“Being able to smell the fresh air and disconnect from the news and your phone—there’s nothing like it.” - Jason Ward, American Naturalist
Hike into History at Chippokes State Park which offers over 12 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Follow the Chippoax Trace Trail along the path of one of the earliest documented roads in Colonial Virginia. The trail terminates at College Run Creek where you’ll want to spend a moment taking in the unspoiled beauty of the woods. Still have energy left? In another part of the Park, you can take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the historic James River looking for fossils and shark’s teeth.
Just a short drive away you can continue your trek into in 1600’s by hiking to the site of a second fort begun by Captain John Smith in 1609. Raised earthworks still remain on the property of Smith’s Fort Plantation. Although never completed due to the harsh conditions of the “starving time” in the Jamestown Colony, guests today can hike the half-mile down and back to discover this interesting historical “secret”.
When it’s time for lunch, head to the Surry Seafood Company for a delicious meal on the banks of Gray’s Creek. The creek is a 6-mile-long tributary of the James River and was explored by Capt. John Smith in 1607. The adjacent marina includes a well-maintained boat ramp, kayak and canoe launch, 45 floating docks, fishing pier, and a public bath house.
End your day at the Hampton Roads Winery where you can explore this working farm by means of a self-guided tour. Taste locally sourced wines and wine slushies, walk through the vineyard, and watch the goats frolic up and down the World’s Tallest Goat Tower.