Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

***Please note that this Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

As a Preppy fashion enthusiast and grand millennial and proud new Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member, visiting Colonial Williamsburg has been high on my bucket list! So, when I discovered that Colonial Williamsburg was under 2.5 hours from my home base in Northern Virginia just 150 miles south of Washington, DC, I knew I had to take a day trip and cross this item off of my bucket list. Hence, this Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide will give you all of the insights into planning your own day to this historic Virginia spot!

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

***Please note that this review is not sponsored. I paid in full for my tickets and experience.***

About Colonial Williamsburg:

A living-history museum and private foundation in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg preserves history by allowing visitors to step back 250+ years back in time. The stories, research, historic preservation, and life there 250 years ago are kept alive at Colonial Williamsburg and have been since 1926. Nevertheless, Colonial Williamsburg prides itself on being a place of living history through bringing past stories to the present-day. Colonial Williamsburg is situated within part of Williamsburg, Virginia’s Historic District alongside the College of William & Mary – a 1693-founded public university – and Merchant’s Square – a popular and charming upscale shopping and dining district. Learn more about Colonial Williamsburg here.

Alongside being a popular Virginia historic attraction, Colonial Williamsburg is also apart of America’s Historic Triangle which also includes Virginia’s Jamestown and Yorktown. Visitors can also plan a trip to both Jamestown and Yorktown when visiting Colonial Williamsburg via a Historic Triangle ticket.

Getting There:

There are several different ways to get to Colonial Williamsburg, whether by car, by train, or by plane. See more information below:

  • By Car: Colonial Williamsburg is located off of I-64, between Richmond and Virginia Beach and 150 miles south of the nation’s capital (approximately 2.5 hours away). As for parking, there are a variety of options, including paid parking per hour at Merchant’s Square which I opted to do and found to be the easiest and most affordable way to do so. There is also free parking at the art museums and Colonial Williamsburg, although further away from Merchant’s Square and other historic attractions.
  • By Train: Williamsburg has its very own Amtrak station offering connecting train routes from Washington, DC just blocks away from Colonial Williamsburg with rental car service.
  • By Plane: The following 3 airports offer 200+ daily flights nearby Colonial Williamsburg – Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (20 minutes), Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (45 minutes), or Richmond International Airport (RIC) (45 minutes).

Admission:

Tickets: While strolling throughout the vicinity of Colonial Williamsburg is free for all, admission tickets are required to enter buildings and experience programming. It is worth noting that admission tickets do not include parking fees. Get your tickets to Colonial Williamsburg here.

Accessibility: It is also worth noting that Colonial Williamsburg strives to make their attractions accessible to everyone and all service animals are welcome. See more about accessibility here.

Pets: Colonial Williamsburg is a pet-friendly place, and I was happy as a dog-lover and Dog Mom to see several pups enjoying themselves! It is worth noting that pets are not allowed indoors at most shops and restaurants as well as inside buildings and museums. Above all else, Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent place to bring your fury friend on a wonderful and historical walk!

What To Do:

There is a plethora of things to do when visiting Colonial Williamsburg, including:

  • Strolling the historic homes and buildings at Colonial Williamsburg adjacent to Merchant’s Square.

  • Stay at or take in the lobbies of one of the incredible historic hotels nearby.

Wrap-Up:

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg is a Preppy fashion enthusiast and grand millennial’s dream come true! Truly, there is charm at every corner of Colonial Williamsburg. At the same time, I admire how Colonial Williamsburg strives to conserve history and bring lifestyles from 250+ years’ past to life to this very day. Indeed, everyone can learn something from visiting Colonial Williamsburg.

XOXO – Katie <3

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When Is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?

