Posts with tag 'outdoors'

Sometimes there's nothing better than a sunny day out on the links and we are blessed to have some fantastic golf courses here in Virginia's Blue Ridge.  As an avid golfer, I wanted to share my three favorite courses in the area (in no particular order) ...

• Blue Hills Golf Course

Located just off 460E in Roanoke, Blue Hills GC offers nice wide fairways (for the most part) and quite a few flat putting greens.  One hole features a pond to play over to reach the green and another offers a creek to be wary of. Also, several holes offer fantastic views of the Roanoke Valley. Overall, this a forgiving and enjoyable golf course.

• Hanging Rock Golf Course

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VISITING DOG PARKS IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Welcome, dog lovers and fur-fanatics, to the whimsical world of dog parks!

If you've ever wondered what makes these patches of paradise so irresistible to our four-legged friends, grab a leash, some treats and let's dive into the tail-wagging adventure that is the dog park experience. Imagine a place where dogs can be dogs, where they run freely, chase tails and engage in sniffing sessions. Dog parks are like Disneyland for dogs, complete with all the fun and no waiting in lines!

First up, we have what I like to call the "Zoomies Zone." This is where the magic happens! Watch as dogs of all sizes engage in spontaneous bursts of speed, aka "the zoomies." There's nothing quite like the sight of a dog running at full throttle, ears flapping, and joy radiating from every strand of fur!

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The Best Places for Horseback Riding in Roanoke, VA and Southwest Virginia

By Kelly Giarla

I have always had a love for horses. 

Growing up I was the typical horse-infatuated girl you read about. Drawing horses, looking at horse books and daydreaming about riding. The problem was my family lived in a neighborhood and I never had the opportunity to ride as a child. 

As soon as I became an adult and was able, I began riding lessons at a local barn. I was 30 years old at the time and yet was placed into a beginner class with 8- to 10-year-olds. My teacher was 16 (and amazing)!  I understood that when starting something new you must begin with the basics, and I was humbled by these tin...

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There are outdoor activities and events that showcase the beautiful fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as farmers markets and festivals that feature the fall harvest at local farms and orchards.

Many of us take for granted our beautiful SWVA landscape and the various offerings of my hometown. It's a great time to get outside in Virginia's Blue Ridge and enjoy the beautiful weather and overall excitement for this special part of the year. It is such an inspiring time for both young and old alike."

Here are just a few of the popular events happening soon here in our region:

Sinkland Farms 32nd Annual Pumpkin Festival - Sinkland Farms - September 29 - October 29 (Friday - Sunday)

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One of my passions is exercise, and I firmly believe that starting the day with a good workout sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. However, I understand that finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging, especially with busy schedules and numerous responsibilities. In this blog, I'll share some effective strategies to overcome the time constraint and prioritize fitness in your daily routine. Additionally, I'll introduce you to various fitness options available in the Roanoke Valley to help you find the perfect activity that suits your interests and gets you moving.

Schedule Exercise into Your Daily Routine

One common excuse for skipping exercise is the lack of time. The solution lies in incorporating exercise in...

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