Friday, January 19th, 2018
The first time the temperate drops enough to freeze nearby ponds, the winter world truly becomes a wonderland. The fascinating feeling of ice underfoot brings out the kid in all of us, and gliding across frozen water is pure magic. While I know a few brave souls who have skated across Pandapas Pond in the
Friday, July 7th, 2017
People talk about “best kept secrets” which are rarely s-e-c-r-e-t, but Gatewood Park and Reservoir in Pulaski County might seriously qualify as one of them. Encompassing 400 acres of forests, water and scenic beauty, the property is...
Friday, May 12th, 2017
In 1948, Blacksburg resident James Pandapas, known for having brought its first two industries to the town – Electro-Tec and Poly Scientific – purchased a 500-acre tract of Appalachian hardwoods and pines between Brush and Gap Mountains....
Monday, July 18th, 2016
Helpful. Loyal. Brave. These are three of the twelve core values that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) strive to possess. If you ever get the chance to check out the BSA Base Camp Ottari located right...
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015
For those new to the world of river sports, here’s why this mighty grandfather of East Coast Rivers is the perfect place to get your feet wet. We cannot help but feel calm beside a river as...
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015
(Local resident Joseph Alberts, now 35, playing at Caboose Park in 1981) A playground is more than just a place for kids to get their wiggles out before lunch time. Parks and playgrounds harbor some of our...
Friday, August 1st, 2014
Grab your backpack, sneakers or hiking boots, water bottle and camera because we are going hiking. One of the most beautiful adventures in the New River Valley, I now know, is to hike to Cascade Falls. It...
Monday, June 16th, 2014
Going to overnight summer camp is a marvelous experience ~ practically a rite of passage for children seeking their first away adventure of independence. First-time campers might express a bundle of enthusiasm tempered with some normal anxiety,...