Not ready to conquer McAfee Knob? No problem! On this month’s episode, Em Poertner, Ryan Shazor, and Alex North tell you how to get started hiking, even if you’ve never been out on the trails before. Once the basics are covered, the group shares great (easy) starter trails in Roanoke County.

From Explore Park to greenways and the Appalachian Trail, Em Poertner, Alex North and Kaelyn Spickler share stories from their exploration around Roanoke County. Join the fun as Em officially takes over as host for season two and helps you plan your next out of the office adventure.

Join Marketing Manager, Caitlin Gills, and Community Engagement Librarian, Allyson Frick, and Em Portner, Roanoke County's Public Information Office Specialist to learn about all about the RoCo Words on Wheels Bookmobile, upcoming events, and highlights on the Summer Reading Program. Find out more on the library's website, rocolibrary.org.…

Join Marketing Manager, Caitlin Gills, and Senior Branch Librarian, Bayleigh Vidovich, to learn about all of the fun opportunities at your library this Summer. Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program to earn your limited edition badges! Find out more on the library's https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/1970/Library/.…

Looking for ideas for your summer bucket list? Look no further than this episode of Out of the Office. Our Parks, Recreation, and Tourism staff have you, your friends, and your family covered for all kinds of fun!

“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either ren…

The countdown to Summer Reading Program is officially on, and we are so excited! This episode has some hints on this year's program and all the fun happening between now and the start of summer!

“For us to get to Grey’s Point campground, we had to pass through Urbanna. So one day I made a left just to explore and I was like, 'Wow! It’s so beautiful!' The boats and the waterfront, dining and nice houses. It’s this vibe that you just have to experience for yourself.” – Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement Welcome to the charming port town of Urbann…

This month is National Pickleball Month, and we bring in USA Pickleball Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Nick Perez, to chat about all things pickleball including the potential for seeing the sport in the Olympics one day. Alex North joins the discussion and continues the fun with providing updates from Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.…

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're ta…

The Roanoke County Public Libraries has a lot in store in the upcoming months to create some "out of the office" fun! Listen to this month's episode and mark your calendars with this lineup of events!

“Sarah and I want folks to gain some confidence recreating in the outdoors, especially in our Virginia State Parks, and gain some knowledge on how to recreate safely. That's our big two takeaways. Making sure folks can leave our programs feeling confident enough to do it on their own or tag along with their friends and try to share those experience…

This episode marks the second year of our podcast, exploring opportunities to get out of the office! It is most fitting to take a more in-depth look at what Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has in store during the upcoming months!

In the second episode of Out of the Office and at the Libraries, Caitlin debriefs the exciting spring fun happening across RCPL. Key events include for the Solar Eclipse and Adult-ish events, two events Kaelyn is particularly excited for!

“For almost 200 years we didn't have this native animal. It was because of volunteers and people like Jackie with Virginia DWR and their combined efforts with Breaks Park who worked together to restore the area that elk have returned. Visitors are amazed at how big and how majestic the animal is. It's like an entire rainbow of emotions - excitement…

This month's episode is jam-packed with Out of the Office inspiration! Karli Foster, Economic Development Specialist, and Kaelyn chat with Treehouse Tavern owners, Lee and Scott, and then Kaelyn learns more about new and classic Brambleton Center offerings from programmers, Anna and Emily.

“As part of the change in economy, we reforested the eastern part of the United States. We have a lot of forests now that are about 100 years old. As the trees came back, the deer came back, as the deer came back, the ticks came with them. And then the pathogens, of course, come along for the ride as well. I think about it from an ecology perspecti…

Out of the Office brings you Out of the Office and at the Libraries, an additional spinoff with Roanoke County Public Libraries Marketing Manager, Caitlin Gills. Caitlin and Kaelyn discuss everything from upcoming events and programs to the books we are reading! Join us out of the office and at the libraries!…

