Chippokes State Park is hosting the annual

Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival on July 19-20, 2014.

Chippokes State Park, Virginia's oldest continuously working farm is the best place to immerse yourself in America's agricultural heritage. Chippokes' history spans Virginia Indian lifeways, colonial-era land grants, the ante-bellum Jones-Stewart Mansion (open for tours), the tumultuous years of America's civil war and treatment of enslaved people, the rise of farming technology and the farm-to-market system, and our modern recreational movement of camping and outdoor recreation. In essence, Chippokes is real live history book.

The antebellum Jones Stewart Mansion will be open for tours.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, 2014, Chippokes is hosting, for the 39th year, the annual Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival that brings together all Chippokes and the community have to offer in commemoration of America's and Virginia's history and heritage. The festival will feature live music, great southern-inspired foods, tours of the ante-bellum mansion and the Farm & Forestry Museum, artisan crafters, and special ranger-led historical, cultural, and natural programs, such as guided canoe trips, children's colonial games, and fossil walks.

Over 100 artisan crafters will have their ware on display and for sale.

The Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival is great way to bring history to life and keep your kids learning throughout the summer.  Let the festival kick off an adventure of discovering America's past at Chippokes and then include a trip to Jamestown-York Victory Center and Colonial Williamsburg this summer to triangulate your experience.

Walk in the footsteps of the past with the educational programs during the festival.

Some of the special programs during festival include a parade, petting zoo, Kid's Corner, and the annual BBQ cook-off featuring great prizes.  Entry information for the BBQ cook-off and a schedule of special programs during the festival can be found on the Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival website by clicking here. A schedule of ranger-led programs and self-guided programs, including information about how to check out GPS units for geocaching and Park Packs full of trail gear, can be found by clicking here. 

Most Virginia State Park has park packs that you can check out to explore the park on your own.  They are full of field guides, equipment, and suggested activites.

Admission to the festival is only $5 per person (children under 10 get in free.)  There is no additional fee for parking.  The park's olympic-sized swimming pool will be open, but there is a small fee for swimming.  The swimming area also features a campstore and snack bar area.  While the campground and cabins may be fully booked for the event, you can call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center to inquire about last-minute cancellations at 1-800-933-PARK. It is a great weekend to come out for a day trip to the park.  Don't forget to pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and your camera.

A refreshing dip in the pool after walking the festival grounds is a welcome treat!

Located in Surry, Virginia, Chippokes State Park is accessible of I-64 using the Jamestown-Scotland ferry or the James River Bridge to Route 10.  The ferry is a great way to start your trip imaging what it was like for the colonial settlers to ply the maritime highway of Virginia's river and streams, starting new lives in the New World.  Click here for a link to a google map.