Spring is calling. Who’s ready for adventure? Think scenic trails, you-pick farms, horseback trail rides, wildflower walks, garden-hopping, and unwinding on a sunny winery patio.

In this week’s newsletter:

Let’s discover the bright and colorful side of spring.

—Erin Gifford 🥾

P.S. Thanks for being a newsletter subscriber. As my gift to you, download this free planner with 52 hand-picked Virginia hikes — one for every week of the year. Get it now!

P.P.S. This week’s presenting sponsor, Orange County, Virginia, offers hiking trails, scenic wineries, vibrant art galleries, and historic sites, even ruins. Truly, it's a must-explore destination this spring.

ICYMI, Virginia just introduced a new geographic region called Virginia Piedmont. The region includes 11 Central Virginia localities, including one to love: Orange County.

Encompassing Orange, Gordonsville, Locust Grove, and Barboursville, Orange County serves up an appealing mix of outdoor adventure, scenic farm stops, and a dash of thrill.

Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in Orange County:

More than seven miles of public hiking trails wind through the Siegan Forest, alongside the Rapidan River, and past the remains of an early 18th-century German settlement.

James Madison’s Montpelier has 8+ miles of walking trails. Wander across open pastures, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests. As a bonus, Blue Ridge views.

This garden shop has a farm-to-table cafe, pick-your-own experiences, small batch ice cream, and four hiking trails. Plus, a guide to 250 gardens within 250 miles of Grelen.

For a shot of adrenaline, Skydive Orange delivers tandem jumps with big views. Expect a rush of nerves, then sweeping panoramas of Virginia farmland and the Blue Ridge.

Slow things down with a guided ride on horseback. Trails meander through the Blue Ridge foothills, passing Civil War-era sites, and rolling countryside. Simply gorgeous.

Virginia bluebells are fleeting—typically peaking late March to early April—so timing is everything. These five Northern Virginia trails deliver some of the region’s best blooms.

The Bluebell Trail offers an easy, one-mile riverside stroll where bluebells blanket the forest floor each spring. Hikers can continue onto the River Trail for extra mileage.

Follow Bull Run along the Bluebell Trail for spring wildflowers and bluebells. Combine this path with a section of the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail for a serene wooded loop.

The Beach Trail runs along the Rappahannock River, showcasing clusters of bluebells. Pairing it with the Scout Trail creates a longer, flower-filled outing ideal for spring hikers.

The Potomac Heritage Trail winds along the river with bluebell blooms each spring. Continuing south brings views of Great Falls, making it both scenic and colorful.

For one of Northern Virginia’s largest displays, head to the Bluebell Trail at Merrimac Farm. The loop trail offers continuous blooms and a peaceful, wildlife-rich setting.

Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Revalation Vineyards after your hike. Located in Madison County’s Hebron Valley, it’s just 25 minutes from Old Rag, White Oak Canyon, and Bear Church Rock, making a stop an easy post-hike add-on. 

Sip bold wines, enjoy delicious snacks and non-alcoholic options, and savor sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views. You can even extend the experience—Revalation is a Hipcamp host, so your post-hike unwind doesn’t have to end at closing time.

You’ve logged the miles, earned the views, and maybe even tackled a quad-burning climb. Now comes the reward: a laid-back winery stop with a glass in hand.

If you’re hiking in or around Shenandoah National Park this weekend, here are five nearby wineries worth the detour.

After Bear Church Rock, settle in on the patio for flavorful wines, snacks, non-alcoholic options, and Blue Ridge views. Hipcamp stays allow for extended relaxation.

Coming down from Mary's Rock, this French-inspired winery feels like a hidden retreat. Think rolling hills, mountain views, and a quieter, more intimate tasting experience.

Fresh off Hightop Mountain? This historic estate delivers. Expect Italian-style wines, expansive lawns, and the atmospheric ruins of a Jefferson-designed mansion.

Pair Little Calf Mountain with a polished winery experience. Veritas offers bold wines, panoramic Blue Ridge views, and an elegant setting that still feels welcoming post-hike.

After South River Falls, head here for something different. Horton is known for lesser-seen varietals and a chill tasting room. Big selection, bold flavors, and space to unwind.

Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.