Virginia State Parks is urging Virginians to skip Black Friday crowds this year and have a Green Friday in one of the Old Dominion’s 37 state parks.

Virginia continues to partner with other state parks across the country, along with outdoor retailer REI Co-op, to participate in #OptOutside, encouraging people to skip shopping and enjoy the outdoor experience the day after Thanksgiving.

A campsite at Powhatan State Park 40 minutes west of Richmond on the James River. Credit: DCR

“Thousands of visitors last year decided to opt-outside as part of their Thanksgiving weekend,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “The weather will be great, state parks will look beautiful, and it will be a wonderful time for people to focus on what’s really important – family, health and making memories that last a lifetime.”

Visitors over the Thanksgiving weekend are encouraged to participate in the Virginia State Parks #OptOutside photo contest. Photographers can win Virginia State Parks overnight accommodations gift certificates of $50, $100, $250 and $500. Click here for details and the contest link.

The Virginia State Parks partnership with REI includes honoring a store receipt for a free park entrance. REI members also receive additional benefits.

After the holiday weekend, beginning Monday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, Virginia State Park gift certificates will be available at a 25 percent discount. Call 800-933-7275 to buy one.