False Cape

False Cape SP https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_Cape_State_Park False Cape State Park is located on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, a one-mile-wide (1.6 km) barrier spit between the Back Bay of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, within the city of Virginia Beach, adjacent to the state border with North Carolina, and just north of Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. False Cape State Park includes hiking and biking trails, a visitors' center, environmental educational and primitive camping facilities. The park can be accessed from the north on foot, bicycle, or seasonally available tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or from the south on foot or bicycle. Boat access is possible from any shoreline.

WELCOME TO FALSE CAPE STATE PARK. To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that you observe the following: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. PARK ACCESS - The park is accessible only by foot, bicycle, units are allowed per campsite. All camping units and equipment must be placed within the perimeter of the designated campsite without infringing on adjoining campsites or vegetation. beach transport, tram or boat. There is no vehicular access allowed for the public at any time. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s interior trails are open for hiking and biking April 1 through Oct. 31 and an entrance fee is collected daily. QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The refuge trails are closed Nov. 1 through March 31. Access to the park at this time is restricted to hiking or biking along the beach or by boat. In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18 or older may register. The registrant is responsible for all occupants of the campsite or cabin. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy park amenities prior to check-in. PRESERVE - Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals. ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. PETS - While pets are allowed in the park, they cannot be transported through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. If you are visiting with your pet, you may arrive by boat or from the south side of the park. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400. LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be deflated and disposed of as trash. FIRE - Open fires of any kind are prohibited at all times. SWIMMING - Swimming is available in the bay and ocean. Please be aware these are unguarded locations. FISHING - A valid Virginia saltwater or freshwater fishing license is required depending on where you fish in the park. CAMPING - Reservations are required. Primitive camping is allowed at designated sites only. Permits may be obtained by calling the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK. The maximum camping stay per park is 14 days in any 30 day period. Campsite occupancy is a maximum of six people or the number of people in a single household. Two camping The use of generators is prohibited at all times. CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY Camping: Check-in 4 p.m. Check-out 1 p.m. Overnight guests are encouraged to be familiar with the early departure policy since it impacts any refund due. The policy and frequently asked questions are here: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/faq. PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities are available throughout Virginia State Parks. EMERGENCY - Call 911. Emergency phone numbers are posted on all park map kiosks and other locations throughout the park. INFORMATION - For more information on Virginia State Parks or to make a cabin or campsite reservation, call 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. The Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on all state holidays. TRAIL INFORMATION DIFFICULTY SCALE EASY - From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of the trail length; easily accomplished by all users, including the elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities, with little risk of injury or fatigue. MODERATE - From 1 to 5 miles; steepness and grade lengths vary; at least 60 percent of the length is fairly flat; healthy people can accomplish the trail with little risk of injury or fatigue. DIFFICULT - Trail length is greater than 5 miles; more than 70 percent of the trail is on a grade; experienced hikers only or groups of three to five people recommended; there is a risk of overexertion or injury to those not conditioned. Virginia State Parks False Cape State Park TRAIL GUIDE VIRGINIA STATE PARKS ARE A TONIC FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. Museums, visitor centers and nearby historic sites make state parks cultural treasures. The recreational opportunities in state parks are endless and easy to see – from swimming and boating to horseshoes and hiking, there’s always something to do in a Virginia State Park. 4001 Sandpiper Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 757-

