2020 Apple Harvest Festival Continues Community Giving

Local charities have taken a donation hit during COVID-19. But the Rotary Club of Winchester is working to safely host the 2020 Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival September 19 and 20 and raise much needed funds for area nonprofits. This year, Apple Harvest Festival celebrates 45 years of community giving. 45 Years Supporting Local Charities Since 1975, the Apple Harvest Festival has been a key fundraising source for the Rotary Club of Winchester. Through the festival, says organizer Darla McCrary, the Rotary has donated over $1 million...

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11 Great Garden Goodies for Picky Eaters

Entice the picky eaters in your family with these 11 great garden goodies. With unique textures, shapes, and tastes, they make healthy eating fun for kids. Take a tour with Kids Trail Mascot Fungi and see what’s in the garden. Great Garden Goodies Lydia’s Fields at Wheatlands in Purcellville has not only summer “classics” like cucumbers and eggplants. The farm also offers unique vegetables, fruits and herbs. Carrying on a 200 year old farming tradition, Lydia’s Fields grows an assortment of heirloom tomatoes as well as hybrid varieties. C...

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Blue Ridge Family Fun Is Now Open

Slowly, but surely, Blue Ridge family fun is now reopening. Here’s an update of Kids Trail stops for kid friendly adventure. And always, “know before you go.” Check websites and social media for updates. Blue Ridge Family Fun in Winchester State and national parks are a popular family adventure choice. The Winchester region of the Kids Trail is home to Shenandoah National Park as well as Shenandoah River State Park. Get the latest Virginia Park updates here. Looking for more outdoor fun? While in the area, take a trip to the prehistoric p...

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Family Biking Tips and Trails

Family biking on the VA Kids Trail offers city sights, mountain scenery, easy outings and challenging terrain. Even the youngest family members can enjoy the adventure. Review these bike safety tips and then try one of these trails. Family Biking on the Kids Trail Bike riding is a fun, healthy family activity. There are family bike adventures for all ages and skills. Parks and rec departments provide “greenways” winding along urban nature pockets. Virginia State parks have miles of “multi-use” trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. ...

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Seven Popular Blue Ridge Picnic Spots

Summer means outdoor eating. Here are seven popular Blue Ridge Picnic Spots. Add some produce, proteins, or preserves from local farms and community stores to your basket. And always “know before you go” - check location websites and social media for updates. Popular Blue Ridge Picnic Spots With so many scenic spots, it’s hard to pick our favorites. But here are three just an hour west of Washington, DC. Bears Den, Bluemont VA: Take a hike and then enjoy a Blue Ridge picnic in the gazebo, at the stone pavilion, on the rocks, or under ...

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Take an Outdoor Day Trip Family Adventure

Virginia tourism is reopening, so take a look at these family adventures in the Shenandoah Valley and nearby Blue Ridge. Always check destination websites for the latest updates or call directly. Get out and get some fresh air! Winchester Kids Trail Family Adventures Spend the day on the heart of the VA Kids Trail, Winchester. Here you'll find something for each family member. The area offers fresh air, exercise, locally sourced food, and old fashioned fun. Take a Hike. Spend some time in the Shenandoah National Park. Or visit Virginia's S...

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Enjoy these Family Friendly Virtual Experiences

Family friendly virtual experiences are now part of our everyday routine. So here are six Kids Trail destinations bringing the entertainment and education to your living room. Use these experiences to supplement your child’s at-home learning. Or just kick back and enjoy them as a family. Family Friendly Virtual Experiences on the VA Kids Trail While watching online can’t match the real thing, it does provide newfound knowledge and even relieve some boredom. Museums, libraries, parks as well as area resorts are providing virtual experiences. N...

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Awesome Asparagus

April means awesome asparagus! It’s one of KT Wellness Mascot Fungi’s favorite foods. Fungi’s been busy visiting farmers on the Kids Trail, learning more about delicious and healthy asparagus. And since he’s a budding chef, he’s also sharing a couple of recipes. Asparagus Ancient History Did you know asparagus is a distant cousin of the onion? KT Heritage Mascot Ridge did a little research on the plant's history. The garden version originated in eastern Mediterranean countries. And archeologists have found evidence that it was used for offeri...

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Shenandoah Valley Family Friendly Festivals

Looking for Shenandoah Valley family friendly festivals? We’ve got them! From kite flying to apple pie eating, take a look at these festivals for Virginia Kids Trail Fun. 2020 Shenandoah Valley Family Friendly Festivals Festivals are a great way to spend time on the VA Kids Trail. And while heritage and agriculture play a major role in the Valley’s festivals, you’ll also find a few that break the traditional festival mold. We’ve come up with a mix that offers something for everyone. Most are free or low cost. Spring Family Friendly Festivals...

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New Year’s Resolutions for the Whole Family

Start 2020 with some family New Year’s resolutions. Use your children's interests and set goals around action, creativity, heritage and wellness. And to help you out, we’ve come up with some resolutions based on our Virginia Kids Trail. Family New Year's Resolutions Exercising more, eating better, and spending quality time with the kids are all great family New Year's resolutions. But, how do you put them into motion? The key is to tap into your child’s interests. While adults often think resolutions are hard work, these are literally kid...

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