Virginia is for Kids!

Cyrus McCormick

Who was Cyrus McCormick?

“Cyrus Hall McCormick invented the first successful reaper and founded the harvesting machine industry.  In July 1831, at 22 years of age, McCormick first demonstrated his invention publicly.  This, the world’s first successful mechanical reaper, opened a new era in agriculture, an age of mechanization that changed life on the farm, altered American advertizing, and made it possible for millions of people to leave the land and enter an industrial society.”

Located in Steele’s Tavern, the McCormick Farm is conveniently located off I-81 exit 205.  The park is open daily from 8:30am – 5pm and admission is free.  There are picnic tables on site and plenty of room for the kids to run.  They will particularly enjoy seeing the real working grist mill.

The Farm features a grist mill dating back to the 1800′s, blacksmith shop and museum, school room, smoke house and other items of interest from the period.

Grist Mill at the McCormick Farm

Blacksmith shop and museum

Map of McCormick Farm

Duck pond at the McCormick Farm

Finding a place to spend the night  in western Virginia can be challenging; especially for a family with children.  Most of the chain hotels are located in the larger towns and are of the discounted variety that lack amenities such as breakfast.  The smaller inns and bed & breakfasts can be hard to find and/or not kid friendly.

The Inn at Narrow Passage, in Woodstock, Virginia is both easy to find and kid-friendly!  This restored Inn located on the Shenandoah River was built in 1740 and is a comfortable place to stay as well as a great history lesson.  Once a haven against Indian attacks on the Virginia frontier, during the Valley Campaign of 1862 it was Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters.

Ellen and Ed Markel, the Inn’s owners welcome visitors with open arms and treat you like a valued member of their family.  The Inn’s rooms are spacious, charming, updated and affordable.  We called the Inn as we traveled down I-81 and our accommodations were secured in a matter of minutes.  Our 2nd floor residence featured a queen size poster bed with comfy bedding along with a twin size bed, spacious sitting area, clean private bathroom and a warm fireplace.

The Inn sits on 5 acres overlooking the river allowing for lots of “running room” for children who have been in a car for a while.  The included hot breakfast is delicious and served with the same warm hospitality.

Here is a link to the Inn’s brochure.  You can also call them at:  800-459-8002 or reach by email:  innkeeper@narrowpassage.com.

Tina’s tips:  there are so many places in this area that are kid-friendly.  Give yourself plenty of time to relax and explore.  Luray and Shenandoah Caverns are within a 20 minute drive, along with the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory, American Celebration on Parade and many other attractions.

Even on a cloudy day it is beautiful

Playing checkers in the main building by the fire

Who doesn’t love potato chips?  Route 11 has been creating their special contribution to the potato chip world since 1998 when they first opened in Middleburg, VA.

Route 11 is famous for its delicious, old style, kettle-cooked potato chips with all natural seasonings.  Seasonal specialties include:  organically-grown Yukon Golds as well as Sweet Potato Chips.

In September 2008, the factory operation was moved to a new building just off I-81 in Mount Jackson.  Through the public viewing areas, you can see the entire production of these hand-created yummy treats.  And, just in case you were wondering, yes, they do have plenty of chips to sample!

When we visited, they were cooking the sweet potato chips and we could view the entire production process from the potatoes entering the cooker through the sealed bags being boxed up for delivery.

The factory is open 8am-5pm Monday through Saturday.  Call ahead at 1-800-294-SPUD to find out if they will be in production when you arrive.  There is no charge for entry.

Tina’s tips:  the public area is spacious and stroller-friendly, with the exception of the upstairs viewing area.  Set the ground rules with the kids before you go in about tasting the potato chips and making purchases.  Bring the digital camera for pictures with “Potato man”.  No pictures are allowed of the production area.  Plan to spend about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes at the factory.

Located right off I-81 exit 269

Counter service for tasting and purchasing chips

Kids can get their picture taken with the "Potato Guy"

Looking for the usual….or unusual to do with your kids in Virginia?

The Virginia tourism site:  virginia.org has a page devoted to 51 Cool Places for Kids.

From waterparks and amusement parks to museums, zoos and places to see what life was like long ago in Virginia, this is a great list.  All parts of Virginia are represented so there is bound to be something a short drive from your home.

A few of my favorites on the list:

Route 11 Potato Chip Factory

PJ’s Carousel Collection

American Celebration on Parade

Science Museum of Virginia