Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardenfest Fidos After 5, Richmond, VA

On Thursday we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA for their Gardenfest of Lights, Fidos After 5 event. Each year the Gardens designates two nights where people can bring their dogs along to look at the lights. Next night for dogs is January 3rd from 5 to 10pm. This year's theme is East meets West to commemorate the 2012 centennial of Japan's gift of cherry trees to Washington, D.C.

The botanical garden is located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue north of Richmond. Admission is $11 for humans and $2 for canines. The canine admission is donated to the Richmond SPCA. It is quite magical with the whole place lit up. Thursday was a beautifully clear night with an almost full moon!

We thought this was the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland--but upon closer inspection it was a fairy with wings, waving her wand.

PG and Sammy only wore their coats halfway through; and then I had to carry them. Most greyhounds like to wear coats, but not these two.

We did meet up with some other greyhound friends for the walk through the garden. The black hound in the red coat standing next to Sammy is his littermate, Jack!

Dogs are allowed inside the conservatory but not inside the library building. Inside the conservatory was this fabulous sculpture of paper origami cranes. And a full size replica of a Japanese tea house. And a model train set.

Also inside the conservatory is this stunning Christmas tree!

But Sammy was the most stunning of all! He just glows!

Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton, VA

This afternoon we took a pretty fall walk at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton. The park is at the corner of Hampton Roads Center Parkway and Big Bethel Road. If coming from I64, exit 261A will bring you directly to Big Bethel Road. Then follow signs to Sandy Bottom.

We walked around Crystal Lake on the Red Fox trail. There are two lakes at Sandy Bottom--Sandy Bottom Lake and Crystal Lake. They are also doing a wetland reconstruction project there.

It's a very pretty place to walk; and the trails are kept up and easy to walk on.

Sammy and PG like the bridges as well as the paths! Today the paths were a bed of leaves!

Sandy Bottom has lots of family friendly activities. They rent paddle boats, jon boats, canoes and kayaks.

They also have some campsites with firepits for tents. And they also have these yurt type of cabins, right on the lake, for rental.

I've often thought about renting one of these for a night--just to see what it's like! Each yurt costs $42 per night and has two bunk beds. But I haven't done it yet!

So many pretty yellow leaves--had to make a little bouquet for Sammy!
Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Historic Jamestown, VA

 This morning we went with my husband's photography club to visit Historic Jamestown. Historic Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America.

It costs $10 to visit and dogs are welcome. They can't go inside the Visitor's Center, though, so you need someone else to go inside and purchase your tickets for you. This weekend was a free weekend.

You cross over a bridge to get to the area where they are still excavating the old Jamestown fort and settlement. Sammy is barking, as usual!

This obelisk was built in 1907 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the landing at Jamestown.

We broke away from the photography group and went off by ourselves. Lots of paths to walk on for the dogs.

This stick structure was the barracks.

There are also paths along the James River and you can watch the Jamestown Ferry going back and forth to Smithfield. You can get lunch or a snack at the Dale House Cafe; and dogs are welcome on the patio.

Sammy enjoys sightseeing!

Hey, Pocahontas is trying to get away with my dogs!
Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Windsor Castle Park, Smithfield, VA

This afternoon we went to Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield. There are over three miles of walking trails and bridges. This park is pretty new--it's only been a public park since 2010.

We parked near Smithfield Station and walked across this bridge to the park.

Sammy and PG like looking out at the marshes. This bridge crosses Little Creek.

 

PG sits in the middle of the trail.

Some of the trails are right next to the creek and the marshes. It's very pretty. There is also a dog park, several picnic areas, and a place to put your kayak into the creek.

One part of the trail reminds me of the Yellow Brick Road in the Wizard of Oz!

At the parking lot there is a Smithfield Station pig. Sammy was not so sure of the pig...
Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Grandview Nature Preserve, Hampton, VA

This afternoon some friends and I went to Grandview Nature Preserve in Hampton.

First, you walk down a mile long path to the beach. Then you come upon a small opening in the reeds where you reach the beach. Bru is heading through the pass!

Then you are on the beach! And you can find all kind of interesting things. Horseshoe crabs, sponges, mermaid purses...

Fishing nets that have washed up on the shore. We were looking for sea glass.

Sammy is gazing out at the water. He wasn't very helpful to find us any glass!

About halfway down the beach is a pile of rocks which used to be a light house hundreds of years ago. Many people ask to go to the light house to take photos--and then are a little disappointed at what is there to photograph!

You will often see fishing boats out in the Bay. Sammy and PG like to chase the sea foam along the waves.

Beautiful, sunny, windy day at Grandview Nature Preserve! Bright blue skies and white sand!
Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Buckroe Beach, Hampton, VA

 From September 15th to May 15th, you can take dogs to the beach in Buckroe.

Buckroe Beach used to have an amusement park right by the beach. The French planted grape vines here--but I've never seen any sign of them.

There is a big shelter where they have music and movies during the summer. There are lots of smaller shelters, too, if you want to take a picnic lunch along.

Sammy and PG like walking on the boardwalk.
Sometimes taking them on the boardwalk is easier than taking them on the sand--as they sometimes find things to roll in on the beach. But they even managed to find a horseshoe crab shell on the boardwalk!

Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG

Matteson Trail, Hampton VA

Today we went to the Matteson Trail in  Hampton, VA. It's a 3 mile paved trail around The Hamptons Golf Course. It was a beautiful morning for a walk. Cool and breezy.

PG is getting ready to start! The trail has just been re-paved. So now there are no roots sticking out, no cracked parts or potholes.

Dogs on the path. We step to the side when joggers go past--so that we don't clothesline anyone with our leashes!

This is such a pretty walk. Through woods and then out in bright sunlight. There are a couple of ponds and plenty of squirrels.

You do have to be careful on some parts of the trail where golfers are hitting in the direction of the trail. These are not the pro golfers--their golf balls are flying in every direction!

At the end of the trail. 3 miles?? That's nothing to Sammy! Let's go around again, he says!

Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG