Pluck and Shuck Virginia's New Oyster Trail

Norfolk District Oyster Reef. Credit:US Army Corps of Engineers

Move over turkey and stuffing, in Virginia, November is now all about celebrating the state’s distinctly delicious bivalves.  Virginia is the country’s leading producer of both wild-caught and farmed oysters, and in a nod to this title, last week Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared November as ‘Virginia Oyster Month’.

Gov. McAuliffe’s decree also coincides with the inauguration of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a 250-mile loop through Virginia’s seven unique oyster producing regions – and a celebration of all things bivalve – featuring boat tours, festivals, art shows, restaurants and wineries.  The trail provides visitors some insight into the culture of Virginia’s waterman and the ecological impact of the oyster industry --- but also offers plenty of opportunity to pluck and shuck the bivalves from each of Virginia’s unique oyster producing habitats, from the Eastern Shore to the Northern Neck.  

And for visitors who take their oysters with more than hot sauce and lemon juice – the Old Dominon’s bivalves also pair perfectly with Virginia wines and craft brews.  

Chincoteague Oyster Cans. Source:wehwalk/wikipedia

DIY TUBING TRIP

Park Admission: $7. Oversized inflatable tube: $10.  ‘Watertight’ cooler: $15. Afternoon on the river with your friends: priceless. 

Floating down a sluggish stream draped over an inflated tube, toes dangling in the crystal clear water, is the ultimate summer luxury.  But planning a tubing trip can be a logistical nightmare – floating down a lazy river in the summer sun is all well and good – but then, how do you get back?  Fear not, there is a simple solution  -- the South Fork of the Shenandoah River -- where the hardest trip-related decision you will be forced to make is choosing which ice cream place to visit in Front Royal (full disclosure: I am torn between B & L Custard and Spelunker’s). 

 An exceptionally gorgeous stretch of river, the South Fork of the Shenandoah meanders along the edge of Blue Ridge, past verdant pastures and extensive tracts of forest and is also especially accommodating to river riders --- with an average width of 100 feet – it is a popular spot for paddlers of every ilk, and for anglers.  

GET THERE: Head to the Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, Virginia.  There are large bathrooms in the park’s newly-built and well-appointed visitor center (which also includes a small gift store, an interpretive display, and helpful information about the park and surrounding area).  

DO IT:  Once in the park, follow the signs to the boat launch area and park in one of the two sizeable lots.  There are plenty of picnic tables for a pre-float snack if needed.  Pack up your inflatable tubes and anything else on you want on the river (a small, easily stash-able daypack works perfectly for toting your gear) and follow the Bluebell Trail (heading west) out of the parking lot along the river for about a mile until it meets the 2.1-mile River Trail.  Continue on the shoreline-hugging River Trail, or just inflate your tube at hop in at the end of the Bluebell Trail.  To estimate your time on the river, plan it on taking about twice as long to float back to your car as it took you to hike to your starting point (i.e. if you hike 30-minutes it will be about an hour long float back to the parking lot).

Just don’t forget to get off the river at the boat launch area (no matter how tempting it seems to just keep on floating wherever the current takes you). 

Click for a printable map of the park trails

DON’T FORGET:  Bring a dry bag for valuables, sturdy water shoes (i.e. the kind that won’t fall off your feet, in case of have to ‘ford’ any shallow stretches), and a carabineer so you can securely attach the dry bag of said valuables to your tube while out on the river. 

TURN IT INTO A SLEEPOVER: There are cabins and primitive campsites available for rental at the Shenandoah River State Park and riverfront camping is also allowed on the tracts of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

The Perfect Pairing: 5 Outdoor Adventures in Virginia Wine Country

An aerial view of Crabtree Falls (source:Greg Cromer, VA123.com)

The Old Dominion state is making a name for itself in the wine world.  With more than 230 wineries, Virginia is also rapidly becoming one of America’s leading producers – making the state well worth the trip for any curious oenophile.  Virginia’s nine wine growing regions (and seven American Viticultural Areas) are also scattered over some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery – stretching from the Blue Ridge to the Atlantic coast.  So, if you are planning a wine country adventure in Virginia, don’t be afraid to think outside the vineyard.    

Northern Virginia Region

BIKE Northern Virginia’s scenic ‘Hunt Country,’ (aka wine country) on country roads winding past undulating pastures, sprawling vineyards, stone-wall-framed horse farms, and colonial- era towns --- all with the Blue Ridge as a backdrop.  The multi-use Washington & Old Dominion Trail stretches 44-miles from Arlington to Purcellville (Trail’s End Cycling Company www.trailsendcycling.com is just steps from the terminus of the W & OD in Purcellville and can arrange rentals, bike tours, or repairs).  For serious pedal pushers, Bike Washington has mapped out a formidable wine country ride – the 56-mile Blue Ridge Challenge, for details on the ride (including a map of the route and GPS coordinates) check out http://bikewashington.org/routes/bluerdg/.  

