
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 23, 1995                   TAG: 9506230034
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DRESS IS VERY OPTIONAL

Making vacation plans? Before you take off for your trip, consider taking it all off.

During Nude Recreation Week, July 3 through 9, the country's more than 200 nudist clubs and resorts are hosting special events to let people know the naked truth about basking and basketball in the buff.

And you thought overexposure referred only to photographs.

Members say doffing the duds is very relaxing (unless you have something to hide) and you don't have to worry that someone else will be better dressed or bejeweled than you are.

Clubs offer most of the sports and activities you'd find at any vacation spot - swimming, volleyball, sunbathing (kiss those tan lines goodbye), hiking, etc.

Football is not recommended, particularly the touch version, ``but I have seen darts,'' said Debra Peterson, public relations staffer for the American Association for Nude Recreation.

Most clubs are for members only and are self supporting. The closest to Roanoke - and the winner of my cleverest-name-for-a-nudist-club contest - is Bare Buns, in Oakton.

Since all that is required is some sunscreen, bug spray and your birthday suit, the amount of luggage you need for your trip is reduced to the bare minimum.

For more information, call the AANR - (800) TRY NUDE. The receptionist's name is Eve. No kidding.

by CNB