In its second year, Virginia will partner with state parks across the country and outdoor retailer REI Co-op, to participate in #OptOutside, encouraging people to skip shopping and enjoy the outdoor experience the day after Thanksgiving.
“Thousands of visitors last year decided to opt-outside as part of their Thanksgiving weekend,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “The weather will be great, state parks will look beautiful, and it will be a wonderful time for people to focus on what’s really important – family, health and making memories that last a lifetime.”
Visitors over the Thanksgiving weekend are encouraged to participate in the Virginia State Parks #OptOutside photo contest.
Photographers can win Virginia State Parks overnight accommodation gift certificates of $50, $100, $250 and $500.
Details and the contest link can be found here: http://bit.ly/VSPoptoutside2017
The Virginia State Parks partnership with REI includes honoring a store receipt for a free park entrance. REI members also receive additional benefits.
After the holiday weekend, beginning Monday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, Virginia State Park gift certificates will be available at a 25 percent discount. Call 800-933-7275 to buy one. Claytor Lake and Smith Mountain Lake are two Virginia State Parks near Montgomery County and Radford.
For more information about Virginia State Park activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,600 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.