Get Outside Weekend Update -- 7/6-8

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are your weekend recommendations for what's going on OUTSIDE in and around the Roanoke, VA region.

Festivals, Events, & Outings

HOLIDAY - July 4 Fireworks and Events - 7/4
Thursday Happy Hour Float - 7/5
Thursday Night Beginner Mtn. Bike Rides - 7/5
MUSIC - Dangermuffin with Groova Scape at Martin's - 7/5
MUSIC - The Domino Band at Party in the Park - 7/5
FAIR - Salem Fair - through 7/15
Friday Night Social Ride - 7/6
ART - Art by Night - 7/6
MUSIC - McClymonts at First & 3rd Fridays - 7/6
MUSIC - Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group at Kirk Avenue - 7/6
East Coasters Women's Ride - 7/7
Knife Sharpening - 7/7
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Hike with RATC - 7/7
MUSIC - The Materia Project at Martin's - 7/7
Peaks of Otter Hike with RATC - 7/8
Coffee Pot Sunday Ride - 7/8
MUSIC - Wayne Hancock at Martin's - 7/8
Nature Explorers Camp - Going, Going Green - 7/9 through 7/13
Bike Polo - 7/9
Famous Tuesday Night Ride - 7/10
MUSIC - FloydFest Soundcheck with Art Official at Martin's - 7/10
Kayaking 101 - 7/11
Chicky Mountain Bike Ride - 7/11
Cascades National Scenic Trail Hike with RATC - 7/11
For even more events visit the complete Roanoke Outside calendar
For arts and culture events visit The Arts Council calendar

Pete's Picks! - What's my recommendation?

Dang it's hot out there ... so my recommendation this week includes a little more of a drive and rewards a short 30- to 40-minute hike with an amazing view.

If you've never been to Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, this is the trip for you. The observatory is located along the West Virginia-Virginia border and is worth the ride. (Some photos from the observatory are sure to convince you.)

Here's my recommended itinerary:

Take Rt. 311N. from Roanoke (through Catawba and New Castle) to the tiny town of Paint Bank and have lunch at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant.
After lunch, continue on to the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. (You can find directions here.)
For your return trip, pull out your gazetteer and choose a route home that takes you on some back roads.
If you’re looking for a place to cool off, swing by Steel Bridge Campground near Paint Bank. Potts Creek runs through the well-shaded campground.

Get Outside!

Pete Eshelman (friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter)
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership