Widewater

Widewater SP https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/widewater https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widewater_State_Park Widewater State Park is located in Stafford County, Virginia. The park's facilities include a visitor center and staff building along Aquia Creek and a soft boat launch and picnic shelter along the Potomac River. The park is divided up into five parcels, separated by private property. It is located on a 1,100-acre peninsula situated between Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, and was the site of early flight experiments by Samuel P. Langley.

WELCOME TO WIDEWATER STATE PARK. To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that you observe the following: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay parking information is available at the contact station. The park consists of multiple parcels surrounded by private property. Please be respectful of the privacy or our neighbors and stay on Virginia State Parks property at all times. 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 or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets must be attended at all times. Pets are not allowed inside facilities; service dogs are not considered pets. 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. In an effort to reduce the impact on landfills, we encourage the use of Leave No Trace Principles including pack it in - pack it out. FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished when left. Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park. Campers and guests may collect only downed and dead firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on open fires. POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Dump stations, laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for the proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV or car washing. SWIMMING - There are no designated swimming areas in the park. FISHING - A valid fishing license is required. A Virginia freshwater license is required for fishing Aquia Creek. Virginia feshwater and saltwater, Potomac River Fisheries Commission and Maryland Bay sport licenses are honored for fishing the Potomac River. For more information, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov or contact the park office. GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety Parks or to make a cabin or campsite reservation, call 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. and security, please register all visitors with the park office. Visitors will not be admitted to camping areas unless so identified. Visitors are permitted only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. INFORMATION - For more information on Virginia State The Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on all state holidays. QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The use of generators is prohibited at all times. Camping: Check-in 4 p.m. TRAIL INFORMATION DIFFICULTY SCALE CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY Check-out 1 p.m. 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. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy park amenities prior to check-in. 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. CAMPING - Paddle-in camping is allowed only in the designated campground and only after following the proper check-in procedure. Campsite occupancy is a maximum of six people or the number of people in a single household. Two camping 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. The maximum overnight stay per park is 14 days in any 30-day period PARKING - All vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Lock valuables in your trunk and keep your vehicle locked when unattended. GROUP EVENTS - A Special Use Permit is required for all group events that involve amplified sound, catering, equipment rentals and vendor deliveries. PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities are available throughout Virginia State Parks. Please check the park’s website for details. 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 t

NORTHERN VIRGINIA Old Town Alexandria EXPLORE From the venerable Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Arlington National Cemetery landmarks to the well-known John F. Kennedy Grave Site and Pentagon Memorial, visitors will get their fill of history as they honor our country’s heroes. Don’t miss the Netherlands Carillon in springtime as the tulip gardens come to life; with hilltop views stretching past the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S Capitol, the Carillon offers one of the best views in the area. NORTHERN VIRGINIA 84 I W O J I M A M E M O R I A L S TAT U E ( A R L I N G T O N ) : C A M E R O N D AV I D S O N / G O O D S T O N E I N N ( M I D D L E B U R G ) : J U M P I N G R O C K S P H O T O G R A P H Y SPLURGE K R I ST I N S U M M E R E R Just south of the day-to-day buzz of our nation’s capital, NORTHERN VIRGINIA exudes its own historical charm and cherished character. Immersed in the region’s rich history, urban skylines fade into rolling countrysides, encompassing everything you’d want in a getaway – whether its live entertainment and nationally acclaimed restaurants, iconic historic sites and quaint Main Streets or wine country and luxurious retreats ... or maybe a little of each. Iwo Jima Memorial Statue—Arlington Ready to feel like a million bucks? Treat yourself to a oncein-a-lifetime luxury experience at any number of charming venues, like the Goodstone Inn. This 18-room, 265-acre estate is minutes from wineries and will be remembered for its romantic English and French Country décor and culinary feats at their signature restaurant, The Conservatory. Create a bit of magic at the whimsical Inn at Little Washington; while it hasn’t changed much since George Washington’s day, the staff will exceed all your modern expectations with welcome cocktails, afternoon tea, champagne and more. Or try the Salamander Resort & Spa, a timeless destination with 168 rooms boasting scenic countryside views. Their spa treatments, private courtyard, heated pool, equestrian facilities and culinary program are just the beginning of your stay. Travel has never felt so luxurious! UNWIND REVEL Known as “DC’s Wine Country,” Loudoun County boasts more than 40 awardwinning wineries and tasting rooms, offering dozens of delicious varietals to tickle your tastebuds as you take in the scenic views. Use their Wine Trail Guide to plan your vino-filled adventure, resting your head at local inns and B&Bs along the way. Did you know that Loudon is also known as “horse country?” With the National Sporting Library and Museum, as well as horse trails, competitions, themed hotels and eateries and even horseback yoga, equestrians and enthusiasts have the perfect excuse for a long weekend getaway. For a night out on the town in Alexandria, you’ll find everything from live jazz and blues to country line dancing and live DJs spinning tunes. Visit The Birchmere, an intimate setting that’s hosted the likes of Johnny Cash and Esperanza Spalding. If you’re in Arlington, head to the Punch Bowl Social, located in the renovated Ballston Quarter Mall, where three floors of fun await. Four bars, scratch-to-craft restaurant and entertainment (mini and full-size bowling, karaoke, ping-pong and arcade games!) mean a fun-filled evening with your significant other or a great girls’/guys’ night out! STROLL Quaint Main Street communities will make you forget the bustling urban city life that’s mere miles away. Culpeper, founded in 1759, hosts a vibrant mix of locally-owned shops and restaurants, while Fredericksburg will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time with restored 18th-century buildings and history at every turn. Manassas - one of five communities in the U.S. to win a Great American Main Street award and once completely destroyed by the Civil War - now boasts an art center, gourmet food store and plenty more to enjoy. The colonial village of Warrenton features more than 400 renovated buildings with businesses and shops to peruse while taking in the sights. Goodstone Inn—Middleburg VIRGINIA .ORG 85 NORTHERN VIRGINIA g VG M E E T S E N V I R O N M E N TA L S TA N D A R D S O F T H E V I R G I N I A G R E E N P R O G R A M q u O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N b BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME c $ P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E D PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D ADMISSION REQUIRED I s W PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS ADA-COMPLIANT Welcome Center at Fredericksburg VG 15 Waterford Purcellville 7 Hamilton 50 Hume 7 28 495 Herndon McLean Arlington 66 Falls 29 Church Alexandria Manassas 123 Mount Vernon BYP Fairfax 1 234 50 66 17 211 Ashburn 15 Middleburg Welcome Center

