Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Field Guide has led readers on five years of adventures
New River Field Guide
Recent columns
- New River Deli in Pembroke is still down-home
- Sal's of Radford fame comes to Blacksburg
- Bridge makes a big difference in Heritage Park
- Virginia Tech athletes put their all into track challenge
I've been writing Field Guides for almost five years now.
That adds up to more than 200 little trips, annoyances and raves since my first Field Guide on watching the construction of Kent Square with my then-toddler son.
The excitement levels ranged from a hovercaft ride on the New River to a bargain-hunting trip at a new grocery store. Sometimes I traveled to the far ends of the New River Valley. Other times I reported on the river near my house.
If I've proved nothing else, I'm hopeful I've convinced you that there is plenty to do around here and that some of it is dirt cheap or even free.
Let me remind you of a few favorites:
n Mid-County Park: It's more than a parking lot for the Frog Pond. Mid-County has the perfect family afternoon combo: picnic tables, playground, hiking trails.
n Rock Castle Gorge: This loop trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd may be the best hike around. If you're not up for all 12 miles, just walk a section of the gorge bottom.
n The Cascades with Barney's Wall extension: The Cascades trail is both well-worn and well-worth it. If you want a little more solitude, keep walking past the falls and visit the Little Cascades and Barney's Wall. (Consult a map first. I got lost.)
n The Kal-Bee: Pembroke's Korean-American restaurant is simply wonderful. Whether you order a Korean dish or the meatloaf, make sure you start with a platter of kim chee.
n A few other memorable restaurants: El Charro and the Crown Buffet in Radford, Skeeter's in Wytheville, Dude's in Christiansburg, Hale's in Shawsville, Souvlaki in Blacksburg, Marsha's in Pearisburg, The Burger Boy in Rich Creek.
It hasn't all been wonderful, of course. I've had to complain about a few places. I've had to rant about litterbugs, and I even went out with a paint roller on a long stick to paint over graffiti.
The important thing is that the column kept me moving. It forced me to try new things and take a good look around me. And that's been a gift.
Bottom line: I've had great meals, great hikes and great fun right here in the New River Valley.
