Prince Edward County, VA is about an hour southwest of Richmond and about four hours from Washington, DC. In country referred to as “Southside” in Virginia (traditionally, the term Southside refers to the portion of Virginia east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and south of the James River), this rolling countryside is an ideal destination for a weekend adventure getaway.
Start that adventure with a ropes course and ziplining at the aptly named Outdoor Adventure at Sandy River Retreat. This is a great place to get away from the hubbub of fast-paced suburban life. Get back in touch with nature while challenging yourself to overcome your fears on a ropes course.
The five cabins at Sandy River Retreat were built as replicas of a by-gone era, but inside are modern amenities, making them both rustic, and comfy. Sit and rock on the front porch, enjoying the sights and sounds of the farmette on which the retreat is located — don’t be surprised by a strolling chicken or wandering sheep! Bring your own vittles for the fully equipped kitchen, which offered basic pots and pans and baking dishes and tools. I noticed a griddle as well. (No, we didn’t cook any meals during our stay, but I noted it would be comfortable to cook up a nice dinner in this kitchen!)
After you get settled in, take a walk around this 11 acre haven, looking at the farm animals and listening for rustling high up in the trees.
You might even hear a shout or two, and that’s because the largest aerial obstacle course and zip line in Virginia is on the grounds. Wander over to check in for your training, which involves being fit for your harness and some basic safety guidelines to ensure your line is always secure. Then spend the next three hours challenging yourself to new heights up to 40 feet above the ground on the ropes course. Scream like a little kid as you navigate the ropes course and a variety of challenging obstacles through the trees. At the end, you zipline to your reward.
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| Photo courtesy Sandy River Outdoor Adventure |
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| Photo courtesy Sandy River Outdoor Adventure |
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| Photo courtesy Sandy River Outdoor Adventure |
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| Photo courtesy Sandy River Outdoor Adventure |
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| Photo courtesy Sandy River Outdoor Adventure |
For the ropes course you receive harnesses and training on how to secure your line.
If you get a chance to meet the owners of Sandy River Retreat and Outdoor Adventure, be sure to chat with them — they’re pretty cool folks. Candace and her husband created the place — he built the cabins as well as the ropes course. Candace runs the retreat and outdoor adventure while raising her family and maintaining a farmette with sheep, donkeys, and chickens.
As advertised, you’ll be sure to challenge your mind and body while learning what you are really capable of! Go ahead! Surprise yourself! Once you overcome your fears, you’ll end with the reward of ziplining through the tree tops.
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Getting there: 147 Monroe Church Rd, Rice, VA 23966
Hours: Check the website for available hours and times.
Websites: www.sandyriverretreat.com; www.theoutdooradventurepark.com/
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Have you daytripped somewhere interesting? I’d love to hear what you’re doing! Email [email protected] if you’re interested in being a guest-blogger!