By Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
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, inc
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The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.
Hi Friends, If you’re like me, you’ve been watching the news about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and wondering what you can do to help. Our communities in Southwest Virginia have been hit hard and many of the places we know and love will be impacted for years to come.
What you’re about to hear is a conversation I had with Amanda Livingston, Director of Tourism in Smyth County Virginia. Smyth is located in between Abingdon and Wytheville and is home to a portion of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, as well as our first state park, Hungry Mother. The charming small town of Marion is a trail town in the center of Smyth County, where thousands of Appalachian Trail hikers stop to rest and refuel.
Amanda shares how the storm has impacted the communities of southwest Virginia, provides us with an update on the status of our trails, parks, and public lands, and most importantly, she emphasis the power we have as an outdoor community to help by simply doing what we love… visiting and enjoying the incredible outdoor assets Appalachia provides.
And please do share this episode with your friends and neighbors and suggest they plan a visit when Southwest Virginia is ready to host visitors again. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors, right here in Virginia.
Donate Now:
United Way of SWVA
Smyth County Community Foundation
Check the status of trails, parks, and public lands:
Smyth County Tourism
Appalachian Trail
Virginia Creeper Trail
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Virginia State Parks
Piedmont Appalachian Trail Club
Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
I'm back for a fifth season of Virginia Outdoor Adventures!
In the Season 5 Trailer, get a sneak peek of new episodes, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners.
And don’t forget, you can win a $50 gift card to River Rock Outfitter by completing the listener survey. START THE SURVEY NOW.
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Website I 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:
Explore Middlesex
Episode 58. Virginia's Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life
Visit Harrisonburg
Mentioned in this Episode:
Country View Lodging
Virginia State Parks Trail Quest
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
Countdown to take off. Season 5 launches in just three days! In the Trailer episode, you’ll get a sneak peek of what’s to come in Season 5, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners.
Last chance to win a $50 gift card to River Rock Outfitter by completing the listener survey. START THE SURVEY NOW.
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Website I 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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
Get ready, Friends... The Season 5 Trailer drops one week from today! You’ll get a sneak peek of what’s to come in Season 5, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners.
And don’t forget, you can win a $50 gift card to River Rock Outfitter by completing the listener survey. START THE SURVEY NOW.
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Website I 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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either rent a boat or bring your own and get out on the water and see that park from a whole different view.” -Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks
The wandering waters of Virginia connect communities and people across landscapes and through time. From mountain streams and lakes to tidal rivers and bays, the waters of Virginia provide an endless source of exploration.
Sammy Zambon, an avid paddler and Visitor Experience Specialist for Virginia State Parks, introduces us to Wandering Waters Paddle Quest, a program that will have you exploring our state parks from a new perspective.
Tranquil lakes and lazy stretches of river await via self-guided and ranger-led adventures. From serene sunsets to exciting river rapids, grab your paddle and hit the water at a Virginia State Park. Let’s Go!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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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:
Let’s Go Adventures at Virginia State Parks
Buy Me A Coffee
Explore Middlesex
Mentioned in this Episode:
Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
Virginia State Parks Trail Quest
Episode 56. Let’s Go Adventures – Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks
Connect with Sammy: [email protected]
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
“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!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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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:
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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
"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:
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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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
“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!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
“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:
Website I 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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
“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:
Website I 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
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:
[email protected]
The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.
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