Welcome to the NRV
Published by: Country Media, Inc.
P. O. Box 11816
Blacksburg, VA 24062 o: 540-961-2015 nrvmagazine@msn.com www.nrvbook.com
Design by:
Country Media, Inc.
Phillip Vaught
Writer & Editor: Joanne Anderson
Photos by:
River Songs Photos
Fur Fetched Photography
Chris Lang
Tom Wallace
Michael Speed Photography
Wild Country Studios
Night Watchman Photography
Billy Bowling
Sean Shannon
Kristie Lea Photography
Nathan Cooke Photography
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Advertising Sales: Phillip Vaught
Distribution Manager: Dennis Shelor
This New River Valley See & Do Book presents more to See and to Do than you might fit into a year!
Whether you are thrilled with mountain biking and river rafting or strolling along the New River and people-watching at a coffee shop is more your speed, there is much to See and more to Do for all levels of energy and all ages of people. Our region embraces the counties of Giles, Floyd, Montgomery and Pulaski, and the City of Radford. The terrain sits somewhere around 2,000 feet above sea level dipping into mountain hollows and valleys. The highest points are 3,875 feet above sea level near the western edge at Mountain Lake in Giles County and 3,975 feet above sea level on Buffalo Mountain in Floyd County.
The New River Valley climate falls under the technical definition of borderline between mountain temperate and humid continental. In layman’s terms this means there are distinct four seasons and a comfortable year-round climate. The average temperature annually is 51 degrees with relatively few extremes in weather.
Appalachian and pioneer heritage is immersed in the music, arts, culture, lifestyle, agriculture, small towns, farmer’s markets and back roads. World renown universities, colleges and high tech companies thrive and impact the world from our glorious slice of
southwest Virginia. The global population represents the diverse cultures of more than 50 countries. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, excellent job and entrepreneurial opportunities, wonderful schools, state-of-the-art healthcare and abundant recreation and fresh air.
Please turn the pages s.l.o.w.l.y. to discover things to See and activities to Do. If you find this book in a B&B or hotel guest room, leave it for the next guest and ask for your free copy at the front desk or look for a rack in the lobby.
If you’re passing through, well, consider staying longer, coming back or relocating. If you already are lucky enough to live in the New River Valley, find something new to See and new to Do –or See again and Do again. The proverbial staycation offers all kinds of lodging and dining without going far from home miles-wise, but far from home brain-wise . Why go anywhere else when you can find unique luxury accommodations or country cabins, hiking trails, movies, river action, mountain biking, walking paths, beautiful scenery, great food, street fairs and photo opps everywhere?
All here … for you … to See and to Do!
ARE Ready? you
Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine, Draper
Appalachian Trail, 50 miles through Giles County, Angel’s Rest Overlook most popular day hike
Aquatic Center, Blacksburg, 6 lap lanes in 25-yard pool, hot tub, saunas, skate park
Aquatic Center, Christiansburg, 3 pools including Olympic size pool, warm water therapy pool, skate park
Arcade games in many places
Blue Ridge Axe Throwing, downtown Blacksburg
Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd County, one of America’s most scenic drives
Bisset Park, Radford, along the New River, abundant bird life
Bowling, Blacksburg and Christiansburg
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, Floyd, significant natural ecosystems, rare plants and animals, steep 1-mile hike
Caboose Park, Blacksburg, hand in hand playground, picnicking
Calfee Park, Pulaski, home field of the Appalachian League’s Pulaski River Turtles
Cascade Falls, Pembroke, very popular 2-mile woodland hike to 66foot waterfalls
Claytor Lake State Park, Pulaski County, 21-mile long lake, boat rentals, stand up paddleboarding, kayaks, swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping
Climber’s Gym, Christiansburg, rock walls and indoor challenges
Covered Bridges, Giles County, Route 700 [parking] and Route 601/Clover Hollow Road [private property, can see and photograph from the road]
Cox’s Driving Range, Blacksburg, miniature golf, batting cages, driving ranges
Dismal Falls, Giles County, not so dismal when you are there, very pretty, hiking, horse camping, people camping
Much of the appeal of being in the New River Valley as a visitor or a resident is the wide range of activities, recreation and entertainment. From adrenaline-pumping thrills like whitewater rafting, axe throwing and mountain biking to soft pursuits you can practically do in your slippers, here is the basic lowdown of information.
Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Escape Rooms, Blacksburg, Radford, Mountain Lake Lodge, test your deductive reasoning skills to plot your escape
Falls Ridge Preserve, Elliston, short loop, 60foot waterfall, wildflowers spring and summer
Floyd Country Store, Floyd, Friday night jamboree, Appalachian old-timey, toe-stompin’ music and dancing
Gatewood Park & Reservoir, Pulaski County, 400 acres, hidden gem, maintained trail system, 4 miles or more, great campground plus island camping by boat with permit
Glen Alton, Giles County, 304 acres, pristine, rural, scenic, trails, picnicking, bird watching, photography
Golden Hills Disc Golf Course, Christiansburg, professional grade 37-hole disc golf course
Hahn Horticulture Garden and Duck Ponds, Virginia Tech campus, pretty gardens year round, hundreds of plant species
Heritage Park, Blacksburg, 189 acres on edge of town, walking trails, bird watching, play space
Huckleberry Trail, Blacksburg-Christiansburg link, paved, 12+ miles
Theatres, bowling and more, First & Main, Blacksburg
[The] Junction at the Draper Mercantile, Draper, next to New River Trail, bicycle rentals and outfitters, sports shop
Kairos, Giles County, 1,500 acres, ATV and dirt bike trails, yurt lodging, BYOV/bring your own vehicle
Lily’s Playground, Uptown Christiansburg, indoor play space
Mabry Mill, Milepost 176.2, historic mill, one of most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Mary Draper Ingles Trail, Glen Lyn, along the New River, 7 miles, links with West Virginia trail system
McCoy Falls, Blacksburg, hot spot for tubing on the New River
Mill Creek Nature Park, Narrows, 140-acre nature park, waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, stream fishing
Little River, Riner/Floyd, kayak and canoe rentals
Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke, 2,600 acres, hiking, mountain biking, sky slide, zipline, “Dirty Dancing” movie film site
New River Trail, Pulaski County, 58 miles, rails-to-trails, pastoral scenes
New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin, flea markets, horse shows, county fair, special events
New River Water Trail, Giles County, 37 miles of New River water activities
NRV Super Bowl, Christiansburg, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag
Outfitters, fly fishing, rafting, tubing, camping, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, cabin rentals, etc.
Pandapas Pond Recreation Area, Blacksburg, 8-acre pond, kids fishing, boardwalk across part of the pond,
picnic tables, creeks, butterfly and heirloom garden, pond life, nature photo ops, walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding permitted, BYOH/bring your own horse, Jefferson National Forest trails
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn, car racing, derbies and thrilling events
Randolph Park, Pulaski, 87 acres, water park, frisbee, volleyball, horseshoes, picnicking
River Sculpture Walking Trail, Pearisburg, one mile walk, 5 permanent sculptures
Rocky Knob Recreation Area, Floyd County, Blue Ridge Parkway, visitor’s center, picnicking, camping, trails
Skateboard parks, Blacksburg and Christiansburg near aquatic centers
Stiles Falls, Shawsville, 3.2-mile outand-back trail, moderately challenging
Uptown Christiansburg (formerly New River Valley Mall), shopping, 1/2 -mile indoor walk, food court
Wildwood Farms General Store, Willis, live music Saturdays, monthly cruise-ins
Wildwood Park, Radford, 50-acre wooded valley, bikeway and walking trails, eclectic nature ecosystems
Wonder Universe, a children’s handson museum, Uptown Christiansburg (formerly New River Valley Mall)
Zip lines, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines (Floyd County)
Ride-A-Rescue
Horseback riding through rolling pastures and woodlands and along ridge tops is a wonderful adventure in the New River Valley which supports Winterfrost Farm. This unique equine rescue and rehab 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is the life mission of one mother-daughter team and dozens of volunteers. Neglected, abused and abandoned horses are picked up and healed. Many find new homes and other hang out on the property and take people for quiet trail rides. Riders from beginners to advanced are welcome. The farm hosts birthday parties, Easter egg hunts, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day rides and other special events. All Ride-ARescue fees go to caring for these magnificent equines which have been given a new lease on life. If you can’t ride, consider making a donation.
