Creation Kingdom Zoo in Virginia is one of the wildest experiences I have ever had. I have seen black bears in the wild, was chased by a snapping turtle while I was swimming, and have even seen a moose on the beach (all true stories) but none of it compares to what I did at this zoo.
As we approached the entrance, I wasn’t really sure what to think; we had traveled off of the main roads in Gate City and into what seemed like a typical mountainous countryside. What I soon found out, however, is that this would be not just my favorite zoo in Virginia but the best zoo I had ever been to.
The first section we went through was a thick bamboo forest, which really set the stage for the wild encounters we were about to have. We had promised our girls a day at the zoo and we were all pretty excited to see some animals. The zoo held some of my daughter's favorite animals so they were pretty pumped to see bears and black leopards.
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The first animals we saw were black spider monkeys and they instantly won our hearts over. One of them danced around the cage as if she was showing off and the other just fixed her hair and kept sticking her tongue out as us.
These playful creatures really were a great introduction to what we would see in the park. We loved these monkeys so much that we circled back around to see them several times and I even reached out my hand and placed her hairy hand in mine. It was a sweet moment and then my daughter tried to do the same but the monkey just tried to pull her into the cage with her strong tail.
Next up was my youngest daughter's favorite: the bear. This wasn’t your typical black bear though, this was a sloth bear. Up until we went to Creation Kingdom I didn’t even know what a sloth bear was, and for good reason. They are the most endangered bears on earth with only 46 of them in captivity in the western hemisphere.
We were fortunate enough to see one but the experience got even better. The bear came right up to us in his enclosure which was only about five feet away and started making kissy faces at us. Then the bear proceeded to sway its head back and forth in a rhythmic pattern. After reading the sign we learned that these bears perform a dance for guests that it’s excited to see, how cool is that!
We passed many other animals along the way, but then it started to rain. We found shelter as thunderous booms were heard in the distance. We knew that the weather wasn’t looking good for the day, but we brought our raincoats and made the most of it. It turns out that was one of the best things that could have happened to us because where we found shelter was in front of the white-handed gibbon.
This primate was particularly playful and sang us a song. These creatures are quite soulful and have a wide range of vocal notes they make good use of. This one swung around his cage while singing only to land back on his perch and suck his thumb again. We mimicked his notes which he seemed very pleased with and continued his loud song as he bounced around some more.
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My daughters were elated during the whole trip. We all love animals so getting to see so many was a blast.
The website for Creation Kingdom promises an interactive experience and I can wholeheartedly agree with that because we were able to interact with all of the fun animals they have. After talking to the women at the gift shop, I learned that most of these animals were raised as babies by the owners and are very used to people, which is what makes the difference in how they approach visitors.
Some of the exhibits had long feeding pipes and these zebras were excitedly waiting to get some free food. One of them even kept nudging the pipe and letting it land in the feeding trough with a loud band. It was as if he was trying to tell us he was hungry, it felt a lot like what my dog does when it's time for breakfast.
Out of all the animals Tucker was my favorite. Tucker is the giant giraffe at the zoo and I was pretty happy to see him all the way in the back corner of his area, but as soon as he saw us he came trouting over.
They told me that Tucker was raised and hand-fed since he was a baby so he loves people and he likes to give them kisses with his big black tongue. These were all things I didn’t know when I went to take a picture right next to him. Right as I snapped the pic his wet tongue had already licked my face. We stayed for a long time petting his soft face, feeding him actual food -- not just my face -- and it was the best encounter we had all day.
We got to see so many happy creatures at this zoo and it was wonderful.
Another highlight for my daughter was seeing some big cats, the cheetah in particular was unique. Not only was seeing the fastest mammal in the world fun but we could also hear it purring as it walked around. All in all, this was the best zoo day we could have ever hoped for and so much more, so we would collectively recommend this place to anyone who wants to really experience the animals at the zoo.
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At the Creation Kingdom Zoo in Virginia, we sang with primates, held hands with a monkey, listened to a cheetah pure, and yes, I was licked by a giraffe. What an amazing experience you can’t get anywhere else. The owners of this zoo really love and care for these creatures and I was blessed to be able to take my family there. Make sure you visit the Creation Kingdom Zoo website for more information before you go and don’t forget to check out this Adventuring in the Moment video highlighting the experience.
When you go you are sure to fall in love with Tucker too, but until then you can celebrate all of his kind with this customizable giraffe coffee mug.
Another quick tip before you go: there is a wild black snake that likes to hang out on the property. You’ll know it's him if you see his cut-off tail. They don’t know what happened to him, but the zoo keepers have affectionately named him Stubs and he is harmless.
The New Attraction in Bristol, Virginia We Can’t Wait to Experience
Squabble State Hard Cider & Spirits is a new hard cidery and farm in Bristol, Virginia. The taproom holds regular events and offers incredible landscape views. It plans to expand to include cabins, trails, and a distillery.
Virginia has a long list of incredible attractions—from Shenandoah National Park to Arlington National Cemetary and Colonial Williamsburg. And who could forget the state's 25 beautiful sandy beaches? A new attraction has opened in Virginia, with a farm and cidery. Squabble State Hard Cider and Spirits opened its taproom in October 2024 in Bristol, Virginia, and it's a fantastic place to visit.
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Squabble State's founders, Will Clear and Will Payne, began developing their hard cider and spirit company in 2020. After four years of work, they now welcome visitors to their taproom on 68 acres of picturesque farmland. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular landscape views. The business regularly hosts events like pumpkin painting, music trivia night, and sip-and-paint activities. It also often hosts food trucks, serving barbeque, Cuban food, and woodfired pizza.
Squabble State plans to expand its business to a multifaceted agrotourism destination. It plans to add cabins where guests can stay overnight, trails, and a distillery to the property.
The company crafts a variety of hard ciders from Virginian apples. The Dry Hard Cider has a crisp and full flavor, while the Semi-Sweet Cider has a slightly sweet and balanced taste. The cidery also crafts fruit-flavored hard ciders, including pear, blackberry, and blood orange. All of the ciders are 6% alcohol by volume.
The name "Squabble State" is inspired by a long-held land dispute in the area, specifically over a three-mile stretch of land now recognized as southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. The dispute, which lasted more than 130 years, was eventually settled by the Supreme Court. Upon deciding the case in 1893 between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Tennessee, the court firmly established the boundary line between the states. The land in dispute was known as the Squabble State, and its story remains integral to the area's history.
Bristol, Virginia, is a fantastic place to visit. It's unique in that its main street crosses the Tennessee state line, and the city is sometimes referred to as Bristol, TN-VA. The area has many attractions, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and State Street Brewing. There are also incredible restaurants, like Burger Bar, Southern Craft BBQ, and Lumac Rooftop Bar.
If you're interested in staying near Bristol, Virginia, consider this beautiful three-bedroom Airbnb home. It accommodates up to eight people and has a large front porch with rocking chairs.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...