Over the last few years, my Papa and I have embarked on a day trip to Shenandoah National Park for Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage. We have loved getting to enjoy Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage year-after-year via Skyline Drive. Since I have a few years under my belt of experience with leaf peeping for Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage, I can typically predict when it will be annually!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Please note that this blog post on answering when is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026 takes into account the Virginia State Parks’ Fall Foliage Report from years’ past as well as my personal experience in when my Papa and I planned our visits to Shenandoah National Park. I will also note that this post will primarily focus on our visits on Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Virginia to Sperryville, Virginia in the Northern Virginia region alongside Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (see more on that here). For more information on other parts of Shenandoah National Park and the state of Virginia look no further than here.

When Is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?

Based on my previous experiences visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage and the Fall Foliage Report, typically Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage Falls in mid-October-mid-November. Personally, I have found the most beautiful Fall Foliage times to be after October 18-20 until November 5-10. While the exact dates may vary year-after-year, Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage usually persists around the same time frame. The Fall Foliage Report for 2026 will come out in early-mid September with the most precise dates, so stay tuned!! Above all else, it’s never too early to start planning your visit to Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026!

Visiting Shenandoah National Park

While I won’t get into too much detail on visiting Shenandoah National Park in this blog post, I will mention that all visitors are to have a pass upon entry and you must have a car to get around (rental car options are available!). Passes vary in fees, and annual passes are accepted (see more information on that here). It is also worth noting that passes are 1 per vehicle not per person. If you plan to book overnight accommodations, there are plenty of great options on Booking.com and Hotels.com! For additional information on visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage, I have a few previous blog posts from 2024 and 2022 for your reference. If you’re interested in going leaf peeping at other parks in Northern Virginia, then look no further than my 11 Parks in Northern Virginia list!

Want to know the best spots to enjoy Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?! Look no further than this guide from the Virginia Department of Forestry!

Wrap-Up

Year after year, I always wonder when is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage?! And, I know you do too! Visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage is truly an experience that you won’t regret.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Travel Diary: Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia

Ever since I was like 10, I had always wanted to visit Virginia’s Natural Bridge State Park. However, I had never made it out there for almost two decades. Well, until I was on my way home from a road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina and all of a sudden took an hour detour off of Route 29 immediately after seeing the exit sign for Natural Bridge. If you know me in real life pretty well, then you probably know that I am *very* much a planner through and through. I am rarely someone that takes a detour in the plans that I make let alone an hour+ detour, especially on a road trip when I feel anxious to get home. But, through it all, I am so so so happy that I simply took the detour and *finally* got to cross an incredible mega Virginia bucket list item off of my list!

One of my recent travel goals that I’ve briefly mentioned on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) is to visit all 95 counties over the course of my lifetime in the state of Virginia alongside all 50 states and 50 countries. Travel is ONE of my biggest passions and loves of my life (in case you can’t tell!). I have fallen in love with driving throughout my trips to/from my college state of North Carolina and current residence in the Washington, DC area (by way of Northern Virginia!) and simply wanted to find a way to enjoy SO MUCH of the state that I proudly call home. Hence, my travel goal of visiting all 95 counties of Virginia was born!

Nevertheless, my travel goal of visiting all 95 counties of Virginia is one less county away from being complete, as I got to visit Natural Bridge State Park’s home in Rockbridge County, Virginia. At the same time, I also got to visit a mega bucket list item off of my list! While driving to Natural Bridge State Park’s location which is ~15 miles South of Lexington, Virginia, I got the chance to drive part of I-81 that is situated in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive throughout I-81 was BEAUTIFUL, and I am excited to visit and explore more of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains – a part of my home state that I have yet to really explore. Natural Bridge was just the start of many more visits to this gorgeous Virginia region, including, more recently, to the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia!

Know Before You Go

While I was LITERALLY in my Jack Roger’s sandals and a blouse and skirt as I went on a whim, I didn’t have any issues or regrets throughout my visit when it came to how I was dressed.

