Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia Guide

Since relocating back to the Washington, DC area, I have found myself exploring some of the many gorgeous nearby-to-me parks (here), however, I rarely make it out to the Shenandoah Valley near and in the mountains. However, that recently changed! In early May, I was introduced to a brand-new spot in Virginia: the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia. This spot wasn’t on my radar or even a place I’d even heard of until we went for Mother’s Day! And, I  was in awe at how incredible this magnificent and unique spot is.

*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.*

Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia Guide

About Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia

Operated by the University of Virginia, Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia is a field station that homes 700+ acres of local flora and fauna. With its beautiful location in Northern Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County, Virginia, it provides visitors with an active representation of Virginia’s local habitats (specifically within the Shenandoah Valley). Visitors have opportunities to enjoy bird watching, admire local and native plants (including embarking on the Virginia Native Plant Trail which is lovely in the Spring/Summer timeframe!), and *even* learn more and see local bee hives in action. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself within the local Virginia flora and enjoy is to hike the 2.6-mile Wilkins Lane Loop Drive. The common denominator of this beautiful Northern Virginia spot is the gorgeous Shenandoah Mountains as a backdrop!

It is also worth noting that the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia hosts numerous events throughout the year, including their Annual Garden Fair which took place on Mother’s Day in 2025 (which brought us there!). See their full events calendar here.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia is to drive (there are several rental car options if needed!). It is located about an hour outside of Washington, DC and offers an incredible scenic escape from the hustle and bustle. Alongside Washington, DC, this beautiful Northern Virginia spot is also in close proximity to nearby towns of Leesburg, Virginia and Winchester, Virginia. It is worth noting that the main entrance is located on Route 50/17, making it an easily accessible spot from much of Northern Virginia.

Address: 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA 22620

My Experience

For Mother’s Day 2025, my Mom a mega native plant enthusiast was really excited to check out the Annual Garden Fair. So, we kicked off our experience by checking out the several incredible local vendors onsite for the Garden Fair before heading off to explore all that this beautiful spot in the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. My Uncle James and Step Dad joined us for the Mother’s Day experience, which consisted of hiking the 2.6-mile Wilkins Lane Loop Drive and strolling the Virginia Native Plant Trail. My Uncle James has been to the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia many times and showed us all around this beautiful spot. During our hike, we learned about the native bees and saw a community of native bees! We also took in all of the gorgeous mountainside views and truly enjoyed our time being one with nature. Above all else, it was such a lovely time and I took several photos of this stunning spot at every chance I could!

There is a beautiful garden house onsite!
A commune of native bees!
There were plaques on almost every tree to learn more about it!
Virginia has native cacti!

All in all, we had a lovely and educational time!!

Wrap-Up

Personally, I had never heard of the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia until my Mom and Uncle James showed it to me. Indeed, I am glad that they did! This is a beautiful and unique spot to learn more about Virginia’s local native habitats and admire some stunning landscapes. Nevertheless, we had such a lovely time this year that we decided to make visiting an annual tradition!

XOXO – Katie <3

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11 Parks in Northern Virginia

***Please note that this 11 Parks in Northern Virginia list will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

Northern Virginia offers a vast array of unique things to do. One of the most cost-effective ways to have a fun adventure is to go on a stroll at one of its many parks. Parks in Northern Virginia are so diverse yet unique in their own way. There is truly something so distinct and unique about each park. Growing up in Northern Virginia, it is so easy to forget how lucky I am to have lived in a place that offers several unique parks. So, I will be sharing 11 parks in Northern Virginia to enjoy a stroll and perhaps, more!!

*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.*

11 Parks in Northern Virginia

It is worth noting that some of these parks are federally run, state run, regionally run, and county run. All of these parks, at the end of the day, are lovely and perfect for visiting to take a nice stroll. In the case that you’re visiting these 11 parks in Northern Virginia, then look no further than some of the many rental car options in the area.

