By Brock Nye
Football has kicked off. The leaves are starting to change colors. The hot summer temperatures are starting to cool. Fall is on its way, which can be exciting for those who enjoy it, but if you are like me and holding on to summer, there is still time to get in those last-minute summer fun activities. Below are the top five summer adventures that should be on your bucket list.
With the last few balmy days of the year, the James River Footbridge is a must-see. Located in Amherst County, approximately 30 minutes outside Buena Vista. The footbridge brings many opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and cliff jumping. It also is a great place to go hiking as it connects with the Appalachian Trail. I asked Skyler Nelson what he likes about the footbridge, to which he responded, “The footbridge you can get a big group together and cool off, and when you do a rope swing it adds to the fun. It’s not too far away and is just always a good time.” I agree with Skyler. I have been to the footbridge many times, and never once have I regretted it. There is no rush like that of cliff jumping or creating a makeshift rope swing off the bridge! If you have a few hours and the weather is still nice, get to the footbridge and enjoy a fun time in the water!
Are you looking for a quick but adventurous time at the river? If so, Panther Falls is the answer. Located just past the Blue Ridge Parkway, it makes it a quick trip for SVU students. Panther Falls is a five-minute walk to the falls, where you can cliff jump or hang out in the sun. There is also an underwater tunnel that you can go through located on the right side of the waterfall. Panther Falls is beautiful and worth going to, especially at this time of year!
Sunrise hikes are always a memorable experience, but if you want to make it even more special, watch the sunrise at Mcafee’s knob. Mcafee’s knob hike is located an hour away from us in Roanoke County. This is an eight-mile hike round trip. Of those eight miles, about two and a half are more strenuous with obstacles like roots and rocks. The other miles are walking on a fire road that runs through the area. This hike is not for the faint of heart. There is no camping at the top, so the only way to catch a sunrise is by getting up in the very early hours of the morning.
If you ask Jordy Gibbons, who is a native of Buena Vista, what his favorite thing to do in the summer is, He will likely tell you that it’s going for a drive down some back roads. A great place for drives is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is located ten minutes from here, and the views are stunning! You can stop and take in the breathtaking views at several different lookout points. Grab your friends, roll the windows down, and enjoy these last little bits of nice weather we still have!
Looking for a way to unwind after a long school day? Go decompress by catching a drive-in movie at Hull’s drive-in. Hull’s Drive-in is located in Lexington and is the nation’s first public-owned nonprofit drive-in. Currently, they are showing The Harry Potter movies, specifically the Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince. The gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Jaws will be coming to the outdoor theater on September 29th and 30th. Hull’s sells concessions at the theater, but you can also bring your own if you would like. I have been to Hull’s drive-in twice now. Every time I have gone, I have had a great experience. The movie quality and sound are impeccable, and every time I left, I wanted to come back again. On a night when you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, get a date and head to Hull’s.
Do not let summer be over yet! There is still too much to go and see and do. Get a group of friends together or even go alone and get outside. Experience one of the five adventures listed above!
End of Summer Activities: A Final To-Do List Before the Leaves Fall was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
