Smith Mountain Lake’s Pirate Days Set Sail

By: Olivia Carter | Photos courtesy: Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce & P.J. Nagel

Pirates and landlubbers alike rejoice as the 11th annual Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is back again, from July 19 to July 21.

What started as a handful of buccaneers has grown into a grand spectacle, drawing thousands from near and far, doubling in size with each year.

Led by P.J. Nagel, commodore and chief organizer, Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a gathering of the local community and a chance for businesses to come together in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

Pirate Days was started as an effort to bring lake area businesses together to “pick up the slack” after Fourth of July, Nagel said.

“Business kind of took a tank and the theme of Pirate Days was introduced for local businesses to basically create a new holiday and it’s since morphed into a community event,” he said.

In its first year a handful of attendees, including Nagel and his crew, took to the waters and were met with curious stares from onlookers who were unsure of what was going on, Nagel said.

For the first event, there were just ten people dressed as pirates, he said, and six were with him.

“We actually decorated a boat and sailed around to different ports on the lake and people were looking at us like we were strange and had no idea what was going on,” he said. “It wasn’t marketed, it was something sent out through the Chamber of Commerce to the businesses and basically, they said, ‘Hey, this weekend is going to be pirates weekend.’”

With each passing year, Pirate Days grew and what began as a small gathering soon escalated into a full-fledged event, complete with pirate balls, sea battles, and celebrations.

But as the event grew, so too did the need for a larger space—Bridgewater Plaza, the event’s original home, eventually became too small to contain the pirates and those on land looking on.

Every year, Pirate Days looked for larger harbors, finally finding room at Crazy Horse Marina.

“We realized that, if we increase again, we’re not going to be able to stay here, right? So we started looking for a new venue and we ended up moving the entire event to Crazy Horse Marina because of the size of the property. And with moving there we subsequently saw just as much of an increase in attendance as the previous year and each year it just keeps stepping up,” Nagel said.

However, with the sale of Crazy Horse Marina, Pirate Days found itself once again without a venue.

The new venue must be waterfront and the overall space must be able to fit 100 vendors as well as a few thousand vehicles.

The events over the weekend include a Pirates Ball at Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Marina, where staff dress as pirates and professional pirates pay a visit. There are bands playing throughout the weekend as well as mermaids swimming around, Nagel said. Pirate crews from multiple states come for the event and bring their cannons and vendors are set up on land.

Shadow Players Stage Combat Group, theatrically trained swordsmen from Raleigh, will be in attendance and there will also be sea shanty groups that play music and sing. 

Not including volunteers, there are just five paid staff members who put the weekend on.

Last year, the event brought in 10,000 over the weekend.

A large portion of Pirate Days is the water battles that take place over the weekend and many spectators watch from land.

Nagel said the water fights mysteriously evolved during the third or fourth year.

“It’s something that just happened, and it took off like wildfire. It’s nothing that we coordinate. It’s nothing that we regulate other than putting out a public service announcement,” he said.

He said pirates on the lake will load their boats with kids and super soakers and drive around the lake “attacking” other boats with water battles and it happens throughout the entire weekend.

“We do advertise a time that they should be there and the reason why we were doing that in the past is because the Virginia Dare [cruise boat] would sail to whatever venue we were at, and they sell a pirate cruise and they outfit all their customers with water guns and they would sail to a location. So in an effort to coordinate the arrival of all these public boats, we’d set a time,” he said.

Due to the popularity and size of the event, many of the area rental homes get sold out ahead of time.

“If you talk to any real estate agent that rents houses, or a real estate company that rents houses on the lake, you’d be hard pressed to find one that will tell you that the third weekend of July isn’t the most requested week of the year,” he said. “These people are spending a fair amount of money not just for the house, but they’re going to all the retail stores and all the restaurants. So the economic impact for the businesses is widespread.”

Pirate Days also employs volunteer groups from non-profits such as the Bedford Humane Society, the American Legion, and local churches. Volunteers contribute to various tasks and in return, organizations receive monetary donations. 

Nagel’s dream is to one day expand Pirate Days into a larger event like Gasparilla in Florida, which draws 700,000 people to a one-day event.

But the biggest thing Nagel takes away from the weekend is interacting with the kids that come out.

“Pirate Days is and always will be family-friendly and every year there’s always a couple of kids that stand out.”

He looks at a photo of a kid who came dressed as Captain Hook the second year the event was held who challenged Nagel to a sword fight. The kid, now a teenager, still attends and finds Nagel each year.

“We have updated pictures of the sword fight every year with the same kid,” he said. “So it’s always…it’s about the kids.”  

