Reviews about Parks & Outdoor Spaces

hopper22 says "Sky Meadows State Park offers a hike and a historic site" about Sky Meadows State Park

hopper22 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:06:29 GMT

Went off to Sky Meadows State Park, where you can enjoy several activities. The place offers camping, fishing and you can ride your horse, but I didn't try them.
The site, ikn Delaplaine, VA includes an 1840s farm house kept up in period style, with the related other buildings -- the outdoor kitchen fashionable in those days to keep the main house from burning down if the kitchen caught fire and to keep it from getting too hot in summer, plus the ice house, etc. A gift shop features a small nature center where you can see live reptiles and fish.

But the main attractions are the hiking trails, enough to keep you going. Rules say the park closes at dusk. There's an interpretive loop trail that it says takes about an hour and a half but I walked it in about half that time. The park offers a trail map. The trails include some mountains to climb and park benches along the way with great views of the farms of the valleys.

Parking costs $4. All in all, a worthy place to spend a day. It's about...

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GigiandAdonai says "My first time camping in the great outdoors in a tent!" about Briar Bottom Group Campground

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:41:01 GMT

When tragedy strikes many feel a deep longing to draw closer to God. Last month my sweet Brannigan passed away and I was devastated. I was also visiting a new church; which I have now joined. Well, the Sunday before Labor Day weekend I was invited to go camping with some families from my new church. I was encouraged to do this because someone (Kathy Ireland) told me that I would feel closer to God if I was in the great outdoors and beholding the wonder of it all. So, with a little hesitation I said yes.

Okay, this little miss priss has never camped in the great outdoors in a tent much less in a bear sanctuary. Yes, you read correctly, a bear sanctuary! I always camped in cabins and even better yet; I vacationed in motor homes and 5-star motels. So this was going to be a new adventure for me. I already had a tent because I hosted a campout on my property several years ago. However, that was different because I crawled in the tent that night and knew that if I got scared...

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wallywal says "A beautiful Place in every season" about Lincoln Memorial Garden

wallywal — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:32:15 GMT

Any time of year Lincoln Memorial Garden has something to offer everyone. With over six miles of trails you can bring the family for a leisurely hike whether its to see the spring wild flowers or the changing leaves in the fall. Stop by the nature center before you set off on your adventure to grab a map, get a bit of history about the Garden, or use the bathroom facilities. The center also offers a great discovery room full of interactive displays to teach you about the plants and animals you might find on your hike. One of my favorite things about the Garden are the seasonal events. Come in late Feb or March and learn about maple syrup production from the tree to your pancakes. They even have a pancake breakfast at the end of tapping season using their own syrup. In Oct is the Indian Summer festival which offers something for the whole family, kids crafts, food, vendors and live music. Overall this is a great place to bring the family for some fresh air and great natural...

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kellgemini says "Beautiful Views... and Alligators" about Gemini Springs Florida

kellgemini — Sat, 02 May 2009 23:26:20 GMT

Gemini Springs is in Debary Florida off of 17-92 and Dirksen Road. It has a 3/4 mile nature trail and a 1 mile bike trail. ( completely paved with center markers to show which lane to stay in... also they do the very polite thing and mark bumps in the road with spray paint) It has two fresh water springs that provide millions of gallons of fresh water each day. Gemini Springs has a playground for the kids,a dog park ( with seperate areas for large and small dogs) , picnic pavillions, canoe rental, camping and a fishing dock. All on 210 acres. With beautiful views and many species of wild life. Includes many wooden bridges, park benches, picnic tables, two restroom bulidings ( maintained ) with water fountains and a soda machine with cold water and plently of areas to sit in the shade and view all of the activities. Theres also a park bench with a sign that says " No Swimming- Alligators" . The park is family, kid and pet freindly.

