UP-COMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO DO IN OUR GENERAL AREA

There are many fun and interesting things to do near Serenity's Edge in the Roanoke, Bedford and the Smith Mountain Lake areas.  Keep us in mind for your  weekend stays or Just the Two of You Wedding Packages offered here when visiting!

July Events

Jul 1 - Aug 31 - Booker T. Washington National Monument presents History

Tour the park on your own or join one of the ranger-guided walking tours and/or orientations offered daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (weather and staffing dependent) New tours will be added throughout the summer for return visitors. Groups of 10 or more require a reservation. Call ahead for tour information or to reserve a guided tour at 540/721-2094. Go to www.nps.gov/bowa for more special park programs offered this summer! - Booker T. Washington National Monument, Route 122 South, Hardy

Jul 1 - Aug 31 - Booker T. Washington National Monument presents Nature Trail Walks

The Jack-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail is a mile and a quarter hike through woods, meadows, and along babbling streams that flow into Gills Creek. Experience the solitude of nature yourself or join a ranger-led trail walk to learn about the plants, animals and cultural history of the park. Call ahead for ranger trail walk schedules. (Walks will be weather and staffing dependent) Groups of 4 or more can call the park to reserve a ranger-led trail walk at 540/721-2094. - Booker T. Washington National Monument, Route 122 South, Hardy - 540-721-2094 - www.nps.gov/bowa

Jul 1 - Oct 30 - Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Community Market - 9:00am to 1:00pm

- Moneta Farm and Home Center, 11739 Moneta Road, Moneta - 540-297-5789 - www.monetasmlmarket.com

Jul 1 - Aug 30 - Old City Cemetery presents Saturdays in the Cemetery - 10:00am

Free weekly walking tours that highlight history and horticulture on the grounds. Special Civil War tour on June 12. - Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, Fourth & Taylor Streets, Lynchburg - 434-847-1465 - www.gravegarden.org

Jul 1 - Jul 31 - Peaks of Otter at Johnson Farm - 9:00am to 5:00pm

Hike the trail to the farm to discuss with Park Rangers and volunteers mountain living and to discover how a Blue Ridge Mountain family lived, worked, and played. Join in some of the games and activities! Living history demonstrations available on weekends. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 1 - Jul 31 - Peaks of Otter Programs at the Nature Center - 9:00am to 5:00pm

Stop by our newest facility to talk with National Park Service Rangers or volunteers about the natural history of the Peaks of Otter area. Parkway staff will be available to answer questions and to present programs and demonstrations from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Meet at the foot of Sharp Top Mountain. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 7 - Oct 6 - Smith Mountain Lake State Park presents Wildlife Wednesday Cruises

We've teamed up with Virginia Dare Cruises to offer this fun-filled and informative lunch cruise. Join us the first Wednesday of each month. Call 540-297-7100 for reservations and further information. - www.vadarecruises.com

Jul 9 - Dec 10 - 2nd Friday in Centertown Bedford

Experience the unique shops, restaurants and art venues in Bedford's Centertown. This free event is held on the 2nd Friday evening of each month. All art venues will be offering art related events 5:00pm to 8:00pm. - Centertown Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com

Jul 23 - Jul 25 - Peaks of Otter Lodge presents Demonstrations of Appalachian Culture

National Park Service Rangers and/or volunteers present demonstrations of the cultural history of the Southern Appalachians. Come by to visit and to talk. Demonstrations may include Appalachian dolls, knitting, or woodworking. Contact the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center for specific times and locations of the demonstrations. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 24 - Jul 25 - A “Peachy” Open House at Peaks of Otter Winery - Noon to 5:00pm

Sample peaches, nectarines and apples that we make into wine. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our pavilion. Purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy it while walking out through the orchards and vineyard. Families will enjoy our farm animals. - Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford - Free - 540-586-3707 - www.peaksofotterwinery.com

