Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
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- Society & Culture
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From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is the ultimate guide to local outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go!
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58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life - Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Camping & Paddling with Rivah Sistah
“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 Urbanna, in the heart of Virginia’s river realm.
Step aboard as we navigate Urbanna’s river lifestyle with Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement.
From fishing and boating, to paddling and crabbing, Patricia shares her journey from her first experience waterfront camping to getting hooked on this small town’s big adventures.
Together, we’ll share why Urbanna is a must-visit for seafood lovers and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re seeking the solace of a sunset paddle or hoping to reel in a big catch, get ready to shuck your stress and hit the open water.
This is your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
The Chesapeake Inn
Mentioned in this Episode:
Explore Middlesex App
Visit Middlesex County
Boating Safety and Education
The Chesapeake Inn
Grey’s Point Campground
Bethpage Camp-resort
Urbanna Town Marina
Kayak Rental Kiosk
WC Sportfishing Charter
All Dining Options
Wake Beach
Waterman’s Park
Heritage Trail
Holly Point Nature Park (Deltaville Maritime Museum)
Dragon Run
Urbanna Oyster Festival
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57. Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside with Senator Tim Kaine
"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 talking about the joy that you're taking in from the surroundings and that is so powerful. That is something about Virginia and Virginians - the unifying nature of our natural beauty and how it brings people together.” – Senator Tim Kaine
Discover the “faraway nearby” of Virginia’s wild landscapes in an intimate conversation with Senator Tim Kaine, who shares his introspective journey traversing 1,200 miles of our commonwealth by foot, bike, and canoe.
His story is an invigorating blend of history, nature, and community, as well as personal challenges that have enriched his life and helped him stay grounded as a public servant.
Senator Kaine’s humorous recollections, including his trail name 'Dog Bowl' and his affectionately named canoe 'Old Raggedy,' add a lighthearted layer to his profound reflections on a life outside.
We discuss how his new book, "Walk Ride Paddle," is a love letter to Virginia and a call for all of us to connect with nature. Let’s Go!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Campbell County
James River Association
FarOut Virginia Nature Triathlon
Mentioned in this Episode:
Buy the Book, find resources, and view the book tour schedule at WalkRidePaddle.com
Episode 27 Hiking, Cycling, and Paddling the Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine (March 2022)
Episode 47 Journey Along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia’s Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association (June 2023)
Virginia DWR boat access sites
James River Association camping and paddling resources
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56. Let’s Go Adventures - Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks
“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 experiences and make some memories.” – Diego Riffle, Virginia State Parks
Have you ever longed to conquer the great outdoors but felt a need to brush up on outdoor skills?
Unlock the secrets of Virginia's natural playground with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, outdoor educators with Virginia State Parks.
We'll reveal how the 'Let's Go Adventures' program is making outdoor activities accessible, while also helping experienced adventurers improve their skills.
Diego and Sarah will guide you through hands-on programs like kayaking, fly fishing, orienteering, archery, hiking, and camping designed to instill confidence and ensure your time outside is as safe as it is unforgettable.
We take an inspirational look at the lasting impact of Let’s Go Adventures: a future where the skills learned lead to a lifetime of independent exploration, lasting memories with family and friends, and a deep connection with nature. Let’s Go!
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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Campbell County
Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
Mentioned in this Episode:
Virginia State Parks Let’s Go Adventures
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55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia with Jackie Rosenberger, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park
“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, joy, I've even had people cry.” – Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park
The mountains of Virginia’s Appalachian Plateau echo with a sound not heard in over a century - the bugle of bull elk.
In this episode, Jackie Rosenberger, Elk Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Avery Rose, Elk Tour Manager for Breaks Interstate Park, trace the hoofprints of these majestic creatures from their local extinction to the present-day flourishing population that attracts visitors from around the country and beyond.
The story of elk restoration is a narrative of resilience and ecological triumph that's etched into the very landscape of the region.