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kaypendragon says "Beautiful wild space tucked into Harrisburg City" about Wildwood Lake Sanctuary

kaypendragon — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:22:33 GMT

Wildwood Park, on the outskirts of Harrisburg city, is a wetlands preserve with more than 5 miles of nature trails. Some of the trails are bike friendly, several have built in boardwalks and all are beautiful. It's located just off of I-81, near the HACC campus and the Farmshow Complex. It never ceases to amaze me that this tranquil wildlife preserve thrives just minutes away from a large bustling city! The lake and trails provide space for excercise, nature education, wildlife watching and photography and much more.

There's a lovely nature center open Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 4pm with a very cute children's center that explains all about wetlands. The nature center also has a great area for viewing their bird feeders which attract a huge variety of songbirds. The center also sponsors a number of programs and special events throughout the year. Their website at www.wildwoodlake.org offers details.

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jps246 says "Walk along the Hudson River at the Black Creek Preserve" about Black Creek Preserve

jps246 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:12:18 GMT

The Black Creek Preserve in Esopus, New York is a small park that lets you walk through some pleasant woods and enjoy the shoreline of the Hudson River. The park offers three different trails that give you about 2.5 miles of potential walking and the section of trail down by the river give you some views of the river that are really enjoyable.

Parking is available along Route 9W and from the trail crosses the Black Creek on a suspension bridge and then meets up with the largest loop trail in the center of the preserve. That trail meets up with a shorter loop trail that runs down along the shoreline of the Hudson River.

The trail along the Hudson River is probably the best part of the walk. It gives you a chance to get views right down at the river level that you don't always see in other parks in the area. It's also a nice place to have a picnic.

Overall I enjoyed the few hours I spent walking around the Black Creek Preserve. It's a nice park that's easy to reach and offers some......

countrygal1977 says "activity" about Camano Island state Park

countrygal1977 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:06:05 GMT

I think recreation and sight seeings is the best way to enjoy time with kids and family. This as well gets time away and mind off of other things. I think spending the time with children is the best thing about traveling and seeing new places. To see the looks on your childrens faces and letting them explore new things. I am one who has four children and they love to adventure and going to a place like this would be a new adventure for them and me all at the same time. This is a time to get out and do a little sight seeing....

AlmondJoy2475 says "a walk in the park" about Ellis Lake Park

AlmondJoy2475 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:42:25 GMT

one of concord's many parks. i used to go to this park in the mornings before school and take a walk around the path or sometimes i would just sit and people watch or feed the ducks.

the park offers playground for the kids, a bit of room to stretch out and relax, a paved path around the lake to jog/run or walk....

Throwbackmama says "Affordable Family fun in Bismarck!" about Wachter Wave Pool

Throwbackmama — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:42:19 GMT

The Wachter Wave pool in south Bismarck is a great place to play with your family. The pool is operated by the Bismarck Parks and rec department, and has lifeguards on duty. The facilities are clean and safe. For $3 a person you can swim and ride the waves for several hours...a true bargain!...

mysticstarfish says "The Cape May Zoo is a fantastic place!" about Cape May Zoo

mysticstarfish — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:24:06 GMT

The Cape May Zoo and Park is located at Crest Haven Road and Route 9 in Cape May, New Jersey. The Zoo and the Park together are 200 acres. The Park has walking/bike paths, playgrounds and a fishing pond.

Admission to the Zoo and Park are free. However, they will ask if you will make a donation. You can use your judgment, they will not request any amount. What you want to give is up to you.

The Zoo area has a playground area for children and shelters for groups. Groups and shelter rentals must be made in advance. There is also a concession area, as well as a gift shop. Bathrooms are located throughout the Zoo.

When you first enter the Zoo, you can't help but notice the Snow Owls peering down at you. They may even be off their perches having a bite to eat. Next to the owls are the Bald Eagles. Being from the big city, I haven't had much of a chance to see these up close; truly an amazing site.

You continue to wander through tree lined paths to the different areas. ...

