Wilderness Road State Park Represented Well at Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Michael Brindle
Wilderness Road State Park manager Jonathan Tustin and park concessions manager Mike Brindle attended a meeting of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission in Jonesville, Virginia on Thursday, March 11.  The meeting was held in order to give input to the Commission concerning the cultural assets in Lee County. Wilderness Road State Park and several of its facilities and features were well represented in the meeting, and were among the most popular county assets, as voted on by the participants in the meeting.

The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, chaired by Senator William C. Wampler, Jr., was established by the 2008 General Assembly and appointed by Governor Timothy Kaine to encourage economic development through cultural heritage ventures and initiatives related to tourism and other asset-based enterprises throughout the 19-county, 4-city region.

The Commission, staffed through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, is coordinating the development of Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway, currently under construction alongside Interstate 81 next to Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon. This regional centerpiece and its electronic counterpart, a new Southwest Virginia website, will serve as gateways to the stunning cultural and natural resources that define Southwest Virginia for residents and our visitors.

Cultural assets, such as those provided by Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, were identified and placed in the inventory to help tell the regional story through the website and in travel itineraries from Heartwood. The inventory builds on the work of The Crooked Road and ’Round the Mountain, also overseen by the Commission.  While those organizations are busy inventorying and promoting the region’s heritage music and craft traditions, this committee is identifying physical sites of broad historic, outdoor recreational, and scenic interest in the region.

Historic Martin’s Station, the Karlan Mansion, the Wilderness Road Trail and the park itself were identified as assets that can help tell Lee County’s stories of: The Frontier, the Westward Migration, the Civil War, Recreational Venues and Scenic Vistas.

Tustin was elected Chairperson of the Lee County committee whose responsibility it is to now nominate 6 assets to be exploited by the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission and the Heartwood complex.


Peaceful time

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors
A visitor post from Jeannie Westmoreland, Richmond, Virginia

New Years Eve we got away...My husband & I with Our yellow Lab (Chester) went to Bear Creek State Park.. First time there.. and it was beautiful...Snow still covered the ground and the peaceful mornings drinking hot tea over looking the lake was breathtaking. Our cabin overlooked the lake,which was beautiful every morning and evening. Just listening to the woods come alive every morning and seeing the sunrise was a moment I will never forget! Our Lab had a wonderful time walking the trails with his master. While I had time too read and do a little writing. Our long weekend was just beautiful,magical and something you would find only in dreams. The peaceful walks along the lake to the breathetaking sunsets. You will never find that in the city. If I can take one thing from this trip ..It would be "Life will never be able to exist without nature"....I can not wait to return for another wonderful vacation.


Bear Creek Lake State Park Waterview Cabin in the Snow

The Shorty Awards

Friday, March 5, 2010 by Nancy Heltman
So if you're not on Twitter and maybe even if you are, the Shorty Awards may mean you are scratching your head. Last night the Second Annual Shorty Awards were held at the Times Center in New York City. To help you out, here is the blog I originally posted about the awards.

Our Shorty experience began with this nomination. In the interest of full disclosure, Mike works for me, but I had no idea he was going to nominate us and really didn't know much about the Shorty Awards until after he got the ball rolling.


Our first Shorty Award nomination

Whether we were ever in the running for a Shorty, it was great to read all of the "because" reasons our followers submitted.

Midnight PST on January 29th was the deadline for the nomination process. At that point, the top six highest vote getters became the finalists and voting began. The voting was the same - a tweet that included the reason you were voting. While you could vote multiple times, only one of your votes were counted. Voting closed at noon EST on February 5.

In addition to the popular vote, a committee called the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences made a final decision which considered the votes and the body of your tweets. Thanks to all of the support we got from the Richmond, Virginia Twitter community (there were 5, count 'em 5 Shorty finalists from #RVA), great support from the anipal community on Twitter (my dog  @yoda_the_dog has a lot of wonderful furiends), and our great @VaStateParks followers, we were second to @NASA after the popular vote.

