After a “new stay-at-home mom, anything to get me out of this house” visit to the pumpkin patch in the fall of 1999, an annual trip to Belvedere Plantation has become a family tradition. Built in the 1760’s, Belvedere is a 645-acre working farm about 17 miles outside of Fredericksburg, VA. Don’t let the proximity to I-95 fool you, when you get to the farm you will be in the country. I’m talking parking in the grass, dusty dirt road, overall wearing, campfire country. You’ll know you’re there when you see the caterpillar made from hay bales.

Over the years Belvedere Plantation has added many new activities and attractions. The corn maze was added several years back. Huge slides and pumpkin cannons are also a part of the fun. There is so much to do that I recommend planning a full day for a visit. You won’t get bored, but you might get tired. Don’t worry, they serve refreshments and have plenty of hay bales to sit on if you need to rest. Port-a-potties, much nicer than this one, and a hand-washing station are also on site. Outside refreshments are not allowed and the concessions are a bit pricey, but not over the top. Same day re-admission is allowed so you can always pack a picnic lunch. They have picnic tables near the front entrance.

The one thing I appreciate most about a family trip to Belvedere Plantation is that it is truly a family friendly place. Every activity for the older children and adults has a children’s activity nearby. Zips lines come in four different sizes, including mini zip-lines with baby seats. The corn maze has three different levels of difficulty and the big pedal cart track has a smaller track right beside it. Instead of dividing up the family and shooing the little ones off to the kiddies section everyone gets to play together. And play you will.

When you go be sure to wear your jeans and sneakers. You’ll be swinging from ropes in a hay barn and sitting on straw bleachers at a pig race. This is not the place for dress pants or high-heel sandals. If you have a straw hat, you won’t feel out of place. You’ll fit right in.
Admission:
$14 per person (2 and under admitted free)

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces with valid ID – $12

Seniors (65 young years and over) – $12

Note: Discount coupons can be printed from the website or you can get $2 off Farm Admission with a non-perishable food item donation. Last year they collected 4-1/2 tons of food for the Fredericksburg Area Food bank.

Accessibility: With the exception of the corn maze, the farm is stroller and wheel chair accessible. The paths are dirt and gravel and can be a little bumpy but they are well maintained. As with all the staff I encountered, the hayride operators are friendly and helpful with special needs riders.

Photo Credits: All photos by Sherry Roberts