When you think of summer road trips, does it mean headache travel and traffic, long lines, and strained wallets? Does the uncertainty and inconvenience of long-distance travel make you uneasy? This year, take time to love where you live with a summer staycation, right here in the NRV. The New River Valley is stocked with amazing opportunities for learning and leisure without a long distance. Macaroni Kid NRV has ten brain-boosting, fun, affordable, and varied local staycation museum ideas from model trains to interstellar observations - satisfying everyone in the entire family. And as a bonus, they are all so conveniently located around the valley you will not have to grind your teeth to the cringeworthy “are we there yet?” Excite. Explore. Enjoy summer 2020!
D.C. Wysor Observatory and Museum - Not just a birds-eye view, but an astronomer’s eye view! The D.C. Wysor Observatory and Museum in Dublin holds a state-of-the-art Meade 16" LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope which holds data on nearly 65,000 stellar objects ready for your viewing. The facility also houses a first-floor viewing screen in which images can be projected so that visitors can explore the final frontier without the challenge of the climb to the dome of the observatory. Open every Friday evening year-round at 8:30pm and by appointment at 540-643-0755, it is located next to Dublin Elementary school and is free.
Starlight Drive-in Theater - Even though many indoor cinemas are still closed and new film releases are at a standstill, the local summer film favorite Starlight is going strong in summer 2020. Starlight has rolled back the clock this summer to show the new generation the film’s we grew up on. Showings Jaws, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Smokey and the Bandit, just to name a few. Catching a weekend flick at this historic drive-in is a great way to bring back the nostalgia of The Great 80’s. While you’re at it, help out other cinema friends who aren’t able to yet reopen by purchasing some of their phenomenal movie popcorn. Radford Theater is selling curbside popcorn on Friday nights 5-7 pm and in Fairlawn, Scarette’s Cinema is buttering it up on Saturday nights from 6-8. Help keep our neighborhood film friends alive by grabbing some popcorn and a classic flick this summer! You'll find the most up-to-date schedule on the Facebook page.
Wildnerness Adventure at Eagles Landing- Craving some outdoor adventure? WAEL offers canoe and tube rentals, zip-line rides, and climbing wall experiences to fill your days and campsites, cabins and Homestead B& B options to rest at night! Located in nearby Newcastle, Virginia along the banks of Craig Creek, the 500 -acre property offers endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, exploration, and outdoor fun! Select Hangout Weekends offer live music and food and beverage options.
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Glencoe Museum - Situated on a hilltop overlooking the New River in Radford, Civil War General Gabriel Wharton’s stately residence is a grand opportunity to appreciate the romantic beauty of the post-Civil War late 19th-century Victorian era. Historical archives appreciating the influences of Native Americans, the railroad, and post-war America are celebrated throughout the museum. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Tue- Sat 10 am - 4 pm & Sunday 1 - 4 pm.
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Wilderness Road Regional Museum - Located just off 81 at mile marker 98, step back in time more than 200 years and experience the mountain way of life in the Newbern community which was once a thriving community along the primary migration route west. A living history museum, visitors can tour the six acres of the museum grounds which include, a kitchen building, granary, loom house, and barn. If your children are working on an American history project assignment, this is a great place for some local hands-on “research”. Open Tues - Sat 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Gatewood Park Campground and Reservoir - Camping, fishing, boating, and hiking in nearby Pulaski. A fun and affordable weekend for the family. Paddleboats, kayaks, and boats can be rented at the boathouse or you can bring your own. Waterfront or regular campsites are also available. Do call early, summer 2020 bookings are filling up fast!
Claytor Lake State Park - As Claytor is in phase 2 of reopenings, the beach is still currently closed. However, hiking, picnicking, sunbathing, and fishing options are abundant. Pack a lunch and a chair and enjoy a breezy waterfront afternoon watching time and sailboats pass you by. Visit CLSP’s website for the most current status information.
Winterfrost Farm - Learn to horseback ride or bring along some friends for a day of “horsing around” on a mountain trail with a lovable rehabilitated rescue horse. Hosts and guides provide horses for all experience levels. Proceeds from their ride-a-rescue program go toward supporting their program. For details and reservations -- 540-320-1697.
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| Also check out: Weekend Roadtrip Ideas | |
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