Parking: When routed to Natural Bridge State Park’s location (I typed in “Natural Bridge State Park” on Apple Maps), visitors will want to park at the Visitors Center located across the street from the charming Natural Bridge Hotel – owned by Wyndham – and will see a LOVE sign themed for the gorgeous state park! Parking is free and plentiful – welllll, at least on an April Monday. To reach Natural Bridge, I recommend entering through the Visitors Center and checking out some of their exhibits, the gift shop, and bathrooms (if needed).

Accessing Natural Bridge: Upon entering into the Visitors Center, I found it easiest to head downstairs and outside via following the signs to Natural Bridge that are easy to find throughout it. Visitors will head outside and walk a concrete trail filled with lots of stairs alongside a beautiful creek and gorgeous forest scenery to enjoy. The stairwell pathway leads to another gift shop, where guests must purchase an admission pass ($9/13+ and $6/6-12 and Free/under 6). Anddd, then visitors can be fully enamored with the gorgeous serenity and natural formation of Natural Bridge!

My Experience at Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia

While I didn’t spend a ton of time at Natural Bridge State Park given my attire, I did have a lovely time while I was there simply taking in the gorgeous views and enjoying this beautiful natural formation and creation. I adored the creek, river, and adjacent stream that are all nearby Natural Bridge. I also loved that just in front of Natural Bridge, there are several wooden chairs for visitors to take a seat and simply take it all in. However, if I did have more time to spare and the right attire, I would have loved to explore some of the many trails that Natural Bridge State Park has to offer and *even* go underneath this gorgeous bridge. Above all else, I love that the walk, while LOTS of stairs, is easy to navigate and not super challenging for most so that everyone can enjoy.

Wrap-Up:

After almost 2 decades of aspiring to visit Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia, I am filled with SO MUCH JOY and happiness that I finally got to. I am SO glad that I impulsively found myself off of the highway and on my way to Natural Bridge State Park within 30 seconds of seeing the exit sign to go. Sometimes, taking the detour is truly worth it and I am SO glad that I did just that. I am still so proud and happy that I went for me and me only.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Guide: Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia Fall Crowds

Pretty much EVERY year since I graduated from college and relocated to the Washington, DC area, I have found a way to take a half a day trip to wonderful Harpers Ferry, West Virginia! Typically, I visit this gorgeous West Virginia town in the Summer months, however, this year, I was *finally* able to make it to see the peak Fall foliage (!!!!). My best friend Haley and I are both HUGE fans of Harpers Ferry so much so that we both find West Virginia to be one of the prettiest states. SO, when thinking of a lovely Fall half day trip to take, Harpers Ferry was at the top of both of our lists! However, it does get Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia Fall crowds are a thing. SO, I’m going to be sharing how Haley and I navigated the Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia Fall crowds.

For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring the DMV page. For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Given that I have been to Harpers Ferry year after year, I’ll leave my travel tips and insights to my formerly written posts (here and here). Rather, I will stick to my Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Fall crowds guide and tips this time around! However, I will share some insights on visiting Harpers Ferry on a crowded day!

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia Fall Crowds Tips:

I will mention that on this half day trip that Haley and I took, the crowds were at its peak due to it being during the peak Fall foliage. First off, Haley and I had an 8am departure and arrived to downtown Harpers Ferry around 9-10am to beat the crowds. We ended up parking at the Visitor’s Center (about 1-2 miles away from the historic downtown) which all visitors can park at either with the purchase of a $20 day pass/vehicle or an already valid and issued National Park Pass/vehicle. Parking can be hit or miss in downtown Harpers Ferry, especially on a crowded day and there is plenty of parking at the Visitor’s Center (even on crowded days!). The Visitor’s Center offers free shuttles to and from the historic downtown Harpers Ferry every few minutes. Due to the high volume of crowds, there were more shuttle buses than usual to/from downtown and the Visitor’s Center. And, we ended up departing Harpers Ferry’s Visitor’s Center just after 12pm, which is when the crowds started to exponentially pick up. SO, needless to say, its best to arrive early and park at the Visitor’s Center to avoid the crowds and parking issues.

Wrap-Up:

Here’s to making many more memories in Wonderful West Virginia!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Fall Travel Diary

Over the weekend, Papa and our dog Rosie and I embarked on our annual Fall tradition to see the foliage at Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. We rarely get out and hike or walk on any of the trails at Shenandoah National Park, but rather stick to leaf peeping and taking in ALL of the scenic views view the scenic Skyline Drive. We have made visiting Skyline Drive an annual tradition ever since I graduated from college in May 2021 (see more here!) and it has become a special way to celebrate the Fall season alongside the upcoming holiday season, too. Rosie has LOVED getting to take in ALL of the sights and smells at Shenandoah National park, too! And, 2024 was the first year that I had my camera with me to snap some lovely shots of the mountains in their beauty and glory this Fall season!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

Our Experience:

One of the things that we’ve noticed this year, despite arriving at Shenandoah National Park before 9am, was the lack of visitors this year (even as we left). Papa and I believe that the recent damage and unfortunate and devastating events from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton are a big reason for this decrease in visitors. Shenandoah National Park amongst some of Western North Carolina’s and Virginia’s towns are reopening post-hurricane and are welcome to visitors. Even though these destinations may have received damage from recent hurricanes, they are still open to and eager to welcome visitors, including at Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park. These towns that are reopening need our business now more than ever before. While they may not be every town or place, the ones that are opening again and ready for visitors need us now to support and stimulate their economies, especially after receiving damage. That all being said, I am SOOO grateful that Papa and Rosie and I visited Skyline Drive via our annual Fall tradition especially this year.

Now, I am going to keep this post more focused on the photos I took as they encompass some of the many special memories made on our Shenandoah adventure this Fall 2024!

 

 

 

And, until next Fall!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Hours in Winchester, Virginia

On Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee), I have always seen content pertaining to the stunning town of Winchester, Virginia, yet I hadn’t been. HOWEVER, others’ content on Winchester only made my desires to visit this stunning Northern Virginia town grow and grow. Luckily, when my college friend Carlin started graduate school in Winchester, I was given the opportunity to take a day and visit her there! Carlin and I had a GREAT time catching up and enjoying the gorgeous downtown 4 hours in Winchester, Virginia together on a sunny September Saturday afternoon.

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

About Winchester:

Winchester is a Northern Virginia town in Jefferson County, located not too far from the West Virginia border. It is also in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and boosts a rich history, specifically focused on the Civil War playing home to Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum, and lots of nature and charm, too. Winchester has a lot a rich amount of unique culture with a small town charm. With its location in the Shenandoah Valley, mountains are plentiful and so are vineyards and breweries. For my fellow friends living/have lived in the South, it is important to note that Winchester DOES have a Cookout (!!!!).

Getting There:

Winchester is located about 90 minutes from Washington, DC and 2 hours from Charlottesville, Virginia. It is easiest to drive to Winchester from its closest airport Dulles International Airport located an hour east or its second closest airport Ronald Reagan National Airport located 90 minutes east. The town is located right off of highway I-81. That all being said, Winchester makes for the PERFECT small town day trip getaway, given its location in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and proximity to several local vineyards and breweries.

What We Did:

Old Town Winchester – Carlin and I spent most of our time at Old Town Winchester’s open air walking mall, taking in the live music, enjoying the sunshine, and catching up. We started with lunch at Union Jack Pub & Restaurant which was delicious and had a gorgeous bar, before checking out some of the many shops on the same street, including the ultra-adorable Winchester Book Gallery. There was also A TON of super fun live music in downtown Winchester, too, and what I found to be unique is the diverse age range and genders of people playing the music making it so much more charming and wholesome.