100 High Meadow Pkwy. ~ Radford 540-320-1697 ~ www.winterfrostfarm.org
Movies
Going to the movies is still wonderful and one of the most perfect vacation diversions. Movie houses have comfy seats, cup holders, state-of-the-art digital productions and always plenty of popcorn!
B&B Theatres, multiple screens, First & Main, Blacksburg
Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg, renovated 1930s movie house, special performances, first-run movies
Pulaski Theater, Pulaski, colorful history since 1911, reopened in 2009, music and films
Regal New River Valley Stadium 14 Movie Theatre, Christiansburg next to NRV Mall,
Scarette’s Plaza Cinema, Fairlawn, affordable family entertainment, newest movies
Star-Lite Drive-in, Christiansburg, a classic for summer nights
The Radford Theatre, downtown Radford, open every day, movies
Coffee shops number more than 38,000 across the country, and coffee is the most ordered beverage in the hot drink category. Legends abound on the discovery of coffee, and the average coffee drinker probably doesn’t care where it started, but cares deeply that it is available.
Brewing is a bit of an art, but roasting is where the real efforts lie that release aroma and flavor from inside green coffee beans. During a rapid heating process, a chemical reaction causes moisture to be released before the beans are just as quickly cooled. Expert roasters, like Mill Mt. Coffee & Tea in Blacksburg which opened in 1991, have years of experience in volume, temperature management and timing.
More than 159 million American enjoy a cup of tea every day in the United States. More than two billion enjoy the brew around the world, with our country sitting on the 35th spot. The top
five countries for tea consumption are Turkey, Ireland, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Iran. Nonetheless, many New River Valley residents consume either bagged tea or loose tea every day of the week.
Hot chocolate trends very high in the cold months with a third of Americans naming it their favorite holiday beverage. It is most likely to be consumed with a cookie or cake. There is a rising demand for flavored hot chocolate, and it can be a staple year-round on the coffee shop menu.
The New River Valley has great coffee shops in almost every town with sweet home-baked scones, muffins and cookies, as well as granola, ice cream and sandwiches. They all have terrific hot coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, goodies – all to-go or to stay. The atmosphere is cozy. The people are friendly. Whatever you order, it’s a hot cup of happiness good to the last sip. Some say you are never alone with a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate.
Floyd County -- Strolling around the one-trafficlight town of Floyd is just plan fun. Many shops sport glass front windows, funky signs and clever names. From locally-made fine crafts and country products to antiques, vintage stuff, live plants and unusual gift items, there’s no shortage of shelves and display cases. Clothing includes country duds, sophisticated city slicker lines and everything in between. Floyd is worth the drive for a whole day or even longer.
Giles County -- The towns of Giles are wonderful enclaves to explore for hiking gear and supplies, fabric and gifts. Pearis Mercantile has something to everyone, seriously, and Walker Valley Market is a charming place to stock up on bulk foods, fine groceries and fresh baked goods, along with a handcrafted Amish dining table and chairs, new patio furniture or a leather belt and other essentials. Some of best comfort-foods-to-go are found at the gas stations in Giles. Tangent Outfitters and Cascade Café offer more tasty morsels and travel gear.
Montgomery County -- Shops are sprinkled throughout the county. The New River Valley Mall has been rebranded Uptown Christiansburg, and many strip malls are home to major retailers and indie businesses.
Blacksburg – Downtown is teeming with sports bars, cute shops, cafes, quality merchandise and useful places like the U.S. Post Office, hair stylists and the farmer’s market. Matrix Gallery measures its downtown presence in decades. New River Art & Fiber offers art, yarn and terrific craft supplies.
