Strike Gold in Mineral, Virginia

Mine vacation gold this spring in Mineral, Virginia, a town named after its robust mining past—there were once fifteen mines surrounding the town. This was placer mining with sluices, pans and shovels. You can still take tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine and pan for flakes in Lake Anna State Park that was known as Gold Hill until the North Anna River was dammed, creating one of Virginia’s largest inland lakes.

Planning a visit? Stay at Christopher Run Campground.

Mineral is the gateway to Lake Anna for boaters and fisherman who find enough trophy species here to call the water “Golden Pond.” There is also a guarded swimming beach at the state park and more than 15 miles of hiking trails.

Mineral supports a population of less than 500 but its location at the crossroads of Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville make the community a popular place to stage festivals. The Lake Anna Wine Festival, the Mineral Bluegrass Festival, and the Harvest Festival are just a few times during the year you can let your hair down and celebrate in Mineral.

If you are visiting area farms and wineries the alpacas at Sorbie Farm deliver “alpaca kisses” to visitors of all ages – even if it’s time to part with their eight pounds of fleece.