I really wanted to go to New York for the awards but with the state budget as it is, I knew if I went it would be on my nickel. Thanks to the opportunity to share a room with another finalist (@BZTAT finalist in #art) and because I could drive, it was possible.

The Shorty Awards were held at the Times Center in New York City

The Shorty Awards were a neat experience even though we didn't win. @CoryBooker, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey took the Shorty in the #government category and got to shake CNN's @RickSanchezCNN's hand. I had an opportunity to congratulate him and received two nice hugs (not those polite half-hugs). I decided it was not too bad to lose to him. Winner or not, being a finalist was a great honor and a testament to our social media efforts. Most of the rest of my friends that were finalists - @BZTAT (#art) @FrugalDougal (#nonprofit), @AustinPrime (#brand) @MadMain (#advertising) @Flack4RIC (#travel) - are also in the "happy to be a finalist" category. However, Jonah Holland who tweets @LewisGinter took home a Shorty in the #culturalinstitution category!

The best part of the trip was to meet some of the friends I have made on Twitter. This is probably the first time I have visited New York where I did no site-seeing - it was all people seeing and it was great.

What Did Colonial Kids Do for Fun?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 by Cyndi Juarez

The Women of Leesylvania

I love electricity, it powers just about everything I do at home and allows me to keep working well past dark. My kids love it too, they watch television, play video games, use the computer, etc. When we have power outages they are fun for about an hour or so. We pretend "camp" at home and everyone gets a bit closer until the power returns. Then it’s back to business as usual and we all go our own ways.

Just this week due to the unfortunate demise of my son’s Playstation we were discussing what it would be like to live without power, all the time like they did in the old days.

If you’ve ever wondered what kids did for fun or what it was like to manage a household long ago come to Leesylvania State Park this weekend and get a glimpse of the unplugged past.

The Women of Leesylvania program at Leesylvania State Park this Saturday from 11- 3 will have something for the entire family. Cindy Buck- Thompson, as Martha Fairfax will entertain and answer questions about famous past residents of the park.
Park Manager, Ken Benson with Martha Fairfax (Cindy Buck Thompson)


Chief Ranger, Sarah Phillips has also arranged a "travelling trunk" filled with colonial clothes for today’s kids to try on for size. There will be period crafts to try and interesting displays to discover. Please drop in and join us. There is a small fee for this program and details can be found on our website

Birthday Weekend

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors
A visitor post from Jamie Selden, Richmond, Virginia

Well it was a second trip back to Bear Creek lake state park since Our New Years Trip. We went to celebrate my Husbands Hanks Birthday. We came here last year and stayed in the same cabin # 11 it has sort of become a traditon for us. It was very relaxing and again there was snow left on the ground which added to its fun. Building a fire and playing Uno with the gang is always a blast. I also wonder why food cooked in the Cabin always taste so good LOL? Well until our next Cabin get away which I hope is sooner than later!!!!

Bear Creek Lake State Park Cabin in the Snow

Friends Group Supports Sailor's Creek in a Big Way

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Nancy Heltman
Our Friends Groups are all about supporting our state parks. The Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park demonstrated their support for the park by donating funds they have raised in support of two important projects.
 
Historical re-enactments are one way we tell the story of the Battle fo Sailor's Creek

The Battle of Sailor's Creek
was the last major battle of the Civil War before Appomattox and the battle that sealed the fate of the Confederacy marking the loss of 7,700 men including eight generals. Demonstrations and re-enactments are an important part of telling the history of the park. Being able to demonstrate the use of historic black powder weapons is an important component. The National Park Service offers training in historical weapons safety and program management but because of budget reductions and limits on out of state travel, we were not going to be able to send anyone to this important training. The Friends of Sailors Creek to the rescue - they are providing just under $1,000 to send Chief Ranger Christopher Joyner to this course.


Thanks to the 2002 State Park and Natural Area Bond, we now have a brand new LEED-certified Visitor Center on site to help us tell the story of the Battle. Unfortunately, there was not enough money in the project to cover the exhibits which will likely run in the neighborhood of $175,000. One piece of the exhibit will be a hologram virtual storyteller. The Friends have donated $9,000 toward the $30,000 cost of that piece. If you are interested in helping raise money for the exhibits, see information here. You can even donate through that link.

The LEED-certified Sailor's Creek Visitor Center

The commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War (150 years) officially runs between 2011 and 2015 although some kickoff events were held in 2009 to mark historical events leading up to the Civil War. The Friends and park staff are working to ready the park for visitors from around the world who will visit for the Sesquicentennial.

If you have a love for Civil War History and would like to support the park by becoming a member of the Friends organization, please contact Bobby Wilcox at (804) 598-2901.

Friends group member Chris Gowin (left) and President Bobby Wilcox (right) prepare luminaries for the "Ceremony on Hallowed Ground" program for Veteran's Day 2009 Luminaries on the Battlefield

It's Showtime!

Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Tom Cervenak
Virginia State Parks kicked off the promotional show season with the Washington Camping and RV Show (Jan. 15-17) at the Dulles Expo Center.  We had a lot of visitors to the State Parks' booth throughout the show.  Many picked up the latest information on our parks with a show special 15% off their next camping reservation.  There were also some great promotional giveaway items.  We would like to congratulate Richard Weeks of Hollywood, Maryland whose name was drawn from hundreds of entries to win 2 FREE NIGHTS OF CAMPING.  There will be more great giveaways at upcoming shows, so I hope you will stop by our booth and say hi and let us tell you about all the great things happening at our parks. 

SHOW SCHEDULE

-Jan. 22-24, Tidewater Camping/RV Show in Virginia Beach

-Jan. 31, Kingsport Bridal Show

-Feb. 6, Healthy Lifestyle Expo, Richmond

-Feb. 12-14, Richmond Camping/RV Show

-Feb. 21, Roanoke Valley Bridal Show

-Feb. 26-28, Raleigh (NC) Camping/RV Show

-April 16-18, Richmond Southern Women's Show

Our Unplugged Vacation

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors

A Park Visitor Post by Deborah from Richmond, Virginia

My three children, my niece and I spent the week between Christmas and New Years at Bear Creek Lake State Park. I enjoyed it so much and wrote a blog post about it: http://pipecleanerdreams.blogspot.com/2010/01/plugged-back-in.html



New Year at Bear Creek Park

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors

Park visitor supplied post from Jamie Selden, Richmond, VA

My family and I always visit the state parks and either stay in the cabins or in Our pop-up Camper!!! This New years we decided to spend it as a family at Bear Creek we had a great time as always. What was really nice was the snow still left on the ground from the big snow storm several weeks before. I always tell people how great the parks are and have introduced many friends and family members to all they have to offer!!! Please keep up the great work in making family getaways fun and affordable!!!!!!



Cabin at Bear Creek Lake State Park

So You Want To Be A Park Ranger Chapter 7 Part 2

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 by Tom Cervenak

Ed Note: Readers you are in for a treat as Tom Cervenak, Visitor Services and Marketing Manager for Virginia State Parks, weaves the story of how he came to work for parks and what his career has been like. This series will run nine chapters, with many of them split into two parts.

Chapter 7 Being A Park Ranger (Part 2)
 

One of our 1st Place floats in the Williamsburg Christmas Parade


I then moved from there to Hungry Mother and then Mason Neck state parks.  In a career, don’t be afraid to move and try new things, it all helps to build a solid background of experience.  I even left Virginia State Parks for 3 years and moved back home to work for the Ohio State Parks at Pymatuning State Park, living back in my family’s cottage.  That was really great and I might have stayed, but it turns out Mom and Dad actually wanted to retire into “their” cottage and the thought of me living with them once again was appalling to them. 

