blue ridge outdoors may 2013

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Favorite post-adventure hangout?

w i l l h a r l a nHome. No place like it.

p e t e r b a r rDollys Dairy Bar at the edge of the Pisgah Ranger District. I can enjoy ice cream and beer

on a summer day at the end of a long hike or a tube on the river.

c h r i s g a l l a w a yPisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, N.C. Close to trails, outdoor seating at picnic

tables or in a field by a creek, Pisgah Pale Ale. Its all good.

g r a h a m a v e r i l lThe Hub in Brevard, N.C. Its a bar in a bike shop on the edge of Pisgah. $2 PBR

and the BBQ place next door delivers. Nirvana.

c h r i s g r a g t m a n sMamacitas Burritos in Asheville, N.C. Perfect post-workout protein.

s a l r u i b a lWhite Grass Cafe at White Grass Touring Center, Davis, W.Va. Great bean soup!

j e d d f e r r i sBlue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Va. Great brews and great views.

g re g m e l v i l l eChuck E. Cheese. When Im dead tired after an adven-ture, I can sit in a corner there

and drink beers for two or three hours while completely ignor-ing my kids. And in their eyes, Im a hero for taking them.

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21 TEACHERS PETInstead of classroom pet hamsters or gerbils, trout are teaching a new generation of young conservationists.

23 2013 FESTIVAL GUIDEOur fifty favorite festivals include the best bluegrass bashes, adventure games, river ragers, underground jams, cultural carnivals, downtown parties, and mountain throwdowns.

41 SOUTHERN BREW GUIDEWhats on tap in the bar and in the woods? Here are the hottest outdoor bars to drink a cold one this summer, along with the best

summer brews and top beer-fueled adventures.

63 WALK THE LINEHike through history along the Mason-Dixon Trail, which roughly follows the dividing line between the Civil War North and South.

65 CHASING WATERFALLSA rookie rappeller takes her first plunge off the waterfalls of the Green River Gorge.

69 FAMILY FEUDThe Hatfield and McCoy families fought for over a century. Now, theyre settling the score at a fun, feud-themed running contest.

features

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departments7 SWITCHBACKKeystone XL Pipeline: need it or nix it?

8 HEADLINESNew freeride park in Virginia / Rogue trails closed in Carolina / 90 bear poachers arrested / Firemen fight obesity

10 TRAILHEADHiker treks the entire 1,700 mile proposed Keystone pipeline / New public trails on private lands / D.C. desk jockey turns dirtbag climber

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Keystone pipeline: need it or nix it?Compiled by Devan Boyle

YES: JUST BUILD THE DAMN THINGMany of the arguments against building the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which would carry 830,000 barrels of crude oil from Canadas tar sands to refineries in the Midwest and Gulf Coast, center around the fact that extracting and refining this type of oil is more energy intensive than conventional oil production. Unfortunately, those arguments are built upon the misconception that if we dont build the pipeline, our demand will magically decrease or that the tar sands will lie dormant and not be developed.

The U.S. currently consumes 20% of the worlds oil despite representing only 5% of the worlds population, and our demand isnt decreasing anytime soon. Not building the pipeline simply means we will continue to rely on importing more oil from the Middle East, Venezuela, and Nigeria, instead of from our friendly neighbor to the north.

Of course, if we dont build the pipeline, we could still easily contract with TransCanada for the development of the tar sands, but instead rely on a series of railways and tanker trucks, with the resulting higher costs and increased carbon emissions, to deliver the crude to our refineries. And if we assume that were not interested in tapping into the third largest pocket of oil on earth, do we really think that China and other developing nations are not going to jump on the chance to take advantage of this resource?

A recent report from the State Department confirmed that the decision to build the pipeline does nothing to impact climate change, since the tar sands will likely be developed anyway. Not building simply means were either importing a higher percentage of our oil from unstable countries, or paying higher costs to import the same crude in a less efficient manner.

This all doesnt even touch on the 16,000 American jobs that will be created manufacturing and building the pipeline, or the increased property tax revenue that local governments and school districts will see

once the pipeline is in operation. When you consider all of this, its no wonder that 66% of Americans support the pipeline. Its time for us to go with the flow.

Dustin Paulson studied journalism and worked in the State Legislature in Florida. He now lives and works in North Carolina.

NO: WANT WATER? DONT BUILD THE PIPELINEJust a few weeks ago, the Pegasus pipeline, an oil pipeline owned and operated by ExxonMobil, sprung a leak, spilling at least a half-million gallons of crude oil into a neighborhood in Mayflower, Arkansas. Video shot by a fleeing resident showed the oil

flowing like a black gooey stream through suburban yards and into the streets. Nearly two dozen homes were evacuated and

residents were left with no clear idea of when theyd be allowed back into their

houses. Oil soon spread to a large lake nearby.

The Keystone XL pipeline would be three times larger

than the Pegasus pipeline and carry almost ten times more oil.

The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would connect the tar sand fields of Alberta, Canada to Steele City, Nebraska and would allow Canadian and domestic oil to flow all the way to Texas oil refineries.

Along the way, the pipeline

would run through many ecologically

sensitive areas as well as the Ogallala

Aquifer, one of the largest fresh water

reservoirs in the world and the source of drinking water for

millions of people and thousands of farms.

If the Keystone XL pipeline is built, its a matter of when, not if, it will spring its own leaks. Sections of the pipeline that were built a year ago have already spilled 12 times, despite projections by pipeline operators that they would only see one leak per seven years. A large spill in the Keystone XL pipeline like the one that happened in Arkansas could have devastating effects on our economy, rob millions of people of clean drinking water, and permanently knock out a large chunk of U.S. agriculture output.

There are a lot of other great reasons not to built the Keystone XL pipeline (it would deepen our dependence on fossil fuels, worsen global warming, and create more incentive for the further mining of destructive oil sands), but for me, the chances of it poisoning one of our nations greatest natural resources is the deal breaker. We cant allow the short-sighted profit motives of a handful of oil companies to override our responsibility to properly manage our water resources.

Shea Gunther writes about environmental issues for Mother Nature Network.

