Blog/Experiences - rockriverexperiences.com

12 Apr

The Pink Full Moon Rises Tonight – And It’s Showing Up With A Few Surprises…

Tonight, Saturday, April 12, step outside a little before 8 PM to witness the fourth full moon of 2025 rising above the horizon. Known as the Pink Moon, it’s the first full moon of spring — and this year, it’s showing up with a few surprises.Called the Pink Moon, it marks the first full moon of spring. Its name comes from Phlox subulata, or moss...

01 Apr

Blog

Wildflowers and Waterfalls: Hope Blooms in Rockbridge County

Spring bursts forth early most years in the southern Shenandoah Valley. Rockbridge County awakens in a symphony of soft pastels and delicate hues. This enchanting season ignites nature’s joyful bloom, with wildflowers, trees, and waterfalls painting the landscape in Easter-inspired colors—a perfect retreat for anyone seeking rest or renewal in a place both locals and visitors find nearly impossible to leave.The Forest and Meadows Awaken Crocuses...

26 Mar

Blog

Beyond Iceland: Northern Lights Continue to Dazzle Rockbridge County and the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Cosmic Curtain RisesFall 2024 was the showstopper so far, but the heavens are not done bestowing dazzling gifts on the Shenandoah Valley. May 10, Oct. 10, and March 24 have been the confirmed standout dates where the aurora borealis—nature’s own kaleidoscope—swirled across our sky in radiant greens, purples, and reds, leaving locals spellbound and stargazers breathless. Known in Latin as the "northern dawn," this...

21 Mar

Blog

The Bloodroot Flower: A Rare Spring Gem with Untapped Potential

Bloodroot, also known as Sanguinaria canadensis, a perennial flowering plant native to eastern North America, is a botanical gem that dazzles with its fleeting yet stunning blooms each spring. For about two weeks, usually late March and early April, its delicate white flowers and vibrant red root sap captivate onlookers, hinting at the rich history and untapped potential beneath its surface. Used for centuries by...

14 Mar

Blog

World-Class Live Music for the Full Moon in Seven Out of 10 Days in Rockbridge County – #I Feel Lucky

The Intergalactically awesome Little Marvin and The Martians are landing tonight at Smiley's BBQ on the full moon, March 14th, from 8-11 PM! Don't miss this cosmic alignment! If you've never seen them, catch a preview medley of The Martians on our last post, but of course, it's so much better live. Some call this full moon the "Crow Moon" and it’s fullness peaks on March...

02 Feb

Blog, Experiences, Food and Beverages

Battle of the Rockbridge County Smash Burgers: Hardens vs. Holy Cow

What is a Smash Burger? A Smash Burger is characterized by one or two thin, crispy beef patties formed by smashing a loose ball of beef onto a searing hot griddle. This technique creates caramelized, jagged edges packed with flavor while locking in a juicy, tender center. It's typically crowned with a unique special sauce for an extra taste dimension. I have enjoyed smash burgers from Holy...

13 Jan

Blog

2025’s Cosmic Spectacle: The Planet Parade of Seven

13 January 2025
By rockriverexperiences.com
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What Is Up and Special in the Shenandoah Sky? Get ready, stargazers! The 2024/2025 season is lining up to be an extraordinary procession. First, we had the arrival of the Aurora Borealis, putting on its lightshow in the Shenandoah Valley for the 2nd time in recorded history or the Valley. The first time being December 14, 1862, when both Confederate and Union troops witnessed the lights...

28 Dec

Blog, Experiences, Family Activities, Food and Beverages, Shopping

Savoring Nature’s Bounty: The Story of Halcyon Days Cider Company

28 December 2024
By rockriverexperiences.com
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Halcyon Days Cider Company, located at 4135 S Lee Hwy in Natural Bridge, Virginia, invites visitors to enjoy its scenic surroundings and taste the product of their authentic cider-making process in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The cidery offers a peaceful atmosphere where guests can explore its 1.7-mile labyrinth that winds through thousands of apple trees, sample a variety of small-batch ciders, and relax in a...

04 Dec

Blog, Experiences, Family Activities, History and Museums

A Journey Through Valor and History: The VMI Museum Experience

In the historic town of Lexington, Virginia, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) stands as an enduring emblem of military tradition and academic excellence. Central to this institution is the VMI Museum, which has the distinction of being Virginia's first public museum. Here, visitors can explore the detailed narrative of VMI's past, which began as America's first state-sponsored military college in 1839. Let's delve into what...

16 Nov

Blog, Experiences, Family Activities, Food and Beverages, Shopping

Grounds for Growth: Asunder Coffee Roasters’ Crafting Quality and Community Spirit

16 November 2024
By rockriverexperiences.com
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Located in downtown Buena Vista, Virginia, Asunder Coffee Roasters stands as more than just another coffee shop; it's a beacon of community revitalization and a testament to the art of coffee roasting. Located at 2037 Magnolia Avenue, this establishment isn't just about serving coffee; it's about crafting an experience, fostering community, and pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be. A Commitment to Quality and SustainabilityAsunder...