Roanoke Outside Blog

Get Outside Weekend Update -- 5/23-5/26

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:45 EDT

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

Catawba Valley Farmers' Market - 5/23
MUSIC - Heather Lutrell and Christie Lenee at Martin's - 5/23
MUSIC - Lipbone Redding at Blue 5 - 5/23
Listening to Frogs - 5/24
MUSIC - L Shape Lot at Martin's - 5/24
MUSIC - Majestic 12 at 1906 Ale House - 5/24
MUSIC - David Wax Museum at Kirk Avenue - 5/24
MUSIC - Bob Margolin at Blue 5 - 5/24
MUSIC - Grass Monkey at Awful Arthur's Salem - 5/24
MUSIC - Betse Ellis and Sammy Suede & The Strays at The H20 Heater - 5/24
FESTIVAL - Festival 2013 at River's Edge - 5/24-5/27
Couch to 5K - 5/25
10K Training - 5/25
Family Couch to 5K - 5/25
Appalachian Power Festival 5K & 10K - 5/25
Wind and Sun Energy Fun (Kids 8+) - 5/25
Backpacking Cumberland Gap National Park - 5/25
22nd Annual Wilderness Road Ride - 5/25
MUSIC - Folk Soul Revival at Martin's - 5/25
MUSIC - Jessilyn Kidd at Awful Arthur's Salem - 5/25
MUSIC - Boscoe France at Blue 5 - 5/25
MUSIC - The Barflys at Awful Arthur's Downtown - 5/25
Roanoke Ultimate Coed Summer League - 5/26
Coffee Pot Sunday Ride - 5/26
Tuff Strutter 5K - 5/26
Anthony Knob Loop Hike - 5/26
Mountains of Misery - 5/26
KIDS - Movies at Longwood featuring "Brave" at Longwood Park - 5/26
Mill Mountain Night Rides - 5/28
Tuesday Tuneups - 5/28
Famous Tuesday Night Ride - 5/28
AT Hike: Catawba Mountain to Dragon's Tooth - 5/28
MUSIC - Brandon Rice at Blues BBQ - 5/28
Roanoke Ultimate Weekly Pickup - 5/29
Youth Bike Race Series - 5/29
MUSIC - If Birds Could Fly at Martin's - 5/29
Catawba Valley Farmers Market - 5/30
MUSIC - Waylon Speed at Martin's - 5/30
MUSIC - Barefoot Movement at Kirk Avenue - 5/30
MUSIC - Chickenwings & Gravy at Blue 5 - 5/30
For even more events visit the complete Roanoke Outside calendar

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

Know Your Food. Knowing where your food comes from is becoming an increasingly popular and important trend. Consider shopping local and check out Leaping Waters Farmfest this weekend.

Pete’s Pick: Know Your Food

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:42 EDT

Knowing where your food comes from is becoming an increasingly popular and important trend. People are beginning to focus their attention on learning the facts about the companies and farmers who produce much of what we find in the grocery store. The average product in our local grocery store has traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles just to reach that store. So not fresh and a whole lot of fuel went into getting that item to you.

Although an impossible task to know where every food item is from, you can begin by gradually making smarter choices. Choosing to buy from farmers markets, food co-ops, and community supported agriculture (CSA) is perhaps the best way to begin to make those changes.

People often think that "buying local" is more expensive, but the truth is that doing so is often more affordable than traditional grocers. Buying local also helps to support the local farmers and businesses in your region and that means healthier food for you and a healthier economy in turn. So next time you’re at the grocery store, ask yourself "can I buy this locally?"

Here are some resources to get you started:

Good Food Good People CSA
List of local farmers markets
Roanoke Valley Locavores
Roanoke Natural Food Co-op (Grandin and downtown Roanoke locations)
Heritage Point – Co-operative Urban Farm

If your Memorial Day Weekend isn’t full yet, consider joining me at the Leaping Waters Farmfest – Feast in the Field on Sunday. I attended one of Leaping Water’s farm-to-table events a few years ago and can’t wait to see what they have in store this time around. The event is a kid-friendly BBQ, complete with music, drinks, and incredible food prepared by a variety of chefs including Food & Wine magazine’s 2011 best new chef. And in case you didn’t catch it … the event takes place in the middle of a field.

Check out even more activities in the Get Outside Weekend Update.

Get Outside!

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

Check out the Outdoor Calendar for upcoming events
you need to keep your eye on!