So, I returned to Virginia in 1995 to York River State Park as a Chief Ranger again, but was promoted to Manager within short time.  I spent 10 wonderful years there, before promoting to our central office in Richmond.  I became the Customer Service and Marketing Manager, using many of those skills I developed as a salesman for the church raffles and throughout my career.  I have been blessed to have been able to do so many things, from holding a live Red Tailed Hawk in my arms, to stocking rainbow trout, to operating a bulldozer, to flying in a spotter helicopter for spraying gypsy moths, to protecting citizens as a Law Enforcement Officer, to providing life saving rescues, to opening the eyes of children to the wonderful world of nature, to working with the Special Olympics and so many more events that make an award winning career.  

In my final 2 blogs of this series, I will give you the Top 10 things you should do if you want to Become a Park Ranger… and the Top 10 Highlights of my career.
 

Watch for Chapter 8 tomorrow

So You Want To Be A Park Ranger - Chapter 6

Monday, December 21, 2009 by Tom Cervenak
Ed Note: Readers you are in for a treat as Tom Cervenak, Visitor Services and Marketing Manager for Virginia State Parks, weaves the story of how he came to work for parks and what his career has been like. This series will run nine chapters, with many of them split into two parts.

Chapter 6 Yes Virginia! A Thousand Times Yes!

Check out this “young gun” at beautiful Mason Neck State ParkThe support of parents is critical in success of a career: the need to walk the fine line between nagging to get a job already and being supportive in your efforts.  As long as I was cutting the grass, helping out around the house and somehow paying my college loan off,  Mom and Dad stood by me and my dreams.  My roommate from college had already gotten a full time job with Virginia State Parks earlier in 1986.  He encouraged me to apply, that there were positions opened as a Chief Ranger, so I did.  I took a ride down to interview in Richmond in late August and in September the long awaited call came to Lakewood, Ohio. 

My Dad answered the phone and the conversation went something like this:

State Parks Commissioner Baker: Is Tom there?

Dad: No he’s out right now, can I help you?

Commissioner Baker: Well this is Dennis Baker of Virginia State Parks, I was calling to speak with Tom about whether he would like to come work for us as a Chief Ranger.  Do you think he would be interested?

Dad: As soon as I hang up the phone, I will be placing his bags on the front porch.  I’m guessing he could drive through the night and start sometime tomorrow, will that work?

Commissioner Baker: Well, yes, but we were thinking more like a start date of October 1st.

When I got home, my bags weren’t on the porch yet, but I did have two very happy and relieved parents.  Thus, my career with Virginia State Parks began on October 1, 1986 at Douthat State Park.     

I was ready.  I had a great education, some on the job experience, I was ambitious and I was going to be a Park Ranger living in the woods.  But I found out being a Park Ranger was a whole lot more than guarding picnic baskets from Yogi and Booboo…

Watch for Part 1 of Chapter 7 tomorrow

Karlan

Sunday, December 20, 2009 by Virginia State Park Visitors

A visitor supplied post on Karlan Mansion (at Wilderness Road State Park) by Sandy Treadwell-Hall

Karl Harris, who renovated "Karlan" bought the property sometime in the '50s. There were two homes built for sisters; I recall that with the home, they had the original plans of the home, smoke house, barns, stables and slave quaters and that the brick were made on the property. Karl Harris had first built his home in Middlesboro and it was a replica of Monticello and it burned down prior to his purchase of what is now called Karlan. That first property is now part of the Cumberland Ntl Park. I recall visiting the home in the '50s before heading off to college. Ann (Pan) Harris, Nelson's mom spent years decorating the house; there was a large organ in the downstairs entrance hall by the stairs. They had added a solarium and built a pool. They had stables and hounds. A local family were staff for the family. Nelson Harris sold the property to Virginia before his death in the '90s. Nelson built a home across the road from Karlan that his partner lived in. Nelson had two sisters and a brother; surviving family are scattered around NC and area. My grandmother was Nelson Harris' Great Aunt.

