RoanokeOutside.com to highlight best of region’s outdoor spots

The Roanoke Region’s outdoor attractions are the focus of a new website.

The Roanoke Regional Partnership launched a new website called Roanoke Outside.  According to a news release, a $25,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Virginia Is For Lovers Marketing Leverage Program is paying for the website.

The Partnership says its goal is to be “the region’s most complete online guide to everything outside.“  The site will include such features as a calendar, maps, activities, video, discussions, blogs and other features to make getting outside easy, educational and sustainable, according to the news release.

But the site needs the public’s help.  The Partnership wants people to go to the temporary site, and fill-out a survey about what they’d like to see included.

“RoanokeOutside.com is our latest initiative to leverage our greatest asset – nature – into economic vitality,” said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, in the news release.  “Making the outdoors an important part of our region’s narrative starts with a comprehensive Web site that catalogues our natural resources and makes it easier for people all over the world to learn about and enjoy our region’s natural resources,” she added.

The Partnership plans to unveil the full website at the end of September, during the inaugural “Get Outside Expo.“

“Some of our region’s greatest assets are literally outside, making the Roanoke Region one of the best spots anywhere for outdoor recreation,” says Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership, in the news release.  “Our new Web site is the first step to discover, discuss and enjoy our region’s outdoors,” he added.