Weekend of Bikes, Beer, and Trails Awaits

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:40 EDT

Trade a few hours of trail work for free admission (including meals, beer, and lodging) to Mountain Bike Festival 2013 at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.

The festival, June 8-9, is a two-day celebration of everything mountain biking.

The weekend kicks off with a half day of work on the Patterson Creek Trail System and is followed by dinner and beer by the Roanoke Region’s own Parkway Brewing. Evening activities include slopestyle pond jumping and huffy toss. Spend the night on site – bunkhouse lodging and camping are available – and wake up to a hearty breakfast and group ride.

The group ride is actually three different rides – one for every experience level – on the Patterson Creek Trail System. The easiest ride involves some climbing and is less than 10 miles; it will be at a slow pace. Intermediate and expert rides will include challenging climbs; organizers advise that you will push your bike at some point.

Trail workers should bring sturdy shoes, gloves, and eye protection. Hand saws and clippers would be good to have as well. Other tools will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

The festival is sponsored by Roanoke IMBA, a member-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to promoting land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in order to enhance mountain biking in the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

Mountain Bike Festival 2013

When: June 8-9
Where: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing
Cost: Free for those doing trail work, $15 Roanoke IMBA members, $30 nonmembers
Register online (space is limited so don't delay)
Join Roanoke IMBA

Blue Ridge Marathon Generates Money for Roanoke Region

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:37 EDT

Billed as America’s toughest road marathon, the fourth annual Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon generated $476,000 in economic impact, according to a new study. The 1,684 runners of America’s toughest road marathon spent money as well as energy, making this year’s race the best one ever. To date, the event has contributed more than $1,500,000 to the local economy.

A post-race survey determined that the April 20 races created $295,678 in direct new sales activity, plus an additional $180,691 in indirect and induced spending for a total of $476,370 – up 26.3 percent from 2012. Activity surrounding the event will support 5.7 jobs in the regional economy for the period of a year.

“The races and the visitors they attract reinforce awareness of the Roanoke Region’s outdoor amenities and reaffirm that our growing reputation as an outdoor destination leads to economic development,” said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

The Partnership and Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission prepared a participant survey to measure the event’s economic impact. Respondents were asked to report the amount spent on fuel, meals, lodging, miscellaneous retail purchases and admissions while in the study area. Results of the survey also indicate a 100% satisfaction rating from participants.

Runners came to Roanoke from 38 states, Canada, Germany, England, and Ethiopia. Approximately 67 percent of runners were from the state of Virginia and 77 percent were from the southeastern United States.

National attention drew a record number of runners this year, up 77 percent compared to last year. The race was featured on a number of ‘toughest in the world’ lists including those compiled by The Weather Channel, USA Today, and Wenger.

Meanwhile, local interest grows as well. Coverage of the Blue Ridge Marathon by WDBJ7 exceeded viewership of recent coverage of national sporting events. “Three and a half hours of live coverage on race day were among the most viewed sports programs the weekend of the marathon. Race coverage on April 20th was the second most watched sports program, outpaced only by NASCAR. Blue Ridge Marathon coverage bested the PGA, NBA, NHL and MLB, which is a testament to the growing stature of this race,” said Dan Dennison, news director for WDBJ7.

More than 44 percent of all survey respondents reported staying in town for at least one night. Approximately 36 percent stayed between one and two nights. The average length of stay among overnight visitors was 1.92 nights, up from 1.85 nights in 2012.

About 46 percent of all respondents reported traveling with family or friends. Respondents were asked to report the number of non-participants that traveled with them. The average size of the travel party among overnight visitors was 2.1, up from 1.7 in 2012. Day-trip visitors traveled with an average of 0.9 others per participant, up from 0.3.

“In all, this event has supported over a million and a half dollars in total regional economic impact in its first four years,” Eshelman said. “But more importantly, runners experienced a beautiful setting with friendly people and interesting attractions – goodwill that goes far beyond the numbers.”

The race course started in downtown Roanoke and meandered to the top of Mill Mountain and Roanoke Mountain along sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway for a total elevation change of 7,234 feet, making it America’s toughest road marathon. The 2014 date is set for April 26.

View the full economic impact report.

ABOUT ROANOKE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP

The Roanoke Regional Partnership, creator of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon and RoanokeOutside.com, is a public-private organization established in 1983 to make the Roanoke Region a better place to live and work. In 2012, the Partnership assisted new and existing companies whose growth represents $322 million annual economic impact on the region. The Partnership is supported by 220 businesses and the governments of Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties; cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the town of Vinton. To learn more, please visit www.Roanoke.org, www.RoanokeOutside.com and www.RoanokeEntrepreneur.com.

