Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

“You can climb a route to the top and get this incredible view of the gorge. There’s a feeling of grandeur and wilderness, even though you're extremely close to all the amenities in the park. That's one of the things that makes it a unique place. At one point it feels easy and accessible, and on the other hand, still really wild and out in nature and adventurous.”  -Brad Mathisen, Central Appalachia Climbers Coalition

Tucked away in a remote corner of Southwest Virginia on the Kentucky border, lies a canyon with towering sandstone cliffs like layers of a tiered cake, natural geologic formations that make this area a climber’s paradise. Kyle King and Brad Mathisen, President and Past President of the Central Appalachia Climbers Coalition, describe the effort undertaken in recent years to offer world-class outdoor recreation at Breaks Interstate Park. Kyle and Brad share the range of beginner and kid-friendly to advanced rock-climbing opportunities at Breaks, as well as their advice for first-time climbers. The collaborative partnership between climbers and Breaks Park is playing a role in revitalizing towns and stimulating economic growth, transforming Central Appalachia into a nationally recognized ecotourism destination. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWRVisit MecklenburgBreaks Interstate ParkAdvertisers:
Wild BuchananPolaris AdventuresBlue Ridge Outdoors MagazineMentioned in this Episode:
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Connect with Brad and Kyle: Facebook I Instagram I Email: Climbcentralappalachia@gmail.com
Breaks Interstate Park
Guide Book: Breaks Interstate Park Rock Climbs by Bradly Mathisen
Central Appalachia Climbers Coalition
Access Fund
Mountain Sports Limited, Bristol
Spearhead Trails
Hidden Valley
Grayson Highlands Bouldering Guidebook
Gravelachia Bike Race in Norton
Sugar Hill Cidery
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“Every time I go paddling, I am completely mesmerized. To be on the beach or in the marsh and not hear or see a single sign of human life, it's just this wow factor that I can't get over.” - Laura Scharle, Virginia Water Trails

Where can you experience blue crabs foraging in saltwater marshes, turtles basking in quiet creeks, long-legged wading birds stalking in tall grasses, an historic lighthouse on an isolated island, dolphins leaping between the waves, or watermen bringing in the catch of the day? All of this can be found on Virginia Water Trails. Laura Scharle, a certified ecotour guide, describes the paddling opportunities in Virginia’s coastal region. Laura recommends her favorite trails for both beginners and advanced paddlers, as well as how to plan your next getaway complete with lodging, shopping, dining and local festivals. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWRVisit MecklenburgBreaks Interstate ParkMentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Laura Scharle: Website I Instagram I Blog
Delmarva Trails and Waterways: Facebook I Instagram
Virginia Water Trails: Website I Instagram I Facebook 
Urbanna Oyster Festival
Chincoteague Seafood Festival
Explore Our Seaside, Virginia Eastern Shore
Minokin Foundation
Stratford Hall
George Washinton Birthplace
Montross Brewery & Air B&B
Rogue Oyster Farm
Matthews County Tourism
New Point Comfort Lighthouse
Virginia DWR Boat Launches
Laura’s Astral life jacket
Jessica’s Stohlquist life vest
Mockhorn Island kayak camping 
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“We want our kids to get outside and revel in nature. To get kids to put down the devices, we need to offer them something truly amazing. In Virginia, we can.” -Erin Gifford, Go Hike Virginia

Are you dreaming of the perfect hike that will make everyone in your family happy? Erin Gifford is the founder of GoHikeVirginia.com, a site where hikers can find detailed information about trails across the commonwealth. Erin has been writing about travel and the outdoors for more than a decade. Her latest book, Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families, provides all the info you need to plan a winning day hike. Whether you’re hiking with kids or just looking for an interesting, but less challenging, hike for adults, Erin’s book is the resource you need to keep everyone happy in the great outdoors. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWRVisit MecklenburgBreaks Interstate ParkAdvertisers:
Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
Freckled Farm Soap Company - Use Promo Code "VAOA" for 10% off
Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
Buy the Book: Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families
Connect with Erin Gifford: Go Hike Virginia I Instagram I Facebook
The Channels Hike
Bald Cypress Trail Hike
Compton Peak Hike in SNP
Limber Lost Trail Hike in SNP
Shenandoah National Park
First Landing State Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Breaks Interstate Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Wilderness Road State Park
Roanoke Star
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
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“When the pandemic happened, I did what I have always wanted to do… I got my dog, Sancho, and then I set my Instagram page to ‘public.’ I love traveling and sharing my travel experiences, and I love the feeling that I get when I'm outside exploring. I want people to experience what it is like to travel to beautiful places in Virginia.”  -Sunshine Solimen, @withsunshinesol
 
