What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week North of Richmond

It is peak summer at Kings Dominion, and the park is running all of its signature rides, the Soak City water park, and live entertainment. If you have kids home for the summer or you just want a full-throttle adrenaline day, this is the week to go. Pro tip: weekday visits in late June are significantly less crowded than weekends, and the evening hours are golden — the park takes on a completely different energy as the sun goes down.

One of the most significant Civil War battlefields in Virginia, and it sits right here in Hanover County. The park has well-maintained walking trails through open fields and forested areas, interpretive signs, and a peaceful atmosphere that belies the history beneath your feet. It is an outstanding place for a morning walk, a history lesson with the kids, or just a quiet hour in the Virginia countryside. The trails are shaded and easy, making it perfect for all ages.

Beaverdam Lake is one of Hanover County's best-kept secrets — a 100-acre lake surrounded by forest with kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and picnic shelters. The rental concessions are open for the summer, so you can show up and paddle without bringing your own gear. Families love the calm water and the shaded picnic areas, and anglers will find bass, bream, and catfish. This is the kind of place that makes you realize you do not need to drive two hours to find genuine outdoor beauty.

A true neighborhood farmers market with local produce, baked goods, and handmade items from Hanover County growers and artisans. It is smaller and more personal than the big city markets, which is exactly the point — you get to know the farmers by name, the kids run around, and you come home with a bag of the freshest produce you have ever seen. This is small-town Virginia at its finest.

We are counting this one twice because it deserves it — the taproom experience here is outstanding, but the brewery also serves as a community gathering spot with food truck partnerships and events throughout the week. If you are exploring Ashland, plan to spend an afternoon here. The rotating food truck schedule means there is always something new to try alongside your pint.

Ashland's walkable downtown is packed with local restaurants and cafés within steps of each other — from cozy Italian spots to classic American diners and a wonderful local coffeehouse. The town's railroad-town charm means you can grab a table on a patio and watch trains roll by on the tracks that run right down the center of Main Street. It is one of the most unique dining settings in all of Virginia. Stroll, sample, and enjoy.

The Route 360 and Mechanicsville Turnpike corridors are the beating heart of Hanover County dining — a stretch of locally owned restaurants, BBQ joints, and family spots that have been feeding the community for years. The barbecue alone is worth the drive from Richmond, and the family-run Southern restaurants serve the kind of comfort food that keeps regulars coming back for decades. Ask me for my personal favorites — I have a running list.

Beyond the park itself, the Kings Dominion area along Route 301 has grown into a solid dining corridor with a mix of casual chain and local spots serving everything from barbecue to Asian cuisine. It is convenient if you are in the area for the park, and several of these restaurants have earned loyal followings from the local community. The area also has some excellent quick-service spots for a fast, quality meal.

A growing greenway trail system that winds through Hanover County along Totopotomoy Creek. The paved sections are perfect for a morning run, a family bike ride, or a quiet evening walk through mixed hardwood forest and creek-side meadows. As the trail network continues to expand, it is becoming one of the most valuable recreational assets in the Mechanicsville community.

More than just a history lesson — the trails at North Anna Battlefield wind through 260 acres of open fields, forest, and creek crossings that feel worlds away from suburban life. The park offers multiple loop trails of varying lengths, and the quiet, contemplative atmosphere makes it one of the best walking spots in the county. In late June, the meadows are full of wildflowers.

A 100-acre reservoir surrounded by forest, offering kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing in a peaceful, uncrowded setting. The lake has a nice ramp for boat access and several shaded picnic areas. In summer, the water is warm enough for swimming in designated areas. It is the kind of outdoor experience that reminds you why you live in Virginia.

A hidden gem on the Chickahominy River with kayak and canoe launches, fishing piers, hiking trails, and waterfront picnic areas. This park connects to the Virginia Capital Trail, so you can combine paddling with biking. The river is calm and perfect for beginners, and the fishing is excellent for catfish and bass.

A culturally rich and educational destination on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation. The museum showcases thousands of years of Pamunkey history and culture, and the surrounding grounds along the Pamunkey River offer a window into one of Virginia's most storied Native American communities. It is a meaningful visit for the whole family and a reminder of how deep the history runs in this part of Virginia.

Home to the Virginia State Fair, Meadow Event Park is a 320-acre venue that hosts concerts, festivals, equestrian events, and community gatherings throughout the year. In summer, the grounds are often used for outdoor events and festivals. Even when there is not a major event on the calendar, the surrounding area along Route 301 is worth exploring.

Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) in neighboring Prince George County is one of the Army's premier training installations, home to the Combined Arms Support Command and the Quartermaster School. If you have recently received orders to Fort Gregg-Adams, welcome to the neighborhood — you are going to love it here. The surrounding communities of Prince George, Mechanicsville, and southern Hanover offer excellent housing options with short commutes. The installation's ACS (Army Community Service) office is your best first stop for transition assistance, housing referrals, and connecting with the military community.

The USO operates a center at Fort Gregg-Adams offering programs and support for military families — from coffee hours and family events to transition assistance and care packages. If you are new to the area, the USO is one of the best places to meet other military families and start building your network. They run regular programs throughout the summer, including family movie nights, craft events, and support groups for spouses.

The Fort Gregg-Adams MWR office runs a packed summer calendar for military families, including outdoor movie nights, pool parties, family fun days, youth sports leagues, and skills workshops. These programs are specifically designed to help military families enjoy the summer and connect with the community. Check the MWR website or stop by the community center for this week's schedule. If you have kids home for the summer, the youth programs are outstanding.

Team RWB connects veterans, active duty service members, and their families through physical and social activity. The Richmond chapter holds regular meetups — group runs, hikes, social events, and volunteer opportunities — throughout the Central Virginia area. It is an excellent way to stay active, stay connected, and meet other military-affiliated families in the community. Many of my clients have told me that joining Team RWB was the best decision they made after their PCS.