1 – Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)

In addition to a miniature train, carousel, mini and disc golf courses, and an ice cream parlor, Burke Lake Park has a 4.7-mile long trail going around its beautiful lake and perfect for strolling. Personally, I’ve grown up going to Burke Lake Park as a kid, riding the miniature train and carousel and taking part in the park’s additional Halloween, Easter, and Christmas festivities – ahhhh the nostalgia! As I’ve grown up, Burke Lake Park remains a favorite of mine for wandering its vast trail around the lake, whether for a quick stroll or all around the lake. While there, be sure to snap some photos of the local wildlife and take a walk and enjoy the breeze on the onsite dock at its harbor!

See more information on visiting Burke Lake Park here.

2 – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna)

A lovely oasis filled with lush greenery, vibrant blooms, ducks, coy fish, a greenhouse, and an outdoor gazebo, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is truly a heavenly spot to enjoy a lovely stroll! Specifically in the warmer months, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights up with blooming flowers in its lively gardens and is perfect for snapping photos and taking in the moments on a lovely stroll. While there, be sure to make way for ducks crossing!

See more information on visiting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens here.

3 – Great Falls Park (9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean)

Situated alongside the banks of the Potomac River, Great Falls Park is a tiny National Park Service site offering plenty of scenic viewpoints and strolling opportunities. Although disconnected from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Great Falls Park remains an integral park of it and attracts visitors from across the United States and world. It is important to note that Great Falls Park offers stunning scenic viewpoints that involve walking on unpaved trails that can be less accessible for some visitors, however, the park is extremely accessible and offers several viewpoints that are wheelchair accessible and offer ramps in addition to stairs so everyone can have a great time. One of the neatest parks about visiting Great Falls Park is that at many of the viewpoints, visitors can spot kayakers on the rapids – HOW COOL!

See more information on visiting Great Falls Park here.

4 – Fountainhead Regional Park (10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station)

Covering approximately 2,000 acres, Fountainhead Regional Park borders a tributary of the Potomac River and has something for everyone. Whether it be hiking or mountain biking or strolling, Fountainhead Regional Park has it ALL! It is worth noting that the walking can be a bit uphill/downhill, depending on where you park. However, the scenic waterfront views are totally worth the walk!!

See more information on visiting Fountainhead Regional Park here.

5 – Huntley Meadows Park (3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria)

The largest Fairfax County Park Authority-operated park, Huntley Meadows Park has a variety of trails and a boardwalk for visitors looking to admire some local wildlife while enjoying a lovely stroll. The boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park reaches over the local wetlands, offering opportunities for visitors to view frogs, birds, turtles, and more. It is important to note that there are no bikes and jogging allowed on the boardwalk. That all being said, Huntley Meadows Park is indeed made for those looking to simply stroll!

See more information on visiting Huntley Meadows Park here.

6 – Occoquan Regional Park (9571 Ox Road, Lorton)

With an onsite pavilion and Brickmaker’s Cafe, batting cage, and historic site on Women’s Suffrage, Occoquan Regional Park is located alongside the Potomac River and truly has something for everyone looking for a nice stroll. Grab lunch and a glass of wine/beer at the delicious Brickmaker’s Cafe while you take in the heavenly Potomac River views. Continue savoring those lovely riverfront views via a waterfront stroll and perhaps learn some history at the adjacent historic site on Women’s Suffrage and express your gratitude for those who fought for women’s suffrage 100+ years ago. If you LOVE to kayak or boating, Occoquan Regional Park has plenty of onsite kayak rentals and a boat ramp. Parking is plentiful throughout this riverside park, too.

See more information on visiting Occoquan Regional Park here.

7 – Bull Run Regional Park (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville)

Alongside having an onsite waterpark in the Summer months and a Festival of Lights in the Winter months and MORE, Bull Run Regional Park has plenty of trails for visitors looking for a lovely stroll. Encompassing 1,568-acres, Bull Run Regional Park truly has it all! Around April each year, the notable 1.5-mile long Bluebell Trail has beautiful bluebell flowers blooming alongside it, making for the perfect Springtime stroll.

