After a long week of traveling, I'm ready for a 
vacation.
This past week I attended the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which is the largest gathering of the outdoor industry. More than 1000 outdoor manufacturers were on hand showcasing their latest products. Over the next few weeks I'll share a few of my favorites with you. But in the mean time I need a break, so here is my recommendation.
Take a vacation in your own town.
Find a hotel, preferably one with a pool and hot tub, research recreational opportunities that are within walking/biking (or short drive) distance, make a reservation at a new restaurant (or order a pizza to your room), watch movies, and at the end of your stay leave the clean up to housekeeping.
The new Cambria Suites, located in South Roanoke, is where my family plans to be this weekend. Why? Pool, hot tub, located on the greenway, bike rentals, and did I mention it has a hot tub? From the hotel you can easily go biking on the greenway, hike the Mill Mountain Trails, visit the Mill Mountain Zoo, and have dinner at Fork in The Alley, all without getting in your car.
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Education, and Volunteerism. KIVA events showcase a different park each month, provide special speakers, and point families to local volunteer efforts. The meetings are always free. No childcare is ever provided, instead grown ups are encouraged to "come prepared to make a memory with their children". KIVA also offers a free monthly newsletter which provides families with information about upcoming fun, family events around the area, as well as details about nature themed books, music, and games.
