LifeOutside

Two hikers with heavy backpacks stand on a rocky cliff edge under the title "A Walk in the Woods.

How ‘A Walk in the Woods’ Got to McAfee Knob

And how—before, during and after the ascent—the movie production company and its personnel showed respect for the overused trail section and interest in plans to increase stewardship and responsibility along the Appalachian Trail.

Pete Eshelman Talks About Life Outside on WSLS 10

From stand up paddleboarding to hiking, there’s so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Southwest Virginia. Roanoke Outside’s Pete Eshelman talks about the many outdoor activities families can participate in around the area.
Four men in caps and sunglasses stand in tall grass before woods, one holding a shotgun.

Big Fish in the Rapids

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

Summer Events

Get ready to get outside and play at gatherings, festivals and other events around the region. Plus a sneak-peek look toward fall.
Four photos: a long jumper landing in sand, two teammates embracing, a boy in orange, and an athlete airborne at sunset.

Games Bigger Than Ever

The Subway Commonwealth Games, in their 26th year, will offer about 55 sports over the coming months, for athletes of all ages and levels.
A man in a blue shirt and black shorts stands on a rocky overlook above forested mountains and valleys.

Ultra Man, Unhasty

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

Gear/Beer Guide

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

Urban Vibe

We profile six great towns, with details on outdoor to-do’s, competitions, nightlife and cool overnights from rustic to ‘luxe.
A smiling woman stands between two bicycles on a tree-lined roadside, one a road bike and one a mountain bike.

The Rookie: Bad Case of ‘Gas’

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

Blueways!

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

Departments

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Ask the Experts: Homes

Local homes experts answer all your questions about decor, maintenance, remodeling and more.

A young child with brown hair in a gray shirt and navy polka-dot skirt paints colorful swirls on a white wall, under the words "Living with Kid Art.
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Living with Kid Art

Get great tips on how to display your kids’ artwork at home.

The Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival attracts about 20,000 visitors annually — a boon to the local economy.
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Bloom Town

Flower farms are finding new ways to keep our community beautiful.

Painted wood statue holding a teacup, a chandelier-lit dining room, and a wood-paneled sitting room.
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The House on the Hill

Stewardship of the signature structure on the city side of Mill Mountain is in the very conscientious hands of Drs.