Shenandoah National Park (Source: NPS)

Shenandoah Region

BACKPACK the 196,000 backcountry acres of the Shenandoah National Park (www.nps.gov/shen/) on the park’s 500-miles of hikeable trails.  Backpackers are given free rein to explore almost every inch of the park’s backcountry wilderness – but visitors must obtain a backcountry permit (free of charge and available at park entrance or at headquarters) providing details of their intended route to park authorities and must follow Leave No Trace (http://lnt.org) guidelines for backcountry travel.  About 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) also winds through the Shenandoah National Park – so there are plenty of options for day-hikers or thru-hikers. 

For an easy in-and-out backcountry trip begin at Elk Wallow Wayside (with parking lot, bathrooms, and store/snack bar) and follow the blue blazed Elk Wallow Trail out of the parking lot (for just over 100 meters) until you hit the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and hang a left (so that you are going downhill on the AT).  After about a half a mile, you will hit the blue-blazed Jeremy’s Run Trail.   Veer to the left and follow the Jeremy’s Run Trail downstream.  The trail parallels the stream but also crosses it regularly – so keep your eyes peeled for secluded summer swimming holes.  There are also plenty of options for cozy backcountry campsites along the Jeremy’s Run – and a waterfall about 5-miles down the trail.  (To return: follow the Jeremy’s Run Trail back upstream to the junction with the AT.  Follow the white-blazed AT uphill back to the intersection with Elk Wallow trail.  Hang and right at the Elk Wallow trail and walk just over 100 meters back to the parking lot where you began). 

Central Region

HIKE Virginia’s summit studded Religious Range, including the Cardinal, the Friar, and the 4,063-foot Priest, all in the relatively newly protected 6,000-acre Priest Wilderness in the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=77719) of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.  There are plenty of campsites near the Priest shelter at the summit (accessible via the Spur Trail) and a number of options for climbing the peak too – beginning at either the upper or lower Crabtree Falls parking lots (or combining your hike with a visit to the falls and stretching your trip into a single or multi night backpacking loop).  Or, for serious bragging rights, begin at the Tye River and head to the summit on the Appalachian Trail (AT) – the climb is one of the longest and most formidable on the entire AT.   

Belle Isle State Park (Source: VA State Parks)

Northern Neck/George Washington Birthplace AVA

PADDLE the tidal wetlands of Virginia’s Northern Neck, a finger of land flanked by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers studded with wildlife-rich natures preserves and well-mapped paddling trails.  For history buffs, the Northern Neck has another claim to fame – three of the country’s first five presidents were born in the region, including George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe.  Belle Island State Park (www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/belle-isle.shtml), with seven miles of shoreline and access to Deep and Mulberry creeks, is an easy jumping off point for exploring the scenic waterways of the Northern Neck.  For more information on the region’s parks and water trails, check out www.northernneck.org/parks-nature-trails/. 

Eastern Shore AVA

BIRD the unique habitat of Virginia’s eastern shore (famously explored over 400 years ago by Captain John Smith) on the five-miles of hiking trails at Kiptopeke State Park (www.dcr.virgnia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke.sthtml) – a hotspot for migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway (including charismatic birds of pretty like peregrine falcons, merlins and kestrels).  Or, just declare it a lazy beach day – Kiptopeke also has swimming beaches and recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay (rent a kayak or SUP from nearby SouthEast Expeditions www.southeastexpeditions.net).  

Kiptopeke State Park (Source: VA State Parks)

The Ultimate Trail Food

5 Ways to Use Granola

This hippie super food is not only healthy -- it's also tasty and highly versatile.  So, whip up a batch of your favorite granola (see recipes below) and starting getting creative.  Granola is much more than a fiber-filled breakfast treat -- and the possibilities are almost endless.

5.  Give your bake good some brawn. Add about a cup of granola to almost anything you are baking – from cookies, to homemade breads, to muffins, to scones. 

4. Make your own trail mix. Fuel up for an outdoor adventure with some homemade trail mix.  Add some chocolate chips and your favorite nuts and dried fruits to your homemade granola for a great trail snack. 

3. Make a gorgeous parfait.  Layer your homemade granola with slices of your favorite fruit and yogurt in the following order: granola, fruit, yogurt – and repeat.  

