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🥾 Thinking about hiking Old Rag? This post is f

🥾 Thinking about hiking Old Rag? This post is for you ⛰️ This trail is hands-down one of my favorites—I’ve done it 10+ times, and it still gets my adrenaline pumping in the best way. Every time I reach that summit, I feel a mix of exhaustion and strength that never gets old.

I’m an experienced hiker, and it usually takes me around 4.5 hours to complete the 9.4-mile loop (including stopping at the top). But if you’ve never done it before, definitely budget more time—especially for the scrambles. It can take 7–8 hours, especially when it’s crowded later in the day. There are three sections I always find a little tricky (hello, narrow crevices + awkward boulder climbs), but with patience and confidence, they’re doable.

A few things that make Old Rag unique: 📍 Topping out at 3,284 feet—not insanely high, but definitely rugged 🪨 Long stretches of bare granite you won’t find on other Virginia hikes 💪 Even experienced hikers get humbled—it’s all hands, feet, and yes, the occasional butt-slide

Before you go, be honest with yourself: ✔️ Make sure you’re physically prepared ✔️ Don’t go if it’s wet or icy—seriously, it’s dangerous ✔️ Bring at least 2–3 liters of water per person (you’ll sweat a lot). I recommend a @camelbak ✔️ Wear grippy, supportive shoes ✔️ Stay on the trail to protect fragile summit plant life ✔️ Pack light but smart—first aid, snacks, layers, sun protection ❌ No pets allowed

PRO TIP: Download the route ahead of time via @alltrails or Google Maps—there’s little to no service out there. ✨ I’ve got a discount code for AllTrails and some favorite trail gear linked in my bio!

Let me know if you’re planning to hike it or have questions—I’m always happy to help in the comments 💬
. . . #OldRag #OldRagMountain #alltrailsambassador #ShenandoahNationalPark #VAhikes #DMVhiking #HikingTips #WomenWhoHike #AllTrails #EastCoastHiking #BlueRidgeMountains #VirginiaOutdoors #HikingAdventures

🇺🇸 An outdoor summer tradition just outside

🇺🇸 An outdoor summer tradition just outside of DC. Every Tuesday evening (except July 8), the @marines host a formal Sunset Parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington—a ceremony rooted in tradition, precision, and respect.

🎺 The 45-minute program features “The Commandant’s Own” Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon, showcasing time-honored Marine Corps customs.
🪖 Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes early for a good spot. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, stay cool, and enjoy this reflective tribute to Marine Corps heritage.
📍 Tuesdays at 7 PM | June 10–Aug 5 (except July 8) 📸 Photography is welcome—please remain respectful throughout the performance.
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#DCevents #SunsetParade #ArlingtonVA #MilitaryTradition #DCbucketlist #FreeInDC #DCsummer #WashingtonDC #thingstodoDC

Step back in time at @tudor_place, a National Hist

Step back in time at @tudor_place, a National Historic Landmark and one of Georgetown’s most historic estates. 🕰️

Tudor Place was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants, as well as the enslaved & free people who lived and labored on the estate. The house holds over 18,000 Washington family heirlooms, while the 5½-acre garden features specimen trees, roses, heirloom shrubs, and open lawns.⁠

🎟 Guided tours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM (last tour starts at 3 PM), and Sunday from noon to 4 PM (last tour at 3 PM).
🌿 Garden visits are self-guided and don’t require advanced registration. Check in at the Visitor Center to receive a free garden map.
💵 Suggested donation: $10 adults, $5 seniors, students & military, free for children 5 and under
📍1644 31st Street NW, Georgetown, DC

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or gardens, Tudor Place offers a meaningful visit just blocks from Georgetown’s shopping areas.
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#TudorPlace #GeorgetownDC #HistoricHomes #thingstododc #VisitDC #DCmuseums #GardenLovers #MuseumDay #only1dc

Gravelly Point (in Arlington, VA, right next to @r

Gravelly Point (in Arlington, VA, right next to @reagan_airport) is one of those spots we all kind of take for granted. It’s always there, always buzzing, and always a go-to on a sunny afternoon. ☀️

✈️ Whether you’re biking the @mountvernontrail, watching planes come in super close, or catching up with friends by the water, it never really gets old.

If it’s been a minute, here’s your reminder to swing back through. What’s your ideal Gravelly hang—picnic and planes? Golden hour ride? Just chilling? 🚲

🪁 Just don’t be that person who flies kites.
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#GravellyPoint #ArlingtonVA #DCViews #WashingtonDC #NPSFindYourPark #ReaganAirport #PlaneSpotting #MountVernonTrail #VisitVirginia #PicnicSpotsDC #DMVOutdoors

🪙 Ever spotted one of the penny press machines

🪙 Ever spotted one of the penny press machines while exploring a museum, park, or zoo? They’re easy to miss, but for collectors they’re a treasure to find.

I’ve been collecting penny crunches since I was a kid (358 and counting!), and every year I take time to pour them out and relive the memories. Some people store theirs in neat little books—but I keep mine in a tin and love digging through the chaos. 💛

Do you collect these too—or something totally different?👇
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#pennycrunches #pressedpennies #souvenirs #nostalgia #travelmemories #souvenircollector #coincollecting #traveltok #tinytreasures #collectorsoftiktok

Just 40 minutes from DC, @jugbayws offers 1,700 ac

Just 40 minutes from DC, @jugbayws offers 1,700 acres of protected wetlands, peaceful trails, and diverse wildlife along the Patuxent River 🌿

This isn’t your typical park — it’s a research-based sanctuary, which means limited public hours to protect the ecosystem and minimize disturbance to the flora and fauna.

🕘 Open to the public: Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun | 9am–5pm
🛑 Closed Mon, Tues, Thurs (+ all Sundays from Dec–Feb)
🚫 No pets allowed at the Sanctuary proper — leashed dogs welcome at nearby Glendening Preserve
🐢 Wildlife first: drive slowly and check under your car before leaving. (I saw 3 turtles while there!)

🎟️ $6 per vehicle | Free for members, military, veterans & AACO seniors
📍 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD

🌱 As always, please follow Leave No Trace principles — pack out what you pack in and respect wildlife and sensitive habitats.

Check their events calendar for guided hikes, nature programs & more!
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#JugBay #DMVNature #MarylandOutdoors #PatuxentRiver #HiddenGemsDMV #LeaveNoTrace #NatureSanctuary #ExploreMaryland

✨Two Mercer County views you’ll want in your c

✨Two Mercer County views you’ll want in your camera roll 🎥 @visitmercerwv is serving up big scenery with barely any effort required: 📍 Pinnacle Rock State Park – a short 0.4-mile trail to wide-open mountain views 📍 East River Mountain Overlook – drive right up and swing above the valley (yes, there’s an actual swing)

Easy to find, impossible to forget — these spots are made for golden hour hangs, quiet moments, and yes, a solid Instagram post. Tag a friend you’d bring + save this for your next WV road trip.
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@wvtourism #AlmostHeaven #visitmercerwv #WVviews #ScenicWestVirginia #RoadTripWV #MercerCountyWV #MountainMagic #HiddenOverlooks

POV: You finally won the Jazz in the Garden lotter

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