Big Fish in the Rapids

Four men in caps and sunglasses stand in tall grass before woods, one holding a shotgun.

A day on the New River on a Tangent Outfitters “Cast and Blast” is always big fun. A giant fish on a rookie’s line in the rapids can add a layer or two.

Summer Events

Collage of a singer on stage, paddleboarders on a lake, beers at a picnic table, and a trail runner.

Get ready to get outside and play at gatherings, festivals and other events around the region. Plus a sneak-peek look toward fall.

Games Bigger Than Ever

Four photos: a long jumper landing in sand, two teammates embracing, a boy in orange, and an athlete airborne at sunset.

The Subway Commonwealth Games, in their 26th year, will offer about 55 sports over the coming months, for athletes of all ages and levels.

Ultra Man, Unhasty

A man in a blue shirt and black shorts stands on a rocky overlook above forested mountains and valleys.

Salem’s Joseph Teh may be the most laidback ultra athlete you could find. Yes, he does ridiculous-distance races, but he cares much more about the experience and the scenery than his times, which are measured in days.

Gear/Beer Guide

Four-panel collage of a brewpub bar, two craft beers, and an outdoor gear store.

Outdoor-store owners recommend the best in new outside gear and new local beers, as well as where to walk or ride with a brewery or winery stop built in.

Urban Vibe

Seared scallops, a band at The Floyd Country Store, a B&B bedroom, and a couple outside The Claiborne House.

We profile six great towns, with details on outdoor to-do’s, competitions, nightlife and cool overnights from rustic to ‘luxe.

The Rookie: Bad Case of ‘Gas’

A smiling woman stands between two bicycles on a tree-lined roadside, one a road bike and one a mountain bike.

From her inauspicious first serious ride to now planning her days around getting out on the bike, Liz Smith is enduring a pretty serious outbreak of “Gear Acquisition Syndrome.”

Blueways!

Three people paddle sit-on-top kayaks down a calm, tree-lined river on a cloudy day, wearing life vests.

Paddle fast or float on a tube…the rivers of the region are ready and waiting.

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