 

Kimberly’s – Just a couple of blocks away from the open air walking mall in Old Town Winchester is the ultra-adorable and VERYYY much a Katie store – LOL! – Kimberly’s. Kimberly’s has two buildings: one which has all-things seasonal, home decor, and Virginia made goods, whether it be plates, magnets, jams, or wine and another with clothing including … Lilly Pulitzer and Barefoot Dreams (!!!). Carlin and I got to meet Kimberly the store owner and buy some Lilly Pulitzer, too. It was just a week after the September 2023 Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale, which Kimberly’s still had TONS of merchandise marked down from. We also got to shop the 2023 Print with Purpose to support Breast Cancer awareness before it hit the Lilly Pulitzer website. Kimberly’s was definitely a favorite of mine, as I LOVED its super fun Fall decorations, merchandise, and *of course* all-things Lilly Pulitzer!

Handley Regional Library – Looking as if it is a European Opera House, the Handley Regional Library also located in Old Town Winchester is a site to be seen. With free access to all visitors, the Handley Regional Library is absolutely STUNNING. It has a uniquely painted dome which guests can climb stairs to to the top of, alongside functioning as a library to those within the Winchester and greater Shenandoah Valley communities. The Handley Regional Library is TRULY a site to see and definitely worth a visit!

Apples – All across town, there are some super fun painted apple structures representing different aspects of Winchester, including its history and charm. Carlin and I LOVED getting to spot *just a few of them* during our time here in Old Town Winchester.

Wrap-Up:

I truly had an amazing time and a blast here for 4 hours in Winchester, Virginia. I am so blessed to have connected with Carlin during my undergraduate years at Meredith College and to have another friend from Meredith up here in the Northern Virginia area. Carlin is truly a blessing! At the same time, I LOVED getting to explore a bit of Winchester with Carlin and learn more about this beautiful little town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. And, I definitely want to come back, too, and spend another 4 hours in Winchester, Virginia!

XOXO – Katie <3

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6 Hours in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful … West Virginia! To many people’s surprise, I find West Virginia to be one of the most prettiest states that I have ever been to! While maybe not where I would want to live in the future, I have LOVED getting to visit West Virginia from time to time again over the years. During the height of Summer 2020, my Mom and I decided to take a day hike to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where we went all the way up to the iconic Jefferson Rock (where Thomas Jefferson saw some of the most spectacular views in his life!!) and then into the town. And, since that day trip back in Summer 2020 (here), I have been going back to Harpers Ferry *almost* every summer since (here)!

For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring the DMV page. For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

About + Getting There:

The town of Harpers Ferry has a population of ~270 people and no stoplight in sight (unlike its neighboring towns). However, the residents and national park rangers at Harpers Ferry National Park reign proud that the town’s name is in the national park that brings in visitors from across the country and beyond. The location of Harpers Ferry is approximately at the halfway mark of the East Coast’s well-known Appalachian Trail (that starts in Maine and ends in Georgia) at the intersection of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River. From Washington, DC, Harpers Ferry is about a 90 minute drive with an Amtrak station in the heart of the historical district and Harpers Ferry National Park. To be able to drive and park and sightsee within Harpers Ferry’s historical district and the adjacent Harpers Ferry National Park, it is easiest to purchase a National Park Service (NPS) day pass or use an already-purchased/borrowed NPS pass.

This time around, I visited Harpers Ferry with my Papa and dog Rosie. Papa had not been to Harpers Ferry with the exception of a brief visit there decades ago, so it was super fun for him to relive his past memories of this magnificent town. We ended up starting out at the visitor center which is about a 10 minute drive from the historic district (and has a complimentary shuttle that is NOT pet-friendly), which contains the bulk of the non-intense hiking activities. In order to enter the visitor center, all guests must pay for an NPS day pass or show that they have one, which Papa happens to have. We went into the visitor center, talked a bit with a National Park Ranger, and then went on our way to the historic downtown and parked at the Amtrak station there (which our parking was covered for by flashing our NPS pass on the dashboard of Papa’s truck), since Rosie couldn’t go on the shuttle directly from the visitor center. At the Amtrak station, we got a front row seat to … an Amtrak train coming into the station. We LOVED seeing a train come into the station in the midst of the gorgeous mountain terrain surrounding the train tracks as we enjoyed our picnic lunch.

My Experience:

The day that we ended up going to Harpers Ferry happened to be rather rainy and foggy, which limited what we could do. Initially, I had wanted to walk along the creeks, rock-covered bridge, and streams just outside of the historic district, however, the weather prohibited us from doing so this time around. The same goes for checking out the dog-friendly Harpers Ferry Brewing brewery (located in Purcellville, Virginia) that offers stunning views of the town and connecting rivers from afar, however, dogs are only allowed outside which meant that we needed to save this spot for a visit when it wasn’t a rainy day. SO, to the historic district and C&O Canal Footbridge we went (guide on it all here). While Papa and Rosie took in some more of the scenic views, I learned a bit about the part of the Lewis & Clark expedition which took place in none other than Harpers Ferry via a complimentary NPS exhibit. Long story short, Merriweather Lewis was stranded in Harpers Ferry for a few weeks, but if it wasn’t for the supplies and resources that they found locally within the town, they would not have made it across the now-United States on their well-known expedition where he would then-soon meet William Clark to do. Lewis holds gratitude for the town of Harpers Ferry. Afterwards, Rosie, Papa, and I walked alongside the town’s hilly streets to browse shops, grab some coffee, and then hit the road with some ice cream.

Wrap-Up:

Papa, Rosie, and I LOVED getting to check out Harpers Ferry! We LOVED getting to walk across the C&O Canal Footbridge which leads to train tracks through a mountain (HOW COOL!!!!) and taking in ALL the views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. What’s neat about Harpers Ferry’s C&O Canal Footbridge is the sheer fact that you can see 3 states in one stroll – Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia along with two iconic rivers to the area (as previously mentioned!). And, there’s SO MUCH history here (including a Civil War battle) in Harpers Ferry (!!!) which my history buff self LOVES knowing. Unfortunately, many of the exhibits (which are all run and complimentary to all guests via the NPS) were under renovation … all of which means that I got to come back at some point – haha!

For a future Harpers Ferry day trip, I’d LOVE to go back in the Fall for the foliage and do a drive by of some historical sites within the area via an NPS app driving tour. There are 3 driving tours at least that the NPS app offers to visitors that are free, accessible, self-guided, and all based on the user’s preferences. All of which I LOVE!

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is one of my favorite places to visit for a nice and blissful day trip that feels *just as if* like you’re not in reality and so so so close to Washington, DC. I LOVE LOVE LOVE going to Harpers Ferry and feel so lucky that I got to recently and hope to again very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

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I Visited Shenandoah National Park During Peak Season!

Every year, my Papa and I make an effort to visit Shenandoah National Park during the Fall season. Luckily for us, it SO happened to be that the only weekend day we both had available to go was during Peak Fall leaves season! That all being said, we had a breathtakingly gorgeous experience driving through the national park’s major road to sightsee – Skyline Drive. It was all truly a DREAM come true!!

About Shenandoah National Park: Shenandoah National Park is a mountainous oasis just 75 miles away from Washington, DC in Virginia. It is home to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which extend from North Carolina. This Virginia national park also includes a 101-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Skyline Drive, which Papa and I drove about 25 miles of from the Front Royal entrance to the Sperryville exit, runs approximately 105 miles both north and south along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Scenic views galore when driving through Skyline Drive, whether you go leaf peeping (like Papa and I!) in the Fall or want to take in ALL the gorgeous mountainous views. One of the most well-known hikes at Shenandoah National Park is Old Rag. There are ALSO several other hiking trails, many of which include gorgeous cascade waterfalls. For more information and to book a National Park Pass to visit, look no further than here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

I will be honest here for a second, it was PACKED when Papa and I arrived. We picked the prime day for leaf peeping yet the WORST day in terms of traffic and crowds. We actually had to wait about 1-2 hours in a longggg line full of cars just to get into the park. One of the biggest suggestions I have for visiting Shenandoah National Park is to book your pass to visit in advance (or purchase a National Park Pass if you’ll get your money’s worth!). Papa has a Senior Citizen National Park Pass, so we were able to bypass a good chunk of the lines of cars to get into the park. BUT, when we did get into the park, it was definitely worth the wait!

