Around my house spring fever is running rampant! My kids don't want to come inside when there is warm weather to enjoy outside. Knowing that summer is just around the corner I have been trying to think of some fun, family friendly activities that we can enjoy on a budget. Plus, we are going to throw in a few things for mom and dad while the kids are visiting grandma! In my quest for awesome activities I asked family, friends, and the world of Facebook to offer some ideas on what they enjoyed doing during the summer. So, folks, here we go, but keep in mind these are not in any particular order:
- The Natural Bridge Zoo. My sister and I have been taking our kids to this Zoo for years. We usually try to go on one of the "Free to Rockbridge Resident" days. Keep an eye on Facebook and the newspaper for announcements on the free visits. Check out http://naturalbridgezoo.com to see what all the zoo has to offer. On a regular day child's admission is $8.
- Along those same lines...the Virginia Safari Park is right around the corner from the Zoo and offers 180 acres of animal adventure. For all the other moms out there like me who don't always want to drag your kids in and out of carseats, load and unload strollers, snacks and diapers and drinks and sunscreen and all the other 500 pieces of accoutrement that go along with an outing with children; what's better than loading them up for drive-thru entertainment! It is voted one of the TOP 10 animal attractions in the US by the Family Fun Magazine? after all. Find out more info at http://www.virginiasafaripark.com Children's Admission is $12.95, Rockbridge Residents receive a $2 discount from each purchased ticket price. FYI...Mom's get a free bag of animal food on Mother's day...I know Dreams do come true! In all seriousness though, awesome family day with fun had by all..mom included.
- The Natural Bridge. Need I say more? After taking in the awe inspiring views of the bridge keep following the trail until you come to the Monacan Indian Village. Hear the Monacan Indian legends of how the bridge came to be while you check out the village. The Bridge also offers "free" days to Rockbridge Residents but on a normal day children's admission is $12. If you decide to take in the Natural Bridge Caverns while you're there, children's combo tickets are $18. Make a day of it and take in all there is to see; personally I Love the bridge, village, and caverns. Everything you need to know is right http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/recreation/rockbridge-center/
- Hulls Drive-In. Totally awesome place where I have many great memories! Hulls Drive-In is complete awesomeness whether you are 10, 32, or 82. Park your car then march down to the concession building for a burger and dill pickle. Be sure to get back to your car in time to HONK your car horn and watch the iconic pre-movie commercials! Kids get in for $3 bucks and there is a DOUBLE feature every weekend. Total bargain and worth EVERY PENNY. FYI: Playing this weekend is Gaurdian's of the Galaxy Vol 2 and Chips! http://www.hullsdrivein.com
- Get the kids a Sitter and head over to Rockbridge Vineyard for a wine tasting and day of music. They have several "Uncorked and Unplugged" events through out the summer. The first one is MONDAY the 14. Sounds like a great thing for mom and her BFF to go do on Mother's day. They even host a good old fashion barn dance during the summer. If you haven't tried any of the Rockbridge Vineyard wines you are totally missing out. Ive never had a Rockbridge wine that wasn't great, but I'm partial to the Jeremiah! Great wine...great name! And yes, for those of you judging me right now, I have been known to choose a wine based on its name. I will even go as far as to say, all of us, at some point have made our final wine decision based on the name or how pretty the bottle is. Admit it...you've done it! http://rockbridgevineyard.com/events.php
- Float the river! Which river you ask? Take your pick I say! Grab a tube, a few friends, and float down the Maury. For those of you that aren't much for floating try taking a drive out to Goshen Pass. This is not at all an over-rated experience. I have found that I take the drive to and through the Pass for granted because I have driven it on so many occasions. After the recent fires that burned through the area I took the opportunity to make the drive and really look at the scenery. The sheer cliff walls, the long views of the river flowing down the valleys. It's STUNNING! Snag a place to park, meander down to the river, do some acrobatic rock skipping, and enjoy an afternoon of lounging on a gigantic rock as the water flows all around. If your lucky you may even have a friend that knows where to find a rope swing or two. I will admit....I feel a little like I just described a county music video to you! Regardless, totally great way to spend a day!!
- Lime Kiln Theatre will round out our list today. If you are into the Music Scene then you have to take in Lime Kiln. This venue got its start in 1967 and has weathered many storms, some of which even closed the doors. In 2014 the theatre reopened and has been blowing people away ever since! Their season opens on May 20 with Larry Keele Experience and The Honeydew Drops. Ticket prices vary by performance but usually range from $15-$30 or a season pass is offered for $122. I just bought my husband a couple tickets for his birthday to see a show that was sold out last year. Shh...don't tell him. For the complete schedule and to purchase tickets http://www.limekilntheater.org/2017-schedule.html
There are so many awesome things to go do in our small town, this list just scratches the surface! I would love to hear from you guys! What are some of the things you do for fun when the weather is nice!?
Toria