Having witnessed Dakota’s pure elation at the fire engine parade in Winchester last weekend, we couldn’t resist a little excursion to the Cape St. Claire Touch-a-Truck. It boasted tons of different trucks (or “tuck-ah!” according to Dakota)… fire engines, school buses, trolleys, dump trucks, diggers… you get the idea.

Expecting a bit of rain, we checked out The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. The rain held out long enough for us to explore the beautiful grounds, which turned out to be a good bit larger than we had anticipated and currently features a fun exhibit of large scale creatures built with Legos. Dakota especially loved navigating the steps and bridges in the Asian Garden.

Just a two hour drive away, Winchester, Virginia is the perfect distance from home for a quick weekend getaway. We can pop Dakota in the car with some snacks, toys, and promises for adventures abound.

About a week ago Alex mentioned that Winchester — a city he works in occasionally — was a cute little town I might like. Within minutes of Googling the town I learned the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival was coming up so we immediately booked a long weekend away.