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PETE'S PICKS
Sometimes I wrestle with what my recommendation will be for a particular weekend, but not this time. My recommendation could quite possibly be interpreted as a demand, but in a good way.
America's Toughest Road Marathon - the Blue Ridge Marathon, is one of our signature events, and one that I am proud to chair. We've worked hard to make this an event that is much more than a running event. We want it to be a community event and an opportunity to show off. That's right, this is Roanoke's turn to show off our community to the runners who visit Roanoke. Runners from more than 36 states will be here - let's show them a good time.
So even if you aren't a runner, you can still come out and have a good time. We've partnered with the Down by Downtown Music Festival which will have live music, food vendors, and a beer garden at the marathon finish area beside the Taubman Museum. You'll also find a climbing wall and two inflatable obstacle courses to keep the kids happy. All of these festivities kick off at 11am and wrap up around 5pm.
But the action doesn't stop at 5pm. Just a few blocks away the first batch of semi- and professional cyclists take off at 5pm as part of the Roanoke Twilight Criterium. This is an incredible spectator sport. Groups of cyclists do lap after lap through the streets of downtown Roanoke. Their speed is fast, and the action even faster. If you're thirsty, be sure to stop by the Blue 5 Beer Garden.
- Click here for a complete Marathon/Music/Bike Race schedule
And if you see someone wearing a medal around their neck, be sure to congratulate them on completing America's Toughest Road Marathon, because it is a serious accomplishment.
Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow - 4/22
On Earth Day 2011, the Hollins Outdoor Program presents the National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow (NPFF). You'll be amazed by these "best-of" videos from NPFF's 23 years of festivals in which amateur and professional videographers capture thrilling footage of whitewater canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Hosting the program is paddlesport star Eli Helbert, aka the Canoe Guru. Eli has qualified to compete in this summer's 2011 World Championship Freestyle Rodeo Competition in Plattling, Germany.
Details:
- Date: Friday, April 22
- Where: Niederer Auditorium, Wetherill Visual Arts Center - Hollins University
- Time: Vendor Expo (5-7pm). Films begin at 7pm
- Cost: $15 at the door
- Raffle: Backpack, t-shirts, whitewater helmet, and more
- More: Call (540) 362-6456
Bonus Boat Demo: On Saturday (4/23) try out the latest in canoe design at the Mohawk Canoe Boat Demo. 11AM at Carvins Cove (Marina Side). $2 fee to access the cove.
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Featured Hike - Apple Orchard Falls
One of Virginia's tallest and most spectacular waterfalls. Singing streams, dancing down cascades. Huge boulders. Thick stands of forest, ranging from hemlocks to hardwoods. Stunning vistas and towering bluff lines - that's what awaits you as you hike along Apple Orchard Falls trail.
- 7.5 mile loop trail
- Moderately difficult
- Classic Virginia hike
Apple Orchard Mountain was named not for some expanse of apple trees planted on its slopes, but for the nature of the dominant northern red oak forests on its summits and ridges. The weather is so severe on the upper elevations of the mountain that the trees have taken on a stunted appearance, as if they have been trimmed and pruned over the decades. In fact, no human hand has altered them, but Mother Nature has had her way with them by virtue of harsh conditions and the icy winds that rake the peak during the long winter months. Both the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway pass within a very short distance of the very top of Apple Orchard Mountain.
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Last Chance to Win
On Saturday (4/30) the Wine Trail of Botetourt County kicks off its summer concert series with the Grammy Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops. If you've never heard them before, take a minute to listen...
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS: Tell us your favorite thing about wine, music, Botetourt County, or the James River in the comment section of our blog post. We'll pick three random winners who will each win a pair of reserved seating tickets to the April 30 concert. Deadline to enter - April 20.
The entire summer concert series is a five-part music experience running April 30 through September 10. Combine acts like Fat Daddy Band, Felice Brothers, Solrevolt, and Beggar's Circus, with the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you're guaranteed a good time.
The Wine Trail of Botetourt County Summer Concert Series starts and ends at the Daleville Town Center, and in between visits the three wineries that make up the Wine Trail of Botetourt County for fun, family-friendly outdoor concerts. Savor great wine and sweet sounds all summer long with the Botetourt Wine Trail Summer Concert Series presented by Lewis-Gale Daleville Medical Pavilion.
Tickets for the series opener and finale at Daleville Town Center can be purchased in advance or at the gate. Seating is provided in the reserved area. General admission seating is on the lawn area. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. No coolers or outside food and drink is allowed. Tickets for the winery concerts will be available on the day of the show. Seating is limited.
All of the Botetourt Wine Trail Summer Concert Series events are held outdoors and will proceed rain or shine. No refunds for inclement weather.
Click here to purchase tickets>>>
ADD ON SUGGESTION: Start your day off with a morning canoe float down the Upper James River Water Trail. We recommend the Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan float offered by Twin River Outfitters.
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No Snow, No Worries
Just because it isn't snowing doesn't mean you can't ski anymore! Enjoy!
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Upcoming events to keep your eye oN
- Weekly bike rides throughout Roanoke & NRV Valley
- Monday Bike Polo
- Tuesday Tune Ups
- Thursday Happy Hour Floats
- Wednesday Night Disco Spring Mt. Bike Race Series - 4/20, 5/4, and 5/18
- Earth Day - 4/22
- National Paddling Film Festival - 4/22
- Canoe Demo at Carvins Cove - 4/23
- Geocaching for Beginners - 4/23
- Tree Top Canopy Tour - 4/30
- Intro. to Backpacking & Orienteering - 4/30
- Backpacker Magazine's GET OUT MORE TOUR - 5/7
- BrewRidge Music Festival - 5/7
- Camping at Blue Ridge Winery - 5/7
- Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon - 5/7
- Moving Water & Small Craft Safety - 5/7
- Trail Nut 10K & Half Marathon Trail Run - 5/7
- Beginner Frisbee Golf - 5/11
- Gallop 4 The Greenways - 5/14
- Amazing County Treasure Hunt - 5/14
- Mad Dash at Green Hill 5K - 5/14
- Intro. to Rock Climbing - 5/14
- MANNathon 5 & 8K - 5/14
- Scenic Canoe Tour of the New River - 5/14
- Spring Wildflower Plant Sale - 5/14
- Chestnut Ridge/Mill Mountain Hike - 5/15
- 5K Run for Your Floyd Young Life - 5/21
- Tour de Floyd - 5/21
- Vertical Motion - 5/21
- Intro. to Kayaking - 5/22
- Adventure Tourism Entrepreneurs Workshop - 5/26
- AEP 5/10K Festival Run - 5/28
- Intro. to Whitewater Kayaking - 5/28
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Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org
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