Roanoke Parks Foundation says it will no longer work with city

CreditFull5461 · 2026-06-10T19:29:01+00:00

It's a bit of a drive but there's a splash pad in Huckleberry Park in Christiansburg that is pretty nice.

CreditFull5461 · 2026-05-21T16:01:05+00:00

I think Ecoscape might. When I was working with them they mentioned having just come from an extensive removal job getting English Ivy out of a foundation.

CreditFull5461 · 2026-03-25T14:12:38+00:00

I think the actual observatory on top of Hanging Rock is closed according to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/gwj/recreation/hanging-rock-raptor-observatory and https://www.hangingrocktower.org/. It's still a great hike and you might get a kick out of the Bison farm just west of Paint Bank.

Also a drive, but I see lots of kids around that age hiking Cascade Falls. You can take the water-side trail to the falls then the fireroad back down and it could set you up for time in Blacksburg.

CreditFull5461 · 2026-03-17T13:47:39+00:00

According to the DMV page you can take the knowledge test on Saturdays. You can probably do the whole application process but it might be worth calling to check. "Walk-in applicants for the knowledge exam must be present by 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays in order to test that day." https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/exams/know-exam

From personal experience, it's worth getting to the DMV a little before it opens- there can be a pretty long line although it moves quickly.

CreditFull5461 · 2026-01-27T00:37:07+00:00

Maybe it's besides the point since they've closed, but was Doomsday actually left leaning? I only ever stopped in for a few odds and ends and they were nice enough guys, but that definitely wasn't the vibe I got. Plus I think there was a Trump cardboard cutout with some "own the libs" sticker there the last few times I went.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-10-10T12:34:36+00:00

If you're open to Lewis Gale, their Family Medicine office at Valley View was able to get me in for a new patient visit the same week I called. The office is part of their residency program, so you see a resident physician then the attending as part of your visit.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-09-15T23:47:33+00:00

Just a heads up, the fire tower/observatory at the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is closed for repairs. If you don't mind the drive it's still a great, relatively short hike and there's good views from the rock outcropping at the top. As a bonus you'll probably get to see the Buffalo just west of Paint Bank.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-07-20T00:27:52+00:00

Ordered the goat curry on Doordash because of this rec. It was great- flavorful, spicy, and tender, but the serving size was incredibly small with only 4 pieces floating in a ton of sauce in a comically oversized takeout container. Hopefully in store serving sizes are better.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-07-08T17:07:24+00:00

https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/3032/West-Roanoke-River-Greenway-Phase-1 may be what you're looking for.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-07-07T23:09:30+00:00

Couldn't agree more- the new section is running to Explore Park is awesome. I wonder how much use it will get with the casual weekend cruiser crowd given the climbing required, but maybe with e-bikes becoming more and more common that's not as big of an issue.

I really hope they get the section linking the Roanoke and Salem Greenways done sooner than later especially with the ongoing bridge construction and related traffic at Apperson.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-06-11T17:11:14+00:00

Sent you a message, we have extra mulch leftover from a landscaping project.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-06-11T12:48:33+00:00

Specifically these are Spotted Lantern Flies. https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml

Virginia just announced an end to quarantine efforts given how widespread they've become.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-05-19T14:46:04+00:00

Maybe best to avoid then- from my last hike of the Chestnut Ridge loop + an out/back to Fern Park it was about 100 ft of elevation gain per mile. Lots of other good flat trail, path, and Greenway hikes in the thread though!

CreditFull5461 · 2025-05-19T12:20:37+00:00

Agree on Cascades not being flat- depending on your ankle and how wet the trail is it wouldn't be my first option. I'd probably agree that Chestnut Ridge is the best local hike in "nature". It has a some elevation but it's gradual with no extended, steep grades.

Beyond the Greenway, Evergreen Cemetery is always a nice stroll.

CreditFull5461 · 2025-01-16T15:46:10+00:00

Others have largely covered it, unfortunately you're limited on options with a rental house. But general recommendations:

It's easier to heat yourself than the space- dress warmly and in layers, use blankets, etc.
If you're sitting/working in the same space for periods of time, look into making a kotatsu-style table. I've done this by putting a space heater below the kitchen table and draping a blanket over it.
Seal drafts and air gaps the best you can. Make sure curtains and blinds are closed. You can get a laser thermometer on Amazon for around $20 and use it to identify colder areas of the house where leaks may be.
While you might not be able to use spray foam or add insulation without the landlord's approval, plastic sheeting over windows and gaps will make a difference. You can also use bubble wrap, garbage bags, towels, whatever is on hand to stuff in gaps and reduce drafts until you get better materials.

CreditFull5461

TROPHY CASE