Virginia State Arboretum

400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce Virginia 22620

Recently I spent a few days with my kids in Northern Virginia. While there we decided to take the new puppy (Luna) to the State Arboretum. Luna is a 10 week old Black Lab that is full of energy so we thought the Arboretum would give her a large area to run and play. Of course we had an alternative goal to wear her out.

As most Arboretums the Blandy Experimental Farm is loaded with many exotic and native trees and flowers. The park has several parking areas, hiking trails, bike paths and picnic areas to explore. In most cases the trails are rolling with no real strenuous hills to climb.

There are also several ponds/marshes on the property that are filled with turtles, frogs and marsh loving birds. We even got a up-close look at a deer grazing in the shade.

At the center of the park is a structure call the Quarters. Built between 1920-1930, the Quarters were renovated in the early 1940’s to provide additional dormitory and office space. It also included a library, kitchen and dining room. Today the Quarters is used for staff and volunteer offices, dormitory space for visiting students and is the headquarters for the Virginia Native Plant Society, the American Boxwood Society and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. It is definitely a unique and beautiful structure.

If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and be outdoors consider a few hours at the Arboretum. The trails are well marked and what is really cool is that each tree is identified so there is no guessing as to what species it is. Sorry the geek inside of me slipped out.

Luna loved it and you will too! Not only did we have a great time but we accomplished our mission and wore the little black puppy out. If you find yourself in the Shenadoah Valley take an hour or two and visit the Virginia State Arboretum you will easily Lose Track of Time.

~Bill