RVing, Camping with Kids, Creating Content, and Making the Most of Every Moment

By: Megan Williams  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

In a warm summer afternoon, a scene plays out that any mother will recognize: Trying to get lunch on the table while keeping a child occupied and happy. But there are some nuances to this particular scene that are worth noting. The mom, dad, and child aren’t in a house—they’re outside with an RV in the background. And they aren’t at home, they’re in a campground. And, the most unusual, Yogi Bear and Cindy Bear—two mascots from Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge—are wandering up to the campsite to help the mom create content for her hundreds of thousands of social media followers.

Erin Graves, the woman behind the brand Campin’ Erin, has been camping on the weekends with her family for the last five years. Along the way, she shares her camping tips, hacks, and product reviews with her over 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.

“Every time we would camp, I’d look at TikTok videos to learn more about the campsite or get camping recipe ideas,” she remembered. “People on TikTok want entertainment or to learn something. So I started posting videos of products we bought for our RV, and the account just grew from there.”

Graves launched her TikTok account in 2022 and has since amassed over 1.5 million likes on her content. An Instagram account followed shortly after and is steadily growing.

“Anywhere we are, I’m making some sort of video, whether it’s food or a product,” she said. “I’m also an ambassador for Blackstone and am often creating food content using their camping griddle.”

Graves and her husband, Charles, were both tent campers when they met. But after they had their son, Walker, they switched to an RV—a Keystone Bullet 290BHS. Their 34-foot travel trailer is decked out with amenities, creature comforts, and clever tools that make their camping trips as efficient as possible. And after countless camping weekends and thousands of miles on their RV, Graves has learned a thing or two about streamlining equipment and experiences so she and her family get the most out of their adventures. 

“We definitely made some immediate changes when we got our camper and others have happened over time,” she explained. “RV mattresses from the factory are awful. We have upgraded our mattress twice, so one went on our son’s bunk bed, because those mattresses are pretty awful too. We added a new curtain rod in the bathroom to give more space so you don’t have the dreaded shower curtain cling while you’re showering. We added towel storage in the bathroom as well to make it easier and save valuable storage space in the cabinets. Most of the changes we made were small—cup holders, lamp shades, baskets for storage.”

Graves also made a curtain for the shelf above their bed to hide anything they need to store, as their Keystone model is the only year in which the brand didn’t add cabinet doors for that area. They also added shelving to their bedroom closets for more efficient storage space, as well as upgraded screen door handles for ease of use and a homier touch.

“A little bit of extra decor inside makes it feel homey, but I don’t do too much because we are just weekenders,” Graves said. “We don’t want to unpack too much just to have to pack it up again in a few days. We keep most of our things in the camper, so when it’s time to camp, we just pack food and clothes and that’s about it. We’ve really got it down these days.”

The interior of the RV is cozy yet minimal, with small accents like custom throw pillows or a travel journal open and awaiting that day’s camping memories. It serves as a comfortable landing pad after the Graves family has spent the day outside and a safe refuge should rain or storms unexpectedly strike.

When finding the right RV for their family, the Graveses prioritized a standard queen size bed for the primary bedroom, standard fulls for the bunk beds, primary bedroom that was separate from the rest of the space, two doors, and an outdoor kitchen.

“We have had eight people sleep in here, which is the most we’ve had. It was…cozy,” she laughed.

They also found the added laundry chute, which drops the day’s dirty clothes into a storage bin below, to be a welcomed bonus. And while they hardly use the TV, there is a DVD player with six or seven DVDs stored up for rainy days. The couch in front of the TV pulls out into an extra bed, and the Graves family will cozy up for a rainy movie night with popcorn.

“We don’t cook inside a ton,” Graves said. “Camper ovens are hard to get right. The microwave actually gets used more than anything else inside. We use our Blackstone griddle for most of our cooking. I have always professed my love for Blackstone on my videos and they ended up contacting me and asking if I wanted to be an ambassador for their brand—immediate ‘yes!’”

Graves said they typically prepare burgers, fajitas, and lots of breakfast foods when they camp, with their son Walker emphatically adding “bacon!” to the list.

While camping serves as a content source for Graves, it’s not the reason why they go.

“There’s a lot of sitting and relaxing,” Graves said. “We usually stay at state parks, which are more secluded. If there’s water we will fish. If there are trails, we will hike. But for the most part, we stay around the campsite. If we have a fire going at camp, that’s the activity—we sit around the fire. After Walker goes to bed, Charles and I will play board games or Rummy.”

The Graveses prefer state parks because of the amenities they typically have to offer, especially opportunities for Walker to meet and play with other kids his age. State parks tend to be more quiet and offer more relaxing camping experiences—perfect for a young family. Graves says their family loves to be surrounded by trees and have more space between themselves and the next camper versus other campgrounds where everyone is more crammed together.

