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How to Spend a Day at Mason Neck State Park

Mason Neck State Park offers an adventure for all ages. Situated on 1,856 acres, the park has a diverse landscape of wetlands, open water, ponds, fields, and forests providing plenty of things to do from sunup to sundown. “Mason Neck” by vastateparksstaff, used under CC BY 2.0 Recreation Enjoy the day fishing, boating, hiking, and biking at the park. For fishing enthusiasts, opportunities abound to drop a line. Hiking is a great way to see the park. You can also take a leisurely self-guided tour by bike. Rentals are available at the visitor's center. Visitors are welcome to bring their canoes or kayaks and use the car-top boat launch to set sail. Canoes and kayaks are also available to rent from April through October. Guided canoe trips are a great way to see and learn about Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay. Note that there are no designated swimming areas in the park and there is no standard boat launch. Hiking and Biking Trails Hiking at Mason Neck offers the opportunity not only to explore the beauty of the park, but also to take scenic pictures, observe wildlife, and watch the many bird species that inhabit the park. There are over six miles of natural trails and three miles of paved trails plus elevated walkways for traversing marshy areas. Choose from nine trails to get up-close with nature. Trail lengths range from less than a mile to almost three miles. Seven of the trails have a difficulty rating of easy and two are rated moderate. Three trails are handicap accessible. The High Point trail is suitable for both hiking and biking. Camping and Cabins While there are no overnight camping facilities within the park, there are other parks in the area with overnight camping and cabins. Two places to consider are Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, Virginia about an hour and a half from Mason Neck, and Lake Anna State Park. At Shenandoah River State Park, visitors have access to a 2 or 3-bedroom cabin and Shenandoah River Lodge. At Lake Anna State Park, accommodations include a 2-bedroom cabin, a 2-bedroom with water view, and the Lodge. Cabin fees are dependent upon whether you plan to visit during the prime or standard season, and whether you're a Virginia resident or non-resident. Closer in, you'll find Pohick Bay Regional Park situated on 1,000 acres and less than 10 minutes from Mason Neck State Park. At Pohick, you'll have access to campsites and cabins for overnight stays. Miniature golf and a water park plus kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for rent will add to your day of fun and activities at both parks. To enjoy the beauty of the park, make plans to experience all that Mason Neck State Park has to offer. Whether you plan a relaxing picnic with friends and family, go hiking through the forest, leisurely canoe or kayak along the Mason Neck Peninsula and Pohick Bay, or observe the wildlife, a day with Mother Nature is one you will never forget.
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Spas in Woodbridge, VA

Relax at one of these Spas in Woodbridge, VA

Who doesn't love a day at the spa? It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, old or young, the feeling of being pampered with a luxurious massage or facial treatment is divine. After a hard week, you deserve it. Here are four spas where you're invited to relax and rejuvenate in Woodbridge, Virginia. Massage Green Spa Treat yourself like royalty at Massage Green Spa. Feel your best at this affordable spa located at 14235 Potomac Mills Road with a one-hour full-body massage, spa facial, or a full-spectrum infrared sauna treatment. At this venue, it's a luxury everyone can afford. Get the exact experience you're looking for with a full menu of services that are tailored to your specific needs. Go ahead and schedule a massage. Massage Green's specialized therapists offer six different techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, and reflexology. They even provide prenatal massages that reduce stress, helps decrease swelling, relieve aches, and helps calm anxiety during pregnancy. Escape the Day Spa Just like the name implies, you're invited to escape the daily grind and unwind at Escape the Day Spa at 12627 Galveston Ct. in Manassas. This day spa offers a wide range of services from head to toe that is designed to relax your body and rejuvenate your mind. Each highly-trained team member, from the stylists and nail techs, to the massage therapists and estheticians, provides a plan to satisfy your unique health and beauty goals. Surrender to serenity and let the stress melt away with a relaxing massage or full-service manicure such as the "Blood Orange" that features cleansing, callus removal, scrub, mask, hot stone, paraffin, and massage, all with blood orange scented products. Serendipity Wellness Studio This spa is located on the second floor of a small shopping center at 5252 Lyngate Ct. The professional, accommodating employees attend to all your needs from the inviting waiting room with water, tea, and snacks to the soft music playing in each peacefully decorated service room. Therapists take their time to ensure your comfort and explain each step of your procedure before beginning each treatment. Why not opt for a session of the ancient healing art of foot reflexology? By applying specific techniques to the feet, this procedure aids the body in healing. It's calming and relaxing, and it stimulates circulation and energizes the body. Combine touch with the scents of peppermint, lavender, or wild oranges for an unforgettable experience. Touch of Beauty Touch of Beauty on 301 Maple Ave. West comes highly recommended by your friends and neighbors in Woodbridge. Founder Jennifer Phung and her team offer brow blading, lash extensions, permanent makeup, and facials with a level of care and professionalism that exceeds your expectations. Let's all agree that spa treatments are good for you, from reducing injury and headaches to lower blood pressure. Relax with spa services in Woodbridge, from massages and facial treatments to full body therapies. Schedule an appointment today. You won't be sorry.   Image Via Pixabay

