our top Virginia destinations.
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Are you planning any cool wintery trips? Tell me all about it at amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this email. I’m excited for you to venture through our beautiful state!
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One of the best parts of living in Virginia is the terrain you can explore. From endless hiking trails to mountain climbing, there are multiple outdoor opportunities to explore this winter.
Check out these five hiking locations in Northern Virginia.
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Looking for a bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your guests? Check out these local spots with the best pastries in town.
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There are five @idadarksky certified state parks in Virginia. To achieve that designation, locations must undergo a rigorous application process. Click here to learn more about stargazing and how to locate celestial objects in the night sky.
- Virginia may be for lovers, but it could just as well be for ghost hunters. Both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought right here in the Old Dominion State, and the commonwealth has seen many bloody battles. It’s the perfect grounds for paranormal activity, and we’ve got all the info you need for your next spooky outing.
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This email is written by Amie Knowles, community editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic five-year-old who loves monster trucks.
Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!
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