“We love Virginia State Parks,” she said. “We love so many and there are many we still haven’t been to, but we particularly like James River State Park, Douthat State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Our favorite ‘local’ park is Smith Mountain Lake State Park.”

While the Graveses aren’t full-time travelers, it’s clear their priority is making the most of their free time. And while they’re creating experiences that their son will remember for years to come, Graves will be there to document it along the way.  

Follow along on their adventures on Instagram and TikTok at @campinerin.

Torbee’s Refreshing Approach to Children’s Television Programming

By: Emily Mook  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

When Tori Buckley Garris sat down to watch a children’s show with her then two-year-old son in 2020, she had no idea that inspiration would strike—and that this inspiration would lead her to not only create her own children’s show, but also lead her on a journey back to herself. At that time, Garris had a corporate job and was working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for much of her life up to that point, she had passionately pursued and made a name for herself through acting. She had thought that her acting days were behind her, but she suddenly found herself pulled back into that sphere with a new sense of purpose and direction.

“My son and I were watching a children’s show together,” Garris recalls. “It was kind of educational—more entertaining—and looking at it through my professional acting lens, it occurred to me that I could do something like this and it could be much less annoying! That was where the idea started.”

Garris’s acting journey began when she was very young.

“I’ve been acting as long as I can remember,” she says. “When I was in first grade, my music teacher said to my parents, ‘You have got to get that girl into acting. She has no stage fright, and it is so hard to come across someone with no stage fright!’”

Garris’s first public performance as a child was in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at a theater in Chicago, her hometown. She booked her first professional gig when she was 15 and consistently acted professionally from age 19 on.

After taking acting intensives in both Chicago and New York City over the subsequent years, Garris began to weigh the pros and cons of moving to either New York City or Los Angeles to pursue acting even more rigorously. Amidst her pondering, however, a different and more pressing thread of thought emerged.

“The more I thought about it [moving], the more I realized that I kept saying I was pursuing my acting career because that’s what the Lord had called me to do—because it’s what I was supposed to do—but I kept getting offered roles that went against my morals,” she remarks. “They were roles that I would not have been proud to play. If I kept saying I was doing this for the Lord, then why on Earth did I keep getting offered these roles? It was like God said to my spirit, ‘Because you say you’re doing this for me, but you’re actually doing this for you.’ So I literally stopped and said, ‘I don’t know how to do this any other way, so I’m just going to go and do something else.’”

Garris and her husband, Zac, ultimately moved to Central Virginia to be closer to family and friends and had a son, and Garris embarked on a corporate career.

Fast forward, then, to that fateful day when Garris saw a new path emerge in front of her—a path that would allow her to both rediscover her passion for acting and tap into her passion for being a mother. 

“I found that I still had that itch to be an actress,” she notes. “It’s what lights my soul on fire!”

That spark of inspiration ignited quickly into a plan, and thus was Torbee born. It didn’t take Garris long to form a vision and mobilize a team to bring that vision to life. In addition to her acting chops, Garris had some light editing experience and friends with a variety of creative talents who were willing to help.

Central to Torbee’s creation and continued success are two of Garris’s friends in particular: husband and wife Zach and Bryanna Boyd, who serve as the show’s director of photography and executive producer, respectively. Garris shot episodes of Torbee on her iPhone starting in 2021 before taking a break after the birth of her daughter, and when she began working with the Boyds at the beginning of 2023, a whole new world of possibilities emerged.

Garris remarks that the Boyds “immediately understood my vision, bought into the vision, and helped me refine what we were looking to build.”

The Torbee team also includes a graphic designer, songwriter, marketing specialist, and several musicians, colorists, and editors. The team frequently films episodes at Atelier Studio & Gathering Space and outdoors at HumanKind.

Garris’s vision for Torbee is centered around helping families “slow things down in a fast-paced world” and place “wonder at the center of everything.” She cites Mr. Rogers as a “huge source of inspiration because he was known for talking about how children need wonder.”

“In today’s society, we’re so obsessed with information, and we continually put wonder to the side—especially for kids,” she adds.

Garris hopes that Torbee can facilitate wonder by serving as a bridge between screen time and either play time or thoughtful discussion. As such, Torbee covers myriad topics that encourage off-screen engagement, and the videos are conveniently color-coded to indicate which topics are being covered: purple for imagination and creativity; blue for math concepts like numbers, counting, and shapes; green for nature and exploring; yellow for language and story time; and red for emotions and safety.

As a busy mom herself, Garris prioritizes sharing simple activities that use common household materials and showing the process from start to finish.