Join Us at FloydFest; Enter to Win Tickets

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:32 EDT

The countdown to FloydFest 12 is on.

The music and outdoor festival is jam-packed with great events this year -- four days of camping (if you want to), beer and wine gardens, performance art, a global village, kids’ universe, craft workshops, trapeze school, disc golf, mountain biking, and yes, plenty of great live music.

It’s only two months away, July 25-28. But who’s counting?

And Roanoke Outside wants to help you get there this year. Tell us your favorite spot along the 469 miles of meandering roadways of the Blue Ridge Parkway for a chance to win a pair of tickets to FloydFest 12.

That’s it. That’s all you have to do to enter to win a weekend you’ll never forget. And get bonus entries on Facebook.

We hope to see you there!

ENTER THE ROANOKE OUTSIDE FLOYDFEST 12 GIVEAWAY

Fill out the form below.
One entry per person (and yes we can tell if you enter multiple times).
Deadline to enter is Monday, May 27.
One winner will receive a pair of four-day passes to FloydFest 12. Passes are transferrable to another party if you can’t attend.
By entering, you agree to share your email address with FloydFest and Roanoke Outside.
Want to increase your odds of winning? Enter again on Facebook and receive more entries the more you share.

Get Outside Weekend Update -- 5/16-5/19

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:09:35 EDT

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

Catawba Valley Farmers' Market opens - 5/16
MUSIC - American Babies at Martin's - 5/16
MUSIC - Davina and the Vagabonds at Blue 5 - 5/16
MUSIC - Lazy Man Dub Band at 1906 Ale House - 5/16
MUSIC - JD Sutphin at Awful Arthur's Downtown - 5/16
FESTIVAL - Pigg River Ramble - 5/17-5/19
MUSIC - First Fridays - 5/17
Blackwater Blackout - 5/17
Vinton Farmers' Market opens - 5/17
Grayson Highlands/Mt. Rogers Backpack Trip - 5/17
Big Lick Fat Cat Classic - 5/17
MUSIC - Joe Taylor Group at Martin's - 5/17
MUSIC - Nikki Hill at Blue 5 - 5/17
MUSIC - Tobacco Apache at 1609 Ale House - 5/17
FESTIVAL - Vinton Wine & Food Festival at Vinton War Memorial - 5/18
FESTIVAL - Botetourt Wine Trail Concert Series at Fincastle Winery - 5/18
FESTIVAL - Local Colors in Downtown Roanoke - 5/18
10th Annual Big Pencil to Big Walker Charity Ride - 5/18
Family Couch to 5K - 5/18
Couch to 5K - 5/18
10K Training - 5/18
CAFE 5K Family Fun Run/Walk - 5/18
Anchors Aweigh 5K - 5/18
Tour de Floyd - 5/18
Odyssey 24-Hour Adventure Race - 5/18
Insect Investigations - 5/18
Cascades to Butt Mountain Hike - 5/18
Mannathon 5K & 3K - 5/18
Alleghany Highlands Triathlon - 5/18
MUSIC - Mac & Juice Quartet and The Deluge at Martin's - 5/18
MUSIC - Cleghorn at Kirk Avenue - 5/18
MUSIC - Bryan Lee "Braille Blues Daddy" at Blue 5 - 5/18
MUSIC - Nash Vegas at Sidewinders - 5/18
Roanoke Ultimate Frisbee Coed Summer League - 5/19
Coffee Pot Sunday Ride - 5/19
Breakfast on the Blackwater - 5/19
SummerSplash 2013 - 5/19
Storming of Thunder Ridge - 5/19
Mill Mountain Night Rides - 5/21
Tuesday Tuneups - 5/21
Famous Tuesday Night Ride - 5/21
AT Hike: Catawba Mountain to Andy Layne Trail - 5/21
MUSIC - Ben Trout Band at Martin's - 5/21
Roanoke Ultimate Weekly Pickup - 5/22
Wilderness Wednesdays: Beginner Backpacking Class - 5/22
Wednesday Night Disco Mountain Bike Race (No. 3) - 5/22
MUSIC - William Walter at Martin's - 5/22
Catawba Valley Farmers' Market - 5/23
MUSIC - Heather Lutrell and Christie Lenee at Martin's - 5/23
MUSIC - Lipbone Redding at Blue 5 - 5/23
For even more events visit the complete Roanoke Outside calendar
For arts and culture events visit The Arts Council calendar

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

Get Outside, Then Have a Local Brew. Raise a pint and give a toast to the good old outdoors for American Craft Beer Week.

