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.

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.

World-renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. dreamed up the challenging layout of Mariners Landing Golf’s 18-hole, par 72 course, where players putt on bermuda grass under the watchful eye of verdant mountains. Golfers shake their Magic 8 balls to decide among five sets of tee boxes before they play through the sand trap- and pond-studded fairways, which wind through residential areas. Players can also practice swings at the driving range’s 12 hitting stations or rehearse chipping and putting on the practice green. The course’s golf professional and an assistant golf professional instruct students in the proper way to thrust and parry during a golf-club duel, and the Dew-Sweepers pro shop outfits swingers with Titleist and Nike equipment. After facing down the fairways, golfers can relax in the clubhouse restaurant with a burger and fries.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-72 course

• Length of 7,155 yards from the farthest set of tees

• Course rating of 74.2 from the farthest set of tees

• Slope rating of 130 from the farthest set of tees

• Five tee options

As the James and Maury Rivers wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains, they carry kayakers, canoeists, and inner-tube riders past sheer rock walls, boulder-studded rapids, and tree-blanketed mountain peaks. For more than 30 years, the outdoorsmen at Twin River Outfitters have facilitated adventures for explorers of all experience levels on the nearly 100 miles of these rivers in the upper James River Basin. In addition to renting watercraft for independent exploration, Twin River's team leads guided outings, including overnight excursions. The headquarters also encompass a paddle shop, where a knowledgeable staff advises outdoorsmen on gear such as boats, life jackets, and oars autographed by local salmon.

Perched atop Liberty University's tranquil, 5,000 acre mountain, the Snowflex Centre unfurls an innovative system of slopes for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Thrill-seekers of all skill levels soar across the venue's synthetic winter wonderland, which uses Snowflex technology and a patented misting system to mirror the behavior of real-world snowfalls. Hidden beneath crisp, white drifts, multiple layers of cushions absorb potential tumbles, emboldening snow-thusiasts to attempt free-style tricks (on an elevated drop), triple kickers, and a large quarter pipe. Guests seeking reprieve from supersonic spins and relentless, panhandling snowmen can kick back inside a two-story lodge.