“I’ll often go to Instagram for inspiration and ideas for simple crafts to do with my kids, but usually life gets so busy that I’ll like and save all these videos and reels and will then never go back to them,” she says. “With Torbee, we want to show the whole process: an idea that we are actively putting into practice. We also just want to create so much content that parents can choose an activity that they already have the materials for.”

In addition to an upcoming series focused on puppet-making and puppetry, major projects with two partner organizations are in the works.

The Torbee team will be working with CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Central Virginia on an episode entitled “Things To Know By Heart,” which will focus on helping parents and caregivers equip their children with knowledge they need to know in case of an emergency—namely first and last names of parents/caregivers, phone number, and address—and on helping children understand what makes an adult a “safe grownup.” A free downloadable and printable PDF resource will accompany the episode.

“CASA is a voice for the most vulnerable children,” states Garris. “We are not experts
on trauma, so we want to be able to lean on and promote and recommend organizations like CASA.”

The Torbee team will also be working with Freedom 4/24, an organization that aims to end exploitation of children and human trafficking, to produce episodes centering around personal safety and boundaries for six- to eight-year-olds.

“We want to empower kids to be able to say things like ‘My body is my own,’ ‘I don’t want you to hug or touch me,’ and ‘No is a complete sentence,’” she says. “We’re not ready to produce those episodes yet, but we’re going to be working with Freedom 4/24 and a couple of licensed therapists to create content that is age-appropriate and is focused on being empowering. That’s a really important mission for us.”

When it comes to contemplating Torbee’s future, Garris exhibits the same sense of wonder—of letting things unfold with an open mind, curiosity, and optimism—that typifies Torbee’s content. Beyond hoping to branch out into other languages and to do a traveling live show, she is open to a multitude of possibilities.

“We don’t have one specific vision of where the show could go, but we would love to continue to be a bigger and better resource for parents, caregivers, and kids,” she remarks. “We would just love for Torbee to be a beloved children’s show.”

For more information about Torbee and to find out where to watch episodes, visit torbee.tv.

A mother of two runs Amherst-based Alcock Threads

By: Izzi Diaz Young  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

When the owner of Alcock Threads, Renita Kuepfer, was gifted a sewing machine by her parents for her twelfth birthday, she had no idea the impact it would have on her life. What began with creating miniature clothes for her dolls and small quilts for herself eventually grew into Alcock Threads, a custom linen clothing shop based out of Amherst, Virginia. 

Uprooting from her home in northern Michigan about eight years ago, Kuepfer settled in the town of Amherst after she and her husband got married. Now, she is a mother to two little boys; when she is not parenting, she can be found with a needle and thread, hand sewing custom creations for customers across the globe. 

Her love of sewing and creating was inspired when she was only a child, but was amplified around eight years ago, as Kuepfer realized what might be lying within the details of her beloved materials. Her medium of choice was validated once she began discovering hidden chemicals lying within household objects and many synthetic fabrics. 

“When I got married in 2016, I became very aware of all the toxins and chemicals that come with so many cleaners and fabrics, and I really wanted to cut down on that for my own home,” Kuepfer said. 

With that, an idea formed. 

“That’s when I found linen and fell in love with how sustainable and versatile it is for all your home linens, and, it is so incredibly comfy yet classy while wearing it!” she said.

After having her first son and experimenting with sewing linen, Kuepfer found her niche.

“I really had a hard time finding clothes that actually fit my preferences and body type, and so I resorted back to my initial ability to sew my own clothes,” she explained. “Then I fell in love with the art of being able to take a piece of fabric and some measurements and making something that I wanted to wear and felt beautiful in.” 

While she began crafting her vision and designing her stunning products in 2016, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that the store, Alcock Threads, was brought to life. 

“I was in the crunches of being a first-time mama and needing to stay home and quarantined. I badly needed something to do as a creative outlet,” Kuepfer noted. “So, out of desperation, I started an Instagram account to document my sewing. Within a few months, I started getting messages about sewing custom orders and I eventually started up an Etsy shop to take orders.” 

Alcock Threads shoppers can browse tank tops, dresses, aprons, and anything in between, and purchase hand-created, stunning garments by Kuepfer that are all custom, made to order, and designed specifically for the customer. Browsers will see that all the listed designs have unique names to fit their personal style, such as a linen buttoned bodice dress named Charity, or linen maxi skirt by the name of Evelyn. One might even notice the linen tee the shop offers with a familiar name of Reni, short for Renita. 

Kuepfer stated that much of her clothing and style inspiration is drawn from her love of minimalism, and how linen is often associated with “simple yet elegant designs.” 

She noted, “Often I find this inspiration from Pinterest…but I also do have four wonderful sisters that I bounce ideas off of!”

