Maymount Adventure in Richmond Virginia

  Richmond is a few hours away from me so when the kids and I travel there we take advantage of the sights unique to the area.  One of my favorite places to visit although this only makes my second visit is Maymont.

  Maymont is a large estate that includes gardens, a mansion and winding trails showcasing a variety of animals.  You cross bridges, walk past streams and waterfalls and even climb stairs as you stroll the 100 acres.

There are several garden arrangements. The Japanese garden was our favorite. 

 I spy with my little eye a waterfall! It was so unexpected that it was really neat to see.

On the trail we saw the regal Bald Eagle!

American Bison were visible from the trail!

A barn showcases the transportation of the past.

The kids got a kick out of the other kids!

Maymont is definitely a must see in Richmond, VA.  In addition to all of this, they also offer activities and several special events for an additional fee throughout the year.

Wordless Wednesday (A day in the garden)

  We have had an annual pass to our local botanical gardens for years.  It's somewhere we all like to go as a family.  Every time we go and see something different.  There are more then just flowers, plants and trees here.  There is also a cafe, a children's play area and more.  It's a popular wedding venue so we have also caught a couple bride sightings.

Off we go with the kids leading the way why because they enjoy it just as much as me.  

It's nice to go multiple times because different flowers grow at different times of the year.

I love in the summer when they open the butterfly house.   This is a must stop on our visit to witness eggs, caterpillars and butterflies.

We spend a good couple of hours here every time we go. We ride the tram around then walk on foot through the whole thing again. 

Do you have an annual pass to somewhere?  Where do you find yourself visiting often?

What's in your wallet? membership cards part 3

  The last card in this series of membership cards was initially given to my daughters as a gift which made us (the adults) get them to fully utilize the whole experience.  My mother visiting from out of town purchased 2 memberships for Colonial Williamsburg for my daughters as something to do together while she was here and talk about the gift that keeps on giving.  After we picked up our passes we went back  for several visits.

  There are two ways to get there from the official Colonial Williamsburg visitor center.   You may take the tram and ride it directly into the area or a nice 15-20 minute walk.  On the walk you will be able to read some facts as you cross over the walking path from the building. Catch some scenic sights along path.  The path is a mix of curves, hills and flat areas.

Don't forget to grab a map so you can get an idea of all the buildings you can visit and the schedule of events for the day.  You don't want to miss when the "redcoats" are coming or if the president is coming to sign an important document!

In conclusion to my membership cards I just hope I have planted a seed of their importance in your entertainment and learning experience.  A yearly pass provides you so many opportunities with minimal restrictions.  These places I visit also do not charge for parking so your expenses are controllable.  So grab a membership and take the opportunity to explore year round to see what else is going on.  There will still be events and activities and a different perspective you may not have expected.

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/

Finding your inner artist or photographer

The botanical gardens in my local area are having this art challenge!

They have placed these frames through the park in to entice you into taking/making a work of art.  As with any good work of art it will shown at the Chrysler Museum of Art.  This public participation will coincide with the garden movement of 1887-1920.  These works of art will be shown on monitors.

This was a great day to take pictures and enjoy the garden.  As usual I had a willing participant to model for me.

I did manage to capture a moment or two without my assistant.

She did however help me find most of them (she missed the two in the children's area as we didn't go in there but I could see them as we passed).

As if you needed another reason to go the roses are in bloom.  They bloom twice a year and it's still time to take time to smell the ..........

Appreciate all the colors!

 My personal favorite also making an appearance are the hydrangeas.

Making another appreance this year are the butterflies.  This exhibit just opened today so be sure to check that out while your there.

http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/

http://www.chrysler.org