Christiansburg – The downtown and Cambria antique shops draw shoppers from all over the East Coast. Crab Creek Country Store has a delightful selection of primitive and home accessories, quilts and wood and pellet stoves, too. The farmers market is open Thursdays in season on Hickok Street, and downtown is host to truck rodeos, street fairs and festivals.
Pulaski County -- The Marketplace at the historic train station is the hub of community gathering, especially Tuesdays for fresh produce and crafts. The Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley has been in downtown Pulaski for decades with local and regional arts and crafts. You might not want to miss Draper Mercantile aka Thee Draper Village with its extensive gift shop, restaurant and tea room.
Radford City -- The best first stop here is Glencoe Mansion, which offers a historical tour and houses the Radford Visitor’s Center and a gift shop with local arts, crafts and books. Downtown is an interesting blend of college energy, flea market finds, clothing, jewelry and more. For more than 35 years, the hippie culture has thrived in Lamour’s Boutique . If the tiedyed look is not your style, check out Garrett’s & Meg’s for a more sophisticated look.
Dogs are welcome in the New River Valley! There are abundant forest and paved trails, a couple dog parks, doggie wash stations and an abundant supply of dog food and canaine accessories in many stores. So bring on the pup(s) and enjoy a long walk, a short walk, a weekend, vacation or forever. Whether you’re a visitor or long-time resident, the dogs can go many places.
All-American Dog Sports, based in Blacksburg, claims agility is the most fun you can have with your dog. They host North American Dog Agility Council sanctioned events like agility trials indoors and outside, as well as offer group and private dog training in agility, obedience, nosework and more.
The same walk every day is a sensational outing for a dog, so imagine taking your canine pal to a new place and magnifying the experience. A dog’s sense of smell is 100,000 times better than a human, which explains why they can sniff out drugs, bombs, human disease and perhaps even each one of the ingredients of a cookie. No wonder they follow their noses anywhere. There’s no shortage of sniffing opportunities in the New River Valley, and we never run out of fresh air.
Art in all its forms provides a positive impact on visitors, residents and local communities throughout the New River Valley. The presence of major universities and job and business opportunities brings global cultures to the region and expands our vision of the world. Appalachian heritage has forged the region’s character, creating a sense of place and promoting kinship among the population. Blending international cultures and expression through art broadens our identity in the context of past, present and future.
It’s easy to find something year-round that embraces artistic expression in small venues or on stage or at the $100 million Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg. This sophisticated venue plays host to Appalachian musicians and The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming with banjos, guitars and dulcimers as well as famed international performers.
Many artists open their galleries to the public, and the Floyd County Artisan Trail boasts more than
40 open studios across a long weekend in June. Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College promote an interesting collage of performing arts.
One of the best souvenirs a traveler or local resident can acquire is a local art piece or unique handcrafted item.
• Bell Gallery & Garden, Floyd
• Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley, Pulaski and Blacksburg
• Floyd Center for the Arts, Floyd
• Gunpowder Springs Artisan Shop, Eggleston
• Miller off Main Galleries, Blacksburg
• Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg
Celebrations and street fairs are catalysts for community connection. We celebrate tomatoes and fiddlin’, old cars, wine, food trucks and more.
• Chocolate
• Bugs
• Micro brew
• Tomatoes
• Lavender
• International cultures
• Holidays
• Arts and crafts
• Food truck rodeos
• Heritage
• Music
• Summer solstice
• Battle re-enactments
• Water and mud
• And practically everything else.
Youth is a state of mind, not a time of life, and looking good and feeling great comes from an intentional focus on one’s health and well-being. Pure relaxation with a massage, sauna, facials, manicure, pedicure, body exfoliating rubs and salt spa treatments can rejuvenate the most sagging of spirits. Taking care of yourself enhances self-esteem, raises levels of optimism and promotes a wonderful sense of well-being.
The power of rejuvenation holds the key to feeling fabulous, putting a spring in your step and restoring a whimsical, fun-loving spirit.