COASTAL VIRGINIA Virginia Beach Boardwalk—Virginia Beach FROLIC Catch some waves at Virginia Beach Oceanfront! A little sun and surf make for the ultimate vacation feeling, while entertainment, shops, restaurants and more are only a few feet away on the expansive three-mile boardwalk. Stroll, bike, rollerblade or surrey your way to a selfie with the 12-ton “Neptune” statue. Looking for something more secluded? Escape to Sandbridge to enjoy a week of bliss in your house rental (perfect for families and groups) and feel right at home among the sand dunes and dancing sea oats. Close proximity to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park offer great kayaking, hiking and fishing. COASTAL VIRGINIA 52 B U S C H G A R D E N S ( W I L L I A M S B U R G ) : C O U RT E S Y O F B U S C H G A R D E N S W I L L I A M S B U R G / C O L O N I A L W I L L I A M S B U R G ( W I L L I A M S B U R G ) : S A R A H H A U S E R From the first permanent English settlement in North America through the Revolutionary War and beyond, Virginia is rife with opportunity to travel through time. Begin with an archeological exploration of the New World at Historic Jamestowne. Nearby, Jamestown Settlement’s costumed interpreters bring your discoveries to life – in outdoor replicas of English ships, a colonial fort and a Powhatan Indian village. Head into the 18th century at Colonial Williamsburg to try out weaving or brickmaking at the world’s largest living history museum before reliving the 1761 British surrender at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Round out your journey with a trip to the Fort Monroe National Monument to hear four centuries of stories, featuring American Indians, Captain John Smith and the first enslaved Africans to arrive in English North America – as well freedom seekers like Harriet Tubman and others who have shaped the history of this prominent site. CO U R T E SY OF V I S I T V I R G I N I A B E AC H The COASTAL VIRGINIA region begins just east of Richmond, meanders along Chesapeake Bay tributaries and ends along the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring historic icons, classic theme parks and beautiful shorelines, it’s the ideal destination for a classic family getaway, satisfying history buffs, thrill seekers and beach loungers alike! EXPERIENCE Colonial Williamsburg—Williamsburg TASTE Tickle your tastebuds along the Salty Southern Route, a journey into the culture and traditions of Virginia’s renowned peanuts, pork products and salt-cured hams. Venture through Smithfield (the namesake to Smithfield Foods), Suffolk (home to world-famous Planter’s Peanuts), and other quaint southern communities as you explore culinary roots of historic – and tasty – proportions. ESCAPE In Hampton Roads, the USS Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy; take a tour, stay overnight and get a taste of history. Think you can beat the clock in a battle of wits? Test your skills for an hour and catch the spy at the USS Wisconsin Escape Ship! As the nation’s only battleship escape room, this is one excursion you can’t miss! Busch Gardens—Williamsburg SCREAM THRILL Get topsy-turvy on the rollercoasters at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg! Their new coaster, Pantheon, offers epic thrills as America’s fastest multilaunch coaster. If keeping your feet on the ground is preferable, don’t miss the live performances on stages throughout the park and seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream, Bier Fest and fireworks shows. Cool off at nearby Water Country USA, the state’s largest water park, where your family can hang ten on mega-slides and Virginia’s first ever hybrid water coaster, or kick up your feet while floating along the lazy river; little ones will enjoy themed play areas, child-sized water slides and shallow pools. Place your bets at the new Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in New Kent! You’ll experience the thrill of live horse racing, as well as the heart-pounding excitement of the Historical Horse Racing machines, where the jackpot awaits. Check their schedule for free post-race entertainment, where live music will keep the party going. Plus, enjoy the whiskey bar for exceptional spirits and their restaurant, 1609, for unique Southern flavors that showcase the Commonwealth’s essence. VIRGINIA .ORG 53 Hampton EXPERIENCE AN INSPIRED WEEKEND IN Sea To Stars Ticket M A N Y AT T R A C T I O N S . O N E L O W P R I C E . Hampton’s 410-year legacy as the city “First from the Sea, First to the Stars” is captured in this combination ticket that mixes history, adventure, water recreation and fun! Explore some of Hampton’s best attractions at one low price. H A M P T O N , VA EST. 1610 Hampton University Museum HISTORY COMES TO LIFE. Founded in 1868, the Hampton University Museum is America’s oldest African American museum. Located on the historic Hampton University campus that dates to the same year, the museum features more than

