Blog Bucket List

I can’t say yet if the places to see and things to do are great or middlin’, but I aim to find out at some point in the future:

Kayaking the Smith River –  Smith River Outfitters has a number of options for getting people out on the water and it’s so close to home, this is simply a must-do. I hope to see every part of it as it winds through Henry County from the Philpott Dam.

Wine & Water Wednesday – For select dates through the summer, Hamlet Vineyards and Smith River Outfitters have teamed up to bring us a paddle down the Smith River followed by a meal at the vineyard.

Tour the Rock Spring Plantation at the the Reynolds Homestead – In nearby Critz, the homestead for the Reynolds family (think Reynolds Wrap) is being maintained and is available for tours.

Korner’s Folly –  Less than an hour away, Korner’s Folly is an 1878 22-room Victorian house museum. The owner was an interior designer and also made furniture and he used his house as a kind of catalog to show off his work.  As a result, I hear that the house is a mish-mash of elaborate designs and ideas.

Mayberry Days – Every year, Mount Airy (the original Mayberry) has a festival that is all things Andy Griffith. I’d love to see the museum and try a pork chop sandwich from the Snappy Diner.

Hanging Rock State Park  – This park (and, in particular, its five waterfalls) was highly recommended to us by the guide at the Dan River Company.

The D-Day Memorial – In Bedford, VA, this is about an hour and a half away and looks like it might be a several-hour activity.

Natural Bridge Caverns –  Natural Bridge is just under 2 hours away, between Roanoke and Lexington.

The Land of Oz Theme park – In Beech Mountain, NC, about 3 hours away, the Land of Oz theme park is open for limited times in the fall and spring.

And there are still some local craft breweries that I haven’t made it to yet.  I can’t wait to be able to move these to the “Did That” page!

• 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company (Danville)
• Ballast Point Tasting Room (Roanoke)
• Deschutes Roanoke Brewery & Tasting Room (Roanoke)
• Flying Mouse Brewery (Troutville) just north of Roanoke 15 minutes from Appalachian Trail
• Soaring Ridge (Roanoke)