ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — You want everything to be perfect for the holidays, and that includes the gifts you give.
You have something for everyone, but something still seems to be missing.
Sometimes Santa needs a little inspiration.
Instead of “things,” have you thought about giving the gift of an experience?
We are talking about guided trips. Guides run hunting, hiking, biking, fishing, and paddle sports trips in our area. The experience can create memories for a lifetime. To borrow a cliché, it is the gift that keeps on giving.
“It’s just a great, fun, exciting time,” says Captain Weston Hartman of Hartman Guide Services. “You can bring the kids. It’s something I think they’re going to remember more.”
Hartman runs striper charters on Smith Mountain Lake. He says the experience can be customized and that it can be a gift for a group, a family, a couple, or an individual.
The other benefit to buying experience gifts is the expertise of the guide, as well as their connections that can lead to an exclusive experience.
“I have been able to gain access to virtually untapped water,” said Rob England of Appalachian Bronzeback Outfitters while referring to a remote stretch of the Jackson River. “Smallmouth in this area see very little pressure.”
England leads trips on the James and Jackson Rivers for smallmouth bass, trout, and musky. In addition to prime fishing, his trips offer beautiful views of the places like Rainbow Gap that can only be seen from the river.
Guided trips can also be about learning and developing a love for a sport, which makes it a good gift option for someone who wants to get into outdoor activities, but doesn’t have the experience or knowledge. Some guides offer lessons.
Josh Williams of Dead Drift Outfitters is one of them. In addition to running trips for a variety of trout, Williams also offers classes in fly-tying and fly-fishing.
“We offer fly-fishing basics, casting lessons, fly-tying lessons, pretty much anything to be set up for success,” said Williams as he cast a fly along North Creek near Arcadia. “This is something that you can use again and again.”
And that is the whole point of experience gifts. A guide can help you catch that big fish or bag that trophy deer, and that is part of it, but it is also an experience that you are living, and one you will remember forever.
Credit: Source link
