State Arboretum of Virginia — Attraction in Berryville

This is a scenic large nature spot to visit not too far off I-81 N. My furbaby and I stopped here on our way up from North Carolina. Its free to the public and the University of Virginia maintains it and does research studies here. It was wonderful it was free, and there was a picnic table area so you could bring food and eat it there. The signage at the entrance revealed some of the history of the place and how it was used in the past and that was very sad. I think that gave me a different perspective on being there, so it made it more difficult for me to walk the grounds without bearing that in mind. Overall, though, it was a pleasant experience. We found a bench spot to sit and enjoy some quiet time. There were some really annoying wasp type flies that I hadn't experienced before which made eating a bit more annoying. A word of caution though: even though this is listed as an "arboretum" its actually quite a lottttt of grassy fields and open areas and does get VERY VERY hot. Shade was hard to come by and although I brought water and a portable water bowl for my dog, we both got very overheated and it took considerable time to get down from that as the parking lot also has no shade and was baking with heat. When I was leaving I saw two people coming in wearing long pants and I actually felt sorry for them -- it just gets THAT hot. I would say its a good spot to visit but just be prepared it can get very hot there as its so much more open than you would think (i.e. no dense trees only scattered or small grouped...

The State Arboretum of Virginia has an evil past like many historic sites in Virginia, where America's first enslaved Africans entered. The land was once a plantation that enslaved people before it was willed to the University of Virginia to train students in farming. In the 1980s, it was opened to the public as an arboretum. As you enter the area, you walk through what were likely the slave quarters. Here's what we can do as we visits sites like this with an evil past:

-Acknowledge and grieve the evil inflicted on humans by humans -Ask the site to prominently display the history and its impact today so it's not ignored or belittled -Donate to organizations like The Conscious Kid as "admission"

Doing all of the above, here's my experience visiting the State Arboretum of Virginia in December 2021:

1. Space: The arboretum is large with a network of trails that weave through forests (including a bamboo forest), gardens, marshland and historic buildings. There are a few lookout areas with binocular stations to see birds and wildlife.

2. Amenities: There's free parking in a lot and admission is free. There are public restrooms open every day and benches throughout the space. Leashed dogs are welcome. They host a number of events, including seed exchanged. They have a Little Free Library by the parking lot.

If you go in the morning, drive 16 miles north to Jordan Springs Market, an award-winning, woman-owned BBQ spot inside a gas...

So many beautiful trees, sweeping views, and wilderness friends here to discover. Pack a picnic and come explore the arboretum any time of year for a one-of-a-kind peaceful and unique experience. This place sometimes has events like plant sales and art shows, and also volunteer opportunities such as volunteering to monitor the birdhouses that are throughout the grounds. You can ride your horses here too. Some features here are a wetland, an herb garden, a vegetable garden, and a Ginkgo tree grove to put you in touch with nature. I think there is a building that holds naturalist type programs for children here as well. This place is great for walking, running, alone or with company or pets. There is at least 1 handicap parking spot by the main building. I believe all the pathways are gravel or packed gravel/earth, with the exception of the planked path through part of the wetland area. Otherwise the ground you walk on will be forest-y or...