Personally, I am not a big fan of crowds. There were crowds everywhere when we drove Skyline Drive, but it was to be expected given the time that we chose to visit and the fact that it was a weekend. If crowds overwhelm you, then it is worthwhile choosing to visit during a less of a peak season or on a weekday to avoid them a bit. I will say, though, that simply being in the car with Papa and Rosie and stopping at the scenic views of our choosing was nice and a good way to simply space out.

Now, on a more positive note, the leaves were absolutely gorgeous!!! I LOVED getting to visit Shenandoah National Park during Peak leaves season. This is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do, yet never gotten the chance to given, well, life. So, through the crowds and traffic and all, I am so so so grateful that I was able to visit during this terrific time to do so. Pictures DO NOT do the roads and the sights of Skyline Drive ANY justice. Gratitude is the word, especially when taking in ALLL the views!

I feel super lucky to be able to live so close to such a great national park within an easy day’s reach. While I’m not a big hiker, I do love the mountains and the serenity that it brings me. I know others feel the same way, too, hiker or not. One day, I would LOVE to explore the cascade waterfalls via a bunny hike of Shenandoah National Park and more!

XOXO – Katie <3

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A Few Hours in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Personally, I find West Virginia one of the most beautiful states that I have ever laid eyes on! Growing up, I would occasionally go on family reunions to Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia – a place rated a hidden gem in the United States on MANY pages listing them! – and fell in love with the state simply on our drives through it. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I recently posted about my day trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia with my best friend Bryn. Believe it or not, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is located just an hour-90 minutes west of Washington, DC, making it an easy day trip from the nation’s capital, and it is a beauty!

When coming into the town, it is easiest to drive and simply park there. Harpers Ferry offers parking along its visitors centers and along the streets of the hilly town. The main attractions to visitors in the town are offered at the bottom of the hill, where the town is located. Bryn and I parked at the middle school for free located about 20-30 minutes from the main tourist attractions. Whatever you choose to do – hiking or not, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and even bring a water bottle for walking as you WILL be walking quite a bit and getting a workout in.

A bit of background about Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: this town is located at the location wherewith the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, also known as The Point, and provides views of both Maryland and Virginia. Harpers Ferry is located just outside of Loudon County, Virginia – a well-known county that is not far from Washington, DC that is legitimately heaven on Earth with its beauty, too. The town even has a train station, which goes into Washington, DC on the daily for commuters. Harpers Ferry is also located along the Appalachian Trail, offering hikes at all levels for visitors, including to the scenic Jefferson Rock which former President Thomas Jefferson found to have such stunning views of the rivers from. This town’s notability comes from being a key site in the 1859 raid of Abolitionist John Brown and a well-known battle during the Civil War. One of the things that I LOVE about Harpers Ferry is the fact that both hiking and sightseeing is offered. So, you can easily come to Harpers Ferry dressed all cute for photos OR dressed all cute for hiking OR a dressed for a little bit of both!

Harpers Ferry has a plethora of small businesses in the town, both for dining and shopping. At the same time, it offers A LOT of historic charm and scenic views at every turn. Bryn and I simply explored many of the shops in town including a candy shop that had candy from decades including the 1920’s, took in the scenic views, and walked across the footbridge over the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Everything both Bryn and I did was for free, too – something EASY to do here in Harpers Ferry.