FOCUS For Excellence Customer Service Awards

Saturday, December 19, 2009 by Paula Hill

Each year all state park employees participate in the Virginia State Park's FOCUS for Excellence customer service training program. All new employees attend an extensive three hour class intended to arm them with the best customer service skills possible. Additionally, all employees periodically attend a refresher class and receive a monthly newsletter full of customer services tips and articles. Director Joe Elton likes to say "FOCUS for Excellence is not just a program, it's the way we do business."

Besides training our employees, we reward them for exceeding our guests' expectations. While we award certificates, letters and lapel pins throughout the year, we also recognize one outstanding employee from each of the seven districts and our Richmond offices. An overall FOCUS for Excellence Employee of the Year Award is also presented to the employee who we feel best exemplifies what FOCUS is all about.

If you'd like to acknowledge one of our employees for their outstanding customer service skills, visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov and click on FOCUS for Excellence or complete a Your Comments Count Survey after a visit to one of our parks. Postcard forms are also available at each park.

This year's FOCUS for Excellence Employee of the Year Award has been given to Stephanie Allen, Office Manager at Staunton River State Park. Stephanie was nominated by her park manager for her extraordinary efforts in handling guest registration.
 

Office Manager Paula Hill, FOCUS for Excellence Employee of the Year Stephanie Allen and Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton


The campground at Staunton River is not only small but has a limited number of each type of site. This often makes accommodating campers that wish to be together a difficult task. Stephanie has not only managed to accomplish this task but has done so in a way that has created many returning guests. While having a reservation only means that you will have a site when you arrive, Stephanie has done everything in her power to accommodate all special requests. This often means looking weeks ahead and calling guests to confirm a request, offering suggestions to the guests on how to accomplish the request, or simply offering an explanation of why we can't honor the request and the best compromise that we will be able to offer.

Staunton River State Park campground


Taking on this extra task is not always pleasant but she has realized the importance of it and made it a priority. All of her hard work in this endeavor has made Staunton River a second home to many guests who Stephanie knows by first name. She even remembers what type of camping equipment they have. Stephanie's 2009 motto was "You unpack the car and we'll do the rest" and she has held true to that saying.


Other outstanding FOCUS Employees for 2009 are:

District I - Sarah Hipple, Office Assistant, York River State Park
District II - Linda Rouse, Program Support Technician, Belle Isle State Park
District III - Ricardo Hoyos, Interpreter, Mason Neck State Park
District IV - Caroline Garmon, Park Ranger, Pocahontas State Park
District V - Emily Taylor, Housekeeper, Staunton River State Park
District VI - Gary Harris, Maintenance Ranger, Claytor Lake State Park
District VII - Pam Smith, PST, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Richmond Offices - Raleigh Layne, Reservation Counselor, Reservation Center


Please join us in congratulating all of these outstanding employees!
 

Interview with John Taminger, Friends of Hungry Mother State Park

Thursday, December 10, 2009 by Nancy Heltman
I am not usually involved in the Master Planning process for our parks, but I was on hand for the first public meeting for Hungry Mother State Park's inaugural master plan. I met John Taminger for the first time that night and it was that meeting that started John and his wife Judy on the path of being two of the best friends Hungry Mother and Virginia State Parks as a whole have. 

John talks about how why he got involved and how park neighbors concerned about the entrance road became the Friends of Hungry Mother and some of the projects they have worked on. The discussion also includes history of this park, one of the six original state parks.
My boss, Joe Elton, our Virginia State Parks Director and current President of the National Association of State Park Directors does a great job describing what I love about Hungry Mother - the drive into the park along the lake. I can always feel all my stress lift off me as I make that drive in.

Lucky me, I get to head out to beautiful Hungry Mother State Park Monday for a retirement party for our District Manager, Jim Kelly, who has served our parks for more than 35 years.

View from the Hungry Mother entrance road

On a personal note, I also have John and Judy to thank for a wonderful physician. I had recently moved to Richmond and was looking for a doctor and just coincidentally their son David Taminger had just opened a practice. 

