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)