Pete’s Pick: Get Outside, Then Have a Local Brew

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:09:31 EDT

It’s American Craft Beer Week, so let’s raise a pint and give a toast to the good old outdoors!

There nothing like capping off a day of playing outside better than sharing a pint (or two) with your friends. So get your friends together, get outside and explore, and then head to one of the region’s local breweries to celebrate American Craft Beer Week.

Flying Mouse Brewery (opening soon)
Parkway Brewing Company
Roanoke Railhouse
Sunken City Brewing Company (opened last week)
Bull & Bones Brewhaus
The River Company
Every evening this week, Blue 5 Restaurant will feature a different brewery (free pint glasses while they last)

And mark your calendar now for Big Lick Beertopia (June 8) and Microfestivus (Aug. 10).

Check out even more activities in the Get Outside Weekend Update.

Get Outside!

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

Check out the Outdoor Calendar for upcoming events
you need to keep your eye on!

UnderDog Bikes Open in New Location

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:09:28 EDT

Looking for UnderDog Bikes?

The shop completed its move this weekend and is now open at a new location at the base of Mill Mountain at 1113 Piedmont St., SE next to Hit’s Frozen Treats.

UnderDog Bikes is a small, intimate bike shop located on the Roanoke River Greenway and is an authorized Scott and KHS dealer offering sales, service, and rentals.

And Roanoke Outside and UnderDog Bikes want you to get cycling with a free greenway rental for two. Fill out the form below and head over to Facebook for extra entries.

This is the perfect opportunity to try cycling for the first time or to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors.

Deadline to enter is May 21.

Congratulations to our winner Amber Mabry.
(To select our winner we assign every enter a number (1, 2, 3....etc.). We then use an online random number generator to pick our winner).

Prize details: One greenway bicycle rental for two people for three hours from UnderDog Bikes (value $30). Winner should call ahead to confirm availability (204-4276). By entering, you agree to share your email address with Roanoke Outside and UnderDog Bikes.

Pigg River Ramble is Paddle-Packed Event

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:09:25 EDT

Bring your sense of adventure to Franklin County this weekend for the three-day Pigg River Ramble.

The festival is packed with paddle adventures from simple floats to the competitive title race.

The event kicks off Friday at 7:30 with the Blackwater Blackout, a night group float down the Blackwater River.

The signature Pigg River Ramble starts Saturday at 10 a.m., with options for a competitive race or float down the Pigg River with canoeists and kayakers from all over the East Coast.

The weekend wraps up Sunday with Breakfast on the Blackwater at 7 a.m., including a home-cooked meal and leisurely float.

In addition to plenty of paddling, the weekend will be full of food and music. Primitive camping is also available at Waid Park.

Pigg River Ramble

When: May 17-19
Where: Waid Park and the Pigg and Blackwater rivers
Contact: Franklin County Parks and Recreation, 483-9293
Register online

Hit the Parkway, Win Tickets to FloydFest

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:09:21 EDT

Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway on your way to FloydFest this year.

And tell us your favorite spot along the 469 miles of meandering roadways for a chance to win a pair of tickets to FloydFest 12.

It’s super-easy to enter. Fill out the form below for one entry and then head over to Facebook for another entry, plus additional entries for every person who enters using your link. We’ll announce a winner later this month. (If you entered in March and April and did not win, you do need to enter again to be eligible.)

FloydFest 12, on July 25-28, will include four days of camping (if you want to), beer and wine gardens, performance art, a global village, kids’ universe, craft workshops, trapeze school, disc golf, mountain biking, and yes, plenty of great live music.

This year’s music lineup is incredible with shows from The Lumineers, Old Crow Medicine Show, John Butler Trio, Megan Jean & The KFB, and more.

Enter below by answering the question: "What is your favorite stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway?" And get bonus entries on Facebook. Enter today!

ENTER THE ROANOKE OUTSIDE FLOYDFEST 12 GIVEAWAY

Fill out the form below.
One entry per person (and yes we can tell if you enter multiple times).
Deadline to enter is Monday, May 27.
One winner will receive a pair of four-day passes to FloydFest 12. Passes are transferrable to another party if you can’t attend.
By entering, you agree to share your email address with FloydFest and Roanoke Outside.
Want to increase your odds of winning? Enter again on Facebook and receive more entries the more you share.