1860s Christmas in Southside Virginia at the Hillsman Farm House Museum

Friday, December 4, 2009 by Zoe Rogers

 

Celebrate Christmas during the 1860s in Southside Virginia at the Hillsman Farm House Museum on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th.  See the Hillsman home adorned with traditional decorations of the Civil War period.  Living historians will tell of how the families of Southside Virginia celebrated the holiday during the war.  A Victorian Santa Claus will visit with children to hear their wish list.  The event will be held at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park from 12 to 5 p.m. on both days.  Free Admission. For more information, call the park office at 434-315-0349.  The park is located on Route 617 (Saylor’s Creek Road) off Route 307 in Amelia County.


 

An Antebellum Christmas Celebration at Mulberry Hill Plantation

Thursday, December 3, 2009 by Pat Eastwood

 

Mulberry Hill  

Submitted by J. Shane Newcombe

Mulberry Hill is the ancestral home of the Virginia Carrington family, which was instrumental in many aspects of our country’s history from its infancy following the Revolutionary War leading up to the strategic Battle of Staunton River Bridge during the War Between the States.  The estate earned the name “Mulberry Hill” from the endeavor to raise silk worms, which fed on the overabundant mulberry trees located throughout the acres.  However, a local silk industry never reached fruition. 

The manor house dates back to the mid 1700s: its outbuildings, law office, and grounds provide a perfect timeline of history for interpreting the life of a successful colonial family that encompasses more than two hundred years of history.  The descendants of the Carrington family donated the house with all of its period antique furnishings as well as forty acres of land to the Staunton River Battlefield State Park in 2003. 

This year, the Historic Staunton River Foundation, a private organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of the Staunton River Battlefield State Park is hosting an Open House at Mulberry Hill with an Antebellum-themed Christmas. 

Reenactor at Mulberry Hill open house

There will be a guided tour of the mansion, grounds and Judge Paul Carrington’s law office.  Docents in period dress will be present in each room of the house and in the law office to inform visitors about the uniqueness and history of the treasured heirlooms and period antiques. Please share in the joy of visiting with a jolly ol’ Antebellum Santa Claus! 

Also, there will be refreshments available to emulate what would have been available to families during Christmas for the duration of the hardships of the War Between the States. Confederate re-enactors of the 14th VA. Inf. Co. K and 23rd VA Inf. Co. will be on hand along with volunteer interpreters to provide visitors with a glimpse into the past. See how soldiers survived the harsh winters and what rustic and simple methods they used to celebrate the Christmas season.  The re-enactors will bivouac in the boxwood gardens.  Their encampment will be complete with tents, flags, campfires, and other accoutrements that will highlight an almost “realistic-feeling” of living history.  In addition, an open campfire will feature period cooking techniques and foods.
 
During this time of year, when we often become wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we should remember to take time out of our busy schedules to share in the joys of the season and to give thanks. 

Come out and share in the yuletide and cheer of the holiday season by making plans to attend the Antebellum Christmas Open House at Mulberry Hill on either Saturday or Sunday, December 5 & 6 from 1-5PM.   Don’t forget your cameras!  The event is open to the public. Admission is $5/person and children under 6 are admitted free.   Tickets are only valid for the one-day pass and can be purchased at the Roanoke Station Depot in Randolph.    Parking is available at the Depot, and a free shuttle service will usher visitors to and from the Plantation. 

The money raised from this event will go towards fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of supporting the Battlefield State Park and its continued restoration efforts at Mulberry Hill.  The Foundation is exclusively operated by a dedicated group of volunteers and its yearly dues-paying members; if you are interested in joining the Foundation or would like volunteer with this event or future events, please call 434.454.6219.  Also, please visit the Foundation’s website at  www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org.

Although Staunton River Battlefield State Park does not offer lodging, Staunton River State Park’s cabins are less than a thirty-minute drive away. For more information or to make reservations, call 800-933-PARK (7275) or go to www.virginiastateparks.gov.


Make Wedding Planning History at Chippokes Plantation State Park

Monday, November 30, 2009 by Staci Martin

Turn on the southern charm with a unique wedding at Chippokes Planation State Park in Surry, Virginia!



With an antebellum mansion, formal gardens, three unique overnight cottages, and a spectacular view of the James River, Chippokes Plantation State Park is the natural setting for your wedding ceremony and wedding photographs.

 
Having your wedding revolve around an historic theme provides ample opportunity for your creativity and unique style!! 


We recommend wearing an historic ante-bellum gown instead of a traditional wedding dress, carrying a parasol instead of wearing a veil, using a horse-drawn carriage instead of a limo, having a musket salute or jumping the broomstick, booking an orchestral trio or hammer dulcimer instead of a band or DJ, or using old fashioned lanterns and heirloom flowers for centerpieces.



Chippokes Plantation is centrally located in Surry--just 45 minutes from Richmond and approximately one hour from Tidewater.  For more information on weddings at Chippokes Plantation State Park, please contact Glorestine Evins, Business Manager, at 757-294-3625 or email chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov




 

Wilderness Road to Celebrate Christmas Past and Present...

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 by Michael Brindle
Young child with Santa ClausWilderness Road State Park will be offering magical and historical views of our most treasured of holidays, with a Christmas Past and Present program on December 4 and 5.  Santa in the Wilderness will provide a modern day feel to the Christmas season starring the jolly-old-elf himself Santa Claus, while Christmas on the Frontier offers visitors a glimpse into the holiday as celebrated on the 18th century Virginia frontier.

“This time of year, people get an extra bounce in their step, knowing Christmas is ‘just ‘round the corner’,” stated Mike Brindle, the park’s concession manager.  “We were able to contact Santa Claus at the North Pole and he has agreed to take time from his busy schedule to make a special visit to the park.  Although his stay will be short, he wanted to give the local children a chance to meet him and allow them to tell him first-hand what they would like for Christmas.”
   
Children ages 10 and under are welcome to visit Santa from 3 pm to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5 in the park’s Visitor Center.  Each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and friends for a magical evening as he prepares for his Christmas journey 'round the World. They can have their picture taken with the jolly-old-elf, receive a small gift and enjoy light refreshments such as cookies and hot chocolate, provided by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park.  “Santa will be bringing his wife and maybe an elf or two to help him out,” explained Brindle.  “He is really looking forward to meeting all the local children and the park is especially excited to have him visiting us!”
    
Children are encouraged to write a letter to Santa and drop it off at the park so that Santa can take it back with him to the North Pole.  The letters can be dropped off now until December 5, each day, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
  
In lieu of their annual Christmas at Karlan, the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park will host their “open house” in conjunction with the Santa in the Wilderness program.  The open house provides the public with an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and listen to holiday music while viewing Christmas trees decorated with hand-made ornaments from the local elementary schools.
    
The Powder Horn Gift Shop will be conducting their annual Christmas sale, with 10 percent off of everything in the store, and for the first time, will feature a small Christmas Shop adorned with holiday gifts and ornaments.  Local handmade Christmas crafts will also be available for purchase.
    
Christmas on the Frontier has become an annual event for the park, with visitors transported back to 1775 as the men and women of Martin’s Station celebrate the yuletide season.  Martin’s Station will conduct the program from 5 pm to 7 pm with visitors able to enjoy holiday music 18th century style, Caroling and refreshments such as ginger snaps and cider.

During the third quarter of the 18th century Virginia’s frontier was comprised of a unique mixture of cultures from around the world.  Immigrants from countries such as  England, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany just to name a few were beginning to embark on our nation’s first westward migration and many found themselves traveling the Wilderness Road in search of a new life.  As a result of this migration small frontier settlements soon became hubs for the many different social customs and traditions including religious beliefs. Snow at Martin's Station 

    
Christmas in colonial America was very different than Christmas of today.  Many colonists especially those with Puritan, Presbyterian, and Quaker beliefs thought of Christmas as a pagan celebration.  Some New England colonies passed laws banning the celebration of Christmas and anyone found in violation was given a substantial fine. Unlike their northern neighbors, many settlers in the mid Atlantic colonies celebrated Christmas just as they had in England.  Colonies with Anglican populations celebrated the Nativity during Advent, a penitential season in the church's calendar.  The festive season began on December 25th and lasted until January 6th or what was commonly called the twelve days of Christmas. During this time a traditional Yule log was burned and wealthy families would invite the less fortunate to their homes to attend Christmas gatherings.
    
