Located in Augusta County (Mt. Solon), VA sits the beautiful site of Natural Chimneys. The chimneys themselves sit on a site within a campground. The Chimneys are limestone formations.
Upon arrival, we thought we would have to take a hike to the site, however Natural Chimneys sits just past the parking lot.
The first thing the kids wanted to do was explore the caves within the chimneys. A few small/not very deep caves are open for viewing.
The kids did a little rock climbing around the chimneys.
I had to snap a picture of Blake and Taylor from the rocks.
We enjoyed reading the signs located around the rocks.
The chimneys are beautiful and I, of course had to take lots of pictures.
On the opposite side of the parking lot, there is a 1/4 mile Over-Look trail that leads to the top of the chimneys.
We are human and forgot to bring a carrier for Taylor resulting in Blake carrying her to the top of the rocks.
We took some pictures from the top of the rocks and Taylor did a little rock climbing by herself.
Daffodils were in peak bloom during our trips and they were absolutely gorgeous.
And…sometimes you have to stop and smell the Daffodils.
Next to the parking lot sits an actual old homestead site chimney and a Little Free Library.
Once we were done exploring the area, we sat and had lunch at one of the many covered picnic tables next to the parking lot.
Our visit to see Natural Chimneys was fairly quick and we wanted to take advantage of the time in the area. I went to Google to see what there was to do close by.
Unfortunately, luck was not in our favor. We attempted Grand Caverns for a tour and they were sold out for the day. I then found the Frontier Culture Museum. Blake went inside to check and see the approximate time it takes to tour the museum. The employee said it takes about 2-3 hours. It was 3:30 at this point and the museum closed at 5. We figured we didn’t have enough time and I kept searching. Eavers Antique Car Museum in downtown Staunton seem like a pretty cool place from the pictures. We then head to Staunton to check out the museum. We parked next to a bakery and attempted to get hot chocolate since today is very cold, they were closed for a honeymoon (Congratulations to them). We got to the antique car museum and guess what!!??!! It as also closed. We just kept striking out. We walked around the area for a few and then went into the visitor center to see if we could find something else to do.
After striking out 3 times (4 if you include the bakery) we decided to head to Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery.
We purchased a red flight and a white flight as this Winery still has not resumed their in person wine tastings. We also received a paper containing wine notes. We enjoyed most of the wines, a couple being a little too sweet for our liking but that is just our preference. All of their wines are pretty affordable which is always a plus. The wine fights also include a tasting glass to take home.
We passed some wonderful mountain views with a little bit of snow still on the mountains.
Located at the Yankee Horse Trail parking area (MP 34.4) along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 30 foot roadside waterfall called Wigwam Falls. The location is also the site to an old logging railroad with the tracks still in existence.
Taylor enjoyed putting her hand in the water and got mad when we pulled her away.
The kids enjoyed walking along the train tracks.
Before heading home, we stopped by The Fishin’ Pig for dinner. This has become one of our favorite restaurants when we are in the mountains. Fantastic food, service is great and an upbeat atmosphere. The tables also have paper on them for kids to color on.
Being the day before Taylor’s Birthday, the employees sang Happy Birthday and gave her a piece of chocolate peanut butter cake. She ate almost all of it.
We had a fantastic day trip even with the few hiccups.
Nic of Time - Travel 