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PETE'S PICKS
 I highly recommend the Community Arboretum. It is a two-acre educational garden located on the campus of Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia. Ten separate gardens and plant collections surround a centrally located amphitheater and are home to approximately 700 labeled plant taxa. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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THINKING ABOUT STARTING AN OUTDOOR BUSINESS?
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU
 Interested in starting an adventure tourism business in the Roanoke Region? Register now for the free Sept. 20 Roanoke Regional Adventure Tourism Workshop. Outdoor recreation is the fastest growing aspect of tourism throughout the world and this workshop outlines the opportunities, best practices, and steps required to launch a successful adventure tourism business. Hear from successful business owners in this industry and learn from professionals in business startups and expansions as they provide the steps to launch, market, and finance a business. The workshop includes an update on tourism developments in the region and is a great opportunity to connect to resources that can jump start your tourism venture. - Date: Sept. 20, 2012
- Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (light breakfast included)
- Cost: Free, but advance registration is required and limited
- Location: Camp Roanoke (driving directions)
- More: Details and registration
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COMMONWEALTH GAMES KICK OFF JULY 20
 The Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia, also known as Virginia's Olympics, comes to the Roanoke Region on July 20 through 22. The games, which are in their 23rd year, feature 55 individual and team sports including basketball, softball, chess, karate, swimming, and autocross.
This multi-sport festival is supported by volunteers, businesses, and governments of the Roanoke Valley.
Events with an "outdoor" focus include archery, biathlon, canoe and kayaking, 5K run, skateboarding, disc golf, shooting, and Ultimate Frisbee.
The games kick off with the opening ceremony July 20 with Olympic Gold medal speedskater Joey Cheek, a BMX bike show and Miss Virginia 2012 Rosemary Willis. The opening ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. at Roanoke Civic Center.
Find out more about the Commonwealth Games, including information on how to register for events, and individual event locations so you can get out and watch the games. Many sporting events are free to spectators with the exception of the opening ceremony, baseball, basketball, karate, softball, boxing and wrestling. Prices vary for events that require a paid ticket.
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GET READY FOR THE ARTIE
 Registration is underway for the revamped Artie Levin Memorial Century on Aug. 5 in Fincastle.
This year's ride features a new course beginning at the Fincastle Winery in Botetourt County and winding through Alleghany and Craig counties. The 105-mile trek features eight rated climbs and more than 8,700 feet of elevation. Shorter rides of 65 miles and 32 miles are also being offered.
The rides, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, celebrate the life of club founder Artie Levin who died in 1996.
The three races have staggered start times -- century ride begins at 7:20 a.m., the 65 mile ride at 9:20 a.m., and the 32 mile ride at 11:30 a.m.
The rides conclude with a festival including live music, food, wine tastings, and more. Festival tickets are included for all riders and the event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 and will be available on site.
Find registration information and read more about Artie Levin >>>
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FEATURED HIKE: ANDY LANE TRAIL
 The Andy Lane Trail, formerly known as Scorched Earth Gap trail, is one of those hikes you'll remember.
It's a 6.6 mile (round trip) out and back day hike that starts on the Catawba Valley floor, crosses a meandering stream several times, and then climbs to the top of the mountain where it meets up with the Appalachian Trail.
From the trailhead, take the yellow blazed Andy Lane trail for about 3.1 miles to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the white blazed AT (southbound) and reach Tinker Cliffs within 0.25 miles. Enjoy the 180 degree view!
- Length: 6.6 miles (3.3 miles each way)
- Elevation range: From 1,300 feet near the trailhead and creek crossings to just under 3,000 feet at the cliffs.
- Views: Bluff top views are the most prominent feature, but there are also nice creek drainages, intriguing rock formations, and lovely forests along the way.
Check out the trail map and download your own copy >>>
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UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
- Dirty Dawg Mountain Bike Race - 7/21 & 7/22
- Odyssey Adventure Race - 7/21
- 3rd Annual New River Paddle Fishing Tournament - 7/21
- FloydFest 11 - 7/26-29
- Public Forum on Uranium Mining - 7/27
- Shake, Bake & Sprout at the Vinton Farmers' Market - 7/28
- Touch A Truck - 7/28
- Rock Castle Gorge hike - 7/29
- Kayaking 101 - Every Wednesday in August
- Intro. to Caving - 8/4
- TriAdventure Sprint Triathlon - 8/5
- Microfestivus - 8/11
- Celebrate Catawba - 8/11
- Smith River Fest - 8/11
- Intro. to Paddling - 8/11
- Health Focus of Southwest Virginia 38th Annual Distance Run - 8/11
- Radical Reels Film Festival and Get Outside Expo - 9/12
- How to Start an Outdoor Business Workshop - 9/20
- GO Outside Festival - 10/19-21
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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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