2. Top a vegetable gratin.  Sprinkle a little granola on a baked vegetable gratin (best with root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots) to add some tasty texture to your dish. 

1. Make Your Own Granola Bars. Add peanuts, peanut butter (1 cup), brown sugar (1/2 cup) and extra honey (1/4 cup) to the granola recipe listed below (but be sure to use quick cooking oats instead of rolled oats for you granola bars).  Follow the recipe for granola but after you have combined the wet and dry ingredients, line and baking tray with parchment paper and press the granola mixture down flat and then instead of baking it, place the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes and then cut into bars of your desired size. 

Easy Granola

3 cups rolled oats

½ cup wheat germ

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup flax seeds

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

½  cup honey

6 tablespoons water

6 tablespoons canola oil

3 tablespoons cinnamon

4 tablespoons vanilla

Preheat the oven to 300˚.  Grease a shallow baking pan (a cookie tray works great!).  In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients—rolled oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.  Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl until well combined, the best way it to just throw a hand in there and mix things up.   In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, canola oil, and cinnamon and bring to a simmer.  Once simmering, remove from the heat and drizzle over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.  Bake for 25-30 minutes (check the granola after about 15 minutes, remove from oven and mix up the contents on the pan if any parts appear to be getting burned). 

Gluten Free Granola

½ cup sliced almonds

½ cup pecan halves

½ cup chia seeds

½ cups flax seed

1 cup applesauce

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons cinnamon*

2 tablespoons vanilla extract*

*Cinnamon and vanilla are usually gluten free, but be sure to check the products you are using to cook with are safe with your gluten allergy.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Grease a shallow baking pan (a cookie sheet works great!).  Combine all the dry ingredients (except the pecan halves) in a large bowl and toss until well mixed.  In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla.  Drizzle the wet ingredients over the combined dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir until well mixed.  Place in the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.  After the first 15 minutes remove from heat, add the pecan halves to the mix, return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes (check the granola after 20 minutes to be sure all parts are baking evenly). 

10 Ways to Be Gluten Free on the Trail (and still make everyone happy)

Space is always tight in the bear bin.  For backpackers with Celiac disease, cooking on the trail can require a little extra creativity, especially when hiking with a large group.  In order to prevent cross-contamination (and avoid carrying multiple sets of cooking utensils), it is best to plan a totally gluten free trip menu.  But, fear not trail chefs, it is possible to go gluten free and still please the most sophisticated of palates.    

10.  Make your own trail snacks.  Build your own trail mix— dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips (including major brands like Hershey’s and Tollhouse) are gluten free, although be sure to check the label is using a store-bought nut mix.  Seeds are also safe – try roasting your own sunflower or pumpkin seeds – toss them with a little olive oil, salt, or Old Bay seasoning.  Granola, another trail pleaser, can also be made gluten free – use a seed heavy recipe (and try adding energy-packed chia seeds).    

9. Go big at breakfast.  Plan ahead and pack a group-sized ratio of gluten free pancake mix.  My gluten free friends unanimously recommend the King Arthur Flour brand – to make batch of pancakes trailside, combine the pancake flour mix with eggs, coconut oil, and soy or almond milk (which doesn’t have to be refrigerated if unopened).   Added bonus: pure maple syrup, agave syrup, and pure honey are usually gluten free.  For oatmeal lovers, expand your breakfast horizon by making hot cereal made using quinoa flakes, almond milk, and a little brown sugar. 

8.  Get creative with spices.  Make your own spices combination packets (store in ziplock bags)and use the pre-assembled seasoning packs to prepare dishes like chili, curry, or sloppy joe’s. 

7. When in doubt, add hot sauce.  Don’t be shy about kicking it up a notch—a number of the big hot sauces brands are gluten free—including a number of Frank’s Red Hot products, Sriracha, all Tabasco sauces and Cholula Original. 

6. Carnivorous cravings are fine.  Many brands of beef jerky, dried salami, and summer sausage are gluten free, and not to mention, easy to tote on the trail. 

5.  Eggs can be repurposed for every occasion.  Protein-laden egg dishes can be adapted to any meal – get inspired with frittatas, omelets, and good old-fashioned scrambled eggs. 

4. Don’t kick caffeine. Unflavored coffee is gluten free.  If you need to sweeten it up, try a flavored variety of soy milk or almond milk. 

3. Dinner can still be satisfying.  Make rich gluten free mashed potatoes – instead of mashing the boiled potatoes with perishable milk and butter, instead, use gluten free gravy, whip up a batch by combing chicken broth (be sure to you a gluten free brand) and a little corn starch.  Top the mashed potatoes with bacon crumbles and shredded cheese. 

