NRV Featu re
Staycation in the NRV
Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts Photos courtesy of Clay Corner Inn Recently I had the feeling that I was a million miles away from home, yet I had not even left the neighborhood. I was not daydreaming or meditating. I was tucked away in a private poolside oasis at Clay Corner Inn in downtown Blacksburg. For the first time in the bed and breakfast’s 30+ years, locals can reserve the pool area by the hour for private parties. Also provided are an on-site suite for changing and private restroom access, along with catering and bar services. So there I was, a mere two miles from home, yet finally able to relax and forget about the world’s problems for a few blissful hours with my family. We 18
NRV MAGAZINE
had the idyllic spot all to ourselves. Local businesses are getting creative, working hard to keep us safe, yet give us the feeling of a nice, normal summer, and maybe, just maybe, transport us to a place in time when things were not so complicated. Ah, the good ol’ days when we could hug our friends. With everything going on, it’s no wonder that animal shelters are reportedly running out of adoptable pets. Animals give us that simple feeling of comfort and companionship, where we don’t have to worry about wearing masks and staying six feet apart. But it’s not just dogs and cats that need our love. Winterfrost Farm in Radford offers
Jul y/August
horse adoption and leasing, as well as horseback riding on rehabilitated rescue horses through their “Ride-A-Rescue” program. In addition to trail rides and riding lessons, they host birthday parties, which could be a fun social distancing activity for those celebrating quarantine birthdays. Summer brings longer days and more daylight for outdoor activities like hiking, camping and water sports. Back Country Ski & Sport in Blacksburg is open (by appointment only when this went to print) and can outfit you with the perfect tent, kayak or canoe for your outdoor needs. If you’re not fully ready to take the plunge, they offer equipment rentals. It’s
2020
