Steve Frey
Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer for many. Families are beginning to make plans for vacation, but here’s the problem: Jen wants the beach; Jake wants the mountains; Zander just wants to fish. What’s a family to do?
Staycation! Yeah, stay at home and vacation right here in the New River Valley!
You have everything on the kids’ wish lists: beaches, mountains and tons of fishing.
Now, before examining all of the other possibilities, here’s an idea that will double your family fun: invite your relatives or friends to visit and staycation together at your place. Your staycation will be their vacation!
Okay, time to plan.
First, think of the NRV holistically. There is something for everyone right here, all within a very short drive. Have your visitors stay at your house, but if it gets too crowded, find a motel in Radford.
Why Radford? Easy—it’s centrally located in the heart of the NRV, so every attraction is nearby. That’s important for the toddler who hates car seats or Granny who despises driving any distance.
If your guests decide to stay at a motel, they should pick one in Radford with a pool and a free breakfast. The Best Western comes immediately to mind.
There are also several campgrounds in the area, but Claytor Lake State Park is probably the prime choice. You could even go halfsies with your guests and enjoy the lake together. There’s nothing better than the family sitting around a campfire by the lake enjoying s’mores.
Your house, a motel, or a campground—everyone’s settled in, so what’s doin’?
First, float down the New River at Bisset Park in Radford. Virginia’s River City is famous for its float trips whether by tube, kayak, paddleboard or canoe. If you need advice or equipment, contact Mountain-2-Island; they’ve got the answers. The New River, by the way, is a pleasant float that has much better scenery than any compact lazy river at some overpriced motel.
Next, go to a Pulaski Yankee’s game. The price of admission is perfect, and concessions are incredibly reasonable. It’s hard to beat a night at the ballpark enjoying a cold drink, a hot dog and watching exciting baseball.
Staycation when you and your guests can see the summer outdoor drama “Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story” at the Nesselrod Bed and Breakfast. There are nine dates to choose from, and everyone will enjoy the story of her long trek back from Shawnee captivity to the NRV.
Plan a beach day! Spend an afternoon at Claytor Lake State Park and enjoy the white sand, clear water and mountain views. In addition to swimming, there are hiking paths, boat rentals and even a nature center. Relax, read that thriller and soak up the sun.
Hike up to Cascade Falls. Enjoy the beauty of the meandering stream and the cool mountain water. Bring along your camera to capture all of the sights along the way.
Take your guests to a drive-in movie at the Starlite in Christiansburg. Since you have children with you this time, you might actually, ahem, see the film.
Check out the Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg, the Glencoe Mansion Museum and Gallery in Radford and the Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum in Pulaski to learn more about the incredible history of our area.
Take a bike ride or hike along the New River Trail and see the beautiful mountains, farmlands and waterways. If you need to rent bikes, you can get them at Pulaski Bikes in the refurbished train station in Pulaski.
You’re on a staycation, so you should plan on eating out each day. Remember, with a staycation, you’re saving motel and gas money so splurge a little.
There are many exceptional restaurants in the NRV. If you want Italian, it has to be Sal’s in Radford. The River Company, with its terrace and view of the river (it’s a brewery, too.), is a great choice. Al’s On First in Pulaski has excellent food, and you might even see a Pulaski Yankee player. If southern favorites are your preference, try Fatz in Dublin. A fantastic breakfast can be had at the River City Grill in Radford, along with tasty dinner entrees. Of course, you can find every kind of restaurant chain imaginable between Radford and Christiansburg.
Let’s link some of the attractions and restaurants together for some possible daylong activities:
You could check out the Glencoe Museum in the morning, eat at Macado’s in Radford for lunch (fantastic sandwich menu and kids will love the displays.), float down the river at Bisset Park in the afternoon, eat at The River Company for dinner and see a movie at the Radford Theater.
Or you could visit the Ratcliffe Museum in the morning, have a picnic and bike ride on the New River Trail in the afternoon, eat dinner at Al’s On First and then go to a Yankee’s game.
You might go to Smithfield Plantation, hike up to Cascade Falls, have peanut hors d’oeuvres and steaks at the Texas Roadhouse in Christiansburg and enjoy a movie at the Starlite.
How about a hike along the trail in Bisset Park, sandwiches for lunch at Souvlaki’s in Radford, the beach at Claytor Lake for the afternoon and on a Monday, eat dinner and enjoy music at the River City Grill, with its Monday night Fiddle and Banjo Jam as part of the Crooked Road.
Don’t forget “Dirty Dancing” movie memorabilia and ziplining at Mountain Lake, hiking the Appalachian or Huckleberry Trails, mountain biking, golfing at the Pete Dye River Course, exploring music and art in Floyd, shopping at Draper’s Mercantile, splashing around water parks like Randolph in Dublin or the Aquatic Center in Christiansburg, enjoying live local theater in Pulaski and much, much more.
There is so much to do that it can’t all be captured in one column, but you get the picture.
Yes, there is something for everyone in the NRV. It will probably take you and your guests more than a week to experience it all, which means they will have to come back again! Of course, living here means that these activities are available anytime for lucky you!
So no matter what you call it—a Staycation, a Playcation, or an NRVacation—what you are looking for is right here in the NRV.
One helpful hint, though: since everyone will be inviting their friends and relatives here for the NRV’s Spectacular Summer Staycation Celebration, hit the restaurants early to avoid the rush.
Let the summer staycations begin!
Steve Frey is a writer and CEO of Ascendant Educational Services based in Radford.