“There's a real excitement about Farmville, a steady progression, where we sit on this cusp of what we all think is an opportunistic moment for Farmville to shine. It's a great place to live, work, and recreate. That is our new tag for the town and I think it fits us well.” – Mayor Brian Vincent Welcome to Farmville in the heart of central Virginia…

This month we are joined by the Board of Supervisors Chairman and Vice Chairman, Mr. Phil North and Ms. Martha Hooker, to discuss the growth, fun and developments in Roanoke County. Then, Alex North and Devon Burnette with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, continue the conversation to discuss upcoming events, in particular the annual Va…

“I couldn't be more proud. My staff and I have a lot of pride in taking care of these areas and this landscape, because there are so many things to love and there is so much uniqueness. But part of management is balancing the use these areas receive and trying to figure out ways to work with the public, or work with the partners, or work with a vol…

“The best way to describe how I got into this journey is that in the past, I've hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, and I've done bike tours from Mexico to Canada, and those journeys always gave me faith and they renewed my spirit, and they breathed new life into me. Those challenges always put me in a very positive and happy p…

We are bringing you lots of out of the office inspiration thanks to our guests, Caitlin Gills and Alex North. Many memories can be made this holiday season thanks to Roanoke County Public Libraries and Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism!

“My husband and I traveled out west and saw wonderful, amazing sights. My favorite thing was coming back into Southwest Virginia, seeing our mountains and knowing that I was home. It was so beautiful. There's nothing like it being here in the coalfields and the small towns. You know, it's gorgeous out there. But being back here, it's a comfort. I j…

“One of my favorite things about Virginia summits is I love going up there and being able to stare out, getting lost in the views. Virginia has so many beautiful views - Appalachian Mountain, Shenandoah Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains - we've got them all and being able to look out at the mountains, out at the farmlands, it's just amazing.” – Erin …

It's merry and bright while out of the office this month! Roanoke County Economic Development staff talk about shopping local while also providing a recap of the year. Then, details of this year's tree lighting are discussed with Roanoke County Public Libraries and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. We also get information on upcoming events including…

October marks Fire Prevention Month and Crime Prevention Month, so we sit down with Fire and Rescue Chief Griffith and Police Officer Benton to discuss safety tips and more. Safety and fun go hand in hand, so we also get an update on Parks, Recreation and Tourism fun!

Fall in Roanoke means GO Fest and finding the best #fallfoliage location! This month we merged with If You Noke You Know's Carol Corbin to chat with the brains of GO Fest. Then, Best of Roanoke's Genya Kalinina adds to the conversation. Plus, more fun at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.…

Even with school back in session, there are plenty of opportunities for fun in the Region including the Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival and Vendor Show and the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection's Adventure Dog Program. Learn more about these opportunities and the fun happening at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to soak up e…

Are you beginning the college search or know someone who is? Looking to further your education? Want to know more about local colleges or the first day of class? We have you covered on this month's episode as we sit down with a few of the many regional leaders in higher education including Virginia Western Community College's President Robert Sande…

“The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River …

Business is booming in Vinton, and the Town's Chasity Barbour and Marshall Stanley talk past, present, and future happenings in Vinton, including Fourth of July! Creative Occasions Events, Flowers, and Gifts complements the conversation to bring the perspective of Vinton small business owner, Mark Frye. USA Cycling was in town this month, and we ch…

“I've taken a boogie board out in just the tiniest little waves breaking right on the shore and had a blast. I've taken a surfboard out in waves that were almost as tall as I was and had a blast. There’s such a variety of waves that anybody at most any skill level can have a good time in Virginia.” - Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU Get…

“Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing…

This month, Kaelyn sits down with The Roanoker's Liz Long to discuss the magazine's annual "Best of" awards as well as important topics in our community. In celebration of Business Appreciation Month and Pure Barre winning "Best of" awards, owner Kara Hartman and instructor Lauren Bingler are our second set of guests. Finally, it wouldn't be an epi…

Following Episode 44, Beginner Backpacking with Alison Wata of Exploration Solo, I received a lot of requests for additional information about trail food and meal prep. So this week I decided to share a Bonus Episode from the past about how to pack food for outdoor adventures. Virginia Outdoor Adventures has quadrupled since last summer when this B…

