Along For The Ride VA

12/03/2024

I have heard from so many prior guests asking for updates or ways to help... so I have some info to share and will give more frequent updates moving forward hopefully.

As you can see from a previous post, the house was completely demolished by Hurricane Helene. It was surreal on all levels. We have cleared the lot and are trying to stay positive for a solution to continue to host. With the new flood zoning map...it will cost a fortune to rebuild to the required flood building codes and maintain all of the insurances that will be required.

I have always had a dream of having a tiny rv park with the fun amenities that we offered at the house... so I am hoping to have approval from the town and county soon. Once I have the official go ahead, I will be thrilled to share the name and photos of the vision... so stay tuned :)

For ways to help... we can desperately use help with raising money for this project. I will have a Venmo account to share once the go ahead has happened.

Here's to a brighter future and finding ways to make lemonade out of lemons. Damascus is truly a special place and I know that with the love and support from the people who enjoy it, Damascus will be more beautiful and stronger than ever.

11/01/2024

Although it looks bare...I'm going to consider it a fresh blank slate for a wonderful future :) Just as an update, we are waiting to hear if we are approved for an SBA loan to rebuild a very cute farmhouse (it will look similar to the old house, same size, and everything will be brand new )... and if that doesn't work out, then we will create some other type of wonderful place that mountain memories can be made... to be continued...

10/16/2024

I wanted to send out an update on our rental, as well as what I know about the area. Damascus was hit in a devastating way, by Hurricane Helene. Catastrophic damage, but also an amazing outpouring of volunteers that have made a huge difference. Some of us were completely wiped out, while others came through with less damage and many are already opened and could REALLY use the business. This little town depends on the tourist for a large part of the income, it's a tourist town. October is typically our best month of the year for revenue. I know we were 100% booked, and I'm sure all the bike shuttles and other rentals were as well. It's been a huge hit, so if you drive through and see some lights on at businesses, know that you are SO VERY WELCOMED to be here!!

For an update on our rental, it took a catastrophic blow. We are working with the town on the best way to move forward and will update in the next week or two with the official plan... but stay tuned for something amazing :)

If you would donate to our house specifically, we have a dear friend who set up a fund for us at this link:

https://givesendgo.com/HelpingtheWalkerFamily?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=HelpingtheWalkerFamily

If you would like to donate to the town, here's a link for that:

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLV1TFZX4K37R/checkout/R5WO5LUVCPLWUDKGCHKFIDET

I know that every dollar helps and no amount is too small and beyond appreciated. ❤️

05/16/2023

The Creeper Trail was beautiful on Mothers Day! Here’s one of our favorite spots to enjoy along the trail.

02/13/2023

We are beyond grateful for our past and upcoming guests... looks like we only have 5 weekends left between April and November...so if you want to come for a fun stay in Damascus at Along For The Ride... check out the dates that are left open. 🚲

10/08/2022

Want to get out and enjoy Virginia’s fall foliage? We've got you covered with weekly foliage reports! This week, more color is appearing in parts of Virginia, with up to 50% change at higher elevations.

Read the full report and check out our fall foliage driving tours for spectacular views of fall colors: http://ow.ly/HCx450L2Fk0

08/18/2022

:)

Events in Damascus, VA this weekend:

The Damascus Town Pool is open for extended season hours! Until September 30, the pool is open Wednesday to Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm.

Thursday, August 18
- Live music by Archibald Johnson at Appalachian Heritage Distillery, 6 to 8pm
- Trivia Night at 7 Trails Grill at 7pm

Friday, August 19
- Taco Weekend at The Damascus Brewery, 4 to 10pm
- Karaoke at 7 Trails Grill, 8pm
- Mountain Movers Community Movie in the Town Park, 8pm

Saturday, August 20
- Damascus Farmers Market at Laurel Creek Park, 9am to 12pm, with fresh produce, eggs, meat, baked goods, artisan goods, and more
- Taco Weekend at The Damascus Brewery, 12 to 10pm
- Live music by Logan Fritz at Appalachian Heritage Distillery, 4 to 7pm
- Live music by the Trinity Valley Travelers at The Damascus Brewery, 7pm

Sunday, August 21
- Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary bar and live music by Mick Kyte at Appalachian Heritage Distillery, 1 to 6pm

05/24/2022

❤️

We have another busy weekend ahead in Damascus VA, May 20-22!

Friday:
- Karaoke at 7 Trails Grill at 8pm
(Reminder: Town Real Estate Taxes are due on May 20.)

Saturday:
- Damascus Farmers Market at Laurel Creek Park, 9am to 12pm
- Mt Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC) group hike
- Pop-up event at the Damascus Trail Center: Join Drumm Emergency Solutions for a Wilderness First Aid demo, 10am to 3pm
- Household Hazardous Waste collection day for residents of Washington County, 10am to 2pm
- Nine Year Anniversary Party and Customer Appreciation Day at The Damascus Brewery with music by Trinity Valley Travelers and food by Hot Mess BBQ, 12-10pm
- Work Session at the Damascus Dog Park, 1-5pm

See all upcoming events at http://www.visitdamascus.org/events-calendar

02/07/2022

So happy to have our rental in this amazing little town! 🚲

The Virginia Creeper Trail has been chosen as Best Biking Trail of the Blue Ridge! The Creeper Trail also won Runner-Up of Best Trail overall, second only to the Appalachian Trail. Damascus has the special honor of hosting both of these trails and their visitors. Best of the Blue Ridge awards are determined by the votes of the readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Stop by Town Hall or one of our local businesses to pick up your copy of the February issue!

01/21/2022

Damascus has multiple trails and multiple seasons! Want to see the area in a different light? February 19th we are hosting a half marathon from Damascus to Taylor’s Valley (and back). We are unable to predict the weather this far out. It might be 65 degrees and blue skies or 5 degrees with a foot of snow! The greater the challenge the greater the reward! All the proceeds will go toward the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department! LINK BELOW

11/17/2021

Woo hoo!! Damascus is getting noticed!!

Blue Ridge Outdoors readers select the best hubs for outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge in the 2021 Top Adventure Towns contest.

11/02/2021

Virginia Creeper Trail today…

10/28/2021

08/30/2021

https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/toptowns/

08/05/2021

Damascus is a hidden gem that’s getting noticed!! ❤️

The highways are calling—we’ve assembled five road trips with adventure itineraries to help you plot the perfect getaway / southern adventure!

04/27/2021

🤗

The Damascus Trail Center sign is up! It’s a great day for a walk down Laurel Avenue to check out the progress!

02/14/2021

We are so proud of the awesome town that our vacation rental is in... Damascus Virginia! The Virginia Creeper Trail that goes through our front yard there has definitely been noticed!

It was just voted as the TOP Urban Park/ Greenway Trail by Blue Ridge Outdoors! Also the top runner up in both the best Kid Friendly Adventure and Best Biking Trail categories!

Right now, USA Today's Reader Choice is having voting for "Top 10 Best Recreational Trails in the US" If you have time to vote and want to support a really cool tiny town that's making big news... click here to vote! There's only 17 hours left to vote!

https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/virginia-creeper-trail-virginia-and-north-carolina/

Virginia Creeper Trail: Vote for your favorite recreational trail in North America!