Today, it may seem that the Earth has stopped revolving around the sun and is now revolving around Blacksburg -- specifically Lane Stadium, where the Hokies will take on Marshall University at 1:30 p.m.

Maroon and orange will fill the streets of Blacksburg, along with restaurants, bars and every other nook and cranny.

For those dreading the crowds and looking for solitude, there is good news. There is more happening today in the New River Valley than touchdowns and tailgates.

If you've got the football blues, just aren't a fan or are looking to do something a little less conventional today, you're in luck.

Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Riner Heritage Day and Parade

Events include a parade at 10 a.m. along Virginia 8, followed by a festival from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, music, food, historical exhibits at the Riner Museum, tours of the community cannery, pony rides, kids races and games. The event is hosted by the Riner Ruritan Club and the Riner branch of the Montgomery Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Art Center.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Auburn High School grounds, 4163 Riner Road

Cost: Free

Contact: Amanda Witt, 357-0345

2. NRV Autumn Fest

Food, music, games and live music by Grammy-award winning Christian rock band DecembeRadio (at right) and other local and national musicians.

When: Starts at noon

Where: New River Valley Fairgrounds, off Virginia 100, Dublin

Cost: General, $12; children under 5, free

Contact: www.nrvautumnfest.com; www.myspace.com/decemberadio

3. Take a culinary tour of the New River Valley

Go to a different restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner without breaking the bank.

• Breakfast: Mikie's Seventh in Newport, a newer joint serving organic and locally grown food (even the takeout boxes are biodegradable); The Shires, off Peppers Ferry Road in Montgomery County

• Lunch: Claret Cafe in Radford; Due South BBQ in Christiansburg, a local favorite serving up great barbecue and sides such as fried green tomatoes and banana pudding; Hale's Restaurant in Shawsville

• Dinner: Pine Tavern in Floyd; Macado's (at left) in Radford or Christiansburg, for the Hokie football fan that loves the restaurant but doesn't enjoy the Blacksburg crowds

4. Get out on the New River before it gets too chilly

Rent a canoe from one of the outfitters in Giles County, such as New River Outdoor Co. in Pembroke. Shuttles leave at 10 a.m. and noon daily and will take you to and from your destination. Pack a picnic lunch and stop along your journey to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. Visit www.icanoethenew.com for more information.

5. Take a drive

The leaves are just starting to change, so how about a nice afternoon drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway? The scenic parkway stretches 469 miles connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Along the way, there are picnic shelters, overlooks and tourist destinations including the Chateau Morrisette winery in Floyd (milepost 171.5). The winery is open to the public for tours and wine tastings. The restaurant inside is also open for lunch and dinner on Saturdays.

6. Support other sports in the area

The Radford University Men's Rugby Club team will take on Old Dominion University at 1 p.m. at its practice field behind the Dedmon Center in Radford. The team won Division II national championships in 2003 and 2008.

7. Shop

It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas. Think about shopping at local craft stores and boutiques, and look for something unique that reflects the character of the area.

Today is Arts and Crafts Day at the Farmers Market in Shawsville. Find creative gifts such as homemade soaps and canned goods to send to long-distance relatives from the many craft, art and food vendors. The market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at the Meadowbrook Community Center, 267 Alleghany Spring Road.

8. Adopt a pet

Area shelters are packed and fall temperatures are perfect for pets to thrive in. There are 11 shelters and animal rescues in the valley filled with cats, dog, horses and many other animals in need of a home.

Too busy for a pet? Think about volunteering to take a dog for a walk or jog today. You'll get in shape and help the animals burn off some energy. Go to www.nrvanimalshelter.com for a list of shelters.

9. Play tennis

Not only is it great exercise for all ages, it's also fun and a great stress reliever. There are plenty of public courts across the area, including many at apartment complexes and recreational centers. Today is the U.S. Open men's semifinals and women's finals matches. Throw a tennis party and cheer on your favorite player(s). At left: Brianna Knight gets into the swing of things.

10. Stay home and cook

Get rid of your abundance of garden goodies resourcefully with this reporter's own recipe:

Corn, Tomato and Black Bean Salsa

1 can black beans

3 medium sized tomatoes, chopped

¹₂ cup red onion, chopped

1 can corn (or 1 cup fresh)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Let marinate overnight. Serve with tortilla chips or serve as a salad.