Programs & Education Discounts Families, schools, scouts, groups and individuals are encouraged to come learn more about their world. Virginia State Parks offer premier educational sites and programming to promote lifelong learning and appreciation of the outdoors. Learn the essentials of archery. Tour a cave or design a hiking stick. Enjoy a ranger-led hike, eagle tour or owl prowl. Challenge yourself to get outdoors and discover more parks by participating in the Trail Quest or Paddle Quest programs or improve outdoor skills with the help of the Let’s Go Adventures series. Up-to-the minute, comprehensive information is available at www. virginiastateparks.gov. Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming. The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays. Park Accessibility Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Contact the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or individual parks for more information before your trip. History & Culture Pets Immerse yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War or the Underground Railroad. Discover the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps on the development of several parks and the Civil Rights Movement in reshaping the parks system towards racial equality. From museums and historic homes to visitor centers and state-of-the-art exhibits, Virginia State Parks offer a glimpse into the past and celebrate the regions’ history and culture. Step back in time and uncover mysteries of those at rest in a park’s historic cemetery or join a canoe tour and learn the history of an old mining “boomtown” that now lies below the lake’s surface. Witness a floating piece of history as replica wooden batteaux drift down a river like they would have in the 1700s. With events and festivals as diverse as the parks, you’ll find music, arts and crafts, local food and beverage, and more. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping Nature & Environment All parks have trails, many with signs explaining the environment. Wander trails at First Landing through cypress swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along ridges and ravines through rare old-growth forest. Overlooks at Hungry Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful geological forces that shaped the land. See how rivers shaped some parks, such as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge, Powhatan and Westmoreland. www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275) www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275) CT • CT • B/E/H • B/E/H/U 540-862-8100 540-291-1326 540-297-6066 T • B/H • • FP • • • • • • FP B/E/H H • • B/H NORTHERN VIRGINIA Culpeper Battlefields Lake Anna Leesylvania Mason Neck Sweet Run Widewater • 540-854-5503 703-730-8205 703-339-2385 540-668-6230 540-288-1400 • E/H • • • • • FP • H/U CT • • • B/H/U • • • • CT • B/E/H/U E/H • UD • FP • B/E/H/U • • B/H CHESAPEAKE BAY Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland 804-462-5030 540-663-3861 804-642-2419 804-493-8821 • • • CT • • B/H • FP • B/H/U • • B/E/H/U COASTAL Chippokes False Cape­­­­ First Landing York River 757-294-3728 757-426-7128 757-412-2300 757-566-3036 • • B/H • • • • • B/H/U • • • FP 757-331-2267 • • • FP • • H/U/B 804-492-4410 434-315-0457 434-248-6308 434-933-4355 804-796-4255 804-598-7148 804-561-7510 434-392-3435 434-767-2398 T • • • • B/E/H T • • • • B/E/H P B/E/H/U B/E/H/U EASTERN SHORE Kiptopeke Claytor Lake Grayson Highlands Hungry Mother (Hemlock Haven Conference Center) New River Trail Shot Tower 540-643-2500 276-579-7092 276-781-7400 276-781-7425 276-699-6778 276-699-6778 • • • FP • • • T • • • CT • • • • B/H/U B/E/H • B/H/U Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable for reunions, weddings and special events. Some parks even have equestrian campsites. B/E/H/U • SOUTHERN VIRGINIA Fairy Stone Occoneechee Staunton River Battlefield Staunton River 276-930-2424 434-374-2210 434-454-4312 434-572-4623 T • • • 276-865-4413 276-254-5487 276-940-2674 276-940-2696 276-523-1322 276-445-3065 T • • • • • • • B/E/H/U B/E/H • B/H/U • • • • stay. B/E/H HEART OF APPALACHIA Breaks Interstate* Clinch River Natural Tunnel (Cove Ridge Conference Center) Southwest Virginia Museum Wilderness Road TABLE LEGEND­­­: B Biking CT Car-top Boat Launch E Equestrian FP Fishing Pier H Hiking P Pool Swimming T Electric Motors Only U Universally Accessible UD Under Development CT • • • • P B/E/H Shenandoah River Sky Meadows Douthat Smith Mountain Lake Lake Anna Leesylvania Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland Chippokes False Cape­­­­ First Landing Kiptopeke Bear Creek Lake­ Holli

Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville Small Towns, Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make these small towns in Virginia worth exploring. Character WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM T KYLE LAFERRIERE 10 he phrase “small town” evokes nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly and stocked with locally-owned businesses. These are communities where you can get off the crowded highway, park the car and walk, ride a bike or even kayak through downtown. Small, family-run businesses offer one-of- a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer locally-grown produce and seafood spring through fall. With almost 200 incorporated towns, dozens more villages and hamlets, plus nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street Communities, the hard part is deciding which Virginia towns to visit. VIRGINIA .ORG 11 Here are some of our favorites, d ending starting in southwest Virginia, an metown with a shameless plug for our ho on the Eastern Shore. High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville Harrisonburg Big Stone Gap 12 Farmville HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN / SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor drama, performed Thursday through Saturday nights, late June through August. Before you go, be sure to read the Big Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or watch the Hollywood film by the same name starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Upon arrival, you can visit places featured in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as the outdoor drama. Fine, well-preserved period homes house The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House. Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique and curio shops round out this small town gem. Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State Singing Convention, June This formerly industrial town has been reinvented for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers. The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer four-mile Farmville Blueway. The railroad that once carried coal now carries hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long High Bridge Trail State Park. Repurposed tobacco packing houses and lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up local beer, live music, games for the kids and a pet-friendly beer garden. Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and the soon-to-open second location of James River Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination for craft beverage lovers. Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May Set amidst the vast playground of the idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg has been called “one of the best mountain bike towns in America” by National Geographic. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and artisans have blended the past with the present to create a lively melting pot that is distinctive to this college town. Named Virginia’s first Culinary District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural diversity serves up fare from around the world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food. Bar.Food features “global comfort food,” while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café. The arts scene is equally diverse, epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market, a community of small businesses under one roof in an historic building. Named for James Madison, fourth president and the “Father of the Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel Madison and James Madison University (JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend a youthful vitality to this historic town. Fun Festival: Harrisonburg International Festival, September VIRGINIA .ORG 13 Within Virginia’s larger cities, find pockets of uniqueness that make you feel like you’re in a small town! ROANOKE’S HISTORIC GRANDIN VILLAGE This walkable urban village is eclectic and family-friendly at the same time. Spend Saturday morning at the Community Market, dine on an outdoor patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in a first-run or classic film at the 1930s Grandin Theatre. RICHMOND’S SCOTT’S ADDITION One of the hottest, newly revitalized neighborhoods in the state capital. Warehouses converted to breweries, cideries and distilleries, bold street murals, a cinema and a retro bowling alley make this a happening night scene. Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake Country at Virginia’s only lakeside town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens of fishing tournaments yearl