Join us for a journey that's not only about the past and present of these magnificent animals, but also about the future they're shaping for Southwest Virginia. Let’s Go!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
Contribute to My Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Pulaski County
Visit Giles
Visit Wild Buchanan
Breaks Interstate Park
Mentioned in this Episode:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Elk Viewing
Virginia DWR Instagram I Facebook
DWR Elk Cam
Breaks Interstate Park 276-865-4413
Breaks Park Instagram I Facebook
Breaks Park Elk Bus Tour Reservations
Southern Gap Elk Fest Oct 24 - 26
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54. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Protecting Yourself in the Outdoors with Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University
“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 perspective, that what we did not bring back was also those top predators. So we end up with this ecology of weedy species, like deer, that do replication really well, and raccoons and rodents and all these things that also make excellent tick food.” – Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University Tick Research Team
How afraid should you be of ticks and tick-borne diseases?
The distribution of ticks in Virginia is expanding and tick-borne diseases are on the rise. But what is the probability of contracting a tick-borne disease? How serious are these diseases to our health and what can we do to protect ourselves outdoors?
Dr. Holly Gaff, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University, answers your questions about the complexities of these parasites and their implications on human health.
Dr. Gaff tackles myths and truths about tick behavior, the expansion of ticks, and the importance of environmental balance. Discover practical advice on how to keep these bloodsuckers at bay while respecting their place in our ecosystem. Let’s Go!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
Contribute to My Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Giles
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Dr. Holly Gaff
ODU Tick Team
Facebook
Instagram
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53. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Farmville with Mayor Brian Vincent
“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. Our guest, Mayor Brian Vincent, takes us on a journey through Farmville, where college town vibe meets small town charm.
From our dynamic conversation, one can't help but feel the town's heartbeat through its myriad of outdoor adventures and main street allure.
Together, we’ll roam through Farmville’s extensive outdoor rec offerings, including the “Farmville Five,” a list of must-visit state parks near town, uncovering the hidden treasures that make each park a true gem.
And speaking of gems, weaving through the core of Farmville is High Bridge Trail State Park, a 31-mile-long rails-to-trails park with the crown jewel being the majestic High Bridge, Virginia's longest recreational bridge. Soaring 125 feet above the Appomattox River, High Bridge Trail is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike.
Get ready to add another stamp on your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Contribute to my Podfest Wishlist!
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Mayor Brian Vincent
Appomattox River Company: Instagram I Facebook
High Bridge Trail State Park
Map of High Bridge Trail
Twin Lakes State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
Canoeing and Kayaking
Boating and Fishing
Hiking and Cycling
Camping
Horseback Riding
Bright Eyes Alpaca Retreat
State Forests
Support the Show.
Customer Reviews
Has given me so many places to visit and experiences to consider in my state!
I’ve learned so much from this podcast, and have enjoyed going to places I’d never visited before that I heard about on the podcast. I also enjoy hearing from guests who have a variety of life experiences tied together with the common thread of the great place where we live! Thanks to Jessica for all of the hard work she puts into the podcast. It’s well worth listening and supporting!
One stop shop for all your outdoor needs!
If you’re an outdoor adventurer in Virginia, or traveling to Virginia, this podcast is for you! Virginia Outdoor Adventures takes a bird’s eye view at all Virginia’s Great Outdoors has to offer. Jessica has done all the leg work to narrow in on some of the best kept secrets across the Commonwealth, and leaves no stone unturned. From the best hikes to best lodging and dining recommendations, she’s got you covered to create your best Virginia adventure!
One of my favorite episodes was the Stargazing podcast! I had no idea Virginia was home to a number of parks where this activity is possible.
Definitely give this podcast a listen, and you will be jumping in/on your mode of transportation to start your next adventure!
Chock-full of inspirational info!
I’m thankful for show notes because every episode leaves me wanting to take notes while I’m driving! Jessica and her guests share such great tips, ideas, adventure spots, and outdoor info for our beautiful state. My family and I are huge outdoor-lovers and Virginia State Parks fans, and I learn something new in every episode!