With Christmas a little over two weeks away I have no doubt that you have
very little free time. If you're like me, your time will be spent running from one holiday gathering to the next while trying to sneak away to buy some presents.
We've become a time-deprived society and internet shopping tends to make our lives easier. But this holiday I encourage you to support our local outdoor businesses by making an extra effort to buy local.
- Peruse our Christmas wish list that highlights local businesses
- View our complete list outdoor stores organized by activity
Supporting local businesses preserves the economic diversity of our communities and the unique character of our neighborhoods. And economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
So let's all do our part to support local businesses and, in the process, help keep Roanoke unique.
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hit theaters back in November. Directed by Danny Boyle (Slum Dog Millionaire), the film is based on the story of Aron Ralston and his shocking self-amputation incident in the Utah desert in 2003. The film recounts the story of Ralston canyoneering solo in Blue John Canyon of Canyonlands National Park, where an immense boulder fell and pinned his right forearm. He was trapped for five days, and, nearing death from dehydration, Ralston took a knife and amputated his lower right arm to get free. 127 HOURS is a grisly tale, and one that rocketed Ralston to renown and fame as a never-die outdoorsman.
