Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 25, 2019
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Virginia State Parks offer holiday shopping ideas for outdoor enthusiasts
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park gift shop in Big Stone Gap is open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays through the rest of the year.)
Virginia State Parks have some great ideas for outdoor lovers on your gift-giving list.
Dec. 2 -13, you can buy state park gift certificates in any amount for 25% off. You can purchase unlimited quantities, so now is a great time to plan the family reunion or weekend getaway. Call 800-933- PARK, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information and to make a purchase. Gift certificates can be purchased year round, but the discount expires at 5 p.m. Dec. 13.
Annual passes make great gifts, as well. One pass gets you admission to every state park in Virginia. Passes are also available for boaters, seniors and equestrians. For more information, or to buy an annual pass, go to www.VirginiaStateParks.gov. Passes can be purchased in any Virginia State Parks office, but call and confirm the winter office hours before you go.
All Virginia State Parks have gift shops for special shopping experiences, from Widewater State Park to Staunton River State Park, but be sure to call first before visiting.
Conveniently located just minutes from I-81, the Artisan Center and gift shop at Natural Bridge State Park offers more than two thousand square feet of great, last minute gift ideas for every member of the family.
The Artisan Center sells the handcrafted work of more than two dozen artists that exemplifies Virginia and the region. Handmade items include artwork made of ceramic, enamel, glass, metal, leather, wood and photographs.
Natural Bridge State Park is open every day, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In the heart of Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park has a new shop offering a great assortment of gift items, including First Landing apparel and souvenirs, beach decor, handmade candles, bay-themed food and other items, and unique outdoor and children’s gifts. November hours are Friday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. December hours will be Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park gift shop offers a wide variety of ornaments, artisan crafts, books and clothing.
Located in Big Stone Gap, the museum is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. with special night hours for the Festival of Trees through the rest of the year. The museum is participating in Museum Store Sunday, which is a nationwide initiative, and will offer 20% off ornaments on December 1.
“We have millions of visitors a year who purchase tee-shirts, books, toys and other mementoes of their time in our parks,” said Interim State Parks Director David Collett. “Our 38 parks are great places to buy special gifts for your friends and family. From gift certificates to parking passes, to hats and books, purchases in Virginia State Parks help support our mission to protect Virginia’s natural resources while offering the public safe and affordable access to the outdoors.”
The 38 award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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