Environmental Education Virginia State Parks are premier environmental education sites. Schools, scouts, groups and individuals are encouraged to come learn more about their world. Backyard Classroom programs, incorporating Virginia’s Standards of Learning, promote lifelong learning. They also help young people enjoy, appreciate and understand the outdoors. Programs & Festivals Master new outdoor cooking recipes. Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl. Workshops and events are as diverse as the parks. VIRGINIA Discounts 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. STATE PARKS You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation. Park Accessibility Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks for more information before your trip. Pets 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. There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War or the Underground Railroad. When it comes to festivals, you’ll find music, arts and crafts, local food and beverage, classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is available at www.virginiastateparks.gov. Nature & History 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 oldgrowth 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 Shenandoah River Seven Bends Sky Meadows 540-622-6840 540-622-6840 540-592-3556 CT • CT • Douthat 540-862-8100 T Natural Bridge 540-291-1326 Smith Mountain Lake 540-297-6066 • 540-854-5503 703-730-8205 703-339-2385 540-288-1400 • B/E/H • B/H • B/E/H/U VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS • • FP • • • • B/E/H H • FP • • B/H • • • B/E/H/U • H/U NORTHERN VIRGINIA Lake Anna Leesylvania Mason Neck Widewater • • • FP CT • • • • B/H/U • • • UD CT CHESAPEAKE BAY Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland 804-462-5030 540-663-3861 804-642-2419 804-493-8821 • • • B/E/H/U • • B/H • CT • • FP • B/H • FP • P B/H/U COASTAL Chippokes Plantation False Cape­­­­ First Landing York River 757-294-3728 757-426-7128 757-412-2300 757-566-3036 • • P B/E/H/U • • B/H/U • • • B/H • • • FP • • B/E/H/U EASTERN SHORE Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison Kiptopeke CENTRAL VIRGINIA Bear Creek Lake­ High Bridge Trail Holliday Lake James River Pocahontas Powhatan Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Twin Lakes (Cedar Crest Conference Center) Boa t La unc h Boa t Re nta ls Fish in g Day Use O nl y Play grou nds Swi mm in g Trai ls BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS SHENANDOAH VALLEY 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 • • • • • • • • T • • • • • CT • • 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 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 • B/H/U • • P B/E/H • • P B/E/H HEART OF APPALACHIA Breaks Interstate Clinch River Natural Tunnel (Cove Ridge Conference Center) Southwest Virginia Museum Wilderness Road CT • • • • B/H • P B/H/U H/U • B/E/H 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 B/E/H B/E/H/U P • B/E/H/U B/E/H H • • Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable for reunions, weddings and special events. Some parks even have equestrian campsites. B/E/H/U B/E/H/U • T Claytor Lake Grayson Highlands Hungry Mother (Hemlock Haven Conference Center) New River Trail Shot Tower With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are available year-round, and most campgrounds ar

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