The New River Valley is endowed with massage options, state-of-theart manicures and pedicures, hair treatments from trims to curls, color and cuts, facials and much more. Whether you are on vacation or a business trip, attending a conference, visiting colleges or college students and family members or hanging out in your own local backyard, make time for some beneficial personal luxury. Walking has been one of the very best exercises since the dawn of time, but can be another activity that gets easily crowded out of daily life. Copious walking opportunities
in the NRV all include smog-free, southwest Virginia fresh air. Swimming is a healthy exercise that does not require a lot of gear or expense, and the aquatic centers in Blacksburg and Christiansburg have open swim times and saunas. Most workout venues have a guest pass program if you find yourself in the New River Valley for a short stay. Treat yourself to a swim, a walk, a workout, a spa treatment, haircut, mani or pedi and step out with glowing confidence and a renewed passion for life.
in the New River Valley Novel Romance Venues
It’s not novel like a book but novel like new. Romance connotes love, merriment, joy and exhilaration, like getting a puppy or a new home or a deeper relationship. The New River Valley plays host to romance from fields and pastures to hilltops, valleys, mountain streams and woodlands. Mother Nature offers the natural environment as an enchanting setting.
Romance means many things to different people, but the underlying notion that love can strengthen and intensify is the catalyst to seek out common bonds. Love deepens over coffee, hiking, studying, going to church, pizza, grilling out and spending time together.
Some might propose on bended knee in the most unusual of places – a favorite place on a campus, or the spot where they met, or on the edge of rock on a special hike. Wedding bells ring across the New River Valley in beautiful wineries, intimate B&Bs, chapels, churches, barns, pumpkin fields, mountain tops and country valleys. Couples marry in a kayak, on a trail, in a barn or church or on horseback. Two people with stars in their eyes for one another can be just as romantically-inclined in a BBQ joint, craft brewery or coffee shop as a captivating mountain resort, elegant B&B or spectacular candlelight dinner.
The thing is, the New River Valley can charm anyone with its abundant amenities, services and congenial hospitality. You can even fall in love with a view, a pond, a wildflower, a special experience.
The New River Valley stage is set with novel romance venues. If a wedding becomes part of a plan, all the services are right here, too. From lavish, glamour and glitz to shabby chic, vintage and country themes, weddings are not only affordable, but also stunning for the settings and dedicated professional services to make dreams come true for a perfect Big Day. All you need it love.
click or stop by
Eric Johnsen ChFC® CLU® CASL® LTCP
2045 N Franklin St Ste C Christiansbrg, VA 24073-1227
Bus: 540-382-5552 eric.johnsen.pibm@statefarm.co ericjohnseninsurance.com
“There’s truly no place like home especially when that home is the New River Valley. As a lifelong resident, my roots run deep in this corner of VA. My family, career, & heart are all grounded here. For me, the NRV isn’t just where I live—it’s a personal treasure, and I’m proud to call it home.”
-Darin
“I consider myself fortunate to call the New River Valley my home. My connection to this beautiful valley runs deep, and I bring both a genuine appreciation for the region and an indepth knowledge of the area to my real estate endeavors.”
“Loving the New River Valley and calling it home for 38 years has been a true blessing With deep knowledge of the area and a strong connection to the community, I’ve been fortunate to live, work, and raise my family in this incredible place. If you’re looking to buy or sell, I’d be honored to help you find your perfect home in the
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, aka Virginia Tech, started as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872. Fast forward 152 years, and more than 30,000 students pursue more than 250 degrees across a 2600-acre campus. It’s the only school with maroon and orange colors, a Hokie bird mascot and one in only three public universities with an active corps of cadets.
Radford University, founded in 1910, educates 6,500+ students who choose from 76 bachelor degree programs and more for advanced degrees. Sports programs include baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, cross country, equine competitions, ice hockey, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, volleyball and track and field. The school is especially centered on creative and critical thinking skills.
