Vacation me please!!!

Ok sis, I know I speak for us all when I say, I am quarantined the hell out. Do you hear me? Like completely OVER IT!!!  My Queens with kids, I know ya’ll REALLY understand my pain. If these little gremlins gobble down one more container of juice in 2.5 hours, leave one more emptied package in the pantry, interrupt another zoom meeting for work…Like all these kids do is zoom bomb. Ya’ll know they have absolutely no shame doing it either. Like, I know I told you I was about to go into a meeting, and to sit your tale down somewhere! Not to mention these kids think they have an entire chef at home, “Mommy can you cook…” Nah, baby I need you to eat that same bowl of cereal, toast, and fruit you was going to have if I wasn’t home.  Wheeeew chile, working from home really isn’t what I thought it would be. Please tell me I’m not the only mom who has literally packed up and headed straight into the office to tackle their 9-5? Like how many breaks do these kids really get? Okay, I digress…woosahhhh!!! As if it’s not obvious, your gurl is completely in need of a BREAK. STAYCATION ME PLEASE!!!

So, a few months ago, I stumbled across a complete hidden gem. The beautiful and intriguing Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, VA.  I remember watching a video on Instagram where one of my IG friends was driving in their car surrounded by beautiful animals and holding a bucket outside of his window FEEDING AN OSTRICH!!! My eyes lit up with intrigue. Ok so never mind that the dang thing nibbled him a little, I’m sure unintentionally while trying to get the goodies out of his bucket. I continued to watch as the couple was cracking up with laughter and completely enjoying the experience. Look I’m no punk, a little nibble by an ostrich wasn’t going to discourage your gurl at all.  I did my research and was even more thrilled! Like we can remain in the safety of our vehicle and virtually enjoy the outdoors and hundreds of unique and beautiful animals in a more natural setting? And yes, I said safety, stop focusing on a little love peck from an ostrich LOL! Anyways, your gurl was so ready for an adventure! Say no more, hubby and kids-ROAD TRIIIIIIP!!!

So in planning our weekend getaway, I must say we had difficulty locating a nearby hotel, at least one to meet our desired accommodations. We ultimately booked in Roanoke, VA which was about a thirty-five minute drive from the park, but proved to be well worth it.  The drive to Roanoke is nothing short of breathtaking. The narrow roads and roller coaster like roads made your gurl a little uneasy but I promise it was totally worth the view. The hotel was a perfect location, in downtown Roanoke, centered around a variety of diners, shops, and attractions all within walking distance.

One of our favorite dinner spots was 202 Social House which had tons of great selections for the kids, as well as hubby and I. My personal favorite was the fish and chips. The portions were large and prices were very buyer friendly. Now, if you are looking for mouthwatering breakfast, you must check out Scrambled. They have great options from shrimp and grits, French toast, and every other breakfast you’d probably enjoy. But sis, you can’t go to Scrambled and not get scrambled. There scrambles are absolutely delicious. Listen this is coming from a chick who is not impressed by eggs. But this was definitely a winner.  The food was amazing and the service was even better. However, I will admit it was not adequate for social distancing in my opinion. We dined there twice, and on the first visit our large family of five set comfortable towards the back with adequate space. However, on our second visit (cause we just had to go back before we left) we were seated in the covered outside area which had a constant flow of traffic from waitresses and others being seated. Aside from this, the experience was nothing short of amazing.

Ok, as if you can’t tell I am a complete foodie, and Roanoke, VA exceeded my expectations. But there was more to explore and enjoy than food. We also enjoyed the Taubman Museum of Art which is a small art museum, opened Friday-Sunday with FREE admission. We actually stopped there after breakfast on our last day prior to departing. It was literally walking distance from our hotel.

Now to the main attraction! The Virginia Safari Park! Prior to our arrival we pre-purchased tickets online.  The tickets were about $25 per adult, $20 for kids, with free admission for kids under two. So yes you are paying per person, not by vehicle. But I promise you if you enjoy nature and wildlife with a somewhat hand on interaction and the opportunity to watch tons of llamas, deer, ostriches, bison, zebras, as you drive thru the three mile safari, you will LOVE IT! Word of advice, make sure you arrive early. Although the park is open until 5pm, entrance into the drive thru halts at 3:30. Which makes sense because it takes time to drive through the three mile park and truly enjoy your engagement with the animals.  Upon entrance make sure you are prepared purchase food to feed the animals as this is not included. There is a limit to two buckets so we just passed the bucket around. There is plenty of food to go around but WARNING…don’t get your bucket jacked by the animals. Honey they will snatch that bucket up so quick. And don’t dare think you have an S on your chest and decide to fight a bison for a bucket of food.  Sis, I TRIED. I LOST. I’m telling you LET IT GO! Lol. My family and I still crack up watching videos where my eleven year old daughter had her bucket snatched from one of the animals in the beginning of our adventure. Thankfully one of the assistants was able to retrieve it from the llama. I’m telling you it’s filled with laughs and a just a tad bit of fear. The fear was completely of the unknown. We truly did not encounter any bad interactions. Rest assured there are helpers standing amongst the animals throughout the trail for assistance. It’s really an amazing experience to watch the animals simply go about their day, playing, running, eating, bathing and drinking in a pond.

Now, after you have embarked on an amazing drive thru which literally may take about an hour, you have the opportunity to enjoy a village walk thru (masks required of course). During this portion you can feed giraffes and baby goats, or enjoy a walk thru the bird village, with beautiful birds flying amongst you.  One of my favorite attractions, the kangaroos. I was so in awe of watching a baby joey hopping into its mother’s pouch. I evenly enjoyed watching a baby monkey ride its mother’s back as she swings from limb to limb.

If you are bold or have heightened interest in rhinos, sloths, or even the breathtaking African penguins, for an extra fee you can have an up-close experience. There is so much to do and experience. When I tell you, this was just what my family needed in the middle of quarantine. A beautiful gem a few hours from home.

Check out the links for places mentioned.

https://www.virginiasafaripark.com/

http://www.202socialhouse.com/tavern.html

http://citymarketbuilding.com/scrambled/

https://www.taubmanmuseum.org/

Disclaimer: Although this post focuses on the challenges of being quarantined, it is no way to minimize those truly suffering or affected by COVID-19. My sincere condolences to anyone who has experienced a loss due to COVID-19. Finances and mental health has likewise been affected during these trying times. Mask up and continue