Honestly, my visit to Harpers Ferry was great. The town’s close proximity to Washington, DC and plethora of scenic views make it an easy not even half day trip from the city and allows me to feel as if I am in heaven on Earth. I loved that it was easy to simply spend $0 while here and to just enjoy the moments, history, and gorgeous views while visiting. This was my second time here in Harpers Ferry, as the first time I went with my Mom during lockdown in 2020 to hike. And, if I were to go back again (which I want to!), I would hike a bit, walk through the town, park MUCH MUCH MUCH closer to the town, and go to a vineyard in nearby Loudon County, Virginia. Either way, there is something for everybody in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia!

XOXO – Katie <3

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24 Hours in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia is located in the heart of the Virginia Wine Country, just over 2 hours from Washington, DC. It is home to the University of Virginia, our Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, and a plethora of wineries and history. A road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia is perfect, for everyone and all kinds of trips, whether celebratory, family, friends, or solo. I chose the latter and went on a solo road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend to see family for a work conference. Going to Charlottesville, Virginia on a road trip was nothing short of a blast!

What I Did

To start my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, I drove through the beautiful Virginia countryside on Route 29. Living in the Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, I drove through Virginia’s counties of Prince William County, Fauquier County, Culpeper County, Madison County, and Greene County to get to Charlottesville. Each of these counties are located in the heart of the Virginia countryside and Virginia Wine Country, filled with small businesses lining Route 29 and farms at every corner. True and utter beauty – so much that I wanted to stop at each and every single local business along the way as I jammed out to the 80’s channel on SiriusXM the entire way.

My first stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia: the University of Virginia. I parked my car right by the bookstore in the parking garage (they’re everywhere along the University of Virginia’s campus and parking lots, too) and set out to explore the campus. The University of Virginia was the first-ever public university in the state of Virginia and potentially the United States (I can’t remember – haha!!). This college was founded by former President Thomas Jefferson after his presidency as he was a resident of Charlottesville and wanted others to have an education like his own. I walked around the breathtaking Rotunda – the main draw to the University of Virginia and asked a student to show me where it was (students are SUPER helpful here!) – which had a statue honoring Thomas Jefferson, himself. After admiring the University of Virginia’s gorgeous and huge campus, I set sail for my conference networking event which was on the campus!

My second stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to see my Aunt Lisa, Uncle John, and cousins Mary, Joey, and Matthew who live in Charlottesville. We enjoyed some much-needed and enjoyable family time that we hadn’t had for years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My third stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to check out Grace Estate Winery with my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary – a vineyard located along the Monticello Wine Trail in Crozet, Virginia which is a nearby-to-Charlottesville town located in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Grace Estate Winery is also a participating Virginia Wine Pass vineyard. The Virginia Wine Pass – which I am a pass holder of – allows for its pass holders to get discounts at its participating vineyards. This excursion to Grace Estate Winery was my first-EVER usage of my Virginia Wine Pass and it was great to treat my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary to some discounted wine flights, too! Grace Estate Winery was a super duper adorable winery with gorgeous scenic views. It has a precious little selection of merchandise, including wine barrel planters. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the wine there, the owner was the sweetest and the views were even more beautiful!

My fourth and final stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to nothing short of the Belk – yes, Belk!!! – in Charlottesville on Route 29! They do not have Belk’s in my home base of the Washington, DC area.

What To Do

There is A TON to do on a road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia! This past Fall, I visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – his former homestead for the day and LOVED it. On the same token, there is SO MUCH that I want to do just in and around Charlottesville, Virginia!!

  • Tour James Madison’s Montpelier
  • Walk around the University of Virginia *yet again*
  • Explore downtown Charlottesville
  • Go on a Monticello Wine Trail crawl and visit 3-4 wineries in a day! (some of the wineries/vineyards include: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Afton Mountain Vineyards, and Veritas Vineyards and Winery)
  • Visit and enjoy local goods at Carter Mountain Orchard
  • Tour James Monroe’s Highland
  • Re-visit and tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

All in all, I had an amazing time on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia and cannot wait to go again!

XOXO – Katie <3

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