As Fluvanna residents know, Pleasant Grove Park is a staple of the county, boasting fields that can be used for sporting events and over 20 miles’ worth of trails to explore with a variety of plants and animals to observe. Consider yourself a bit of a tree aficionado? The park has a tree identification trail! Prefer fishing or splashing around? The Rivanna River patiently awaits. The natural world is your oyster when you choose to spend a day at Pleasant Grove. It’s a great picnic location, so pack that basket, grab a blanket, and get going!
Like to hike? The Rail Trail Nature Walk is 1.2 miles round-trip (0.6 miles one way). It’s flat and marked, so be sure to follow those markings and stay on the trail. This walk features steep slopes beside the trail, and a variety of other features one might find less than pleasant about the outdoors—looking at you, poison ivy—but follow the standard rules of trekking through the woods and you’ll be just fine. A guide for the walk can be found with a quick Google search.
Tired after your day of nature exploration? Palmyra happens to be home to Cunningham Creek Winery, located less than ten minutes away from the park! Kick back with a glass of wine; kids and leashed dogs welcome (check their website for specific details). The family-owned and operated boutique winery specializes in French varietals and blends, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to visit with the free-roaming Australian Shepherds that keep watch over the property. Crush, Corky and Brix can be found wandering about the premises and making friends with children and adults alike; though they’re partial to toddlers. Please don’t feed them anything other than the treats available at the register! Visit the winery on a Saturday from 5-8 p.m. and you’ll catch their Saturday Live event featuring live music and food trucks. It’s a perfect activity to cap off an eventful day in Fluvanna! Check out their website for more information.