I thought I would take a break from DIYing today to share something fun, our Fall family getaway! I share pics of my kiddos all the time, but you rarely get to see me because I’m always behind the camera! Today is your lucky day.
A few weeks ago we decided to take the kids up to the mountains. We live in Virginia Beach. Our biggest mountain is called Mt. Trashmore. I’m not kidding. It’s a city park that was built atop a landfill. Sounds kinda gross, right? It’s actually very pretty, but seriously the only hill in town.
We’ve always wanted to see the mountains in the Fall as the leaves are changing, so this was the perfect opportunity!
We stayed at Massanutten Resort which I’ve only visited for ski season. I was amazed at all they had to offer in the off season too!
This is the condo we stayed in:
The bottom right photo shows the slopes without their wintry white. Very cool.
This is what we woke up to outside our bedroom window. We get to see the sunrise on the beach, but this was pretty spectacular too.
This view from our deck shows some of the beautiful Fall colors:
Our first day there was full of outdoor adventure since the weather was so perfect. Jack and I zip-lined, Jack got to jump higher than he every thought he could on this awesome trampoline, and then we all took a couple turns on the tubes.
We visited the prettiest petting farm ever. We met this friendly little fella. Doesn’t he have the most picturesque view?
The boys got to ride a horse for the first time. I still can’t believe Brennan was such a trooper. He did not want to wear that hat!
There were deer everywhere. Aren’t these colors amazing?
A quick picture before heading out for day two. Me and my boys:
Day two we visited Luray Caverns.
The caverns are awe inspiring…
…but after about thirty minutes of oohing and ahhing, I was more interested in capturing pictures like this:
hee hee and this:
Wooaaoohh!
The caverns were creeping me out a tiny bit towards the end and I don’t think Brennan was enjoying them either:
Right next door was our favorite adventure from our trip, a maze garden!
We ended up splitting up, mostly because Brennan had his own idea of which way to go!
This was part of the maze path. Isn’t it pretty?
We kept seeing them, but couldn’t tell them how to get to us!
Reunited once again.
They also had a toy museum next door… anyone remembering playing with one of these? Yep, I was a 70’s child.
How about one of these? For real??
This was my favorite part of this little museum…little us! I was in tears. I wonder if you can buy the home version of one of these. Getting ready every morning would be a hoot.
We also visited this circa 1880 one room school which had been moved to the property to be restored. Fascinating!
Had to snap a picture of this pumpkin vignette:
On the way back we stopped by this little store where I found the cutest little mason jar tree light covers! The boys got lucky, only one shopping stop for mama this trip!
Our plan for the afternoon was to take the boys to the indoor water park. Unfortunately, on our way into the building, Brennan tripped and got a huge goose egg on his forehead. We sat down for a while to watch him and he was acting fine after he recovered from crying. Then the manager came over and gave us two free passes to the park.
That saved us $80. Thanks for taking one for the team little buddy! We ended up having a ball…for a lot less.
Here is the next morning…much better!
This was our third and final day. Before heading out, we spied some more friends nearby:
Brian went to dump the trash and he said the dumpster read, “Bearproof Container” yikes!
We rode the chairlift just before heading home. Honestly, this is the only way you’re getting me on a black diamond. It was FREEZING cold by the time we got to the top!
It’s hard to tell, but we were SO cold and the lift kept stopping to let people on and off.
View from the top:
Time to head home. There’s really nothing like home when you know your vacation has to come to an end.
This was a moving car picture. The scenery was so beautiful, but I had a hard time catching it on film from the car.
I think we wore Brennan out!
That was our Fall family getaway. Short and sweet. We had a blast! I enjoyed taking a break from what I usually share to bring you a little something more personal. I hope you enjoyed it too 🙂
XO,
SuperCutePetContest says
I grew up in Suffolk, so I’m familiar with Mt. Trashmore. It didn’t sound odd to me until I was an adult though! I’ve only been to Massanutten with snow on the ground. It sounds like it makes a nice trip for the fall too!
