Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. 

Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. 

More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world. 

We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizing its ability to help individuals reconnect to nature in everyday settings and the joy it brings through mindful sensory experiences. Let’s Go!

Join us next week when Ana shares her most memorable and transformative forest bathing experiences, additional ways to connect with nature, and resources for taking your mindfulness practice to the next level. 

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

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Visit Grayson County

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ana Kaahanui: Website I Instagram (Personal) Instagram (Capital Nature) I Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Capital Nature) I Email: [email protected]

Ana’s upcoming Forest Bathing Walks in the DMV

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (ANFT)

ANFT Certified Guides

Forest Bathing Finder

Some of Ana’s favorite books on forest bathing, nature and trees

The Nature Fix (book)

Night Magic (book)

iNaturalist (app)

Seek by iNaturalist (app)

City Nature Challenge (global)

City Nature Challenge (local)

Virginia Master Naturalists

NOVA Park’s Roving Naturalist

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Start planning your next epic winter adventure like whale watching in Virginia Beach, stargazing in one of Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks, wild caving in Virginia’s Karst Region, Ice Climbing in the Blue Ridge, or winter wildlife watching in person or on a wildlife webcam. Also, in Part 2 of this solo episode, I share where you can find me live and in person this month, and how to get my new Listener Resource Guide with the top podcast episodes, a Virginia Outdoor Bucket List, and exclusive outdoor gear discounts for my listeners.

In case you missed Part 1, be sure to tune in to hear a recap of Parks Advocacy Day when I was touched to meet so many of you who came out to support our state parks. I also answered your Fan Mail and shared my recent adventures. Let’s Go!

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Winter Adventure Episodes
Ep 40. Whale Watching in Virginia Beach
Ep 42. A Glimpse Into the Wonderful World of Virginia’s Wildlife
Ep 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks
Ep 39. Ice Climbing in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Ep 36. Caverns and Caving in Virginia’s Karst Region
Ep 25. Good Fire
Ep 9. Bird is the Word

Nova Parks Naturalist programs
Winter Waterfowl Count
Artist Precious Burger @treehouseartva
VAAEC conference

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Jessica answers podcast fan mail, shares discounts for outdoor gear, and recaps Parks Advocacy Day in Richmond.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy?

Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024.

Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature.

Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery.

She offers insights into staying motivated amid unexpected challenges and harnessing the power of a hiking community in keeping her accountable.

As we look ahead to the new year, we discuss how to set meaningful outdoor goals for a year of adventure. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girls Who Hike Virginia: Website I Facebook Group

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy?

Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024.

Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature.

Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery.

She offers insights into staying motivated amid unexpected challenges and harnessing the power of a hiking community in keeping her accountable.

As we look ahead to the new year, we discuss how to set meaningful outdoor goals for a year of adventure. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girls Who Hike Virginia: Website I Facebook Group

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. Her experience in Richmond was so empowering that she became actively engaged in the Virginia Association for Parks and now co-chairs the Advocacy Committee.

I love Michelle’s story because it’s a lot like my own and probably yours too. Through her personal connection with parks, Michelle realized the important role they play in connecting us with nature while preserving our public lands and historical assets. Michelle’s park story was the catalyst to her becoming a champion for our state parks.

Michelle and I discuss her first time meeting with legislators, what you can expect during Parks Advocacy Day, and why anyone can participate regardless of experience.

Become a champion for our state parks. Join us this January 22nd in Richmond for Parks Advocacy Day. I hope to see you in Richmond.

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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Register for Parks Advocacy Day

Virginia Association for Parks

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

What if you could acquire the outdoor gear you need for your epic adventures without breaking the bank or contributing to the fast fashion and throwaway culture? Or what if you could declutter your closets and earn some cash for the gear you aren’t using? April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, shares why secondhand and consignment shopping isn't just trendy—it's a powerful way to reduce waste, support your local businesses, and adventure sustainably while also making the outdoors more accessible and affordable. April uncovers the etiquette of buying and selling pre-loved gear and provides tips for gifting used items, so your one-of-a-kind presents will be extra special. Discover unique treasures while keeping gear in the wild. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy
Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with April Peterson:
River Rock Outfitter I (540) 372-8708 I [email protected]

Trail Hut, Richmond
Good Wolf Gear, Reston
HighTor Gear Exchange, Charlottesville
Roanoke Mountain Adventures, Roanoke

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

I’m often asked how I got started podcasting, how I pivoted from education to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to run a podcast as a small business.

I was delighted to sit down for a conversation with my friend, Shannon Russell, career coach and host of Second Act Success Career Podcast.

I’m excited to share my guest appearance on her show where we discuss the unexpected journey I took from being an elementary school teacher, to a nonprofit executive, to a podcaster and advocate for our public lands.

For those of you who have been interested in a behind the scenes peek of Virginia Outdoor Adventures, this is it.

I hope you enjoy my guest appearance on Second Act Success Career Podcast with Shannon Russell.

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Mentioned in this Episode:

Second Act Success

Second Act Success Career Podcast

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1.

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures?

Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop.

Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, fishing, and sailing.

Paddle your way through history and nature on Onancock Creek, where Mary and Bill guide us on a memorable kayaking experience, discussing the area's rich wildlife and historical past.

The town's off-season charm is anything but dull, with wildlife watching and lively community events like oyster roasts and art strolls.

Join us as we unravel the magic of Onancock, where history, art, and nature come together to form one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1 of this feature on Onancock.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mary and Bill:
Burnham Guides I 757-710-5137 I [email protected]

Experience Onancock
Eastern Shore, VA

Holly Cove Charter Sunset Tour with Captain Chris Guvernator I 757-650-5097
Onancock Sailing Adventures with Captain Tom Bunino I 757-710-3658

1890 Spinning Wheel B&B
The Charlotte Hotel & Restaurant
The Inn at Onancock
Maurice Inn

Onancock Eateries
Onancock Shops
Onancock Art Galleries
Onancock Events and Attractions
Onancock Outdoor Attractions

Virginia Water Trails – Eastern Shore

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures?

Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop.

Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, fishing, and sailing.

Paddle your way through history and nature on Onancock Creek, where Mary and Bill guide us on a memorable kayaking experience, discussing the area's rich wildlife and historical past.

The town's off-season charm is anything but dull, with wildlife watching and lively community events like oyster roasts and art strolls.

Join us as we unravel the magic of Onancock, where history, art, and nature come together to form one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mary and Bill:
Burnham Guides I 757-710-5137 I [email protected]

Experience Onancock
Eastern Shore, VA

Holly Cove Charter Sunset Tour with Captain Chris Guvernator I 757-650-5097
Onancock Sailing Adventures with Captain Tom Bunino I 757-710-3658

1890 Spinning Wheel B&B
The Charlotte Hotel & Restaurant
The Inn at Onancock
Maurice Inn

Onancock Eateries
Onancock Shops
Onancock Art Galleries
Onancock Events and Attractions
Onancock Outdoor Attractions

Virginia Water Trails – Eastern Shore

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]