Alcock Threads features an array of apparel that is perfect for everyday attire, but can also be adorned for more formal events, succeeding in being versatile to fit all phases and stages of life. Her designs can be woven to fit all body types and styles, becoming the perfect addition to anyone’s closet. 

“I’m a hands-on person,” she explained. “So I hand-draw my patterns with a grading process, inspiration photos, and use either USA letter sizes or your specific measurements.” 

When asked what her favorite thing about being a business owner is, Kuepfer said, “I love being able to work with people I have never met, creating a design I know will put a smile on their face whenever they wear it.” 

She certainly makes her customers happy, having received an average rating of five stars for her listed items. One customer commented, “Renita has a gift, and she is excellent at it! I have bought two dresses and they are both some of my favorite pieces I own.” 

Another remarked, “Reni works really hard to make sure you are satisfied with her garments and willing to make changes until you are happy.”

Kuepfer had a goal, a plan to execute her vision, and much help along the way. Kuepfer now operates as a mother and small business owner—two full-time jobs that aren’t for the faint of heart. With much dedication, an immense passion for what she does, and the support of a happy clientele behind her, Kuepfer’s dreams have come to life. 

Her community of consumers and encouragers is growing daily and spans the country.

“I’ve met some lovely local friends through sewing orders, but the majority of my business has come from the nationwide online community,” Kuepfer stated. 

Kuepfer’s advice for folks interested in starting their own small business? “Just do it,” she said. “Find your niche and stay consistent. It’s hard work but being creative is worth it! Most importantly, have fun with it!” 

Experience history, wildlife, and conservation efforts with guided river tours

By: Jeremy Angione  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg residents have a unique opportunity this summer to learn about the unique history and wildlife flowing through the James River. 

Steeped in the history of Native Americans and early American colonists, the James River served as an instrumental source of hunting, commerce, and drinking water. For Virginia’s modern denizens, the James River is more often associated with fun and relaxation. Considering the James runs through several major Virginia cities, including Lynchburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg, the river acts as a boon for local ecology and everyday life.

For the James River Association—a nonprofit organization that advocates for the entirety of the James from Botetourt County to the Chesapeake Bay—the goal is to cultivate a lasting appreciation for the river and all that it does and represents. The Lynchburg branch of the association is James River Adventures. Just as their name suggests, the best way to help Virginians appreciate the river is by showing them the adventures to be had on and around it.

“Once you have something that you love, it’s something that you want to protect. That’s truly our organization’s goal—to protect the James, now and into the future,” James River Association’s Upper James Regional Manager Robert Campbell said.

Campbell has become JRA’s self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades” since he began his work there in 2013. One of Campbell’s major duties is tour guide of James River Adventures’ seasonal Paddle Downtown Experience, which runs from June to September.

More than just aimless paddling in the river, the JRA tours have different themes depending on the date that should appeal to a wide variety of novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The tour themes include local history, birding, fishing, and “threats to the river.”

Depending on the experience level or size of the groups, paddlers can float on the tour using a canoe, a kayak, or even one of JRA’s historically fashioned batteaux.

“We’re very much geared at people who don’t have experience. In general, we like to have folks who have zero experience. We want to cultivate a love for the James in everybody,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s passion for protecting the James started with the love that his father helped cultivate. Growing up in northern Amherst County, Campbell routinely went on the river to fish with his dad. But, according to Campbell, seeing the James River Batteau Festival hooked him on river life. Campbell believes he can replicate that experience with paddlers who learn to love the river.

“The ones who are the most rewarding are the students and people who have grown up right next to the river, but never had any experience with the water,” he said.

Although to many paddlers the river tours are just a unique day of fun on the water, to Campbell and JRA, the hope is that their values of advocacy, education, and restoration are imparted to paddlers.

Though much of the advocacy work is done at the Richmond branch, Campbell says that the JRA is “constantly working with lawmakers to get good legislation for the James River.”

“Anything related to water; we’re there to advocate not only for the James, but for the community surrounding the James,” he said.

Campbell and the JRA provide a unique, hands-on education for paddlers with their near-encyclopedic knowledge of the river and its history.

Last year, Campbell said that the James River Association was able to get about 18,000 students out on the river for trips, with about 3,500 students coming through the Lynchburg branch.

“Our restoration work is one of our largest growing programs. Over the last five years, we have put in close to 100,000 trees on the side of the James River,” Campbell said.

After a short tour of the James River with Campbell acting as batteau captain, it is clear to see why a float on the James River is a worthwhile venture. Campbell managed to recite dozens of facts about the James all while pressing roughly against the riverbed with a poplar sapling that had been fashioned into a pole-type oar to guide the batteau around the river’s currents.

The light breeze, gentle sun rays, and local wildlife make for a remarkable trip that many Lynchburg residents unfortunately forget is just in their backyards.