Christy K. James says
I’m sure Mt. Trashmore does sound crazy if you didn’t grow up here like us lol! We had such a great time at Massanutten, I never would have thought to go there other than ski season until my hubby suggested it! So glad we did! 🙂
Cindy Eikenberg says
What a fun trip, Christy! I didn’t realize you live just one state away from me (I’m in Maryland.) All of the fall colors are just beautiful. Wow, I haven’t been to Lurray Caverns in foreever – the sign is a riot! Thanks for sharing with us and so happy you had a wonderful trip with your family!
Christy K. James says
Wow, you don’t live too far away at all! We really enjoyed our trip. We had to keep it short though since my oldest son was missing school. Glad you enjoyed it…have a great Sunday! 🙂
Megan says
Hi Christy,
It looks like you and your family had a really great time, and did all of the fun, touristy things that a resort town has to offer. Is this place seriously near Virginia Beach?! When I went back in your post to find out where it was, I was amazed!
Megan
ps. Isn’t it nice to be IN some of the pictures – I never get to be in the pics, since I too am the one taking them!!
Christy K. James says
We really had a great time, Megan! Massanutten is about four hours from Virginia Beach. 🙂
Michele says
I loved when we lived in Roanoke VA. The Blue Ridge Parkway was ever so gorgeous in the fall! And oh how funny! I DO SO remember playing with this airport…yep, I’m a 70’s child too! Love a great getaway. Thanks for sharing!!
Christy K. James says
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about our trip! Virginia is a state that certainly has it all! Have a great Sunday 🙂
Wanda Rose says
Christy, I live at the other end of VA., an hour from TN border, an hour from KY border, & two hours from WVA border. I’ m glad to see your good times with your family. It’s nice to get away. We take mini-vacations in the fall sometimes to the Great Smoky Mts. In TN. Have a great day!
Christy K. James says
We are so lucky to live in a state that has it all and yes, it is so nice to get away. We visited the Smoky Mtns years ago, it was beautiful too 🙂
Ruth Anne Buterbaugh says
My husband and I spent a week at Massanutten a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though we are long-time Northern Virginians, we still love to vacation here in the Old Dominion. In fact, in a couple of weeks, we are headed for a few days in Virginia Beach! We’re sorry we will miss the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. Any great places to shop for vintage furniture and accessories while we are there?
Christy K. James says
There really is SO much to do in our beautiful state! I’m sorry you’ll miss the Christmas Market too! We do have a large antique mall where you might find some goodies. Here’s a link to their site: http://www.barrettstreet.com/antique-mall/ They have a ton of antiques as well as several vendors that sell refurbished/painted pieces. To be honest, I hit up the thrift stores more because I can find terrific deals. Hope you enjoy your stay! 🙂
JaneEllen says
Nothing like an impromptu mini vacation, sometimes they’re the best, go and enjoy. Looks like you all had good time except for Brennen, poor little fella, that was quite a booboo. Glad he’s ok. Awesome getting 2 free passes. Your boys are adorable and hubs is pretty cute too. Hey I’m old not dead. You make a very attractive wonderful family.
So very gorgeous. We lived in western KY for 5 yrs. Of all the places we’ve lived I have to say KY and surrounding areas have most gorgeous Fall colors. We lived out in country so had many trees all around us, so pretty. I’d go around picking up leaves when they fell off our trees. I still miss that house/land, we had 1 1/2 acres with old trees, so pretty. We’d have stayed but climate was bad for me. I miss many things from KY but 2 of our kids are here (Grand Junction, CO area) and 2 in San Diego. Our oldest son used to be in KY.
Wishing you and your family Happy Thanksgiving
Christy K. James says
Yes, we had a great time and Brennan is fine! I’ve visited KY a couple of times, it was beautiful! Nice for you to be near your kids now. Hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving too! 🙂
Marlin says
Looks you and your family had a great time. My husband and I went to Massanutten last year. We love it and had a great time too. Got to love Virginia the state has it all from the mountain to the beach 🙂
best,
Marlin
Christy K. James says
We had a great time, Marlin! Virginia really does have it all 🙂
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Great pictures and what fun and precious memories. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Andi says
What a great post Christy!! I loved the shot of your son with your purse…Bahaha!!! Looks like you had a great time. 🙂
xoxo
-andi
Christy K. James says
We really did! My son was so sweet to carry my purse, I shouldn’t have done that AND posted it on my blog, but I couldn’t resist! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! 🙂