Beltway Bambinos

Like many others, our family needed an escape from the four walls of our home that we had come to know so well over the year. The criteria for the trip since we were still in a pandemic was that we needed wide open and outdoor spaces to explore. We found a great airbnb in Madison, Virginia (which was under 2 hours from DC) located on 50+ acres, built in the 1800’s. It was a road trip measured by moments instead of mile markers; exactly what our family needed!

The home was the perfect combination of charm and comfort. The dog-friendly property had an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, rooms with touches that reminded us of its rich history and space that had us dreaming of the future with extended family or friends staying in this home with us.

Aside from the acres upon acres to explore we also found hikes nearby as well as a great park; Hoover Ridge. There was a playground, walking trails, pond, driving range and dog park. In addition, they had a festive scavenger hunt throughout a trail and it looks like they organize several fun events similar to the hunt we experience, throughout the year. Near our airbnb was also an Amish Country Store and Petting Zoo called Yoder’s. They also had a playground and a petting zoo that our kids (and dog) liked. The animals range from pheasants and mandarin ducks to sheep and goats.

A 35 minute drive from Madison you can find yourself on the sprawling campus of The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. We walked around campus for awhile telling our kids stories about our college experiences {not at UVA} and discussing the designs of the campus done by Thomas Jefferson. Later we found ourselves watching our kids put on a play in the outdoor amphitheater. We grabbed a takeout lunch from a restaurant on East Main Street in Charlottesville. That street is permanently closed for cars which makes it nice to be able to casually stroll around.

After three nights it was time to head home. We took a roundabout way to get home because we wanted to drive along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and end up at Luray Caverns. The drive was amazing– we lucked out with there being snow which made it so magical. The views were incredible with several spots to pull over and there are also several hiking trails throughout. I highly recommend this relaxing and serene drive anytime of year! It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day without stopping to hike.

Luray Caverns is the largest cavern in the eastern United States. The cavern is generously adorned with speleothems such as columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools and was discovered in 1878. When you enter you will feel as if you are in an optical illusion as you see the reflection from the lake in the cavern.

Aside from going in the caverns Luray Caverns also has an outdoor garden maze which we did and had a blast trying to find or way through!

There is an outdoor Rope Adventure Park, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, gem sluice, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. We didn’t do the those listed above but you can easily spend a day here doing all they offer. Bring a picnic and sit by the large pond and feed ducks in between activities.

Direct links-
Bald Top Brewery: 1830 Thrift Rd, Madison, VA 22727
Hoover Ridge Park: 199 Primary School Dr, Madison, VA 22727
Yoder’s Country Market & Petting Zoo: 2105 S. Seminole Tr, Madison, VA 22727
The University of Virginia: 400 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Skyline Drive: 4 entry points
Luray Caverns: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835

Additional local attractions-
Monticello
Montpelier
Madison Farmers Market