Join the debate at blueridgeoutdoors.com

what do you think?

r e A d e r f o r u M

WADE MICKLEY


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Watered-doWn Whiskey CanCelledLoretto, Ky. Makers Mark angered bourbon drinkers everywhere when the Kentucky-based distillery announced it would be watering down its iconic whiskey in an effort to boost supply. Altering a recipe that has been on shelves since 1959, the distillery planned to make bourbon with seven percent less alcohol, knocking it back to 84 proof instead of 90. Makers Mark chairman emeritus Bill Samuels Jr., whose dad created the companys original recipe, said drinkers will not notice a difference in the taste of the whiskey. A few weeks after the announcement, though, whiskey drinkers were so outraged that the company decided to reverse course and the keep the recipe intact.

PunChing Pounds in West VirginiaSpurLocKviLLe, W.va.While West Virginia continues to battle an obesity epidemic, an inspiring story has come out of the small town of Spurlockville. Last year, members of the Mud River Volunteer Fire Department banded together to lose weight, and with a disciplined exercise regimen, the group lost a collective 555 pounds. Their efforts were noticed by the Oprah Winfrey Network, which featured the Pound Punchers earlier this year on the show Our America. Despite the success, the hard work is not over. The group is looking to lose a total of 1,000 pounds. rogue trails Closed (For noW) poLLocKSviLLe, N.c.In February, the U.S. Forest Service closed a five-mile network of trails in North Carolinas

tug oF War gone WrongSouth eL MoNte, caLiforNiaIts all fun and games until someone loses a finger. Thats the way things unfortunately went for two students battling it out in a game of Tug of War, during South El Monte High Schools spirit week activities. According to a local news story, 40 students were pulling with all their might when the rope snapped and severed multiple fingers from the hands of a male and female student. Seniors Edith Rodriguez and Pablo Ocegueda were both taken to County USC Medical Center, where doctors attempted to reattach the digits.

Worlds oldest Marathoner retireshoNg KoNg, chiNa In 2011, Fauja Singh became the oldest person to run a marathon after finishing a 26.2-mile race at the age of 100 in Toronto. In late February, Singh ran what hes calling his last race, when he finished the Hong Kong Marathons 10K option in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. The Sikh runner, whos known as the Turbaned Torpedo, finished the race just before his 102nd birthday. Although hes done competing, he has no plans to permanently hang up his shoes, saying that he still plans to run regularly. Singh has finished eight marathons, but remarkably the first one didnt happen until he was 89.

Bike tax in transPortation BilloLyMpia, WaShiNgtoN A $10 billion transportation package proposed by Democrats in Washington State would raise taxes on gas, car sales, and, in a surprise move, bike sales. The package called for a $25 fee on bikes that cost $500 or more. The bike tax would raise $1 million over 10 years and was called in the Seattle Times a nod to motorists who complain that bicyclists dont pay their fair share.

Jedd Ferris

BEYOND THE BLUE RIDGE

Croatan National Forest that they never sanctioned for building in the first place. The trails that splinter off the established Island Creek Trail were built under the radar by a group of mountain bikers. Besides the rogue construction, the problem is that the Forest Service believes the singletrack routes could cause harm to the archaeological remains of an African-American cemetery and a Tuscarora Indian settlement that dates back to the 1500s. If it turns out the trails arent damaging historically sensitive areas, mountain bikers are hoping to have them reopened. User groups circulated a petition online, claiming the original Island Creek Trail was abandoned after hurricane damage in 2000 and that their work brought the area back to life. The Forest Service said they will consider opening trails after their examination is completed. Freeride Park oPening in VirginiaBaSye, va. Virginia mountain bikers will soon be bombing down the features of a full-blown West Coast-style freeride park at Bryce Resort. Opening in June, the new park was designed by Whistler Gravity Logicthe same outfit that constructed the courses at Whistler, Aspen, and Jackson Hole. In addition to putting $375,000 into the new program, Bryce is partnering with Trek, who will supply a full line of gravity bikes. Set to open in mid-June, the course will feature a pump track and three trails with lines that will be appropriate for beginners yet satisfying to experienced downhill riders. Bear-PoaChing sting yields 90 arrestsfort Bragg, N.c. A four-year investigation into illegal hunting dubbed Operation Something Bruin led to

the recent arrest of 90 people in Georgia and North Carolina. Investigators from the operation that began in 2009 told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that poachers hunted out of season and illegally used bait like chocolate and honey to lure bears within easy range. A cooperative operation among agencies in both states and federal law enforcement, the lengthy sting nabbed suspects from north Georgia and western North Carolina for more than 140 offenses that included both misdemeanors and felonies.

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Though he makes his home in North Carolina, Ken Ilgunas has lived in Alaska, New York, Ontario, and in a van parked in a Duke University campus parking lot. For his most recent adventure, he thru-hiked the 1,700-mile route of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from the Tar Sands oil fields of Alberta to the Gulf of Mexico over 146 days. We caught up with Ilgunas just after his completed trek and just before he set off for Washington, D.C. for a rally against the pipeline.

How did you come up with this idea to hike the Keystone XL Pipeline route?It actually was a friends idea. In the fall of 2011 we were living in probably the most miserable place on earth: Deadhorse, Alaska, which is up near the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Surrounding the town was an unblemished, pristine landscape. We started talking about the Keystone itself and what that might mean for the landscape in the lower 48. He suggested that we hike the Keystone XL. When youre a dishwasher and working these miserable jobs you just begin to dream big; youre just so pointless, you want have some sort of purpose.

Once you got on trail, what was the hardest part of the trek?I would say fear, for sure. I had plenty of hiking experience, but this was just a really

unconventional, never-done-before hike. I didnt have a guidebook. I didnt have campsites to sleep at every night. I was basically trespassing across the continent and going across private property for a great portion of the trip. There was so much I didnt know and theres a lot of fear that comes into play when there are so many unknowns. I was constantly worried about getting shot by a property owner. But those fears eventually dwindled when I realized that they were largely unfounded. People are good. Coming from a suburban community in western New York where I grew up, I didnt know anything about cattle. Id seen the running of the bulls and bullfighters getting gored and stuff like that. The prospect of walking through herds everyday was terrifying. Ranchers laugh at me when I talk about this terror, but it was very real.

Did you have any run-ins with landowners?No, I think most people are okay with it. When you think of Americans and their private property, you get the impression they are going to be very protective of it and they wont have any of people walking on their land. But once we talked and they realized what I was doing, its almost like they become part of the journey.

What was the reaction on the local level about the pipeline??It varied by region. Climate change is not something that most people out in the Heartland worry about. Thats the big issue with the Keystone XL. Yeah, its a private property issue and yeah, it might contaminate ground water, but I think most

Pipe Dream Ken Ilgunas thru-hikes 1,700 miles along the path of the proposed Keystone XL pipelineBy Jack Murray

environmentalists are concerned because of the sheer amount of greenhouse gases that the Tar Sands pipeline will result in. There is certainly resistance in certain pockets of the country, but it wasnt until Nebraska that I saw more widespread resistance to the XL. What was the most memorable part of the hike?There were a lot of moments bordering on ecstasy when I was walking across this largely wild landscape. When I crossed the Alberta prairie or the hills in Montana or the canyons in South Dakota and saw ahead of me no buildings, no roads as far as the eye can see, it feels like I was seeing what Lewis and Clark might have seen. In those moments there would just be this wild joy that would swell in my chest and I was just overcome with the beauty of the land.

How did your perspective evolve over the course of the trip?The more I learned, the more I was convinced this was a terrible idea. I was constantly told this was going to bring a whole bunch of jobs, and it was going to bring energy security and national security, but its not going to do any of those things. While I rarely shared the same political opinions as the people I met, it seemed that on the things that matter most, we agreed perfectly. I received so much support from people red and blue, Republican, Democrat, for the pipeline, against the pipeline. So often I was offered food, or a floor to sleep on, or a ride. You could say I became far less cynical after this hike. To walk the way I did is to fall in love with humankind and to be proud of being North American.

Do you think you accomplished what you set out to do?I dont even really know what I set out to do except to go on a journey, and give the journey a chance to transform my character in whatever way it would. Going from one end of the country to the other, I completed my goal in that sense, and I guess Im happy with how its changed me as well.

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KEN ILGUNAS HIKES PAST REFINERIES ALONG THE 1,700-MILE PROPOSED ROUTE.

Following three nomadic years working to pay down student loans, Ken Ilgunas went to grad school at Duke University in North Carolina. Not so prestigious were his living quarters: a van in an on-campus parking lot. For the next two years, he lived a frugal life in his confined space with the aim of accumulating no more debt. Facing the challenges of living in a van, in secret, head on, Ilgunas challenged himself to make it work. He turned his experience into a book, Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom, a funny and poignant take on debt in America, education, and making the most out of life. Available May 14, 2013 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.

ON Wheels Walden

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Please Trespass Want better conservation and more recreation areas? Look to private land. By Graham Averill

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Theres a 50-mile trail system in the works for the Hickory Nut Gorge, a dramatic canyon on the edge of the Southern Appalachians 30 miles east of Asheville. The giant loop of singletrack will connect high elevation balds, rocky outcroppings with views of the Smoky and Black Mountains, swimming holes and trout streams, backcountry campsites, even a fire tower. It will be the thread that ties together the gorge, a chasm known for its dramatic rock features and world-class rock climbing. And its being built almost entirely on private property.

The Hickory Nut Gorge Trail Network (HNGT) is the brainchild of Peter Barr, trails coordinator for the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC), a non-profit that preserves land with private funding, then typically opens that land to the public, often building new trails with sweat equity donated by the Carolina Mountain Club. For the HNGT, the conservancy is looking beyond their own properties and buying public right-of-ways from private landowners throughout the gorge. The right-of-ways allow the conservancy to build a trail on private land while ensuring public access to the trail corridor forever, regardless of who owns the land.

Getting this massive project off the ground is complicated, but its doable, Barr says. It starts with a few landowners who see their land as something so meaningful, they want to share it with others.

While the 50-mile loop will take decades to complete, the first piece of singletrack is already on the ground, ascending Bearwallow Mountain. A 12-mile Upper Gorge loop that connects Bearwallow with nearby Forest Nature Preserve is currently in the works as well. The HNGT might be one of the most ambitious trail projects to be undertaken on private land in our region, but its certainly not the only instance of private conservations opening gates to hikers. As federal and state funding for public land

continues to diminish, private land conservancies are shouldering the conservation and recreation responsibility more and more. And as many conservationists have learned over the years, the best way to garner public support and funds for a conservation project is to grant public access.

If I can get someone to the top of Bearwallow Mountain, theyll see why land conservancy is important, Barr says. Giving the public access makes the land relevant.

Here are four private preserves in the Southern Appalachians that are ripe for some friendly trespassing.

LULA LAKE LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA. Just south of Chattanooga, the Lula Lake Land Trust preserves 4,400 acres of primo terrain on the edge of rocky Lookout Mountain. The core 500-acre property is packed with rocky outcroppings, a plunge pool with its own 30-foot cascade, a separate 85-foot waterfall, and six miles of doubletrack, all encased inside an impressive Cumberland Plateau escarpment. Lula Lake is only open on the first and last Saturdays of each month, but the property is worth the wait. Mountain bikers and trail runners should also check out Lula Lakes other property on Lookout Mountain, which houses a piece of the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail, a new 26-mile trail system open to fat tires that will eventually connect to Cloudland Canyon State Park, also on Lookout Mountain. lulalake.org

BEARWALLOW MOUNTAINHICKORY NUT GORGE, N.C. Bearwallow is the CMLCs flagship trail project in the Hickory Nut Gorge and serves as the public right-of-way model as the group moves forward with the ambitious 50-mile network. Hike the mile-long trail up Bearwallow, a 4,232-foot high bald that sits on the Eastern Continental Divide, and youll understand the potential of the project. Bearwallow is still a family-owned property where cattle graze seasonally. From the top, you can see the Smokies, the Blacks, and into South Carolina. Theres also a firetower that Barr is trying to restore, which will offer views into the belly of

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advocate weeksHELP SUPPORT LOCAL CONSERVATION EFFORTSPatagonia footwear will donate at least $10 to local conservation efforts for each pair of Patagonia shoes you purchase at participating retailers.

For more dates, locations and organizations, go to: onepercentfortheplanet.org/advocate

May 1-14Great Outdoor Provision Co.Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville,Raleigh, Wilmington & Winston-Salem, NC Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail

May 17-June 1Alabama OutdoorsBirmingham, Florence, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Trussville & Tuscaloosa, ALRuffner Mountain Nature Coalition

May 25-June 9Cumberland TransitNashville, TNThistle Farms

June 29-July 14Blue Ridge Mountain OutfittersBlue Ridge, GAGeorgia Forestwatch

June 29-July 14Island TradersAtlantic Beach & Beaufort, NC NC Costal Federation

June 29-July 14River Sports Outfitters Knoxville, TNFort Loudoun Lake Association

June 29-July 14Surf, Wind & FireNew Bern, NCFriends of the Mountains to Sea Trail

July 27-August 11Saxon ShoesRichmond & Fredericksburg, VAVirginia Conservation Network

GO LONG.

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Hickory Nut Gorge, taking in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy is so adamant about

getting the public on their properties that theyve created a hiking challenge, where hikers can earn gear and a patch just by treading through a series of trails on CMLC lands. carolinamountain.org

PENDERGRASS MURRAY RECREATIONAL PRESERVERED RIVER GORGE, KY. This 750-acre tract of land in the southern end of the Red River Gorge is packed with quality sandstone cliffs and climbing routes. The Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition purchased the land in 2004 and is poised to make the last payment on the property this summer. Since acquiring the land, the group has developed a system of hiking and biking trails as well as almost 500 climbing routes that range from 5.6 to 5.14. Sign a waiver and make a donation (not mandatory, but its good karma) and the cliffs are yours to scale. For easier sport and a few trad routes, head to The Crossroads crag. If you want to see the best sport climbers in the country tackle some of the hardest routes in the Red, go directly to the Bob Marley crag, an amphitheater with very tall, very steep rock. rrgcc.org

BOTTOM CREEK GORGEROANOKE RIVER, VA. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the Bottom Creek Gorge tract covers 1,650-acres of land at the headwaters of the Roanoke River. Youll find virgin forests, wildflowers galore in the spring, and the second tallest waterfall in the state, the 200-foot Bent Mountain Falls. Roughly five miles of trail traverse the gorge. Seeing the falls is a must, but also take time to explore the remote virgin hemlock forest, as well as the half-acre shale barren which supports the rare chestnut lipfern, a plant that only lives in isolated patches in southwestern Virginia and eastern West Virginia. nature.org/virginia

We want your feet to be free. TrekSta with NestFIT free. Free

from crowding. Free from pain. Free to explore, adventure,

discover. So were offering free trials at events all around the

country. And were giving away a free pair of TrekStas each

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Appalachian Outfitters Greenville, SCDiamond Brand Outdoors Arden, NCJ & H Landmark Store Lexington, KYQuest Outdoors Louisville, KYTake-A-Hike Outfitters Black Mountain, NC

Find us on Facebook for a list of events and to enter our weekly drawing for a FREE pair of TrekStas.

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CROWN V.C. 60 The successor to the cult classic Granite Gear Vapor Trail! Introducing the Crown 60, with Vapor Current Suspension technology (see below). Weighing less than the Vapor Trail at 2 lbs, 2 oz (1 lb 13 oz with frame removed), the Crown 60 is a top loader with a secure roll-top closure that provides easy access. The simple lidless design can be upgraded with our optional LineLoc lid.

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Made to Adventure

FRESH BREWED ADVENTURE.


Hypothetical scenario: Your dream career of five years ends leaving you jobless. What do you do? If youre D.C.-based Ryan S. (he asked that his last name be kept anonymous), a legislative assistant for a Congressman retiring after 32 years in office, you convert your pickup truck to a camper and hit the road for a year of climbing and backpacking across the country. Ryan calls his adventure Desk Job to Dirt Bag, and hes asking friends and strangers to help guide his year of exploration through Facebook and Twitter. We caught up with Ryan six weeks into his trip during a rest day between ice climbing ascents in Ouray, Colorado to talk about crowdsourcing for beta and sleeping in Wal-Mart parking lots.

So hows Ouray? Ryan: Tiring. Im taking a rest day after three days of an ice-climbing clinic. I was only planning on staying in Ouray for the month of January, but the ice is so good. When will I get this opportunity again? So Im staying through February, then I head to the desert.

So youre living in a truck? Ryan: More or less. I converted my old 91 Toyota

Desk Job to Dirt Bag One climber swaps the 9 to 5 for a year on the road. By Graham Averill

pickup. Its outfitted in the back pretty well. I got one of the elevated canopies for extra head room in case I want to hang out in there when its raining. I fixed a sheet of plywood on the tailgate for a cooking surface. I have a cigarette lighter converter for the laptop.

Whats sleeping in the back of a truck like? Ryan: Cold. I slept in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Boise when it was 12 degrees. Id read Wal-Marts are great places to sleep and its true. The manager was cool and in the morning, I went in and used the bathroom and brushed my teeth. It was great.

What were you doing before you were sleeping at Wal-Mart and climbing ice? Ryan: I worked as a legislative assistant for a Washington congressman. It was lots of meetings and prepping memos. But the boss retired after 32 years in Congress. Id been fantasizing about traveling, maybe Europe, but pretty quickly made up my mind: I was gonna take a climbing road trip. Then I spent eight months planning it. It was always a random thought, but I never thought Id make it happen. I figured when suddenly I had the chance, I better do it before I have a mortgage and kids.

Did you spend much time climbing in the South? Ryan: Yeah. I was part of the Potomac Appalachian Mountain Club, and ran the DC Ultra Light Backpacking group for a while. I loved Seneca

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Were hitting the road again at this summers hottest events! Come by our booth for chances

to win cool gear and getaways from our sponsors!

36th Annual Spring LEAF Festival, Black Mtn, NC May 9-12

26th Annual Appalachian Trail Days Festival, Damascus, VA May 17-19

5th Annual Dominion RiverRock Outdoor Festival, Richmond, VA May 17-19

14th Annual Mountain Sports Festival, Asheville, NC May 24-26

5th Annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, Martinsville, VA May 24-26

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Rocks and Dolly Sods. The Sods is so unique, but so accessible. I could be at the trailhead there in 3.5 hours from D.C. I underestimated the opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic when I first moved to D.C. Theres a lot of great backpacking and climbing, stuff that rivals and even exceeds what I grew up hiking and climbing in the Cascades.

Do you miss anything from your desk job life? Ryan: I do miss being connected, watching the news and reacting. Its a different kind of perspective I have now. I see folks on Facebook post about TGIF. That doesnt mean anything to me right now. I used to live for the weekends. Thats when I would go climbing or backpacking. Now, it just means the crags will be more crowded.

Is there anything about the road life thats tough to adjust to? Ryan: Its tough to try to find a balance between climbing and rest. Its hard to not overdo it. In the past, Id take weeklong climbing trips and just go hard and be sore and recover at the desk. But now, going hard week after week, I have to make sure I take rest days.

Whats your go-to road food? Ryan: Annies Mac and Cheese with one of those Tasty Bite Indian Food packets on top. Its delicious.

Where are you going this year? Ryan: Its fluid. Im asking people on Facebook and Twitter to give me ideas. Ive gotten some great information from locals that way. But there are some places that I have to climb. Joshua Tree is definitely on the list. Its such a classic winter climbing destination. I want to spend a lot of time in the High Sierras in May and June. The problem is, you could spend a lifetime exploring any one of these places, but Ive got a month or so in each. People warned me a year wouldnt be enough. They said I wouldnt want to go back.

Follow Ryans climbing adventures at desktodirtbag.com

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lifecycle, but the ecosystem as well. We use the whole thing to teach water

quality, protection of natural resources, and good stewardship of environment, says Brian Williams, one of Henry County TICs founders and program manager at the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).

As an indicator species, trout are a marker of a healthy watershed, something TIC instills in participating students with a hands-on approach. By taking ownership of the trout, they connect the dots between a healthy river system, the environment, and their community. DRBA Education Outreach Coordinator Krista Hodges sees this didactic experience firsthand each time she enters a TIC classroom.

The kids are really interested in taking care of the trout, but when they actually release them into the river they are really concerned about their trout, she said.

She tells one story of a release day when the kids spotted a great blue heron upstream from where they were putting the trout in the water. The students became very concerned about the safety of their fish, demonstrating the links between predators, prey, and the ecosystem they learned in class.

The TIC program incorporates many different lessons besides the science and watershed education, including fine arts and social studies. Students write in journals about their experiences, illustrate ideal trout habitats, use mathematics to calculate feeding charts and survival rates, and study government and the history of the Smith and Dan rivers to examine why they are suitable as a trout ecosystem. All these lessons are geared toward the Standards of Learning test guidelines, so teachers do not

hen you were in grade school, odds are you had a classroom pet at some pointmaybe a gerbil, a hamster, or even a

rabbit if you were lucky. Students took turns taking care of the pet, feeding it, changing its dirty cage and so on as a way to garner a sense of responsibility and leadership. In Henry County in southern Virginia, they do something a little different in regards to having a class pet: instead of a small mammal in a cage, they have a cold water tank with dozens of fingerling trout.

The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program was started over 20 years ago by several organizations, most notably Trout Unlimited, as a way for teachers to introduce more environmental themes into their curriculum. Classrooms are equipped with a tank, water chiller, filter, and trout eggs from a local hatchery. Throughout the year, the students witness the development of the trout from egg to fry to fingerling while monitoring their progress by collecting data, regulating feeding, and examining water quality. The final step is a field trip to a local trout river where the fingerlings are released.

Through the efforts of Martinsville orthodontist Dr. David Jones, who put up a significant sum of his own money to get the project off the ground. TIC was brought to southwest Virginia in 2005. It has since grown into one of the single largest programs in the country. This year, for the first time, the TIC program is raising all three species of Virginia trout brook, brown, and rainbow in 38 classroom tanks spread across six counties in Virginia and North Carolina. Through the program, students not only learn about a trouts

by Jack Murray

have to choose between hands-on learning and helping their students succeed in the eyes of the state. The larger impact of the program on high-risk students has been dramatic, and cannot be understated, says Williams.

Every year we have stories where teachers say they had a student who was falling through the cracks, failing grades, not coming to class or something, he said. Then they get interested in Trout in the Classroom and start coming in, feeding the trout, taking care of them, and grades change and turn around. You never know how youre going to affect that one kid or a whole school.

Williams says they have more requests for tanks from teachers and administrators than they can fill, a testament to the reputation of the TIC program. The DRBA and Trout Unlimited add to the excitement of release day by inviting political figures to witness the event; former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner are among those who have participated, and last years release was attended by NASCAR superstar Jimmy Johnson. The promise of a big event at the end of the project is a major motivator for the kids and is just another aspect of TIC that keeps them engaged in learning. By instilling a solid base on which to build a broader awareness of conservation and pride in a healthy environment and community, TIC reaches beyond just the classroom to, hopefully, become a way of life.

When we first started, some kids didnt even know the name of the Smith River that ran through their town, much less what a macro invertebrate is, Williams said. Now, just about every kid in Henry County and the surrounding counties has been exposed to water quality, macro invertebrates, trout, the habitat, all the things the river needs to stay healthy and clean, and thats our objective.

trout iN the cLaSSrooMBY THE NUMBERS

W

Trout are teaching a new generation of conservationists

$1,000 Average cost to set up a tank in a classroom. All funds are donated.

15 Tanks TIC started with in 2005 200 TIC Tanks in Virginia to date

38 TIC tanks in the Smith River program, largest in the country 7neutral pH, optimal for trout50

Optimal temperature for trout tank in

degrees Fahrenheit

Approximate number of trout released in 2011

2,500

Teachers Pet

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4 GA PASSES TO FLOYDFEST 12JULY 25TH-28THRoots and progressive world music festival taking place every July in Floyd, VA.

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t he hills are alive with the sound of music. the Blue ridge is home to hundreds of festivals. Which ones top the list? Weve selected the five best regional fests in ten categories. our fifty

favorites include the best bluegrass bashes, adventure games, river ragers, underground jams, cultural carnivals, sonic overloads, best in brew, best new fests, downtown parties, and mountain throwdowns.

by JEDD FERRIS

THE DREAMING CREEK STAGE AT FLOYDFEST

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BLUEGRASS BASHDELFESTMAY 23-26 CUMBERLAND, MD. delfest.com

BASICS: A long weekend of pickin and grinnin takes place Memorial Day weekend in the scenic Potomac River Valley, surrounded by the vast Appalachians of Western Maryland. This fest was created to honor living bluegrass legend Del McCoury, who headlines each day and gets around for sit-ins with most of the bills main acts.

BANDS: In addition to daily sets from Del and the boys, the line-up boasts a long list of high-profile progressive pickers, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Trampled by Turtles, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. A big surprise this year is two sets from Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, who will bring some funky rock exploration to the string band party.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: Bring your bike and stretch your legs on the Great Allegheny Passage, a 141-mile rail trail that runs from Cumberland through shaded valleys all the way to Pittsburgh.

FIVE MORE...AIKEN BLUEGRASS FESTIVALMAY 10-11 AIKEN, S.C.Bluegrass, bikes, and beer. They come together at this two-day bash in Aiken, which features picking from Keller Williams and the Travelin McCourys, Larry Keel, Della Mae, and the Hackensaw Boys. On Saturday, start the

annual fundraiser. rompfest.com

MOUNTAIN SONG FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 13-14 BREVARD, N.C.North Carolina native sons and Steve Martins backing band, the Steep Canyon Rangers bring a solid line-up of bluegrass heavyweights to Brevard every fall for a pickin party at the Brevard Music Centers open-air auditorium with Pisgah in the backdrop. Acts this year still to be announced. mountainsongfestival.com

DOWNTOWN PARTYBRISTOL RHYTHM AND ROOTS REUNIONSEPTEMBER 20-22 BRISTOL, TENN. / VA. bristolrhythm.com

BASICS: A big part of the steady revitalization of the quaint Southern city that boasts distinction as the Birthplace of Country Music, this annual fest features a range of artists from national headliners to regional upstarts to down home Appalachian pickers playing along the bustling main drag of State Street on 22 stagesoutdoors, inside theaters and bars, and in the popular dance tent.

BANDS: The beauty of a Bristol line-up is the fearless ability to bridge traditional artists with emerging acts in the indie folk scene. This year sets from Nashville songstress Lucinda Williams and a rare showing by the Masters of Bluegrass (Del McCoury, J.D. Crowe) will mingle with the rowdy country punk of Deer Tick and Blitzen Trapper.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: Bring your mountain bike

day with a family bike ride downtown and during the fest enjoy micro suds from fest sponsor New Belgium Brewing Company. aikenbluegrassfestival.org

DR. RALPH STANLEY'S ANNUAL MEMORIAL WEEKEND BLUEGRASS FESTIVALMAY 23-25 COEBURN, VA.One of bluegrass musics early forefathers, Stanley turned 86 this year, and hell still give you chills when he sings classics like ODeath. He also still hosts this traditional bash at his old home place, featuring some of his favorite bands like Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, the Grascals, and Larry Sparks. drralphstanley.com

GRAVES MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF MUSICMAY 30JUNE 1 SYRIA, VA.Set next to the splendor of Shenandoah National Park, this longstanding bluegrass fest features a mix of the traditional and progressive picking among the welcoming comfort of Graves Mountain Lodge. Acts include the Steep Canyon Rangers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lonesome River Band, and IIIrd Tyme Out. gravesmountain.com

ROMP: BLUEGRASS ROOTS & BRANCHES FESTIVALJUNE 27-29 OWENSBORO, KY.The past and present of bluegrass is celebrated with this three-day fest in Owensboro, home of the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Leftover Salmon, the Punch Brothers, David Grisman, and the Steeldrivers will take the stage at Yellow Creek Park for the museums biggest

OF THE

OUR 50 FAVORITE REGIONAL FESTIVALS, CATEGORIZED BY WHAT THEY DO BESTBANDS, BLUEGRASS, BEER, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, AND MUCH MORE.

THE DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS AT FLOYDFEST 2012

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Quickly becoming a smaller Southeast version of SXSW, Hopscotch brings nearly 200 bands of every genre to 15 stages in downtown Raleigh. Its the place to catch emerging independent favorites from the Triangle and well beyond. hopscotchmusicfest.com

RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVALOCTOBER 11-13 RICHMOND, VA.The Richmond Folk Festival draws nearly 200,000 people to downtown Richmonds riverfront for music, dance, and eclectic arts. richmondfolkfestival.org

RIVER RAGERGAULEY FESTSEPTEMBER 20-21 SUMMERSVILLE, W.VA.americanwhitewater.org

BASICS: Started back in 1983 as a victory dance to celebrate the derailment of a dam project that would have disrupted flows of the mighty Gauley, this bash has grown to become the largest paddling festival in the world. In addition to plenty of class V action, you can score some great gear deals and catch up with a whos who of boat industry folks in the whitewater marketplace. By night, expect plenty of rowdy paddler hijinks in the campground, where moonshine drinking and late-night boxing have been known to occur.

BANDS: Not announced yet, but not typically the focus of this fest. Expect some local or regional acts that will keep the party going strong.

and escape the concrete by the riding the eight-mile singletrack loop at Warriors Path State Park in nearby Kingsport.

FIVE MORE...TOUR DE FATMAY 11 ATLANTA, GA.New Belgium Brewing hosts this traveling celebration of bike culture, which kicks off with a bike parade and then moves into the long Afternoon Ballyhoo: a bike circus and rodeo, cycling games, live music, and the expected mass quantities of amazing microbrews. Additional regional stops include Washington, D.C. (June 1), Durham, N.C. (June 15), and Nashville, Tenn. (June 22). newbelgium.com

BLUE PLUM FESTIVALJUNE 7-9 JOHNSON CITY, TENN.Join 80,000 people gathering for three days over seven city blocks in downtown Johnson City for three days of Americana tunes, great food, and regional art. blueplum.org

BELE CHEREJULY 26-28 ASHEVILLE, N.C.Every summer, during the last weekend of July, hundreds of thousands of people flock to downtown Asheville for this massive downtown music and arts festival, where plenty of family fun mingles with an impressive line-up of national acts. belechere.com

HOPSCOTCH FESTIVALSEPTEMBER 5-7 RALEIGH, N.C.

GOOD TIMES AT FLOYDFEST

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Managed and created by Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Roanoke Outside and their local partners roosterwalk.com

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SET BREAK ESCAPE: Enjoy what youve come to celebrate and run the class V rapids of the Gauley. If youre not a whitewater boater, jump in a raft with one of the areas many outfitters.

