Hungry Mother State Park

 

 

About a month ago we checked off another state park from the old "to-do" list....Hungry Mother State Park.  Located in Marion Virginia (think Southwest part of the State) right off of I-81.  It has hiking, camping, cabins, a lake, a restaurant and the cutest visitor center ever. 

 

 

Since we visited the park at the tail end of February we opted for a cabin.  This park has both newer cabins and older cabins.  Some have open porches while others have open decks.  All come with the standard linens, pots/pans, and bundle of firewood that you get with the State Parks.  There is a 6 bedroom lodge on site as well if you have a big family or just need your space :-)

 

There are tent camping sites and RV sites in the park.  The stream above is right along the tent camping sites which can be reserved in advance on the park's reservation website.  I'm already scoping them out for the warm season! 

 

 

Can you see the snow flakes in the picture?  Yes it snowed while we were visiting!  And there was fog!  That made it hard to see the mountains in the distance but if you squint just right....well I can see them.

 

 

Also unique to the park is their restaurant.  It isn't open in the winter. The restaurant sits right next to the lake so you have a nice view of the water with the hills reflection. 

Well hello there.



Molly's Knob

Lets talk hiking....this park was the BOMB.  Mark bought us each a shirt at the visitor center with Molly's Knob on it.  I told him we had to hike up to Molly's Knob if we wanted to wear the shirts without question.  Despite the chilly weather and the snow on the ground we made it to the top and back in just a couple hours.  There were some pretty neat findings along the way too. 

Icicles coming off a log

Molly's Knob in the back ground

More brown icicles



At the top!

This was the first longish hike we went on that Emma did without us having to carry her.  She was a trooper.

Coming back down you have a great view of the park's beach

 

The view from the top...too pretty to not post it again.

I showed you a picture of the beach at the park....that beach in the summer is for swimming, renting canoes or paddle boats, it has a bathhouse and a floating dock out in the water with a diving board.  When we come back to camp I want to bring our kayaks. 

 

I've heard a couple stories about where the park gets it's name.  Warming...if you don't like sad stories just stop reading here...otherwise....There is a legend of a settler named Molly that was taken, along with her small child, by Indians.  Eventually they escaped from the Indians and wandered the wilderness with little to nothing to eat.  Eventually Molly became to weak to go on and the child wandered down the creek.  The child was found and lead others back to where Molly had been left...but it was too late. Molly had died.  See I told you it was sad.  I've read that in books, on web sites and in forums.  There is apparently a version of the story in Pennsylvania as well.  I don't recall if it's ever been confirmed.  I suppose that is why it's a legend. 

 

I'm not one to end on a sad note but this momma has some plans to make. 

 

Hope you have a great week.  Happy adventures.

 

 

 

Great Wolf Lodge Adventures

About a month ago some good friends of ours asked if our youngest could join them on an overnight trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg Virginia.  I knew she would have a blast and I couldn't say no.  Before I knew it the invitation was extended to not only her but also us the rest of the family....again I couldn't say no :-)

And so our adventure began.  We arrived at the Lodge around 1 o'clock.  Our friends had already checked us in and gotten the packets with the waterpark passes inside (waterpark passes included with price of room).  Our rooms weren't going to be ready for a few more hours so we decided to just have fun at the waterpark until then.  There are changing rooms in the waterpark, as well as towels, a gift shop, and a couple places to get a bite to eat. 

 

 

If you want a seat in the water park I would suggest going early.  They make it easier to lounge while the little ones swim but aren't necessary.  You can take food in from outside so if you are looking to save some $$ you can pack sandwiches and bring your own drinks.  Lockers are also available for rental if you are not able to leave stuff in the room.  I also saw some cabanas available for families but for an extra cost. 

Outside of the waterpark is a bowling alley, arcade, spa, fitness rooms and a couple restaurants.  And while I say outside of the waterpark, I still mean all of this is INSIDE the lodge.  Outside of the waterpark (literally outside) is a ropes course and miniature golf.  There are enough activities to keep both children and adults busy for hours.  Of course most of the activities, other than the waterpark,  cost extra :-)

Since this Great Wolf is in Williamsburg you can always find plenty of places to eat if you don't want to stay on site.  But really with all of the fun right here....why go anywhere!

I think since Emma's birthday is in February this just might be the way we go from now on for her birthdays! 

Happy adventures!