Timberlake, VA Outdoor Activities

In an annual event at the captivating World Heritage site, community members gather to taste local wines, listen to live music, and wander through Monticello’s restored vineyard, staterooms, and cellar. Representatives from nearby wineries fill glasses with samples of their signature varietals, while attendees can sip slowly on the estate’s West Lawn while soaking in views or nibbling on fruit and cheese.

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

The husband-and-wife duo that runs Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing always dreamed of starting an all-outdoor summer program for kids. In 1990, their dream became a reality when they purchased 500 acres of land in southwest Virginia that was perfect for outdoor adventures. Hills, trees, caves, and a glistening lake set the scene for activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and caving, though the staff says that its most popular attraction is the 900-foot zipline. Today, the grounds welcome participants young and old; many adult groups travel to the grounds for team-building and leadership events. All of Wilderness Adventure’s programs arm participants with these skills, boosting camper confidence and giving them enough self-esteem to try to singlehandedly bringing back the fanny pack.

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.

Amid the tree-canopied foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, clusters of tubers and kayakers drift idly down the James River for a day of relaxation or recreation on these local waters. For more than 20 years, outfitters Kevin and Geneva Denby have facilitated just such excursions, providing not only the watercrafts, but guided instruction on paddling or floating technique and transportation to their launch site. Among the day trips offered, river adventures come by way of self-guided trips in the Denbys’ kayaks, rafts, or canoes, as well as several overnight trip options that ensconce visitors in the local scenery for up to two days at a time. The pair also furnishes expeditioners with supplies such as live bait, tackle, cameras, and sunscreen for their adventures. Upon return, Kevin and Geneva invite guests to wash off the day’s sweat, sunscreen, and kisses from passing boat captains in their hot showers.