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Continue reading →: 🛶 Tubing the Shenandoah RiverWe decided to try something a little different and go tubing on the Shenandoah River. We used Downriver, which is just outside of Front Royal. They offer several different ways to get out on the river, but we went with the tubing trip because we were looking for something easy…
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Continue reading →: 🌿 The Perfect Post-Rain Hike: Great Marsh Trail & Pizza at Bunnyman BrewingLorton, Virginia Some trails are better after a little rain. For us, the Great Marsh Trail is one of those places. When we’ve had a good stretch of rain and many of the trails around Northern Virginia are still muddy and messy, Great Marsh is one of our go-to choices.…
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Continue reading →: 🌿 A Flat, Easy Hike with History, Lily Pads & a Brewery Finish at Ellanor C. Lawrence ParkSometimes a good hike doesn’t need to be steep, rugged, or leave you completely exhausted. Sometimes it’s just about getting outside, enjoying some pretty scenery, discovering a little local history—and knowing there’s a good meal and a cold beer waiting at the end. That was exactly the kind of day…
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Continue reading →: 🌿 Rolling Meadows & Wine Country: A Perfect Mother’s Day in VirginiaDelaplane, VA – Sky Meadows State ParkRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Pure Five Paws) This might honestly be one of the most beautiful Virginia state parks we’ve been to. Rolling Meadows Trail is a true standout — the kind of place that feels more like the English countryside than Northern Virginia. From the…
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Continue reading →: 🌾 Brawner Farm Loop + 2 Silos Brewing Co.Manassas, VARating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Three Paws Up!) This hike was such a fun surprise. We headed out to the Brawner Farm Loop, and from the moment the trail opened up into wide views, I was sold. I love a big field hike — there’s something about the open space, big skies,…
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Continue reading →: 🦴 Bull Run Marina Loop + Bunnyman BreweryClifton and Burke, VA A perfect short-and-scenic morning adventure If you’re looking for a hike that’s quick, scenic, and full of energy without being an all-day commitment, the Bull Run Marina Loop is a perfect pick. We headed out early and had the trail mostly to ourselves — just the…
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Continue reading →: 🍁 Union Mill & Bull Run–Occoquan Trail + Paradise Springs WineryClifton, VARating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Three Paws Up!) This weekend’s adventure took us to the Union Mill & Bull Run–Occoquan Trail, and it was such a gorgeous fall hike. Most of the trail winds right along the water, giving us peaceful views, rushing sounds, and plenty of cool spots for Bear to…
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Continue reading →: 🌫️ Woodmarsh Trail & Fair Winds Brewery📍 Lorton, Virginia There’s something magical about a foggy fall morning in the woods — the quiet, the colors, and that soft mist that makes everything feel still and alive at the same time. We hit the Woodmarsh Trail in Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Virginia, and it turned…
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Continue reading →: 🍂 Meadowood Connector & Wood Thrush Loop📍 Lorton, Virginia It was one of those perfect fall days — crisp air, golden leaves, and blue skies — so we headed out to explore one of his all-time favorite spots: the Meadowood Recreational Area in Lorton, Virginia. 🐾 The Hike The Meadowood Recreation Area is always a treat.…
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Continue reading →: 🎨 A Solo Visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts📍 Washington, D.C. This week I spent a few lovely hours exploring the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) — and wow, what an inspiring place. Located right in the heart of downtown D.C., the museum celebrates the creativity, strength, and stories of women artists across centuries. Bear…
Hello,
I’m AJ
Mom of three, lover of adventure, and proud human to one very enthusiastic hiking partner – our Aussie – named Bear. Whether we’re exploring a hidden trail in Northern Virginia, wandering along the Potomac, or finding unexpected beauty in a city park, Bear and I are always on the lookout for our next great walk.
This blog is where I’ll share our favorite routes, little discoveries, and the moments of calm (and chaos) that come with hiking alongside a big, curious dog. I’ve always believed the best adventures don’t have to be far from home — sometimes, they’re just a few miles down a new trail.
And while most of these adventures include Bear’s happy paws, every now and then, I’ll post about solo adventures — because sometimes, the best walks are paws optional.
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Walks with Bear the Dog 