The batteau, which is essentially a large canoe, was previously used to deliver thousands of pounds of goods (such as tobacco) across the James River. Charlie Coleman, husband of Sarah Coleman, another member of the JRA team, built the historically accurate watercraft for JRA.

“It took me about 6 months to build. The JRA batteau is built and patterned off an original canal-era batteau that was unearthed in the 1980s,” Coleman said.

As a Lynchburg native, Coleman cites the James River as a personal landmark in his life that hosted countless adventures for him, including his proposal to his wife Sarah, and his young daughter catching her first fish. Coleman’s love for the river underpins his support of it and JRA, just as it does with Campbell.

“I love that they bring people to the river who may not know what it has to offer. If you are open to it, you can find adventure and beauty in so many different spots on the James,” Coleman said.

According to Campbell, Batteau trips are also available with private bookings for up to six people, and guests can even bring along food and drinks.

While the guided tour season runs through September, Campbell says that JRA may extend its season into Autumn for guided tours to observe the changing of the leaves.  

Anyone interested in booking a guided tour can find details on JRA’s website jamesriveradventures.org, where you can find price information and the various dates of and themes of each tour. 

The Best Celestial Events and Viewing Spots in Our Area

There’s no better time to polish your telescope and let the kids stay up a bit later. There are a number of celestial events taking place this summer and we still have our fingers crossed for another surprise aurora occurrence.

From breathtaking meteor showers to planetary alignments, the heavens promise a spectacular show. Here’s your guide to the best stargazing locations, upcoming astronomical events, and tips on how to make the most of your sky-watching experience this summer.

Top Stargazing Locations in our Area

1.  Dark Sky Parks: Virginia State Parks has four parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)—Staunton River State Park, James River State Park, and the recently added Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows State Parks.

2.  Claytor Nature Center: Located in Bedford, the Claytor Nature Center is a 491-acre oasis that’s tucked away near the mountains. They also have the Belk Astronomical Observatory for incredible stargazing opportunities.

3.  Blue Ridge Parkway: As we learned during the aurora phenomenon in May, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers prime stargazing and nighttime visibility away from any light pollution. Just be mindful driving on the windy roads in the dark.

Upcoming Astronomical Events

July 28-29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peak – The Delta Aquarids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by comets Marsden and Kracht. The shower runs annually from July 12 to August 23 but peaks this year on the night of July 28 and morning of July 29. The second quarter moon will block many of the fainter meteors this year, but if you are patient, you should still be able to catch some in a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear anywhere in the sky.

August 11-13: Perseid Meteor Shower Peak – The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated events of the year, will peak around August 11-13. During its peak, stargazers can expect to see up to 60 meteors per hour. The best viewing time is after midnight, and it’s advisable to find a dark spot away from city lights.

September 8: Saturn at Opposition – On September 8, Saturn will be at opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun in the sky. This is the best time to view and photograph the ringed planet as it will be its brightest and most visible. A telescope will enhance this experience, revealing Saturn’s rings and some of its moons.

August 19: Full Moon – The full moon in August, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will illuminate the night sky. While the brightness of the full moon can hinder the visibility of other celestial objects, it provides a perfect opportunity for moon-gazing and lunar photography.

DIY Guide for Stargazing

Building a Simple Telescope: For those new to stargazing, constructing a simple telescope can enhance the experience. You’ll need two lenses: a convex lens (with a focal length of about 1000mm) and an eyepiece lens (with a focal length of about 25mm). Mount these lenses in a cardboard tube, ensuring they are aligned correctly. This basic telescope can magnify celestial objects and make features of the moon and planets more discernible.

Using Star Identification Apps: Modern technology offers several apps to assist in identifying stars and constellations:

• Star Walk 2: This app uses augmented reality to show the stars and constellations in real-time. Simply point your phone at the sky and explore.

• SkySafari: With detailed information on planets, stars, and celestial events, SkySafari is perfect for both beginners and experienced stargazers.

• Night Sky: This app not only identifies stars but also provides notifications for upcoming celestial events.  

Tips for Optimal Viewing

• Dark Adaptation: Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20-30 minutes before stargazing.

• Weather Check: Clear skies are essential, so check the weather forecast and choose a night with minimal cloud cover.

• Comfort: Bring a blanket or reclining chair, and dress warmly as summer nights can get cool.

• Safety: Always let someone know where you are going and take a buddy with you. Do not trespass on private property and do not drive while tired.

Summertime is picnic time! Get three simple and delicious recipes to enjoy on a warm day with friends.

Written & Photographed By: Laura Miner

All of the dishes are jam-packed with flavor while still being a bit better for you than traditional picnic foods. So go ahead, indulge in these recipes at your next backyard cookout or picnic. Your taste buds will thank you!