FIVE MORE...FRENCH BROAD RIVER FESTIVALMAY 3-5 HOT SPRINGS, N.C.Many come for the stellar line-up of live music, which this year includes Langhorne Slim and the Law, Sol Driven Train, Yarn, and Col. Bruce Hampton. But this is also a great chance to enjoy the French Broad with a popular raft race, a Paddle with Pros clinic, and a river cleanup. Through the years, the good times at this fest have raised boatloads of cash for river access protector American Whitewater. frenchbroadriverfestival.com

CHEAT RIVER FESTIVALMAY 4 ALBRIGHT, W.VA.Friends of the Cheat hosts this annual bash, which features a downriver race, 5K, live tunes, and an art market. Its a fun day, held to help protect one of the Mountain States most important waterways. cheat.org

NEW RIVER FESTIVALJUNE 7-8 FAYETTEVILLE, W.VA.This two-day party is taking place to raise awareness for clean water initiatives in the New River watershed. Camp at the Old Rivers Resort and catch live tunes from Dangermuffin and Gangstagrass. You can also take part in kayaking clinics, mountain bikes rides, and whitewater

rafting trips. newriverfestival.com

FESTIVAL FOR THE ENO JULY 4-6 DURHAM, N.C.A staple summer event in the Triangle, this festival raises funds for river protection with a full slate of live roots music, art booths, sustainability workshops, and local food. enoriver.org

RUSSELL FORK RENDEZVOUS OCTOBER TBD ELKHORN CITYSee some of the regions best paddlers run the rowdy whitewater of Russell Fork, while you also enjoy live music, local food, and bonfires on the banks of the river. russellfork.info

UNDERGROUND JAMROOSTER WALK MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVALMAY 24-26 MARTINSVILLE, VA.roosterwalk.com

BASICS: Organizers host this growing event at the Blue Mountain Festival Grounds to commemorate the lives of two lost friends. If you find huge crowds to be a drag, consider this low-key weekend that features an impressive line-up of roots music held in the scenic foothills of Martinsvillea former furniture mecca making a comeback through arts and outdoor rec.

BANDS: Every year Rooster Walks line-up has gradually improved, and this year is no exception with the addition of Colorado slamgrass heroes

Leftover Salmon and high-energy New Orleans funk outfit Dumpstaphunk. Also catch Yarn, Larry Keel, and Dangermuffin.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: No need to leave the festival grounds to stretch your legs. On Sunday, the fest hosts the Tuff Strutter 5Kbilled as one of the toughest trail runs on the East Coast.

FIVE MORE...BRIAR PATCH MUSIC FESTIVALMAY 30JUNE 1 DAMASCUS, GA.The road to Damascus will lead you to a Southern jam rock orgy featuring American Aquarium, Col. Bruce Hampton, Rollin in the Hay, and many more. briarpatchpro.com

APPALACHIAN UPRISINGMAY 30-JUNE 1 SCOTTOWN, OHIOThis progressive bluegrass throwdown continually brings impressive line-ups to the Appalachians of Ohio. This year catch Del McCoury, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Mountain Heart, and Larry Keel. appalachianuprising.net

BLUEBERRY JAM FESTIVALJUNE 21-22 WAKEFIELD, VA. Located on a blueberry farm in the rural stretch between Richmond and Hampton Roads, this growing fest features a range of tunes from jam to blues to bluegrass and a big focus on local food. drewryfarms.com

THE BIG WHAT FESTIVALJULY 4-6 POSSUM HOLLER, N.C.

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Head into the woods, just west of the Triangle, for three days of jams from Big Something, Zach Deputy, Dopapod, The Mantras, and Big Daddy Love. Bonusonsite disc golf course. possumhollernc.com

FRONT PORCH FEST AUGUST 30SEPTEMBER 1 STUART, VA.Created as a mellow campout between friends, Front Porch Fest has developed into a three-day roots music gala on the idyllic 130-acre Spirit Haven Farm in Patrick Countyknown as the front porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. frontporchfest.com

SONIC OVERLOADBONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVALJUNE 13-16 MANCHESTER, TENN.bonnaroo.com

BASICS: After more than a decade, the dusty 700-acre farm in the middle of Tennessee is still hosting one of the countrys best music fests. Pace yourself and stay hydratedbest advice if you want to catch even a reasonable percentage on Bonnaroos stellar line-up thats featured on a dizzying number of stages. Plus make time for additional offerings like the comedy shows, cinema tent, Silent Disco, and Food Truck Oasis.

BANDS: Headliners this year include Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and Mumford and Sons. Looking deeper, lesser-known gems on the bill include Tame Impala, Father John Misty, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Local Natives. Dont miss the special Soul Superjam led by Jim James of My Morning Jacket.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: If the crowds get too heavy, take a post-fest sojourn to Fall Creek Falls State Parkless than 60 miles east of Manchester. Youll find 34 miles of hiking trails amid an abundance of gorges, waterfalls, and a lush stretch of virgin hardwood forest.

FIVE MORE...HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVALMAY 17-19 GULF SHORES, ALA.A mega-fest on the beach. If this sounds like your kind of party, get down to Gulf Shores and catch sets from Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Kings of Leon, Trey Anastasio, the Shins, Bassnectar, and many more. hangoutmusicfest.com

NELSONVILLE MUSIC FESTIVALMAY 30JUNE 2 NELSONVILLE, OHIOBig on musical offerings and intimate on vibe, this festival in the hills of Southeast Ohio offers a relaxed atmosphere as it hosts some of the best in indie rock and Americana. From multiple stages at the Historic Village of Robbins Crossing at Hocking College, catch sets from Wilco, John Prine, Calexico, Mavis Staples, and many more. nelsonvillefest.org

FORECASTLE FESTIVALJULY 12-14 LOUISVILLE, KY.From the same folks that bring you Bonnaroo, Forecastle features a huge slate of bands at Louisvilles Waterfront Park. Headliners this year include the Black Keys, Avett Brothers,

the String Cheese Incident, and Jim James. In addition to the tunes, this fest honors its home states great trade with a Bourbon Lodge. Enjoy. forecastlefest.com

ALL GOOD MUSIC FESTIVALJULY 18-21 THORNVILLE, OHIOA couple of years ago All Good notched over a state from West Virginia to Ohios idyllic Legend Valley. If youre a jam fan, its still worth the trip, as this fest packs in the heavyweights including Furthur, Primus, Pretty Lights, STS9, Grace Potter, Keller Williams, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Leftover Salmon. allgoodfestival.com

MIDTOWN MUSIC FESTIVALSEPTEMBER TBD ATLANTA, GA.Entering its third year after a lengthy layoff, this revitalized bash packs heavyweight acts and huge crowds into Piedmont Park. Last year featured sets by Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and the Avett Brothers. This years line-up coming soon. musicmidtown.com

ADVENTURE GAMESDOMINION RIVERROCKMAY 17-19 RICHMOND, VA.dominionriverrock.com

BASICS: A full weekend of adventure sports action takes place on the banks of the James River in downtown Richmond. From central grounds on Browns Island, you can run, ride, paddle, and climb in a variety of comps and races, while live tunes are blaring in the background and big crowds are browsing gear booths from the outdoors industrys best.

