Jennifer Carr

At the far south end of Virginia Beach’s Sandbridge community lies a seldom visited natural treasure, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  The expansive beaches feel wilder than the shores just a few miles north and are littered with the footprints of sandpipers, rather than that of humans.  On the west side, the marsh waters of Back Bay serve as the fishing holes for the Great Blue Heron and a ...

The park is open dawn to dusk. The botanical garden is free to visit and offers excellent photography opportunities.   Additional InfoCopper Kettle Coffee Bar is available at the garden: Weekdays: 10am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 5pmGarden Map with different attractions featuredBotanical Gardens Website

Many cross country ski trails begin at the Mazama trailhead, located in the town of Mazama, just off of Highway 20. This area offers the perfect jumping off ground for a day on the trails.  Follow the interior short and flat Inn Run Loop trail to get your legs warmed up or get some practice on flat ground. To the right, choose Goat Wall Loop for long, flat expanse to work on distance and speed ...

Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay found at the southernmost point of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  Sitting in the protected Green Zone, the island is known for its pristine coral reef, diverse marine life, and incredible snorkeling and diving.  Lady Elliot also has the highest seabird diversity of any other island on the reef.  The island is truly a nature lover’s paradise with fully access...

Just north of Santa Cruz at the far west end of Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach offers one of California's top spots for kiteboarding.  Each spring and summer, you'll find consistent northwesterly afternoon sea breezes.  With the added bonus of consistent waves from wind and ground swell, Waddell Beach allows for wave style surfing for the more advanced kiter.  Beginners should be mindful o...