BLT Salad (Photo Above)
Serves: 4
Imagine everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich, but with a refreshing, healthier twist! Every single element that makes a BLT so beloved is represented in this recipe, but this BLT is served in a veggie-packed salad form. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy croutons are paired together, then tossed in a creamy, rich, and herby dressing, made with a base of Greek yogurt! Every bite just gets better and better.

Dressing Ingredients:
1/2  cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup minced fresh herbs. Use any combination of parsley, dill, tarragon, and chives.
1/4 tsp salt & pepper

Salad Ingredients:
6 cups chopped lettuce
8 pieces bacon, cooked and cooled
1.5 cups croutons
1 cup diced tomatoes

Directions:
1. Prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together. Store covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve the salad.
2. Assemble the salad. Cut the bacon and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Toss with the salad dressing and serve right away.

Notes:
• If you’re making this in advance, keep the dressing, bacon, and croutons separate until just before serving to keep it crunchy!
• For a lower fat option, use turkey bacon.
• Make it a complete meal by adding your favorite protein to the salad, like grilled chicken or hard boiled eggs.

Southwest Turkey Burgers
Serves: 4 
Inspired by bold southwest flavors, this turkey burger puts a healthier twist on a cookout classic. The burger is flavored with chipotle peppers and tons of herbs and spices for just the right amount of spicy kick. It’s all mellowed out with a cooling cilantro-lime avocado spread, your favorite toppings, and served on a toasty bun.

Burger Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup minced cilantro
1/2 tsp each cumin, salt
1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder
3 tbsp canned chipotles, minced
Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, monterey jack cheese
4 burger buns

Smashed Avocado Spread:
2 avocados
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp minced cilantro
1/4 tsp salt

Chipotle Ketchup:
1/2  cup prepared ketchup, any kind
1/2  tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2  – 1 1/2 tsp chipotle powder

Directions:
1. To prepare the burger mixture, use your hands to mix together the ground turkey, cilantro, chipotles, and seasonings. Form into four patties. Place the burgers in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes to help them firm up and stay together when transferring to the grill. 
2. Make the avocado mash. Cut open and remove the pits from the avocados.
Scoop out the flesh and place it in a bowl. Add lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Use a fork to roughly smash the avocado and mix it together. Mix the chipotle ketchup ingredients together.
3. Mix the ketchup with apple cider vinegar and chipotle powder, starting with less and tasting until it’s the level of spicy that you enjoy.
4. Preheat a clean, well-oiled grill to 400°F. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 13-16 minutes total, carefully flipping halfway through. When the middle of the burger reaches 165°F, remove the burgers and set them aside.
5. Assemble and serve. Toast the buns. Spoon a few tablespoons of the avocado spread onto the bun, then layer the burger along with any other toppings you enjoy. Serve right away. 

Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Orzo & Feta Salad
Serves: 4-6 (About 8 Skewers)
This recipe is a celebration of all things Mediterranean, and it’s absolutely perfect on a hot summer day! Tender pieces of marinated chicken and thinly sliced summer squash, zucchini, and onions are grilled to perfection and served up on skewers. Plate it alongside a crowd-pleasing orzo salad tossed with crunchy vegetables and delicious feta cheese.

Best of all, the marinade pulls double duty—half will be used to marinate the chicken and half will be used as a vibrant dressing for the orzo salad!

Chicken Skewers Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken breasts
2 medium zucchini
2 medium summer squash, medium size
1/2 red onion

Marinade/Dressing Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp each of dried thyme, dill, and onion powder
1/4 tsp salt & pepper

Orzo Salad Ingredients:
3 cups cooked & cooled orzo
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2  cup diced tomato
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:
1. Make the marinade by whisking all the ingredients together.
2. Next, marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken in 1 inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and pour half of the marinade on top, setting the other half of the marinade aside to use as a dressing later. Turn the chicken until all the pieces are coated.
Cover the bowl and set it aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the orzo salad. Toss the orzo with the diced bell peppers, tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, and the reserved marinade/dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.
4. Prepare the skewers. Cut the onion into ½ inch pieces. Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini and summer squash lengthwise to make long ribbons. Thread a piece of chicken, folded zucchini, squash, and onion onto the skewer. Repeat this process until the skewers are filled. 
5. Preheat a well-oiled grill to 400°F. Cook the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, per USDA.
6. Serve the skewers right away with the orzo salad.

Notes:
• Smaller zucchini and squash tend to work better in this recipe. Avoid large zucchini and squash since they are seedy.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them to keep them from burning.
• Don’t pack the skewers too tightly. Leave a little bit of space between each element to ensure even cooking.  

