Posts by Cristy Carr

Secluded in the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains lies a beautiful piece of land concealing rare treasures: Fairy Stone State Park. One of the first 6 original Virginia state parks to open in 1936, Fairy Stone was built through the combined efforts of the CCC and the Virginia Conservation Commission. Many of the…

Carvins Cove, the nationally acclaimed conservation area adjoining Roanoke’s fresh water reservoir, is a gift that keeps on giving. Renowned for its 60+ miles of trails, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve draws mountain bikers and horseback riders from across the country. Its 12,500 acres of forest and mountain win it the prize of the largest conservation…

Adventure #24: Mountain Lake Hidden away in a mountain hollow only an hour from Roanoke lies an iconic resort in a unique and beautiful location. Mountain Lake is truly a one-of-a-kind destination on many levels. Known as the setting of the 1987 coming-of-age movie Dirty Dancing, Mountain Lake has a rich history. The famous stone…

In the bleak Covid winter, when the days are chilly, night falls by 5 pm, and you’re looking for a Christmas activity that is socially distanced, warm, and cheery, may we suggest taking a drive through Grandin Village? Grandin Village is an interesting little sub-community within southwest Roanoke. Centered around the historic Grandin Theatre, this…

One of the best local options for a family day trip is the scenic little town of Paint Bank, located northwest of Roanoke just shy of the West Virginia border. The trip from Roanoke to Paint Bank can be beautiful or harrowing, depending on the weather! The country byway Rt 311 winds through the pleasant…

The onset of cold weather in a pandemic year brings extra challenges for families – such as how to get out of the house with kids, and how to stay in the house with kids! Fortunately, the Virginia Museum of Natural History provides help in answering both these challenges. The Virginia Museum of Natural History…

In the waning days of fall, the mountains still offer adventure and scenic beauty to families suffering from cabin fever! One of the best known and best loved spots nearby is the Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill area, south of Roanoke on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  In this ten mile stretch of the Parkway south…

Hidden away on a mountain ridge at the end of a steep, windy – but beautiful! – drive west from Roanoke into West Virginia is an old fire-tower that has been converted into one of the best bird-watching stations in the region. Dubbed the “Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory,” this 3,812 foot high perch offers views…

In an earlier post, I mentioned what a cherished spot Hanging Rock Battlefield Park has been for our family. Last year, the area became an even better place for family adventures, with the opening of Hinchee Park. This 235 acre tract of land, recently donated to the county, connects Hanging Rock with Carvins Cove Reserve…

There are few scenes as picturesque as the view descending into Catawba Valley on Rt. 311. Yet it wasn’t until recently that our family took the time to explore more of this beautiful valley. We entered the valley from the north, cutting west from Daleville on Catawba Road, Rt 779. It was a fine autumn…