NoVa Amenities: Frying Pan Park

On a quiet morning one spring my wife and I were trying to think of something to do together. Out the window the sun and green grass teased us with its inviting nature. We decided that we would take advantage of the lovely  day. We made some sandwiches, leashed up the dogs, and headed out to Frying Pan Park.

Frying Pan Park is not as crowded or as busy as its better known counterparts in the Northern Virginia region like Burke Lake Park, but the lack of a crowd is one of its charms. When my wife and I arrived we spread out our food at a picnic table. The sun and gentle breeze tickled our skin. The heat of the day wrapped us in its warmth and comfort, and every time it threatened to become oppressive an early spring breeze would visit to offer relief.

With our sandwiches finished we walked the dog around the park. The great thing about Frying Pan Park isn't that it is just a park. Frying Pan Park is home to a historic farm, and during the warmer months of the year they have a farmers market every Wednesday. Northern Virginia is an area full of history. The parts we now think of as corporate or suburban were once rural. 

Kidwell farm is located at Frying Pan Park and it was a working farm in the 1930's. Walking around we saw and learned many interesting things. There are of course many cute and cuddly farm animals like ducks, chickens, pigs, sheep, and even a peacock when we last visited. There is also history. Kidwell farm includes information on how apple cider was made in their pressing building and info on milking in a replica of a 1930's milking parlor.

After exploring most of the farm it was time to head back to the small hiking trail to give the dog a good walk. To get to the hiking trail we had to walk behind the indoor horse ring. It was nice enough out that day that a horse show was being conducted in the outside rings, but Frying Pan Park is evidence that those living in Northern Virginia do not have to travel far to find equestrian activities. 

Seeing all the horses with their manes braided and all tacked up for the show was another benefit of the day. We took our time in walking past the horse show so that we could look at all the horses and enjoy our day even further. When we did make it to the hiking trail we saw a few other people with their dogs enjoying the warmth of the day. 

Walking in the shade of the woods and being out of the sun was good for us, but the dog was still hot. Eventually we reached a small creak and he decided the simply lapping up the water wasn't enough. He dove his short Corgi body headlong into the deepest part of the creak and swam. Then he moved to an area where he could stand and rolled in the water. 

Once he felt he was sufficiently cool he looked at us and barked to let us know it was time to go. Before we left however we stopped at the small country store to look at honey and jams. We bought a small thing of wild flower honey and headed back to the car. It was a successful day at one of the many varied amenities that we continue to enjoy in the Northern Virginia region. 

If you would like to visit Frying Pan Park or any other amenity in Northern Virginia as part of a pre-buying tour then please contact me through www.SuperNoVaRealty.com and we can set up an appointment.