We planned it for a couple months and never really knew how great it would be until we arrived. I am talking about a girlfriend getaway/women's retreat at Kiptopeke State Park. 

Whoever said "A change of scenery can bring a new perspective?" was a genius and I agree wholeheartedly.

Sometimes you just gotta get out-a dodge, it really is that simple. 

Girlfriend getaway retreat at Kiptopeke State Park is just what the doctor ordered

ENTER RANGER BILL

Ranger Bill Dyas was larger than life. You may recall seeing him with Percy the Owl here.

Did you know owls can't turn their eyes, so that is why they turn their heads 180 degrees? This is something we learned from our Park Interpreter Ranger Bill on our Owl Prowl at Kiptopeke State Park.

See a list of cool programs and events for this park, and other Virginia State Parks here. If you have a group they might be able to arrange a special program just for you, like we did.

LODGE PLUSES

Gas log fireplace you can just turn on and enjoy. As well as heating and air conditioning throughout. The lodges at this park have 6 bedrooms and three bathrooms. This is uber important when it's an all-girl getaway. Tons of space for our group in the living room and dining area as well.

All linens and towels were provided. 

Full sized kitchen with everything you will need to cook great meals together or heat them up (as was our case). At our retreat, each lady was assigned a meal and brought it with them to put together and serve at the lodge. 

Trust me when I say, everyone was pleasantly surprised after asking if the "cabin" had heat and indoor plumbing. You may not know this, but there are other state parks systems that offer very rustic overnight accommodations. (Read outhouses and BYO sleeping bags and pillows.)

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean

NEAT STUFF NEARBY

A visit to Cape Charles or the nearby Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge makes for a fun outing. Or if you forgot something, there are grocery stores and shops a short drive away. Trust me when I say once you are there you will feel like you're on a private island.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Is laughter the best medicine? I think we would all agree after having laughed 'til our sides hurt, it quite possibly is the best medicine. We were so grateful to be there, away from the cares of the world, and to just have fun together. 

Kiptopeke is an oasis of relaxation

So whaddya say, are you ready to get out of dodge yet? 

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the family and group lodges at Virginia State Parks here. Sure, you can rent a lodge in peak season, and have all those extra "amenities" like mosquitoes, sunburn and dehydration. Or you can do what we did, book a lodge, gather some friends or family, have the park to yourself and enjoy quality time together. That's worth its weight in gold, right there. 

Dodge it and lodge it

To find out more or check availability for lodges and cabins at Kiptopeke State Park, just click here or call 800-933-7275.

Remember, any available cabin or lodge for an upcoming weekend is always 25% off if reserved on the Thursday/Friday before. There is always a 2-night minimum. Mention this special when you call to get this discount!

Isn't it time you got out of dodge? You really oughta dodge-it and lodge-it, it's good for the soul.