Get Outside Newsletter- July 2

  • Paddling

A float, an organization, a call for help–we’re sensing a theme this week🤔…

And that theme is community. From folks coming together to support a cause, making an event happen, or enjoying the great outdoors (and the fruits of their labors), it all comes back to being part of this big, beautiful community you all have built here. Take a look at what we’re covering this week, and we can’t wait to see you all on Sunday!

Bring Whatever Floats Your Boat on Sunday

We’ve been talking about it for months, and the day has finally come–the annual community float the Floatilla to Starr Hill-a! As you’re all probably aware, we’re in a bit of a drought, so we want to tell you a few things: 

  • Water levels will be low, so expect a two-three hour float if you start at Roanoke Mountain Adventures.
  • Make sure you wear good water shoes because there will likely be some walking.
  • Wear your sunscreen and protective clothing.
  • HYDRATE.
  • If you want a shorter float, you can start at River’s Edge North (that will likely give you about an hour float time).
  • If you just want to sit in the river, you can just hang at The Bridges Kayak Launch for a while. This is the float’s exit spot.
  • The after-party is still happening at Starr Hill, so be sure to head over there after your adventure! 

All the details about the float, parking, rentals, and the after-party can be found at the button below. No matter what you choose, it’s going to be a great time!

Click here for the Floatilla Deets!

VA MTNS Outdoor Collective is the Coolest Org You May Not Know About

We shared their 2026 Summer gear Guide a few weeks back (you might remember it featuring a pee cloth🤭), but we didn’t really dig into the WHAT, the WHO, and the WHY behind the VA MTNS Outdoor Collective. That’s our bad, and we’re fixing it today. We chatted with founder Michael Clark to learn more about what it is, why it matters, and how we can help. Check it out.

5 Questions w/ VA MTNS Outdoor Collective

We’re not Gonna Sugar-Coat It: WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP!

Yeah, you caught us. We’re thirsty for you. You and those sweet, sweet arms that can wave people along. You with that incredible dexterity can get people checked in and pointed in the right direction. You with those stunning eyes that can see cyclists coming and make sure pedestrians don’t cross in front of them. You’re the whole darn package, and we want you BAD for the USAC Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships coming here July 12-19. 

As you can see, that’s a WHOLE WEEK of volunteer slots, so that’s why it’s giving “pick me” energy. There are several opportunities for volunteering to suit your abilities, and if each of our readers can just take one shift, we’d be set! 

So what do think? Can we get you to commit?

Volunteer for  the USAC Races

Pick Your Own Dessert

This week, it really is Pete’s “pick!” Raspberries, blackberries, and the the traditional bloobs (blueberries)–it’s that time of year where a little fresh fruit makes everything better.

From jams and jellies to cobblers and pies or just a handful or berries, fruit seems to taste even better when you have picked them yourself.

So why not head out soon and harvest some of your own berries and whip up ones of your signature recipes. There are plenty of options when it comes to pick-your-own locations all around Roanoke as well.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your berry harvest:

  • Get out early (and wear sunscreen) to grab berries in the morning.
  • Take a bag or bucket with a handle to make picking easier.
  • Only pick berries that are ripe and plump. Berries that are too small or not quite ready can have a bitter taste.
  • Take them home, wash, and enjoy!
  • And if you are planning to freeze or can, try to do so within 24 hours for the best flavor.
Looking for events? Click here to see everything we have coming at ya in the next few weeks!

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