A website dedicated to living on a budget has identified Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton as “the best family-friendly day trip” in Virginia.
In a blog post on the website cheapism.com, writer Mary Shustack picked one such destination in each state, focusing on families trying to travel on a tight budget. Other attractions on her list included Yosemite National Park in California, the Bronx Zoo in New York and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio.
In writing about Bluebird Gap Farm, Shustack said the free park and petting zoo offers “a low-key, noncommercial outdoor day,” and described the wide variety of animals who live at the 60-acre site. She noted: “Little ones can also tour the antique display barn, walk the grounds, hit the playground, visit the garden/arboretum or simply have a snack at an old-school picnic table.”
She also suggested that families visiting Hampton could “keep it casual” by dining on hot dogs at The Barking Dog (4330 Kecoughtan Road).
David McCauley, director of Hampton Parks and Recreation, praised farm manager Adam Newland and the staff at Bluebird Gap Farm, and said: “It’s gratifying to see whenever Hampton is recognized nationally for its outstanding attractions, and especially in this case for what the citizens of Hampton have known all along — that Bluebird Gap Farm is indeed a very special place. Hampton Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services is looking forward to enhancing the farm in the years to come with new features and continued educational outreach, and to welcoming the many new visitors we hope to see in Hampton soon as a result of this publicity and very nice honor!”
Bluebird Gap Farm opened in 1966 under the name Old McDonald’s Farm, on the spot where the Hampton Coliseum now stands. In 1969, the park moved to its current location (60 Pine Chapel Road) and took on its new name.
This is not the first time Bluebird Gap Farm has received national recognition. In 2016, AmericanTowns Media of Westport, Conn., selected Bluebird Gap Farm as one of the top 10 petting zoos in the United States, noting that “donations and local elbow grease keep … the farm a family-friendly green space.”
Bluebird Gap Farm is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is no admission charge. For information, call 757-825-4750 or click here.
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