Jul 24 - Booker T. Washington National Monument presents Jack Tale Players - 1:00pm

- Booker T. Washington National Monument, Route 122 South, Hardy - 540-721-2094 - www.nps.gov/bowa

Jul 24 - Michael Waltrip's Comedy Garage

For the first time since 1985, two-time Daytona 500 winner and Nascar's youngest multi-team owner Michael Waltrip will focus most of his energy outside his racecar. Michael is joined by funnymen Tim Wilson and Jon Reep for a night of high speed comedy!! Tickets are $34.50! - Roanoke Civic Center, Williamson Road, Roanoke - 877-482-8496 - www.roanokeciviccenter.com

Jul 24 - Peaks of Otter Lodge presents Kids Fishing at Abbott Lake Dam - 9:00am to 11:00am

Kids ages 3 to 14 are invited to participate in the weekly Kids Fishing program at the Abbott Lake dam. We provide bait and tackle, or you may bring your own pole for luck. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 24 - Peaks of Otter presents America's Favorite Scenic Highway - 8:00pm

Experience the historical development of the Blue Ridge Parkway from its inception to its present day status. Join National Park Rangers as they present a three-part series focusing on the significant events related to our nation’s first and longest scenic highway. Program I -The Early Years 1906-1936 presented by Ranger at Amphitheater. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 24 - Smith Mountain Lake State Park presents Music in the Park - 8:00pm to 10:00pm

Bring the family and folding chairs to the Beach Pavilion to enjoy a special evening of music. - Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - 540-297-6066 - www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

Jul 28 - Booker T. Washington National Monument presents The Pathway to Success - 10:00am to 11:30am

Complete engaging activities while learning about Booker T. Washington’s journey from slavery to leadership. These programs give children ages 6 to 12 opportunities to interact with Park Rangers in exciting ways. Pre-registration is required. Limit 20 children per program. - Booker T. Washington National Monument, Route 122 South, Hardy - 540-721-2094 - www.nps.gov/bowa

Jul 28 - Smith Mountain Lake State Park presents Little Rangers - 10:30am to 11:30am

Head to the Discovery Center to introduce your 4-6 year old to the wonders found in their very own back yard. Our Little Rangers will discover and explore nature through hands-on activities and crafts. Come early to pre-register. - Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - Free - 540-297-5998 - www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

Jul 29 - TNA Wrestling

- Salem Civic Center, Salem - 540-375-3004 - www.salemciviccenter.com

Jul 30 - Aug 1 - Peaks of Otter Lodge presents Demonstrations of Appalachian Culture

National Park Service Rangers and/or volunteers present demonstrations of the cultural history of the Southern Appalachians. Come by to visit and to talk. Demonstrations may include Appalachian dolls, knitting, or woodworking. Contact the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center for specific times and locations of the demonstrations. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

Jul 31 - Aug 1 - A “Peachy” Open House at Peaks of Otter Winery - Noon to 5:00pm

Sample peaches, nectarines and apples that we make into wine. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our pavilion. Purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy it while walking out through the orchards and vineyard. Families will enjoy our farm animals. - Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford - Free - 540-586-3707 - www.peaksofotterwinery.com

Jul 31 - Booker T. Washington National Monument presents The Pathway to Success - 10:00am to 11:30am

Complete engaging activities while learning about Booker T. Washington’s journey from slavery to leadership. These programs give children ages 6 to 12 opportunities to interact with Park Rangers in exciting ways. Pre-registration is required. Limit 20 children per program. - Booker T. Washington National Monument, Route 122 South, Hardy - 540-721-2094 - www.nps.gov/bowa

Jul 31 - Peaks of Otter presents Birding Basics - 8:00pm

Join National Park Ranger Tonya Meyer as she talks about the basics of bird watching and how to be a better birder. night Hike: Following each Saturday evening program, join a National Park Service Ranger for an evening of nighttime exploration. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. - Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford - 540-586-4496

         Bedford County Health Department