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in veterinary medicine, public health and biomedical sciences. They treat hundreds of horses, cows, dogs, cats, goats and other animals year-round in their teaching hospital with state-of-the-art surgical suites and facilities.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine prepares globallyminded and community-focused doctors (D.O.) to serve rural populations and promote research.
New River Community College is an integral part of education for many college students to fulfill their ambitions and dreams. The high quality of education offered in its occupational programs and college transfer courses has positive impacts on its graduates throughout life.
Public schools, private schools and home schools across the New River Valley are proud of their academic achievements and myriad sports programs. Kids learn the value of team playing, a healthy competitive spirit and that winning is a kick and losing is a bummer. Good lessons to learn at an early age.
The Lifelong Learning Institute at Virginia Tech is a member-driven, volunteer organization that draws on academic and community resources in the New River Valley and beyond to provide intellectual, cultural and social experiences for curious adults 50 and older.
As the craft beer movement wafts across the country, beerologists and beer buffs in the New River Valley embrace the challenge to design, brew and craft spirits of incomparable quality. The small side of these micro-breweries assures attention to details and wellearned pride in every bottle or frosty mug or tall glass.
There are some enticing choices for folks to wet the whistle with microbrew beer hand-crafted in small batches. Folk lore attributes “wet your whistle” to British pub owners having whistles baked into ceramic mugs, from
which you only needed to whistle for a refill. More plausible perhaps is the fact that it’s very hard to whistle from a dry mouth, so a drink can remedy that. Whistling aside, artisan beer appeals to our adventurous desire to taste and experience new tastes and support local brewers.
Iron Tree Brewing Company in Christiansburg hangs tight to the theory that good beer and good company go hand in hand. The small craft brewery offers several varieties of beer so everyone in the group of good company has a good beer for
themselves. The newly renovated tasting room in downtown Christiansburg is a bright, happy place for you to indulge in fun brews like Duck Pond Water and Mob Barley, cute mixup of Bob Marley’s first initials.
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill in Blacksburg paved the way as the first craft brewery in southwest Virginia in 2008. Fresh lager and ale are handcrafted on-site and locally sources. The names are enticing enough for a taste: Maroon Effect Ale, All Night Light, Sun Lit Wit and more. The food is great here, too!
Buffalo Mountain Brewery & McDaniels Tavern, Floyd
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill, Blacksburg
Eastern Divide Brewing Company, Blacksburg
Lefty’s Right Mind Brewery, Blacksburg
Long Way Brewing, Radford
Iron Tree Brewing, Christiansburg
Moon Hollow Brewing Company, Blacksburg
Off the Mall Brewery in The Maroon Door, Blacksburg
Rising Silo, Blacksburg
The River Company Restaurant and Brewery, Pulaski County
Moonshine
Adjacent to Floyd County is the once touted “Moonshine Capital of the World” so it’s just a whisker away that Five Mile Mountain Distillery set up shop -- legally. It’s the first distillery in Floyd since Prohibition, and they’re using the same ol’ recipes along with traditional copper stills on open flames. They say it’s smooth solo, and it makes a great cocktail or infusion as well.
Distillery
From a local whiskey club named Bourbon And Rye Drinking Society (BARDS) to a micro distillery with a fittingly rustic wood atmosphere of Appalachia, J.H. Bards Spirit Co. produces Sinking Creek Vodka, Maple Whiskey 60 Proof and others spirits in a bottle. The offer cocktail syrups, along with signature clothing and ball caps and glasses. It is the entrepreneurial endeavor of New River Valley natives who love producing a good flight of whiskeys and signature cocktails.
Several museums chronicle history, preserve artifacts, tools, vehicles and historic buildings, serving admirably as stewards of the past.
