Things to Do in Roanoke

Decked out in Wranglers, a heavy canvas jacket, and Stetson hat, Dwight Wood looks like one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. “The old cowboy way is dyin’ out,” says Wood, North Mountain Outfitter’s owner and trail guide. “Out here, we aim to give you a taste of yesterday.” With a half-day horseback ride and an overnight stay in a rustic bunkhouse, guests can experience the Old West on the near side of the Mississippi. Following an instructional lesson and safety overview from the trip’s experienced guide, the half-day horseback-riding excursion sets out into the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. For three hours, groups will traverse moderate mountain inclines, cross streams, and look for wildlife from atop even-tempered horses. A saddle-packed lunch provides midday nourishment. The Shenandoah Valley is home to dozens of bird species including barred owls, Carolina chickadees, and red-tailed hawks. Brook trout navigate the streams, and white-tailed deer, black bears, and eastern cottontail rabbits play games of duck, duck, goose. Guides never settle for easy riding over pastures or open farmland; instead, groups explore hilly trails such as the Falls Hollow Trail and the North Mountain Trail.After the half-day’s ride, guests retire to the western-inspired bunkhouse, complete with a grand fireplace, saddle-seat barstools, and a porch overlooking the lake. The remainder of the day can be spent holed up in the outdoor hot tub, fishing, or challenging fellow riders to rubber-band-gun duels. A hearty dinner features signature Cowboy Cookin’, a savory selection of locally raised meats such as barbecue ribs and baked chicken. The following morning, a second helping of nourishment arrives in the form of a pancake breakfast served with breakfast meats, fresh fruit, and cowboy coffee.

Chartered in 1970 as the first science museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Science Museum of Western Virginia educates all ages with interactive exhibits and events. Exhibits include displays that engage visitors with information about healthy living, Earth-themed lessons about geology, energy, and natural resources, and a how-it-works gallery that answers questions about physics, chemistry, technology, and why gravity shuts off every leap day.

Cox’s Golf Driving Range’s grounds slope and skate through beautiful landscaping arrangements of bushes and trees that ensconce practice greens and snuggle up against the tricks and traps of the 18-hole Putt-a-Round miniature golf course. Contenders who prefer bats to clubs unleash thunderclaps in the range’s 10 automated batting cages with pitching machines that can alternate between baseballs and softballs. An onsite pro shop outfits practitioners with all the gear they may need for a day of the sporting life, including clubs, balls, and disposable plaid pants.

With more than 28 years of dance-studio experience, Director Karen Stemen and her agile staff strive to instill her students with both technical dance training and a palpable passion for movement. An array of classes direct the feet of all age levels and abilities. Youngsters can hone ballet and tap skills, and adults can come to the studio seeking a challenging workout or serious training in techniques such as hip-hop and pointe, ideal for those who have trouble reaching the cereal on top of the refrigerator.

Perched on hilltops that overlook the scenic Roanoke Valley, Hanging Rock Golf Club’s 18-hole course surfs the mountainside for 6,602 yards of challenging course conditions. Rising peaks cast shadows across the course’s emerald fairways as undulating terrain places a high premium on club selection, confident swings, and nine irons impervious to motion sickness. The course’s signature hole, the par 4 fifth, showcases the inventive designs of architect Russell Breeden, as golfers can pen their own pin-hunting tale by playing to a two-tiered green stationed boldly uphill, a tricky layout that emphasizes accurate approach shots and putters that don’t sweat under pressure. To help prepare players for upcoming rounds, resident ace Chip Sullivan conducts private lessons and runs golf academies for birdie-seekers of all stripes.

Course at a Glance:

• Designed by Russell Breeden
• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,602 yards from farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.0 from farthest tees
• Slope rating of 137 from farthest tees
• Four tee options
• See the scorecard

Helen Maxwell, owner of Bedford Yoga Center, has been practicing yoga for more than 17 years. As a registered yoga teacher, she helps her students strengthen their bodies, develop coordination, and cultivate self-awareness during private and group classes. In addition to certifications in Vinyasa flow, yin, therapeutic, and restorative yoga, Helen also has a degree from Duke Integrative Medicine and cultivates good karma by offering free gentle-chair yoga to cancer patients and their caregivers.

When Helen isn't teaching adults, she puts her ChildLight Yoga certification to good use during her children's yoga classes. These whimsical sessions incorporate storytelling, games, music, and art to foster personal growth, connectedness, and peace.