2.  Experiment with staples.  Use rice or couscous as a trusty base and add more inspired ingredients –cook-up the catch of the day in a little salt, lemon, and olive oil; or, highlight that bumper crop from garden by sautéing an assortment of seasonal vegetables. 

1. Jameson whiskey and Tito’s vodka are both gluten free.  And that should make everyone happy.  

National Park Week

The weekend of April 18 & 19 kicks of National Park Week, which means, free entrance to national parks around the country all weekend -- so go on, get out there, it's on the house.

For a list of all the annual free entrance days at our National Parks visit:

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

A Hike for Every Occasion: 8 Easy Trips in the Washington, DC Area

A view of the Potomac from Riverbend Park

Rock Creek Park: The Urban Escape

The 1,700 acres of Rock Creek Park were some of the first federally protected purely in the name of recreation.   Nestled into the neighborhoods of the Northwest Washington, D.C., the park offers 32 miles of trails winding through stream valleys, dense forest and craggy rock outcroppings.    5200 Glover Road NW Washington, D.C.

The Billy Goat Trail (Section A): The Death-Defying Scramble

This gnarly 1.4 mile stretch of the Billy Goat Trail is basically an extended rock scramble with spectacular views of Mather Gorge and the churning pools of the Potomac below. 

11710 MacArthur Boulevard Potomac Maryland

Winter on the C & O Canal

Potomac Heritage Trail: The Workout

The Potomac Heritage Trail spans three states -- linking the Chesapeake Bay with the Allegheny Mountains.  The section of the trail winding through the Washington, D.C. area hugs the Potomac and provides ample trail for hikes or runs – with enough panoramic river vistas to motivate an extended trail run.   

Turkey Run Access 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean Virginia

The beginning of autumn at Scotts Run Nature Preserve

Sky Meadows State Park: The Date Hike

Fringed by rolling hills and tranquil pastures, Sky Meadow provides plenty of scenery and hiking options -- there are circuits of varying length in the park, and access to the Appalachian Trail.  Plus, there are several wineries within minutes of the park, for post-hike recovery.        

11012 Edmonds Lane White Post Virginia

Riverbend Park: The Family Hike

Family friendly trails, unspoiled river views, shady picnic tables, and access to the tumbling cascades of Great Falls make Riverbend a perfect location for boundless youthful energy to be unleashed. 

8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls Virginia

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: Bring the Dog

Even the city’s most cultured canines need to get back to their varmint chasing roots.  The network of trails zigzagging through Scott’s Run preserve are free of bikes, horses, or anything motorized—but are also largely unmarked.  From the East parking lot, hop over the metal parking gate and follow the waterfall trail (the widest, most well-used path) to the Potomac River, and a tranquil canine swimming hole. 

7400 Georgetown Pike McLean Virginia

A view of the Potomac from the Potomac Heritage Trail in Scotts Run Nature Preserve

Jeremy's Run (Shenandoah National Park): The Swimming Hole

During the summer, the Shenandoah's waterfalls and swimming holes draw throngs of visitors, and the park's most popular spots for a dip -- White Oak Canyon, Rip Rap Hollow, Big Rock Falls -- can get a little crowded.  In the North District of the park, Jeremy's Run Trail is usually less frequented, and with several stream crossings (more than a dozen), there are plenty of options for seeking out the perfect swimming hole.  Begin at Elk Wallow (which has pre-and-post hike facilities:toilets and a snack bar) and take the very short connector trail from the Elk Wallow parking lot to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT).  Follow the AT south (downhill) to the blue-blazed Jeremy's Run Trail (you will be able to see the stream).  For a bunch of swimming options (and nice sites for backcountry camping) head continue hiking downstream along Jeremy's Run by veering to the left to follow Jeremy's Run Trail (passing the concrete marker for the Knob Mountain Trail).  There is a  waterfall about 5 miles down the trail (for a longer loop, hike to the end of Jeremy's Run and connect to either the Knob Mountain or Neighbor Mountain trails).

Elk Wallow Wayside: Milepost 24.1 on Skyline Drive

Mason Neck State Park: The Beach Day

Craving a day at the beach without the time to make the trip?  Mason Neck State Park fringes tranquil Belmont Bay, a haven for Bald Eagles and Blue Heron.  Get your toes in the sand on the 0.3-mile Beach Trail, and for a longer hike, take the Kane’s Creek Trail to the Eagle’s Spur Trail to Kane’s Creek. 

High Point Road Lorton Virginia

Jeremy's Run in the Shenandoah National Park