Alexander Black House & Cultural Center, Blacksburg
Andrew Johnston House & Museum, Pearisburg
Blue Ridge Music Center, Floyd
Coal Miner’s Heritage Park, McCoy outside Blacksburg
Floyd County Historical Society Museum, Floyd
Glencoe Mansion Museum & Gallery, Radford
June Bug Center, Floyd
Montgomery Museum of Art & History, Christiansburg
Museum of Geosciences, Virginia Tech campus, Blacksburg
Old Church Gallery, Floyd
Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum, Pulaski
Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg
St. Luke’s and Odd Fellows Hall, Blacksburg
Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern [Pulaski County]
History Markers of Note
Many of the 2,500 roadside markers in Virginia are found in the New River Valley. Each one features some historical inscription commemorating a site, individual, building or event of statewide or national interest. They are approximately 42” x 40” and noteworthy for black lettering on a silver background on each side. There are 110 such markers in the New River Valley, which can be found by county or city at www.hmdb.org, the Historical Marker Database.
RESTAURANTS
Blacksburg
622 North 622 N. Main St. 540-951-1022
Abby’s Restaurant & Bar 1001 N. Main St. 540-953-0100
Avellinos Italian 1440 S. Main St. 540-953-4040
Benny Marzano’s Pizza 110 Draper Road 540-649-2896
Black Hen and Bar Blue 126 Jackson St. 540-951-3000
Blacksburg Tavern
103 S. Main St. 540-552-8876
Blacksburg Wine Lab 223 Gilbert St. 540-605-7291
Bollo’s Cafe & Bakery 206 Draper Road 540-953-1669
Bottom of the Stairs 217 College Ave. 540-953-0320
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
460 Turner Street 540-552-9464
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill 1470 S. Main St. 540-953-2855
Cabo Fish Taco 117 S. Main St. 540-552-0950
Café Mekong 1405 S. Main St. 540-953-2838
Carol Lee Donuts 1414 N. Main St. 540-552-6706
Cellar Restaurant 302 N. Main St. 540-953-0651
Champs Sports Bar 111 N. Main St. 540-951-2222
Chipotle Mexican Grill 312 N. Main St. 540-552-3860
Coffeeholics 211 Draper Road 540-605-7744
Domino’s Pizza 905 N. Main St. 540-953-4600
Double Dragon 1305 S. Main St. 540-552-6651
D.P. Dough 215 N. Main St. 540-951-9663
Eastern Divide 3175 Commerce St. 540-577-6877
El Rodeo
623 N. Main St. 1540 S. Main St. 540-552-7807
El Mariachi 3703 S. Main St. 540-951-7300
Feather Bone Provisions 4237 Prices Fork Road 540-739-3393
Gaucho Brazilian Grille 880 University City Blvd. 540-922-2854
Gillie’s 153 College Ave. 540-961-2703
Green’s Grill & Sushi Bar 109 College Ave. 540-961-2020
Halwa Bakery & Café
700 N. Main St. 540-739-3982
Hamro Kitchen
403 Draper Road 540-818-5767p
Happy Wok
133 College Ave. 540-552-3048
Hello Bagel
1344 S. Main St. 540+953-7008
Himalayan Curry Cafe 781 University City Blvd. 540-552-7770
Hokie House
322 N. Main St. 540-552-0280
Hunan King 801 University City Blvd. 540-951-0654
Idego Coffee
119 N. Main St. 540-998-9356
India Garden
210 Prices Fork 540-951-5100
Insomnia Cookies
620 N. Main St. 540-328-9276
Italiano’s 610 N. Main St. 540-961-5000
Joe’s Diner 221 N. Main St. 540-961-4194
Lefty’s Main Street Grille 1410 S. Main St. 540-552-7000
Macado’s 922 University City Blvd. 540-953-2700
McClain’s at First & Main 1614 S. Main St. 540-616-2126
Mellow Mushroom
207 S. Main St. 540-605-7074
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea
700 N. Main St. 540-552-7442