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AlmondJoy2475 says "go fish" about Irvine Lake

AlmondJoy2475 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:40:08 GMT

4621 Santiago Canyon Rd
Silverado, CA 92676
(714) 649-9111

http://irvinelake.net

i'm usually not interested in things like camping, fishing, hiking... but i'm willing to give it a try at least once. for as long as we've been together, my bf has been trying to get me to put down my purse and take off my cute sandals and grab a tackle box, put on some sneakers so that i can go out fishing with him. ask me where to shop, and i can give you plenty of suggestions. ask me where to fish... ummm... huh?! well, if i don't know the answer, i ask around and also do some research online. i found a site that shows where to fish in the los angeles, orange and riverside counties. irvine lake is just up the street from us, so i thought for dad/daddy/father's day weekend we could go explore our new area/neighborhood and check it out.

when we arrived, there were already tons of people there for fishing and also for the v-drive regatta & motorsports show that was happening that weekend. we...

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JovialCougar says "Colorado on the Rocks!" about Roxborough State Park

JovialCougar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:36:51 GMT

Colorado has countless unique geological formations and Roxborough State Park offers some of the most dramatic. Throughout the park red sandstone formation are found jutting out of the ground and stand in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. And the best part is that these formations are easy to see, as there are walking trails amongst the formations.

What to see

The Roxborough sandstone formations are mostly found in the north end of the park along the 2.2 mile Fountain Valley Trail. I suggest taking this loop trail's east side first, which cuts through an open meadow. From here there is access to two overlook trails (moderate in difficulty) which afford a dramatic view of the sandstone formations.

As you loop around to the west side of the Fountain Valley Trail, the landscape is lush, and the dramatic formations stand in full view. Most are red, but the colors of the rock formations varies from sand to a dark brown. Don't forget your camera! From the gently twisting trail you will...

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twinflowers says "Your kids will have a blast--while you enjoy the A/C!" about Fiddlestiks

twinflowers — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:18:50 GMT

Fiddlestiks is located on the NW side of San Antonio, in Culebra Crossing plaza. There is a Construction Zone, Dino Dig, dress-up clothes, art area complete with chalk board wall, coasters, and a variety of really cool toys and musical instruments for kids as old as preschool age. Snacks are sold, but you can bring in lunch or snacks. A full day for one kid is ~$9 (from 9:00a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)....

cmckell says "Monitor the weather report for this viewing wonder." about Space Shuttle Launch

cmckell — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:37:41 GMT

I was especially excited to see a launch since it was a night time launch and watch the night sky light up! Unfortunately the skies did not cooperate due a THICK cloud cover. So what was suppose to be an 5 minute viewing wonder, turned out only to be approx 5 seconds-- watching the shuttle suddenly disappear after it launched and penetrated through the clouds...quite a disappearing act!

Needless to say I was disappointed, after waiting around for 5 hours for the 2:30 am launch --along with hundreds (possibly thousands) of others who had travelled far distances. I did, however, enjoy walking around the Kennedy Space Center and watching the IMAX movie and also experiencing a "virtual" rocket launch.

So if you are planning to go see the next launch, watch the weather report. If you do decide to still chance it, don't have a high expectation of the skies cooperating (but there are certainly other fun activities nearby, including Disneyworld...).

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OldHippie says "It's all happening at the zoo." about St. Louis Zoo

OldHippie — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:17:36 GMT

I'm not sure how many out there actually travel through St. Louis. If you do, stop & smell the roses, so-to-speak, at the St. Louis Zoo. Because I was born & raised in this town I can tell you where to steer clear of, and where to visit. (Where to steer clear from is a completely different story.)

If you plan more than one visit, or have a bunch of kids, become 'A ZOO FRIEND'. The cost is minimal & gets you numerous benefits. (i.e. rides on the train, children's zoo, discounts on food.)

On those really hot days, visit the penguins. It's COOL inside. The zoo is literally so big, it will take two days to see everything. I'll post a few pictures. As Simon & Garfunkel sang...

Someone told me
It's all happening at the zoo.

I do believe it,
I do believe it's true.

