Pocahontas State Park is a large, well-kept park with a lot to do. There are many walking trails at various levels of difficulty. There are great trails whether you want a short hike with the family or a more challenging hike. In summer, you will find swimming and picnicking as well as camping and day trips. This park is just a twenty-minute ride from the action of Richmond. A great outing nearby!

The recently renovated Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful art museum with something for everyone. In addition to the permanent exhibits, world-class exhibits are constantly cycling through. Recently, Tiffany glass was presented in an amazing display. Currently, VMFA is hosting the Picasso exhibit -- the only stop this exhibit will make on the East Coast. The exhibits are well done and the museum is really beautiful. The cafe has a great selection of food at reasonable prices but the actual restaurant is expensive and pompous. Of course, when you are at VMFA, you are within a short walk of TONS of local restaurants that offer great food at reasonable prices.

Maymont is a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon. You can explore the farm and petting zoo, have a picnic on the wide open hills, visit the Japanese and Italian gardens and see eagles, hawks and other interesting birds -- all for free! For a nominal fee, you can explore the Maymont mansion. Maymont is a wonderful afternoon for locals or an excellent break for vacationers a little history-weary. It is a "must-see" attraction when visiting Richmond!

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has something for everyone. You can hike, bird watch, see the lighthouse, marvel at the wild ponies or just go to the beach! For a small fee, the entire car gets in to the refuge for the day. It is well-kept and the beach is great. Generally, even in summer the crowds are not overwhelming as they are at some of the larger area beaches.

The Massanutten Water Park is a real respite from a cold day on the slopes. There are several water slides, a surfing experience and tons of play-gym type water fun. My kids really enjoyed the visit, but it IS on the expensive side given the size. However, if you take the timeshare tour, you can get free passes!

Customer service isn't the greatest. We visited once to find the water so cold that it was not possible to enjoy the park. They said the heaters were broken and it was February! No refund was given.