After 10,000 miles crisscrossing Virginia, 17 full episodes, and 4 bonus features, Season Five of Virginia Outdoor Adventures has been a remarkable journey of discovery and connection. What began as a pandemic project has evolved into a five-season exploration of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking outdoor destinations, hidden gems, and adventure opportunities. This season marked several firsts, including five solo episodes covering practical topics like packing checklists and seasonal bucket l...
Jun 17, 2025•21 min
If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground. Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild. We review each primitive campground, including distance to hike in, terrain, difficulty level, and amenities. From Belle ...
Jun 10, 2025•20 min
If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground. Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild. We review each primitive campground, including distance to hike in, terrain, difficulty level, and amenities. From Belle ...
Jun 03, 2025•31 min
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential. The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible paddling and world-class trout fishing on the crown jewel of Martinsville. Just beyond city limits, Philpott Lake offers 25 miles of undeveloped shoreli...
May 27, 2025•35 min
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential. The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible paddling and world-class trout fishing on the crown jewel of Martinsville. Just beyond city limits, Philpott Lake offers 25 miles of undeveloped shoreli...
May 20, 2025•35 min
Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched. Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New River Trail State Park shares insights about cave ecosystems, rare species, and the delicate formations found in these subterranean environments. Wheth...
May 13, 2025•23 min
Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched. Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New River Trail State Park shares insights about cave ecosystems, rare species, and the delicate formations found in these subterranean environments. Wheth...
May 06, 2025•26 min
The mountains of Appalachia wrap around Big Stone Gap like a warm embrace, creating a community where outdoor adventure, history, and culture converge. Town Manager, Steve Lawson, describes how the community has transformed from its coal mining roots into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. The town's crown jewel is the Greenbelt Trail, a scenic paved path following the Powell River through the heart of town. Just minutes away, the Powell River Trail offers a rail-to-trail experience featu...
Apr 29, 2025•23 min
The mountains of Appalachia wrap around Big Stone Gap like a warm embrace, creating a community where outdoor adventure, history, and culture converge. Town Manager, Steve Lawson, describes how the community has transformed from its coal mining roots into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. The town's crown jewel is the Greenbelt Trail, a scenic paved path following the Powell River through the heart of town. Just minutes away, the Powell River Trail offers a rail-to-trail experience featu...
Apr 22, 2025•30 min
Planning your next camping trip? Let’s take the guesswork out of packing! In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to camping checklist — everything I bring to the campground, from essential supplies and food prep to personal items you won’t want to forget. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at my recent road trip across Virginia as I scout out new adventures for upcoming episodes. And if you’re ready to connect in person, I’ve got details on where I’ll be next — come say hi at an upcoming event near ...
Apr 15, 2025•40 min
I'm often asked for park recommendations both inside and outside of Virginia. Like you, I'm always looking for a great weekend hike or campground, but also setting my sights on new places to visit on longer trips. One of my favorite resources for new parks to explore is The Parks Podcast, hosted by my friend and Richmond local, Missy Rentz. Missy features parks all across the US, including local, state, and national parks. I especially like the diverse mix of parks she chooses to highlight. Ther...
Apr 08, 2025•42 min
Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shares critical insights about why even experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find themselves in trouble, including unexpected weather changes, i...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min
Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shares critical insights about why even experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find themselves in trouble, including unexpected weather changes, i...
Mar 25, 2025•40 min
Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased experiences many listeners didn't realize existed right in their own backyards. I highlight essential spring adventures across Virginia, from waterfall h...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min
Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased experiences many listeners didn't realize existed right in their own backyards. I highlight essential spring adventures across Virginia, from waterfall h...
Mar 11, 2025•31 min
This week I’m sharing a conversation I had with my friend, Steve Adams, or known by his trail name, Mighty Blue. Steve is an AT thru hiker and host of the popular podcast, Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, The Ultimate Midlife Crisis. I find Steve’s podcast inspirational for hikers and non-hikers alike. Steve interviews thru hikers while they are on the trail. The result is a raw and unfiltered conversation with people who are in the process of undertaking over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Ma...
Mar 05, 2025•13 min
Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world. We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizin...
Feb 18, 2025•29 min
Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world. We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizin...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min
Start planning your next epic winter adventure like whale watching in Virginia Beach, stargazing in one of Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks, wild caving in Virginia’s Karst Region, Ice Climbing in the Blue Ridge, or winter wildlife watching in person or on a wildlife webcam. Also, in Part 2 of this solo episode, I share where you can find me live and in person this month, and how to get my new Listener Resource Guide with the top podcast episodes, a Virginia Outdoor Bucket List, and exclusive outdoor g...
Feb 04, 2025•26 min
Jessica answers podcast fan mail, shares discounts for outdoor gear, and recaps Parks Advocacy Day in Richmond. Follow VAOA Podcast: Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store! VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Association for Parks Breaks Interstate Park Virginia State Parks Heart of Appalachia Advertisers: Visit Grayson County Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message Contact sh...
Jan 28, 2025•19 min
It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature. Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery. She offers insights into stayin...
Jan 21, 2025•35 min
It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature. Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery. She offers insights into stayin...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min
In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. Her experience in Richmond was so empowering that she became actively engaged in the Virginia Association for Parks and now co-chairs the Advocacy Comm...
Jan 07, 2025•24 min
What if you could acquire the outdoor gear you need for your epic adventures without breaking the bank or contributing to the fast fashion and throwaway culture? Or what if you could declutter your closets and earn some cash for the gear you aren’t using? April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, shares why secondhand and consignment shopping isn't just trendy—it's a powerful way to reduce waste, support your local businesses, and adventure sustainably while also making th...
Dec 10, 2024•39 min
I’m often asked how I got started podcasting, how I pivoted from education to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to run a podcast as a small business. I was delighted to sit down for a conversation with my friend, Shannon Russell, career coach and host of Second Act Success Career Podcast. I’m excited to share my guest appearance on her show where we discuss the unexpected journey I took from being an elementary school teacher, to a nonprofit executive, to a podcaster and advocate for our publi...
Dec 03, 2024•40 min
This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1. What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop. Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and ...
Nov 26, 2024•22 min
What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop. Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, fishing, and sai...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min
In part 2 of this two-part episode, I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit. In case you missed Part 1, Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike—perfect for those who love a good thrill! We’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a rescheduled trip to Onancock, ...
Nov 12, 2024•29 min
Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike— perfect for those who love a good thrill! Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes. Tune in next week for part 2 when we’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a rescheduled trip to Onancock, one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and f...
Nov 07, 2024•33 min
We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures. In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understanding and appreciation of our native species. Caroline tackles listener questions about safety measures and snake behavior, offering practical advice ...
Oct 29, 2024•34 min
