Bored? Sounds Like a Personal Problem.

I hear it all the time…. “There’s nothing to do ‘round here…”. Well I am afraid I have also uttered those words. 

When I finally decided to stop and take time to see what’s around me I must admit that I am so wrong and so is everyone else.

We are a small town and if you are looking for loud music, fancy restaurants, big malls to linger around in, and big city night life then no there’s nothing to do. However if birds singing, PB&J while sitting under a shade tree, walking a trail observing the artwork of God, and the sound of crickets and bull frogs coming in your tent at dusk sounds ideal to you then there is loads to do around here.

After thinking about it for a few moments I came up with a few things that are anywhere from a short 5 minute drive from me to 90 minutes, and here are the first things that came to my mind. I am sure there is more if I thought longer.

  Clifton Forge Historical Society Depot/Giftshop

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuckandaliceriecks/4234946731/

Clifton Forge (Alleghany County), VA

http://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=46378

Oakland Presbyterian Church in Alleghany County, VA

 https://www.google.com/search?q=douthat+state+park&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Douthat State Park in Bath County, VA

 

http://www.moncovelakestatepark.com/

Moncove Lake Monroe County WV (note lake beyond pool)

 

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=88

Lake Moo Maw in both Alleghany & Bath Counties, VA

 http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/FallingSpring/

(1) Falling Springs in Alleghany County, VA

 (2) Falling Springs (bottom of falls)

  http://www.mountaintravelguide.com/Hiking%20Trails/virginia/botetour/RoaringRunTrail.htm

Roaring run in Botetourt County, VA

 

http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/

Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, VA

 

 http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g57638-d108466-Reviews-Humpback_Bridge-Covington_Virginia.html

 Humpback Bridge in Alleghany County, VA

 

 http://www.hollowhillfarm.com/

Paint Bank in Craig County, VA

The history around here is unending. Old stone furnaces; one used to make cannon balls during the civil war, the railroad, rivers, lakes, natural falls, beautiful scenic mountain-scapes and hikes. There is an old church that was used as a small hospital during the Civil War. If a person vacationed here it would take weeks to tour the beauty of the area. I know not everyone lives around here, but I would imagine most places are rich in natural and historic interests waiting to be enjoyed. 

What are the benefits of hanging around your own back yard for vacation? I am so glad you asked! Here are a few that come to my mind right away.

·         - Save time by spending less time on travel

·         - Save money by staying close to home; many are just day trips

·         - Save gas because you are not going as far

·         - Meet interesting people that you can learn from; they live close

·         - Learn about your area’s part in the history books

          - If you ride a Bike/Motorcycle you can get a group together and take a nice ride

·   

Before you plop down in a chair and complain of boredom, stop and think about what may be waiting for you in your own back yard. Our nation is rich in natural beauty and fascinating history; including where you live.