Maymont Farm and Busky Cidery

The Maymont property is huge and has several sections. On the property there are gardens, a mansion from 1893, a stream, a nature center, wildlife exhibits, and the Maymont Farm. Although it was 95 degrees outside, we decided to take the trek to the children's barn and check out the wildlife animals. A heads up, online it says that they the grounds, garden, and farm are open from 10-7, but they actually pull the animals in at five. We were disappointed when we arrived at 4:15 and by 4:45 the animals were being taken in. We didn't get to see some of them because of it. The grounds do stay open though.
If you're putting it into your GPS, be very specific. There are three parking lots, and it's a pretty big walk. A five dollar donation is recommended for entrance. Also, bring the stroller but be aware that there are lots of hills to climb. Kids may be interested in the large rocks along the river to climb on too. We first went to the farm. It was a cute farm where you could pay a quarter for animal feed to feed the animals.

We walked around the wildlife part and saw cows, deer, birds, and bison. There was also a butterfly garden and a wetlands exhibit. There were lots of people walking around and even some lying on blankets under a tree relaxing. There is a small play area that's perfect for toddlers just outside the farm where we sat and let R climb around. I'd love to come back one morning when it isn't so hot and see all of the animals, the nature center, and the gardens. You really could spend a whole day here; just bring good walking shoes! 


When we left there we headed to Buskey Cidery. This was a place that was introduced to me when Neil and I went to the Punk In Drublic fest this spring, but this was my first time to their cidery. They are located in an old train car loading building in the now super popular Scott's Addition part of Richmond. They have sixteen ciders on tap, and we got a flight with several, but my favorite by far was the watermelon. So good! Pro tip for mamas who want to try cideries or breweries... most have board games. If you can't find the Janga to play with the blocks, find the Guess Who. Although R is too young to play the game, he spent most of the time in my lap flipping the cards up and down. We grabbed a bite to eat at the Northshore Bar and Grill.



(From RVA!)