Parks in Woodbridge, VA

Connect with Nature at These 3 Woodbridge Locations

The state of Virginia is a terrific destination for nature lovers. It reaches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains and offers guests a 7,213-mile-long Atlantic coastline. The city of Woodbridge is located 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River. It's an outdoor lovers paradise, featuring scenic wetlands and grassy meadows. Connect with nature at these three Woodbridge locations. Occoquan Regional Park Get ready for a perfect day playing outdoors on the Occoquan River. This park features 350 acres of prime parkland that's excellent for thrilling outdoor recreation. Located in the nearby city of Lorton at 9751 Ox Road, this park offers batting cages with variable-speed pitching machines or rent a kayak by the hour or the day. Enjoy a day floating on the water or cast your line and angle for fish. Why not go for a stroll along the waterfront? If you're looking for a more intense workout, hit the Brickyard 5k trail loop. It's the perfect opportunity to work up a sweat while touring the park. It's a paved, pedestrian-dedicated path with beautiful views of wildlife and the Occoquan River. The park is open daily during the winter from 8 a.m. to dusk. Leesylvania State Park Despite its location in the middle of the busy Woodbridge area at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Leesylvania State Park feels like a paradise that's miles away from civilization. Once the home of Virginia's historic Lee and Fairfax families, it's a terrific place to reconnect with nature, relax, and rejuvenate. This local park sits along the tidal shores of the Potomac and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities. Pack a basket lunch and have a picnic, drop your line off the fishing pier, or launch your boat. There's a playground for the kids, snack bar, visitor center, and kayak rentals. If you're on the lookout for the perfect place to walk your dog, try Powell's Creek Nature Trail. This 2.2-mile trail is nestled amid the natural beauty of the park, and this popular path is suitable for all fitness levels and features educational information along the way. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk For plenty of beautiful scenery and the chance to glimpse some wildlife, head to Neabsco Creek Boardwalk at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge. Take a pleasant 3/4-mile stroll through the tall grasses, marsh fields, and wetlands on a 10-foot wide, elevated boardwalk that's bordered on both sides by handrails. The walkway is part of the legendary Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, an 800-mile network of hiking paths that run from Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains to the Potomac River. Use the paved parking lot entrance if you're exploring with young children. If you love the outdoors and getting up close to nature, then Woodbridge is your ideal destination. The area offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. Next time you're in the mood for an adventure, connect with nature at one of these locations near Woodridge.   Image Via Pixabay

Fun Facts About Virginia | Virginia History

Fun Facts About Virginia

You might know that Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies, and you might even know that its nickname is Old Dominion. However, there are certainly some interesting facts about Virginia that you don't know. Learn more about one of the most influential states in the country with these fun facts about Virginia. Home of the First Thanksgiving Although most of us are taught in elementary school that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Virginia can actually lay claim to the first true Thanksgiving. The event was held at the Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619, which was two years before the Thanksgiving celebration at Plymouth. However, this original Thanksgiving was more of a day of prayer and not a day of feast like we associate with the contemporary holiday. Birthplace of Presidents In addition to Old Dominion, Virginia is also nicknamed the Mother of Presidents because so many United States presidents were born in the state. In fact, Virginia is the birthplace of eight presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. Plus, it's not just numerous presidents that once called Virginia home. The state is also the birthplace of six first ladies. Crucial in Two Wars Virginia has witnessed some monumental events during this country's history, and the state played a key role in two defining wars. It witnessed the birth of a nation when British General Cornwallis surrendered in Yorktown and officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Virginia also witnessed the rebirth of a nation when General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate States surrendered in Appomattox and ended the Civil War. Additionally, out of the approximately 4,000 battles fought during the Civil War, around 2,200 were waged in Virginia. Home to One of the Largest Bridge-Tunnel Complexes The vast Chesapeake Bay separates coastal Virginia from Maryland. For years, the only way to cross the bay was by ferry. However, on April 15, 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel opened and made traveling Virginia's Eastern Shore much easier. This engineering wonder spans nearly 18 miles and includes 12 miles of trestle bridge, four high-level bridges, two mile-long tunnels, and four artificial islands. When you add everything together, it makes the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel one of the largest bridge-tunnel complexes in the world. Location of "Dirty Dancing" If you're a fan of the movie "Dirty Dancing," the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, might look familiar to you. That's because this stately stone hotel was the location of the fictional Kellerman's Resort in the film. If you want to slip on your dancing shoes and pretend like you're Baby and Johnny Castle, the lodge hosts a "Dirty Dancing" Themed Weekend that includes scavenger hunts, trivia, dance lessons, dance parties in Mary's Barn, and plenty of other activities. From engineering marvels to fascinating history, these fun facts show that Virginia is an amazing state full of interesting stories and exceptional people.