BANDS: After long days of play, dance to the expansive instrumental funk of Soulive, the gritty guitar licks of New Orleans Cajun rock ace Anders Osborne, and the classic reggae of Toots

and the Maytals.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: Youre here to indulge in as much adventure as possible. Friday features a 5K mud run and the start of the two-day Boulder Bash, while Saturday is stacked with the James River Scramble 10K Trail Run, the Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race, an adventure race, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard races for paddlers. Sunday includes a climbing speed comp, a short track bike race, and much more.

FIVE MORE...TRAIL DAYSMAY 17-19 DAMASCUS, VA.Do hikers know how to party? Youll believe it when you see it at this longstanding celebration of the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers reunite to trade trail stories, march in a parade, get goofy in a talent show, soak each other with water guns, check out a variety of gear booths, and sip a little moonshine. It all goes down in Trail Town, U.S.A., where you can access the A.T., Iron Mountain Trail, and the family-friendly Virginia Creeper. traildays.us

VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVALMAY 24-27 STOKESVILLE, VA.This fest brings together regional fat tire freaks for a long weekend of hang time at the Stokesville Campground in the George Washington National Forest. During the day there is plenty of epic riding for all levels, including stints on the legendary Southern Traverse, Reddish Knob, and the North River Gorge Trail. At night, youll rest your legs over hot meals and cold beers by the campfire. mtntouring.com

MOUNTAIN SPORTS FESTIVALMAY 24-26 ASHEVILLE, N.C.This mini Olympics-style fest brings together a

CHILLIN AT THE LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL (LEAF)


series of competitions around Ashevillethis year highlighted by trail and road running races, a triathlon, cyclocross, disc golf, ultimate Frisbee, and dodge ball. Theres also plenty of action for kids. Plus, a central area at Carrier Park has gear booths and tunes from regional musicians. mountainsportsfestival.com

RIVER ROCKSOCTOBER TBD CHATTANOOGA, TENN.This 10-day fest celebrates the abundance of outdoor opportunities in and around Chattanooga with a range of events, including trail running, mountain biking, and paddling

races, climbing compass, a range of outdoor clinics, guided hikes, and mellow beginner-friendly activities. Plus, theres plenty of family friendly fun by the river, including live music. riverrockschattanooga.com

GO OUTSIDE FESTIVALOCTOBER 18-20 ROANOKE, VA.With main festival grounds located along the Roanoke River at the River's Edge Sports Complex, the event branches off to include some of the most adventurous terrain in the surrounding valley. In addition to live tunes and local beer, there are guided hikes and bike rides, as well as trail running and cyclocross races, ultimate Frisbee, and paddling in the Roanoke River Gorge. roanokegofest.com

BEST IN BREWBREWGRASS FESTIVALSEPTEMBER 21 ASHEVILLE, N.C.brewgrassfestival.com

BASICS: Theres a reason this festival typically sells out the same day it goes on sale. A crisp fall day in the mountains of western North Carolina is celebrated with the sweet nectar of 40 craft breweries including local favorites from Ashevilles overflowing local beer scene like Green Man and French Broad. The soundtrack in the background is top-notch picking from a handful of bluegrass bands.

BANDS: Still to be announced but expect a mix of progressive and traditional string pickers on

the rise. Last year featured Head for the Hills and Town Mountain.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: You only have seven hours, so it might be best to prep for the beer guzzling with a little exercise. Just 15 minutes from downtown, the 6,000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest has 44 miles of well-maintained trails, including designated stretches of singletrack for mountain biking.

FIVE MORE...NORTH CAROLINA BREWERS AND MUSIC FESTIVALMAY 11 HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.If you like to drink and dance, head to Huntersville for this 10-hour day of sampling the goods from more than two dozen craft breweries and enjoy a stacked line-up of roots music. Drink suds from Highland, Mother Earth, Duck Rabbit, while catching the sounds of Acoustic Syndicate, Peter Rowan, and Sol Driven Train. ncbrewsmusic.com

BEER CITY FESTIVALJUNE 2 ASHEVILLE, N.C.You get six hours to sample the goods from three dozen craft breweries at the Roger McGuire Green in downtown Asheville. Plus tunes from Yo Mamas Big Fat Booty Band and more. beercityfestival.com

NORTHERN VIRGINIA SUMMER BREWFESTJUNE 22-23 LEESBURG, VA.In addition to a roster of 60 craft breweries, this

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Each month, TRAIL MIX brings you new music from around the Blue Ridge and beyond. Stream the latest

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two-day festival at Morven Park features local music, food, and plenty of regional arts and crafts vendors. novabrewfest.com

MICROFESTIVUSAUGUST 10 ROANOKE, VA.Sample 120 craft beers from around the region and beyond at this big street party near Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke. In addition to the micro libations, there will be live music and food vendors. microfestivus.squaresociety.org

TOP OF THE HOPS SEPTEMBER TBD CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.Local brewery Starr Hill helps host this annual beer fest at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at the end of the Downtown Mall. Brew fiends get four hours to taste more than 150 craft beers from around the world. topofthehopsbeerfest.com

NEW FESTRED WING ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVALJULY 11-13 MOUNT SOLON, VA.

BASICS: Accomplished string band the Steel Wheels are hosting this new festival close to their Harrisonburg hometown at Natural Chimneys Park in the Shenandoah Valley. Organizers are promising this will be a family- friendly fest with scenic camping and plenty to do for the little ones.

BANDS: Emerging with a bold line-up for a first-time festival, the event will include sets from the

Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Tim OBrien, the Duhks, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Gregory Alan Isakov, and many more.

SET BREAK ESCAPE: The Steel Wheels have occasionally relaxed their rigorous national touring schedule and done some regional stints on bikes. As two-wheel enthusiasts, they are planning to lead some road rides from the festival grounds around the Shenandoah Valley. You can also bring your rod and cast for largemouth bass and bluegill in nearby Elkhorn Lake.

FIVE MORE...SHAKY KNEES MUSIC FESTIVALMAY 4-5 ATLANTA, GA.This Atlanta fest will make a bold debut, hosting a huge line-up of tunes at the Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Masquerade Music Park. Bands include the Lumineers, Band of Horses, Drive-By Truckers, Jim James, and many more. shakykneesfestival.com

SWEET LIFE FESTIVALMAY 11 COLUMBIA, MD.Billed as a music and food fest, this new one-day e

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