Sunshine Solimen is one of the most popular online influencers in the Virginia outdoor community. Her gorgeous photos and videos of her explorations around Virginia with her Goldendoodle, Sancho, have inspired thousands of people to hit the trails close to home. Sunshine shares how she creates viral content, how to prepare for dog-friendly adventures, and details about her favorite hikes in Virginia. Let’s Go!
 
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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesVisit MecklenburgBreaks Interstate ParkAdvertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg
Freckled Farm Soap Company - Use Promo Code "VAOA" for 10% off
 
 Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
 
Connect with Sunshine:
Instagram I TikTok I Blog I Facebook
Sunshine’s Gear
The Ten Essentials of Hiking
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
All Trails
Sky Meadows State Park
Sancho’s Dog Hiking Gear
Sancho on Instagram
Sharp Top
Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway
Cole Mountain
Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
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“The James River is where American history began...Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail are all such quintessential Virginia journeys. They were built to give hard-working, everyday people a place to go and get in touch with the grandeur of nature.” -Senator Tim Kaine

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Colorado Fourteeners Challenge or New York’s Adirondack 46er Challenge. Could Virginia have a similar outdoor quest? US Senator Tim Kaine believes we should. An avid outdoorsman, Senator Kaine spent three years hiking, cycling, and paddling over 1,200 miles on a journey he calls the “Virginia Nature Triathlon.” His adventure included hiking the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjacent Skyline Drive, and paddling the James River, from the mountains to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Senator Kaine shares the motivation behind his journey, what he learned about Virginia and about himself along the way, and why he believes Virginians are blessed with an abundance of public lands and natural beauty. Let’s go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesVisit MecklenburgBreaks Interstate ParkAdvertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg
Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
Mentioned in this Episode: *Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
Article, “Why Tim Kaine Created the Virginia Nature Triathlon”
Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park
Cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive
Appalachian Trail
James River Association
Virginia White Water by Roger Corbett
Guides to James, New, Shenandoah Rivers by Bruce Ingram
DWR boat launches
Fall Line Trail 
Virginia Creeper Trail
Virginia Capital Trail
Twin Rivers Outfitters
Great Dismal Swamp kayaking and camping
Guthook (FarOut Guides) App for hikers
Jet Boil Camp Stove
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“The trail can get you from one hidden gem to another, highlighting the best of what the city has to offer, and that is what I think is so special about it. We are creating a world class asset that is a source of local pride. We are embracing what makes us unique here in Norfolk.” -Kindra McDonald Greene, Elizabeth River Trail Foundation

Scenic views, historic sites, museums, restaurants, breweries, and cafes are just a few of the many attractions to explore on Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail. Kindra McDonald Greene, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Trail, shares the highlights of the 10.5-mile multi-use trail located on Norfolk’s iconic waterfront. Following the Elizabeth River, this trail connects 28 neighborhoods and provides trail users with access to downtown’s most popular destinations, including the Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus, Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and the 19th century Fort Norfolk. Whether you’re looking for a long-distance ride or a leisurely stroll while watching the ships sail in, the Elizabeth River Trail has something for everyone. Kindra shares future plans for the Elizabeth River Trail to become the first glow-in-the-dark illuminated path on the East Coast. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesVisit Mecklenburg*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Kindra and ERT:
Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter
Kindra McDonald Greene
Support the Elizabeth River Trail
ERT Interactive Trail Map
Upcoming Events Calendar and Elizabeth River Run 10K
Virginia Service and Conservation Corps
Nauticus Museum and the Battleship USS Wisconsin
American Rover Sailing Cruises
Hermitage Museum
Pedego Electric Bike Rentals
Virginia Cheese Company
Cure Coffee House
Benchtop Brewing
Smartmouth Brewing
Chelsea Bake House
Harbor Park, Norfolk Tides Baseball Team
Norfolk Tour Company
Celebrate Trails Day – National Rails to Trails Conservancy Day
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JessicaBowser )