Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 17, 2023
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Opt Outside at a Virginia State Park on Thanksgiving weekend

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fall hike at Leesylvania State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fall hike at Natural Bridge State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fall at Hungry Mother State Park)

Virginia State Parks will host the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 24 through Nov. 26 at all Virginia State Park locations.

Park guests of all ages can indulge in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create wonderful and lasting Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or star watch and experience the beauty of nature while enjoying a wonderful experience at one of Virginia’s forty-two state parks.

Consider one of these activities:

Nature Journaling at Twin Lakes
Self-guided trail tours at Mason Neck
Jr. Ranger activities at Seven Bends, Kiptopeke, and Smith Mountain Lake
Archery with Park Rangers at Pocahontas
Owl Prowl at Machicomoco
Fairy Stone hunt and workshop at Fairy Stone

For a complete list of Virginia State Parks Opt Outside activities, visit the programs and events section of the state parks website.

In addition to the outdoor campaign, there will be a gift certificate sale on the day after Thanksgiving. Gift certificates will be 20% off and only available to purchase online at https://vasp.fun/giftcard between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 24. Gift certificates can be used on camping, cabins, picnic shelters, meeting space and purchases in the park.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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