Posted September 23, 2017 | Updated September 24, 2018

Fall is here and Belle Isle State Park has some unique and wonderful experiences in and near the park for you to check out. 

This park has so many things to experience, but let's check out the top 5 things, so you can start planning your next trip.

Bring your camera to capture magical moments like this at Belle Isle State Park 

HERE ARE 5 FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT BELLE ISLE STATE PARK: 

1. Stay in the Bel Air House or Camp in the Park
2. Be Adventurous and Explore Some Trails 
3. Attend a Program or Festival 
4. Eat at One of the Unique Local Restaurants 
5. Visit the Town of Kilmarnock

Adventure awaits for you at Belle Isle State Park 

1. STAY IN THE BEL AIR HOUSE OR CAMP IN THE PARK

If you are wanting a unique vacation or get away experience, then the Bel Air House will be perfect for you. It is located in the park and at the mouth of Deep Creek in Lancaster County. It was built in 1942 and has gorgeous views of the Rappahannock River. These views are extremely beautiful in the fall. With a large back yard overlooking the river, you and your family and friends can play fun games as the sun sets over the river.

The Bel Air House is a great place to create memories that will last a lifetime 

A beautiful mansion that is available to rent 

This home is a beautiful Colonial Reproduction and was built in 1942, and the inside of the home is just as beautiful as the outside of it.

This beautiful mansion books quickly, so it's never too early to start planning your next getaway now. You can reserve any overnight accommodation as early as 11 months in advance, which is a good idea for this unique place. The maximum occupancy is six. To make a reservation call 1-800-933-PARK or reserve your next trip online by clicking here. You can also visit a photos collection of Belle Isle's overnight accommodations.

If this is already reserved, consider the Bel Air Guest House, which is also a unique lodging at this park, and situated along a cove at Deep Creek Maximum occupancy is eight.

S'mores make a camping trip complete

For visitors that want more of the get away from it all experience can check out camping at the park. The park offers full-service and primitive camping. The full-service camping season is from the first Friday in March to the first Monday in December. Primitive camping is year-round and fun for the whole family.

2. BE ADVENTUROUS AND EXPLORE SOME TRAILS 

Wine Trail 

The Wine Trail consist of eight wineries that are located in the Chesapeake Bay area. The wineries include Caret Cellars, General's Ridge Vineyard, Good Luck Cellar's, Ingleside Vineyards, Jacey Vineyards, Oak Crest Vineyard and Winery, The Dog and Oyster, and the Vault Field Vineyards. The Wine Trail has its very own passport program. You can pick up your own Wine Trail Passport in their wine tasting rooms. You can collect stamps in your own passport to earn discounts. 

Artisan Trail 

Along the Northern Neck is the Northern Neck Artisan Trail. This trail was created from a partnership with the Artisan Center of Virginia's Artisan Trail Network. It can include business owners to citizens in the area. While enjoying this trail you can really embark on some of the unique art in the Northern Neck area. Click here to find some places you may want to stop at along on the Northern Neck Artisan Trail. 

Oyster Trail 

The Oyster Trail was created to expand the knowledge of the benefits of Virginia's oysters. The trail consists of a variety of sites in the Chesapeake Bay area. Oyster flavors vary depending on what region they are located in. The Chesapeake area has 8 regions. So, explore different parts of the Oyster Trail to discover what region you like your oysters from the best. 

While exploring the Oyster Trail be prepared to learn more about the importance of oysters 

The park also has some awesome hiking, biking, and even horseback riding trails for you to explore. Click here to check out the trail map to pick which one you want to try out on your trip to the park. Remember no trail is the same. 

3. ATTEND A PROGRAM OR FESTIVAL AT THE PARK 

At a Belle Isle State Park program you're never too old to learn something new

Belle Isle State Park is a perfect place to get out and learn something new while having a blast. This park has too many programs to just pick one. Below are some great programs that you won't want to miss this fall. 

We can educate you about oysters during our programs too

Some fun park events on September 29, 2018:

1. Whooo's There?
2. Survival Bracelets 101
3. Crabbing 101

Click here to check out all of the programs and festivals Belle Isle has to offer this fall. 

4. EAT LIKE A LOCAL 

The Historic Lancaster Tavern is a restaurant and bed and breakfast near the park that has been serving food for over 200 years. They provide home style cooking and fine dining of many favorite foods. Their menu has a wide variety of foods ensuring that everyone in your group can find something that they will like. So, if you're staying in the Bel Air House or even just spending the day in the park, don't forget to refuel by stopping by the Historic Lancaster Tavern restaurant and indulging in some delicious food.

Another great local restaurant is The Corner Bar and Grill. This restaurant is just minutes from the park and has food for the whole family to enjoy. While eating here you can really feel the welcoming atmosphere of the town. They have everything from seafood to cheeseburgers and sandwiches. 

To learn more about some of the top restaurants near the park click here. 

5. VISIT THE TOWN OF KILMARNOCK

Learn more about Virginia's Northern Neck here. Directions and more information about Belle Isle State Park can be found here. 

Posted September 23, 2017 | Updated September 24, 2018