Memorial Day begins an unofficial start to summer, and now post-Memorial Day and with warm weather in the New River Valley, it opens the door for people to take advantage of the area’s natural abundance and get outside.

“For an outdoor business I think the quality of life is really nice,” said Shawn Hash, owner and guide of Tangent Outfitters. “It makes just a good place to be and to be healthy. We have so many options such as the river and the New River Trail.”

The main highlight of the New River Valley is right in the name. The New River, a 320-mile-long waterway, flows right through the area and gives companies such as Tangent Outfitters opportunities to host expeditions such as canoe, rafting, and fishing trips.

“We bring an identity of a core quality of life and we are just going out and trying to have a good time,” Hash said. “We target anyone who wants to have a good time whether it’s our $8 float trips or the $400 fishing trips.”

Tangent Outfitters and other similar companies market their products based on the region making them easy choices when looking for activities or equipment for the outdoors.

Another store that just opened in the New River Valley on Main Street in the City of Radford is the Radford Bike & Paddle shop. This store, owned by Johnny and Denise Garrett, offers sales of kayaks, canoes, and bicycles with accessories and equipment.

“We are really trying to appeal to students,” co-owner Denise Garrett said. “We also point out what the New River area has to offer such as bike paths and trails.”

Radford Bike & Paddle also has a bike rental service and a full service bike repair and maintenance shop with a specialist of more than 20 years of experience. They also provide maps of bike trails all over the New River Valley.

“There are a lot of good trails out on the mountain,” said Stacey Simmons, an employee at Radford Bike & Paddle.

Johnny and Denise Garrett also run Claytor Lake Water Sports, which is located inside Claytor Lake State Park. There they offer boat rentals and tours and also a water sports package that includes one pair of water skis, a two-person towable raft, and a knee board.

Claytor Lake State Park, located off of I-81, is another feature of the New River Valley that offers activities for people who are interested in the outdoors. At Claytor Lake State Park people can rent cabins, lodges, or camp grounds located around the lake. There they will find hiking and biking trails and they also have swimming and picnic areas.

“The New River Valley really offers a lot of variety,” Garrett said. “It offers so much for the family.”

When it comes to outdoor equipment the New River Valley offers many options. Blue Ridge Mountain Sports has a store located on First and Main Street in Blacksburg. There they offer equipment for canoeing and kayaking and also has equipment for any climbing needs.

On the Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Web site they offer blogs about trails and tips about things like camping, trails, and backpacking. They also sell clothing, footwear, and camping gear.

Another nature-filled option that the New River Valley offers is actually inside but not inside a building or a car. This activity involves going into a cave. Spelunking is an option that the valley itself provides. For more information about caving in the New River Valley contact your local parks and recreation office to see if they are currently offering cave tours.

If the physical outdoor choices are not an option for any reason or if someone is just looking for a relaxing outdoor experience than checking out local golf courses may be the best option.

“When it’s nice outside, I think golf is a great thing to do,” said Radford resident Scott Matthews. “It’s just a good way to spend time out of the house and relax.”

Local parks and recreation offices can be a start-off point when looking for outdoor activities in the New River Valley. They either offer options that people can take up or they point out other options in the area.

Matt LaBelle is an intern for the New River Voice and will be Editor of the Radford University school paper The Tartan for 2009-10.