Free things to do in Virginia

If your kids are home from school for winter break, it’s good to get out of the house to combat the boredom or cabin fever – and these destinations are free!

For a day trip that is out of this world, head to Leander McCormick Observatory at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  It’s open on the first and third Friday nights of every month (except holidays) year-round. Each visit is from 9:00-11:00 p.m. mid-March to early November and 7:00-9:00 p.m. from early November to mid-March. Visitors can view celestial objects through the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor and other smaller telescopes (weather permitting), tour the Observatory, hear a presentation by an astronomer, and see the exhibits. Tickets are free, but to limit overcrowding, registration is required on their Eventbrite website.

Who doesn’t love potato chips?  Route 11 Potato Chips originally sprouted in an old feed store in Middletown, VA and moved in September 2008 to its own state-of-the-art chipping facility in Mount Jackson. Route 11 is famous for its delicious, old style, kettle-cooked potato chips with all natural seasonings. There are big windows in their retail store that allow you to see the entire process of making chips, with the exception of the peeling of the potatoes. They designed the factory from the ground up with green principles, so that they minimize their environmental footprint and get as close as possible to waste-free production, including feeding their potato peelings and chip rejects to a local herd of cattle.  They’re open to the public Mondays – Saturdays, 9am-5pm.

It’s not just a trash heap! Recognized for its environmental feat, Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach features the Water Wise demonstration garden that boasts xeriscaping where you can learn how to create a beautiful garden with minimal water requirements.  Mount Trashmore measures 60 feet high, is over 800 feet long, and was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil.  Facilities include picnic shelters, large playground areas, vending machines and restrooms. A new play area is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is barrier-free to accommodate all children. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. until posted closing time.  There are plenty of places to grab lunch nearby and make an afternoon of it.

We’re lucky to have so many treasures in Virginia, and especially appreciate the ones that are environmentally conscientious.  We hope you’ll go take a look!