“I love everything about waterfalls. I love their energy. I love the sound they make in the otherwise quiet woods. I love the mist that forms at the base of the falls. If sunlight hits it just right, you can see a rainbow in the air. They're just plain pretty and photogenic. It's not a living creature, and yet it's animated. I think of it as an ani…

The athletic fields are booked up which means spring sports are here! Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's Jay Glenn discusses youth sports and local athletic events. Then, we sit down with Play It Again Sports manager to continue the conversation on the sporty fun! Roanoke County PRT's Alex North is back to let us know what to keep our …

“Teaching others how to backpack takes being confident in your own skills, knowing what you can handle, and a desire to help other people love the outdoors.” -Alison Wata, Exploration Solo The experience of a backcountry trip immerses us in nature in a way that a day hike just can’t match. Backpacking can build confidence, provide a true sense of i…

“The Appalachian Trail is thought of as a trail for thru hikers but it's just not true. Three to four million people will hike on the Appalachian Trail this year. A couple thousand of those will be thru hikers. They're less than one half of one percent. Thru hiking 2,198 miles is an amazing accomplishment and so they kind of suck up all the media a…

Spring has sprung in the Roanoke region! Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge's Kathryn Lucas and Jennifer Hayward chat with Kaelyn about festivals, sporting events, concerts, spring break getaways, and more. Then Alex North dives a little deeper on the fun for all at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism facilities.…

Roanoke County has a podcast! Welcome to Out of the Office where we aim to provide inspiration for your next out of the office adventure by exploring the events, personalities, and opportunities across Roanoke County and the greater Roanoke Valley.

“You get this intimate view of something that you don't get to see too often, and you kind of get to know the birds and what to expect from them. You get sucked in. It's like nature documentaries and I think it has the same appeal. You get that here in downtown Richmond, which is probably the last place people expect to see it.” - Meagan Thomas, Vi…

“As I stared at the cloud, I realized it wasn’t really a cloud. Those were all stars. It was very humbling for a 12-year-old to be looking up at the Milky Way. It really set me back on my feet to realize how small I was on this planet, and how little our planet was compared to all those stars up in the sky.” - Jayme Hanzak, Chapel Hill Astronomical…

“When the whales come up for a breath, they're not out at the surface very long, and you're intently searching for it. Then suddenly, there it is! I don't think it is possible to not get excited, especially the first time when you see a whale surface.” – Mike Mizell, Virginia Aquarium Imagine the largest mammals on earth just mere miles from the mo…

“One of my favorite parts about Virginia's outdoors is that a lot of places aren't that mainstream or heavily publicized, so they require some adventuring, which can make for great experiences, stories and memories.” – Grant Price, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides Ice climbing in Virginia? You may not think of the South as a destination for ice climbing,…

“Moving on taught me to climb mountains not because they are easy, but because they are worth it. When I summit a mountain, that is when I feel most alive. I imagine that’s how you might feel too.” - Jessica Chenard, Her Hike Collective Those of us who love to hike, know the benefits it brings to our lives. Hiking reduces stress and anxiety, while …

“Our mission is to get people outdoors. It's to offer individuals of all abilities, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience the outdoors with the surrounding community. We empower people's abilities through outdoor adventure.” - Shep Roeper, Beyond Boundaries Adventure is for Everyone. The Richmond-based …

“Caves are otherworldly. You have the experience of exploration where you don't know what's around the next corner. One of the prime draws to caving is that you get to explore places that nobody's ever been before.” – Dave Socky, Blue Ridge Grotto Imagine a hidden, underground world of stunning geologic wonders that few others have experienced befo…

“I've never experienced anything in my life that gets me so connected to nature and earth. You're feeling the way that the water is pushing you, you are going with it, you are looking for it, and it's such an amazing feeling of connection and presence.” -Berkley Nestler, James River Women Nicknamed “River City,” Richmond is situated on the mighty J…