CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Photo: James River Media

Summer evenings edition

Back in the 1980s, I spent my summer camp days eagerly swapping and reading “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. With every turn of the page, the decisions I made shaped the story’s outcome, and the excitement of not knowing what would happen next was unmatched. Much like those books, a summer evening can be yours to shape. Whether you crave a cozy night at home, an adventurous outdoor escape or discovering what’s happening in your local scene, the choice is yours. Let the adventures begin! 

OPTION 1 
A cozy, laid-back evening 
Sometimes, the perfect adventure is a quiet evening in your own backyard. If you’re in the mood to unwind and relax, transform your space into a tranquil retreat where you can embrace the calm of the evening. 

Set the scene: String up fairy lights or lanterns to illuminate the night with a soft, magical glow. Lay out blankets and cushions, creating a cozy nest for everyone to gather. Light a few candles or citronella torches to enhance the ambiance and keep the bugs at bay. 

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 

• DIY movie night: Imagine lying back under the stars with your favorite film on a big screen, the gentle hum of the projector adding to the evening’s charm. Whether you’re using a portable projector (make sure it has at least 2000 lumens for a clear image) or streaming from your phone with a Bluetooth speaker, movie night is a classic. Choose nostalgic favorites like: 

The Sandlot (1993) 
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) 
Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

And relive those carefree summer days through film. 

Photos: James River Media

• Fire pit fun: There’s nothing like gathering around a crackling fire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. Create an inviting space with your favorite summer treats — hot dogs, pineapple chunks, corn on the cob — and enjoy good company. Essential tools for this activity: 

Skewers for roasting 
Long tongs for handling food safely 
Water or sand for extinguishing the fire 
Wet wipes for easy cleanup after the fun 

• Night photography: Summer evenings are a perfect time to capture the beauty of twilight. Photograph July 4th fireworks or capture fireflies humanely — with your smartphone! Your smartphone’s Night Mode setting and a tripod will help steady your hand so you can relive the adventure each time you look back at your pictures. Check out YouTube or Instagram for quick and easy tutorials for nighttime photography. 

OPTION 2
Explore the great outdoors
Embrace the natural beauty of a summer night. The cool evening air and the quiet of nature make for the perfect adventure away from the city. 

Set the scene: Lace up your sneakers, grab a flashlight (or headlamp) and pack a small bag with essentials — water, snacks and a blanket. Whether you’re headed to a secluded spot for stargazing or riding through a quiet trail, the great outdoors awaits. 

Photo: University of Lynchburg

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 

• Stargazing: There’s nothing quite like lying on a blanket and gazing at the night sky. Use apps like Night Sky or Star Tracker to identify constellations and catch celestial events like the Perseids Meteor Shower. Head to places like: 

Claytor Nature Center’s Belk Astronomical Observatory (near Bedford) 
Natural Bridge State Park (visit dcr.virginia.gov for details) 
Peaks of Otter (Blue Ridge Parkway) … for the best view of the stars. 

• Nighttime bike ride: Feel the evening breeze as you ride your bike under the moonlight. Add LED lights to your bike to make it shine in the dark, and consider taking a longer ride along a scenic route. 
• Moonlit picnic: A picnic under the stars is pure magic. Pack your favorite snacks — cheese, fruits and sandwiches — and bring refreshing drinks like Arnold Palmers, peach iced tea or lemonade. Spread out your blanket, relax and enjoy the beauty of the night. 

OPTION 3
Dive into the local scene
There’s no shortage of excitement right in your own city. Take advantage of summer events, music and local happenings to make your evening unforgettable. 

Set the scene: Check out local event listings or wander downtown to see where the night takes you. From live shows to food markets, you never know what you might find. 

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 

• Outdoor performances: Whether it’s live music, theater or dance, summer evenings bring vibrant performances to the outdoors. Enjoy a free show at your local park or waterfront; or purchase tickets to a professional performance like Shakespeare’s Hamlet by Wolfbane, and feel the energy of the crowd. 
• Night markets: Explore local night markets for food trucks, artisan goods and entertainment. Some of the best food truck food courts in the Lynchburg and Roanoke areas include: 

The BackYard in Forest (15173 Forest Road, Forest) 
4th Street Eats in Salem (602 W. 4th Street, Salem) 

• Rooftop vibes: For an elevated experience, head to one of the local rooftop bars. In Lynchburg, visit No. 7 Rooftop Bar or Skyline at The Virginian for great views. In Roanoke, Six and Sky Rooftop Grille offers sweeping views of the Star City. Sip your favorite drink as the sun sets. 

OPTION 4
Embrace your inner child
Sometimes the best adventure is simply reconnecting with your playful side. Let loose, and indulge in nostalgic summer activities that bring back those carefree memories. 

Set the scene: Gather your friends and family, and embrace the whimsy of summer with fun games and creative projects. 

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 

• Glow-in-the-dark games: Take the fun to the next level with glow-in-the-dark capture the flag, a glow-stick scavenger hunt or a classic water balloon fight. Most local golf courses and putt-putts even offer night golf with glowing golf balls — ask your favorite local course for details. 
• Ice cream crawl: Take a sweet stroll through your town and sample the best ice cream spots. Try new flavors or create a friendly challenge to pick the wackiest flavor combo. 
• Get creative: Let your imagination run wild by making friendship bracelets, creating sidewalk art with homemade chalk or belting out your favorite tunes at karaoke. Check out the recipe for homemade sidewalk chalk below! 

Make the most of summer nights
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, stargazing or taking a sunset stroll, summer evenings are the perfect time to unwind and make lasting memories. Each summer night holds the potential for a new adventure — what will yours be? ✦