Aug 8

Smith Mountain Lake – Join us for a relaxing day at Virginia’s second largest freshwater lake.  Swim, sunbathe, hike, or just rest and relax from your travels. Box lunches and drinks will be provided.  The trip price of $40 includes lunch, drinks, and transportation.  You will need to provide your bathing suit, sun block, and any beach toys.  If you are interested in fishing, you will need to obtain a temporary permit; please contact adamsz@vt.edu for additional information.

·         Leave: 10 a.m.

·         Arrive: 11:00

·         Lunch: 12:00-1:00

·         Leave: 3 p.m.

·         Return Roanoke 4 p.m.

Aug 9

Natural Bridge, Virginia – after breakfast, we will depart for Natural Bridge, Virginia, where participants can experience one of the 7 natural wonders in the world!  The trip will include a walk along Cascade Creek in the Natural Bridge Nature Park and end about a mile later at Lace Falls; during this walk you will have a chance to visit the Monacan Village where you will learn how the Monacan Indians built canoes and homes, fished and gardened more than 300 years ago. (1-1/2 hours) Lunch will be on-your-own at the Summerhouse Café.  After lunch you will visit the Natural Bridge Caverns, where you will descend 34 stories below ground on a guided tour. (1-hour).  The trip price of $40.00 includes transportation and all admission fees.

Activity level: light to moderate; comfortable shoes and clothing recommended

·         Leave: 9:00 a.m.

·         Arrive Natural Bridge: 10:00

·         Bridge/Park: 10:00-12:00

·         Lunch: 12:00-1:30

·         Caverns: 1:30-2:30

·         Gather to Leave: 3:00

·         Return Roanoke: 4:00 p.m

Aug 10

Blue Ride Parkway – After breakfast, we will depart to the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Arriving first at historic Mabry Mill, participants can take a self-guided tour featuring old-time mountain industry exhibits which include a sawmill, gristmill and woodworking shop. We will then assemble for a box lunch. After lunch we will stop at the Chateau Morrisette Winery where we will take a tour, experience wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.  The trip price of $40.00 includes transportation, lunch and drinks, and all admission fees.

Activity level: light

·         Leave: 9:30 a.m.

·         Arrive Mabry Mills: 11:30

·         Lunch and time to walk-around: 11:30-1:30

·         Arrive Chateau Morisette: 2:00

·         Tour/tasting 2:00-3:00

·         Return Roanoke: 4:30 p.m