5 Virginia Green Travel Tips for Families
- By supernovamommy
- 25 June, 2012
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When I think of “green” vacations, I tend to think tropical, exotic, and far away. That is not true! It is possible to have a green family vacation right here in our homestate of Virginia. Thank you to Irene Lane, founder and president of Greenloons, for this great article.
5 Virginia Green Travel Tips for Families
By: Irene Lane, Greenloons
Photo Credit: Greenloons
It’s tough to be an eco-traveler these days! If you are lucky enough to get time off from work for a much-needed break, you have to be conscious about carbon emissions, low-impact activities, and “green travel” consumerism. Here are five tips so you can have a more meaningful nature experience with your family this summer right here in our own backyard.
1. Want to enjoy the spectacle of bird migration? Front Royal in Shenandoah Valley is always spectacular and full of options for discovering the wonders of nature as a family. Strap the bikes to the car for a great ride in the Shenandoah River Raymond R. Guest State Park or enjoy a great hike along the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. While there, you can go rafting, birding or fishing along the Shenandoah River too.
2. Want a hands-on conservation lesson? The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Virginia Beach provides refuge to snow geese, ducks, loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Besides a visitor station, during the summer, there is free admission to its interpreted bike trails, canoe/kayak launch points, and hiking trails as well as tram tours (small fee) and kids fishing days.
3. Want to get away? The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Virginia’s Eastern Shore contains more than 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, salt marsh and freshwater marsh and it’s home to a variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals. The refuge provides free programs including natural history talks, beach walks and even pony walks during the summer.
4. Looking for an eco-accommodation that fits your budget and your sense of Zen? Try the Pure Space Mountain Retreat. Located in the mountains of Highland County, your hosts Sharon and Bill have created the perfect place to enjoy area mountain biking, golf, underground cave tours, hiking trails and music festivals. Rates from $125 per night.
5. Lastly, if you are looking for green deals, Virginia Green offers travel tips, green vacation packages, dining options, and eco-lodging by region as well as Green Getaway Deals. There is also a special emphasis on eco-events, which from birding to dolphin watching to scavenger hikes to farm tours to park restoration days promises fun for each member of the family.
About the author:
Irene Lane is the founder and president of Greenloons, which connects families to meaningful and unique nature-based travel experiences all over the world.