For more information, please contact the park office at 276-445-3065 or visit the park's official webiste, the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park of website or the Friends’ Martin’s Station website.
 

Showing Gratitude

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by Nancy Heltman
Those who follow us on Facebook and Twitter probably know that we are participating in Tweetsgiving. We have sponsored some great prizes for the Richmond celebration.

What is Tweetsgiving?


I have so much to be grateful in my life - a wonderful and supportive family, a job that I love. But I wanted to take this post to share what Virginia's state parks are grateful for:
  • Beautiful natural and historical resources that we are privileged to protect and share with Virginians and visitors to our state.
  • Incredible and dedicated volunteers who devote their time to support our parks.
  • Dedicated staff who often work more hours than they have to in order to make our parks wonderful places that are a tonic to the mind, body and spirit.
  • A supportive Governor and legislature that continue to support our parks.
  • The Virginia taxpayers who support our parks with tax dollars.
  • The more than 7 million visitors who come to our parks each year and help contribute to our operations by paying user fees.
Our gratitude is overflowing and we wish a wonderful Thanksgiving to you all.

Middle Peninsula State Park - landbanked for future development

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This post was created as part of a global groundswell of gratitude called TweetsGiving. The celebration, created by US nonprofit Epic Change, is an experiment in social innovation that seeks to change the world through the power of gratitude. I hope you’ll visit the TweetsGiving site to learn more, and to bring your grateful heart to the party by sharing your gratitude, and giving in honor of that for which you’re most thankful.

Holiday Events at Virginia State Parks

Monday, November 23, 2009 by Nancy Heltman
Festival of Trees, Southwest Virginia MuseumThis year, we have 13 of our State Parks offering special programs to celebrate the holiday season. Many of the programs fall into our history and cultural programming, but some are nature events and a few are special events.

There will be individual blogs on many of the programs, but this post gives you the big picture of what is available. Be sure to check out our events database for specific details and applicable fees on these events!

Caledon Natural Area offers holiday hayrides on "black Friday," November 27, from 2-4, 4-6 and 7-9. They are also offering The Night Before Christmas Hayride and Story multiple times on December 11, 12, 18 and 19.

"Christmas at Claytor Lake" State Park is on December 12 and features holiday music by the fire, a holiday craft and pictures with Santa.

Douthat State Park features its annual ornament making contest from December 1 through 14th.

On December 5th James River offers an adults only opportunity to make crafts and gifts out of natural materials, and "Trim the Tree for Wildlife" for all ages to learn to make edible ornaments for birds and other wildlife.

Help Leesylvania State Park trim their tree and make 19th Century decorations at Civil War Santa on December 19 and 20.

December 5 (rain date December 12) is New River Trail State Park's Festival of Lights.

Make ornaments to keep or give as gifts from natural materials at Pocahontas on December 13.

Visit an 1860s Santa Claus at Sailors Creek Battlefield on December 5.

From November 27 to 29, experience a Country Christmas and Holiday Open House at Sky Meadows State Park.

Watch boats decorated for the holidays parade by and bring a toy or warm clothing at Smith Mountain Lake's Flotilla for Toys on December 5.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park offers a 19th Century Plantation House Christmas at Mulberry Hill on December 5 and 6.

Wilderness Road State Park offers a Frontier Christmas on December 4 and 5 with an open house at Karlan Mansion on December 6.

Last but not least is our famous Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum from now through December 31. There are a number of special events happening throughout December including Breakfast with the Grinch, Photos with Santa, Sweet Treats and Tea with Mrs. Claus.

New River Trail Festival of Lights