It's a light and tumble journey
From the East Side to the park;
Just a fine and fancy ramble
To the zoo.

But you can take the crosstown bus
If it's raining or it's cold,
And the animals will love it
If you do.

Somethin' tells me

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MelPA says "The best place to relax and have fun" about Greenlick Dam - Mount Pleasant, PA

MelPA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:35:02 GMT

Greenlick dam is a local park/lake located in Mount Pleasant, PA. I don't know the dimensions of the lake, but it is huge. There is a park there for children to play and pavilions that you can use with wood stoves to cook on. You can bring your pets and let them swim in the lake and also it is a great place to fish. You are permitted to have small boats on the lake. There are also people that bring sailboards and canoes. Its very relaxing to go there and just walk around or sit on the many benches that surround the edge of the lake.

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Byrdbill says "Great place to relax" about Benton Park - STL City Park

Byrdbill — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:12:08 GMT

For an experience of history, checkout Benton Park located on Jefferson at Arsenal in Saint Louis Missouri.

Originally part of the "St. Louis Commons", then a cemetery, in the late 1800's Saint Louis designated this area as "Benton Park" named after Thomas Hart Benton. At the turn of the century this park was alive with residents. All but one original pond is still in use. Due to the fact that this Park sits on top of an elaborate cave system, utilized by the original beer manufacturers before refrigeration, the ponds were subject to leaking and draining virtually overnight. One pond could not have the leaking stopped. This area is a natural concave space that makes a perfect amphitheatre.

There have been several "renovations" with the last occurring in the early 1980's, the Park area still is a pleasant area to stroll and enjoy the views. There is a master plan in place with the collaboration of Benton Park Neighborhood, Benton Park West Neighborhood, the Alderman and City...

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angel28960 says "I love running on this trail!!" about MKT Trail

angel28960 — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:47:39 GMT

The MKT Trail starts in Columbia, MO and connects to trail that stretch out for miles. It is a well-maintained and pleasant trail. I am a marathon runner, and enjoy the peaceful scenery for both long and short runs. It is a dirt/gravel trail which runs mainly through wooded or farm areas. The trail is hardly ever crowded, and there are many places to rest or have a picnic.

At most of the 5 Columbia access points the city maintains bathrooms and water fountains which are available year-round.

However, after the city trail connects with the county trail no bathroom or water is available for approx. 8 miles, and then only sporadically after that.

Recently, there has been talk of paving sections of the trail, but I don't think they will raise the needed funds anytime in the near future.

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mapache says "Gaudi at his best" about Parc Guell

mapache — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:30:25 GMT

I lived in Spain for several years and was able to visit Barcelona a number of times. I love the modernismo architecture and there are many places in Barcelona designed by Gaudi but Guell Park is my favorite. It is amazing in every way. The serpentine mosaic bench is just astounding. The entire park holds so many varying examples of his work. Even if you are not a fan of Gaudi, this place is an amazing display of imagination and a unique place in the world. It is NOT to be missed....

CountryMama says "A local, but hidden, outdoor jewel" about Hillsborough County Medard Park

CountryMama — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:20:02 GMT

Edward Medard Reservoir and Park, is close to home, conveniently located. Great hiking, picnicing and fishing. My family and I, love this beautiful park. It's got everything for a family that loves to be outdoors. It is 1,284 acres and has a 700-acre reservoir. The reservoir is one of the most popular freshwater fishing spots in Hillsborough County, and the improved boat launching facilities easily handle the flurry of county anglers. Medard also includes camping, picnic areas, equestrian trails, and a fishing pier/ boardwalk that leads to an observation tower on a small island within the reservoir.. They have pavillions for rental for birthday parties etc off the reservoir and pavillions on a first come first serve basis near the park, and several other picnic areas with charcoal grills. They have many trails and "sand dune, hill" to climb and have fun. We go several times a month just to get outdoors. It's close to home, so we don't travel far and with gas prices the way they are, that's......