See more information on visiting Bull Run Regional Park here.

8 – Lake Mercer (7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield)

A 154-acre park home to a lake, Lake Mercer is a well-known spot for hiking, fishing, biking, and strolling. Visitors can easily stroll around the entirety of Lake Mercer and take in scenic views of it from all angles. It is important to note that Lake Mercer does not have a public road to the water’s edge or boat ramp, and visitors must walk about 5 minutes to/from the parking lot to the lake.

See more information on visiting Lake Mercer here.

9 – Mount Vernon Trail (Starting Point: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon & Ending Point: Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington DC)

Starting at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and extending ALLLL the way to Washington, DC’s Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail welcoming bikers, hikers, and walkers. This beautiful trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River, Washington, DC’s skyline, and the Woodrow Wilson bridge. This multi-use trail also connects with regional trails such as the Potomac Heritage, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trails, and Four Mile Run. Parking is available at almost every site along this magnificent trail, too.

See more specific information on visiting Mount Vernon Trail here.

10 – Mason Neck State Park (7301 High Point Road, Lorton)

Offering bird watching specifically for American bald eagles and migrating swans (Fall/Winter months only), hiking, kayaking, and *of course* strolling, Mason Neck State Park truly has it all. Mason Neck State Park is known for its wetlands, forests, open water and fields, and ponds. That all being said, this Fairfax County park is the perfect spot to learn something new, especially within the realm of wildlife observation and environmental study.

See more specific information on visiting Mason Neck State Park here.

11 – Shenandoah National Park (21073 Skyline Drive, Front Royal)

Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains stretching 105 miles across Virginia, Shenandoah National Park’s northernmost entrance is in the heart of Northern Virginia in Front Royal. Shenandoah National Park offers several incredible hiking trails and scenic views, including Old Rag and White oak Canyon, via its main road throughout it: Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is an excellent spot for people of all ages and ability levels to be able to catch some stunning mountain views (see here for the latest Fall Foliage prediction!).

See more specific information on visiting Shenandoah National Park here.

Wrap-Up:

Northern Virginia’s parks have several opportunities for visitors and locals, alike, to enjoy a lovely stroll. I feel so fortunate to have grown up in Fairfax County, Virginia and having so many incredible parks to enjoy a stroll right in my own backyard. Whether you’re looking for some riverfront views, a unique opportunity to interact and view some local wildlife, or admire local gardens, parks in Northern Virginia truly have an opportunity for everyone to take in a nice stroll!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Fall Strolls – Occoquan, Virginia

Growing up, I spent several childhood weekends in the charming town of Occoquan, Virginia. My Dad lived in Occoquan for a few of my childhood years hence the many weekends spent there. Weekends in Occoquan were spent walking my late childhood Yorkie Butters alongside the gorgeous historic streets and alongside the adjacent Occoquan River, getting ice cream at the local ice cream parlors, and dinners and shopping via supporting the local small businesses (which are the only businesses in downtown Occoquan!). Through it all, Occoquan holds a special place in my heart!

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.

Truly, Occoquan is a unique as some may say “hidden gem” in the Washington, DC area – something that I LOVE about it too. At the same time, I truly view Occoquan as such a special place in my childhood and sometimes forget that it is there amongst ALLL that there is to do in my own backyard (something I feel VERY fortunate for!). And, in those few moments that I do revisit the charming town that is apart of my childhood stomping grounds, I am extremely grateful for it. Needless to say, I LOVE that Occoquan is a little oasis amongst the Washington, DC suburbs and hustle and bustle of the area.

One of the biggest things that I have found in strolling through Occoquan, while not as frequent as in the past, is that it’s important for us all to find time to explore places near and dear to our hearts. We must make time for those places that we adore and cherish. Even though, yes, it may be the same place time and time again, it is also going to be great for your mental health, too. I have found this to be true whenever I go to Occoquan and hope that others can do the same with their childhood stomping grounds (if/when able to), too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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