Spring has Sprung and it's one of my favorite seasons in the Roanoke Valley. There are many reasons I love spring. It's the start of our energizing festival season, the Farmers Markets are exploding with color and fresh produce, and we can finally get on the water again! Also, because, it's not Winter. :) I've shared 5 ideas for you to get out and about this weekend here. I'd love to hear what your family loves about Spring in Roanoke. Drop me a line to let me know. bethbell@macaronikid.com.
Visit one of our area's beautiful Farmers Markets
We blessed with abundant local markets, from The Historic City Market, The Grandin LEAP Market, Salem Farmers Market, and more. In addition to fresh produce and plants, there is a mix of prepared foods, sweet treats, and artisan wares, soaps, and more, from local families. The Historic City Market in Downtown Roanoke is also launching Mega Market Match days this Saturday May 11th. EBT/SNAP users will be able to trade debits for double the tokens. Music, a cooking demonstration, and other activities will also be in market square. Learn more. Check out DRI's parking and free parking pages!
What's in season now? It's Strawberry Season! The next few weeks will be prime time for sweet local strawberries, get some before they are gone and grab a box for us too. In addition to strawberries, asparagus, tender lettuces and greens, and plenty of spring plants and seasonal flowers will be available.
Find additional Farmers Markets and Pick Your Own Farms in our Guide.
Kidstruction: Our City, Our Home
Join the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Blue Ridge chapter as they host “Kidstruction: Our City, Our Home” on Saturday May 11th from 10AM – 2PM at the Taubman Museum of Art. This is a free event for toddlers, kids, and teens to celebrate creativity and the power of design by constructing a LEGO city out of 40,000+ LEGOS and 300+ carboard bricks. Free and welcoming to all! No registration required – walk-in’s welcome! Learn More.
Join a Sing-Along and Build Your Community
Circle Music (Música do Círculo) is a form of community singing that was pioneered by Brazilian musicians and songleaders in São Paulo, Brazil (Zuza Gonçalves, Ronaldo Crispim, and Pedro Consorte). It utilizes improvisational singing, body percussion, movement, playfulness, and more. Joy Truskowski, local songleader and co-facilitator for Star City Circlesinging, will teach you the basic principles and games that she learned during her Música do Círculo facilitation training online and in Brazil. You’ll learn the philosophy and elements behind the method and some games that incorporate those elements. This is great for anyone who would like to learn more about some of the community singing practices we use in Star City Circlesinging. This is also great for therapists, facilitators, musicians, or other leaders who would like more tools to help them connect groups of people. Free. Register Here.
Skate the Night Away at Family Pizza Night at Firehouse Skate on Friday or Celebrate with Mom All Weekend Long
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Take to the Waters
Rent a row boat at Carvin's Cove and paddle your way around one of the most beautiful parks in our region. Pack a picnic and eat on an island, or plan to cook out in one of the nearby shelters. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets are provided with rentals. Kids under the age of 16 do not require a fishing license. Learn more about hours, pricing, and more here.
