News Flash

Pickleball Fun Across the County

It's game time, Roanoke County! No, I'm not talking about football; we are talking pickleball! 

Recently, some staff roamed over to Garst Mill Park for a friendly pickleball tournament. We were fortunate enough to have USA Pickleball Ambassador,...

Homegrown Goodies at Catawba Valley Farmer's Market

Hello from the Catawba Valley Farmer's Market! 

If there's one thing I dread doing, it is going to the grocery store, so last week I avoided the shopping cart collisions and hustle and bustle within the aisles by picking up a few things at t...

Roaming RoCo with General Services Team

The alarm clock rang very early on the day of my visit to our General Services Department. I am not a morning person, so I have to offer major props to them for beginning their route by 7am every day!

I, first, got to hop in the truck and practic...

Kaelyn Goes Back In Time at Explore Park

I'm back from my roaring adventure through Explore Park's T-Rex Trail! 

Alex and I passed through the time portal with Dino Don that led us down four different time periods. We saw a Dilophosaurus from the Jurassic time period, ...

On Par at Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course

Ever wanted to experience something that is recognized across the globe? We have the perfect opportunity for you that doesn’t involve a passport or plane ticket! Explore Park’s Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course is ranked #40 in the world by UDisc, up 40 sp...

On Top of the World at Camp Roanoke

I truly was on top of the world during a recent adventure to Camp Roanoke, and I think my heart is still racing from all the fun!

Camp Roanoke is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it is beautiful!! Little did I know what was in store for me as I...

Insider Tips on TreeTop Quest (take 2)!

Hi, Roanoke County!

We are truly swinging into spring now that Explore Park’s TreeTop Quest 2023 season has begun, which meant I had to check it out for “take 2” of “Kaelyn conquers her fear of heights” on ...

Vinton Fire Station Tour and Ride Along

Wee-oo-wee-oo! Time is of the essence when at the fire station!

On today's Roam RoCo, I got to visit Vinton Fire Station, Roanoke County Station #2, where I heard the calls roll in, in addition to getting the exclusive tour! 

Upon my arrival, it di...

First Steps to Self Defense

Happy Friday, Roanoke County!

I feel like a whole new person after meeting up with Deputy Young and Captain Beheler from Roanoke County Sheriff's Office! It's no secret that safety has become an increasing concern for many, so when I found out about the va...

Love Is in the Air in Roanoke County

Read on...

Kaelyn Explores the Brambleton Center

Hey there, Roanoke County!

Feeling inspired from my visit to Green Ridge Recreation Center, I decided to check out the Brambleton Center to continue on my journey towards a healthier, more balanced me in 2023. It is learned that I am epically failing on th...

Achieving Fitness Goals at Green Ridge Rec. Center

Happy 2023, RoCo! 

It's day three of the new year, the first day back to work for some from the long weekend, which means it's go-time on achieving those New Year's resolutions. Some of the most popular resoluti...

Top Places to Shop in Roanoke County for the Outdoor Adventurer and Fitness Guru!

• If you're shopping for someone who thrives in a gym-like setting, consider gifting various membership or personal training packages at Green Ridge Recreation Center. They have a little bit of everything in their 76,000 square-feet-facility.&n...

Top 3 Places to Shop in Roanoke County for the Foodie!

• Check out RND Coffee in Vinton for multiple reasons. The first reason is to pick up some holiday donuts for your foodie friend or bags of coffee for your coffee lover. They also have monthly subscriptions which is such a fun gift! A second reason, is to g...

Top 3 Places to Shop in Roanoke County for a Pamper Queen!

• A personal favorite place of mine for some pampering is Polished salon in the Forum Shopping Center! They have a table in the front of the store full of pampering goodies as well as handmade exfoliant in an array of scents upon request. You can never go w...

Top 3 Places to Shop in Roanoke County for the Person Who Has Everything!

• PacaBerry Farm Shop has some of the most unique gifts you can find in Roanoke County thanks to their supply of products made with alpaca fleece. They have socks, ear warmers, hats, yarn, and even ornaments. If you order something online, be sure to use th...

Top 3 Places to Shop in Roanoke County for the Beer and Wine Lover!

• For a gift that's a bit outside the box, consider gifting at-home brewing supplies. Southern Hills Homebrew Supply has everything your gift receiver could need to brew beer or wine including kits, bottles, corks, hops, and more! They can even mill it for ...

Adventure Dog Takes Kaelyn on an Adventure

Fresh from my afternoon with Moki, a shelter dog at the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP), I don’t know who had the biggest adventure- Moki or me!

After hearing that the local shelters, including the RCACP, were at full capac...

Hello From the Top of McAfee Knob

Hey, RoCo!

I am writing to you fresh from McAfee Knob, and what. a. view. Despite living in Roanoke for the last few years, I have yet to cross the McAfee Knob hike off my bucket list. 

It's a 3.8-mile hike to the knob, the most photographed spot o...

Fire Station Tour at Cave Spring Station #3

Happy National Fire Prevention Month, RoCo!

To kickoff the national celebration, I decided to celebrate with none other than some of Roanoke County’s fire and rescue team. In doing so, I got to spend the better part of a day with the B shift team at Statio...

Conquering Treetop Quest

I am writing to you, RoCo, with sore muscles and an adrenaline rush! Why? I am just getting back from TreeTop Quest at Explore Park, and my friend Keara joined me!

Heading into it, Keara and I thought this was going to be a breeze, and I definitely would n...

First Time Camping at Explore Park

Hey RoCo!

The weather is finally starting to feel like fall! I even noticed a few leaves changing on my drive home from work the other day which confirmed those fall feelings. For many, fall means the last chance to pitch a tent, roast s’mores, or get the ...