The Importance of Kids Spending Time Outside

By: Shannon Kelly  |  Photos Courtesy: Jill Waugh

Nature is healing,” said Catherine Eubank, founder of ONE Forest School near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County. 

Her sentiment echoes myriad studies on the healthful impacts of spending time outdoors—and studies that examine what can happen when there is a lack of connection to the natural world.

“Nature deficit disorder” is a term coined by Richard Louv in 2005, in his book, Last Child in
the Woods. In an interview with Jill Suttie for Greater Good Magazine, Louv said the term
“is not a medical diagnosis, but a useful term—a metaphor—to describe what many of us believe are the human costs of alienation from nature: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses, a rising rate of myopia, child and adult obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and other maladies.”

Louv further said urban planning and loss of green spaces contribute to diminished engagement with nature.

Some places in and around the Lynchburg area aim to remedy that.

ONE Forest School

Located near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, ONE Forest School is an accredited forest school and is also accredited by the American Camp Association for the summer camp program it offers. Launched in 2017, the school operates on a 10-acre campus on Deerhead Nature Preserve.

Open to children from preschool through eighth grade, ONE Forest School’s curriculum and setting aims to address what Eubank said is a root cause of school and workplace violence, substance use issues, and suicide rates, particularly among young people: a lack of knowledge on how to healthfully manage strong emotions, and how to communicate them appropriately. 

Part of addressing this issue starts with acknowledging its connection to nature deprivation.

“If you’re in the middle of the forest, and you are not surrounded by anything but sticks and twigs, and beautiful images, and the birds tweeting, it’s a natural sedative. It’s been scientifically proven, the endorphin levels rise in your brain, and all the things that you need to quiet your mind are already right there,” she said.

Eubank has seen the transformative difference nature immersion makes on children as they learn to acclimate to more time outside—building sure-footedness and tuning in to nature rather than manufactured noise and artificial stimuli.

Playing with sticks, making mud cakes, working the garden, putting on skits, making crafts, sharing in talk circles, and spending time in the sand box are all part of the holistic experience. Students learn to identify the flora and fauna by touch, sight, and smell. 

“The kids that have been in public school, and were made to sit down, and made to be quiet have a really hard time also adjusting to our way of things, where we don’t sit down, and we’re moving around, and we’re investigating, and looking, and touching, and feeling, and speaking, and communicating. We have to use that time as an unschooling process,” Eubank said.

More details about ONE Forest School can be found at oneforestschool.org.

Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center

In the City of Lynchburg, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah is a 47-acre nature oasis that, according to its mission statement, “serves emerging social needs through the process of engaging children, families and community in meaningful outdoor experiences.” In 2021,
the camp expanded on that mission by placing 42 of its acres under a conservation easement and rebranding to a new name: Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center.

Featuring a large field, creeks, and some pools, the property is predominantly wooded. Pollinator and sensory gardens are tended there, along with native plants. Students and campers who participate in certain programs have the opportunity to help in the vegetable garden, harvest their own food, and cook with it, learning about nutrition and how to make healthy meals that benefit physical and mental wellbeing. 

Being outside tends to make one want to learn, said Amy Bonnette, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah’s executive director. 

“Not 100 percent, but the majority of the behavior issues or challenges you might see in a traditional classroom setting just disappear, and a lot of children who might struggle in a traditional academic atmosphere can really thrive and succeed, and are willing to ask questions, and willing to share, and are able to use their hands to explore and to learn,” said Gage McAngus, program director at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center. “It’s been really phenomenal, because in discussions we’ve had with teachers, they’ve seen a completely different side of their children.”

Further initiatives underway at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center include building renovations, handicap accessibility improvements, addition of a kitchen and event space, and the organization is working toward the goal of breaking ground for a new amphitheater. The nonprofit camp also has scholarships available for a limited number of eligible kids.

“I want people to find their place in the woods,” Bonnette said. The experiences at the nature center help develop confidence and self-esteem in the children who participate, building community, exploring new interests and activities, cultivating listening and communication skills, and developing compassion for other living things as they interact with the natural world and with each other. Leadership and mentoring opportunities are also available for teens through the camp’s programming.

“There seems to be a real kind of gentleness when it comes to nature that you might not get from the anxiety that can come from being in front of a screen, playing a video game, or watching a show that’s going to end after 20 minutes with an ad in the middle.

They really are able to take time to breathe, and to calm down, and to appreciate just the beauty of what’s around them every day,” McAngus said. 

There are a few public access points around the property to walking trails, athletic fields, and pollinator gardens the community can enjoy. The KinderWoods area is also open to the public every day from 9 a.m. ’til dusk when summer camp is not in session.

More information and a calendar of events is available online at campkumbayah.org.