Years ago there was a program that the airlines put on called "Mystery flights" and they may even still be offered today. This consisted of getting a last minute special rate, and you didn't know where you were going, but it was for the coming weekend and you just went, and that was the fun mystery part.

I always thought I would like to do that, but with time constraints it never happened. Life got in the way, with kids, jobs and marching band practices, finances and so on. Years later here I am, and I wished I hadn't missed out on those fun mystery getaways.

THEN I DISCOVERED VIRGINIA STATE PARKS

How about a cozy getaway to this Virginia State Parks mystery cabin?

Every Thursday there is a last minute cabin discount offering 25% off any available cabin for that coming weekend. This seemed very much like those mystery getaways the airlines offered. They used them to fill vacant seats, and Virginia State Parks is doing the same thing. Cabins come available for a variety of reasons, like mentioned life gets in the way for plenty of us.

This is a great incentive to visit a park you may have never been to, or stay in a different cabin, and explore someplace new. Discover some unknown gem, maybe even test run a park for next year's summer vacation.

Virginia State Parks sweetens the deal by offering these last minute discounts, so why not take advantage of it. Learn more about park *cabins here.

SOME CABINS YOU MAY ENJOY

INTERESTED?

This is what I would do: I would have a short list stashed away somewhere of what I need to bring for an impromptu getaway. Decide ahead of time whether it would be just the two of us, girlfriends or with the kids. Throw caution to the wind and just hit the road for the Mystery Cabin Getaway. Of course by the time it is reserved I will know where it is, but maybe those tagging along won't know? So I'll keep it a secret.

Only let them know on a need to know basis, i.e. what to bring like a swimsuit or to pack the bikes.

The good news is you won't show up at a park without a place to stay, that is the beauty of the last minute cabin discounts, what I am calling the Mystery Cabin Getaway.

Rekindle the romance, or ignite the flame at a Virginia State Park cabin

Your cabin will have a fully furnished kitchen with all utensils, pots, pans, cutlery and dishes to make a romantic meal. You just bring the food. Then you can share it together inside by the fire, or outside on the porch or deck. Linens, towels and the first bundle of firewood will be waiting for you.

RESERVED ONLY BY TELEPHONE

Does this mystery cabin have your name on it? It possibly could

DON'T MISS THE BOAT

Follow Virginia State Parks on Facebook and make sure you "follow" not just like, or you may miss out on these special offers, or other fun stuff we announce.

MYSTERY FLIGHTS

I did a little Googling and found out more information on Mystery Flights.

A Mystery Flight is a short stay travel package to an unknown destination. Where you go is a mystery. What you do when you get there is entirely up to you. The advent of mystery flights in the air carrier and travel industry is an interesting one. Ostensibly, you are purchasing a flight to an unknown destination, more here.

LOCATE YOUR MYSTERY CABIN GETAWAY

SO WHATDYATHINK, DOES THE IDEA INTRIGUE YOU, ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A LITTLE MYSTERY?

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*Cabins vary from park to park, and even within the same park. Those pictured are representative of real park cabins at individual parks, these are the real cabins. But keep in mind these may not always be available for a last minute discount for the coming weekend. Only available cabins will be discounted, this also includes lodges. So be sure to ask when you call!