Next Door Bake Shop 460 Turner St. 540-951-2253
Ocean Samurai 1560 S. Main St. 540-951-0068
Our Daily Bread
Bakery & Bistro 1329 S. Main St. 540-953-2815
Panera Bread
715 University City Blvd. 540-951-8650
PK’s Bar and Restaurant 432 N. Main St. 540-552-3278
Preston’s Inn at Virginia Tech Prices Fork Road 540-231-0120
Rising Silo Brewery 2351 Glade Road 540-750-0796
Rivermill Bar and Grill 212 Draper Road 540-951-2483
Roma Pizza 1407 N. Main St. 540-552-3800
Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint 220 N. Main St. 540-552-2030
Souvlaki 201 College Ave. 540-951-0555
Spicity 210 Prices Fork Road 540-739-3628
Square 5 Public House 112 N. Main St. 540-552-9044
Sushi Factory and Tea 801 University City Blvd. 540-951-2380
Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt 801 University City Blvd. 540-251-3080
Tasty Pasta and Grill 1301 S. Main St. 540-418-4101
The Beast of Blacksburg Pizza 860 University City Blvd. 540-953-1975
The Boardwalk 110 Draper Road 703-825-6900
The Burg RestoBar 204 Draper Road 540-739-3108
The Coop 235 N. Main St. 540-605-7924
The Maroon Door 418 N. Main St. 540-605-7418
The Milk Parlor 211 Draper Road 540-951-1393
Top of the Stairs 217 College Ave. 540-953-2837
Twisted Liquid 301 S. Main St. 540-739-3457
Waffle House 610 N. Main St. 540-951-5370
Wikiteria Cafe 1715 Pratt Drive 540-443-9221
Zeppoli’s Italian 810 University City Blvd. 540-953-2000
Draper Mercantile
RESTAURANTS
Christiansburg
Aly’s Family Italian
3204 Riner Road 540-381-7800
Buffalo and More 4041 Riner Road 540-381-9764
Chick-Fil-A 2580 N. Franklin St. 540-394-4488
Chicken Salad Chick 2575 Market St. 540-269-5408
China Garden
1572 N. Franklin St. 540-381-4061
Cold Stone Creamery 2445 N. Franklin St. 540-250-4024
Country Kitchen 1080 Radford Road 540-382-5536
Cracker Barrel 30 Hampton Blvd. 540-382-2750
Dairy Queen 950 Franklin St. 540-382-9195
Domino’s Pizza 426 Peppers Ferry Road 1655 Roanoke St. 540-585-4010 540-382-1516
Dude’s Drive-in 1505 Roanoke St. 540-382-7901
El Bronco Mexican 6 Radford St. 540-381-0674
[The] Farmhouse 460 Cambria St. 540-382-4253
First Watch 2730 Market St. 540-299-0880
Five Guys 95 Conston Ave. 540-381-6411
Gardner’s Frozen Treats & Grill
419 Roanoke St. 540-382-6450
Gran Rodeo Mexican 200 Laurel St. 540-394-4005
Hunan House 2100 Roanoke St. 540-382-8999
Kabuki Japanese Steak House 120 Arbor Drive 540-381-3600
KFC
200 Peppers Ferry Road 540-382-8957
Little Caesars Pizza 1576 N. Franklin St. 540-382-3733
Little River Grill 2395 Tyler Road 540-639-3399
Lost in Taste 2675 Roanoke St. 540-251-5600
Macado’s 19 W. Main St. 540-381-8872
Milano Italian 50 Merrimac Road 540-951-2590
Mission BBQ 2585 Market St. 540-492-5445
Noodles And Company 2531 Market St. 540-25196077
Ocean Samurai 1635 N. Franklin St. 540-757-0888
O’Charley’s 150 Laurel St. 540-382-5651
Eastern Divide, Blacksburg
Christiansburg
Olive Garden
2590 N. Franklin St. 540-381-3240
Outback Steakhouse
295 Peppers Ferry Road 540-382-9596
Panera Bread 2610 N. Franklin St. 540-382-0970
Pizza Inn
190 N. Franklin St. 540-382-4989
Red Lobster
75 Peppers Ferry Road 540-381-3760
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 105 Peppers Ferry Road 540-381-4973
Ruby Tuesday 2380 Roanoke St. 540-382-9474
Sakura Japanese Steakhouse 105 Laurel St. 540-381-1188
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand 1715 N. Franklin St. 540-382-8099
Sonic Drive-in
355 N. Franklin St. 540-381-0007
Texas Roadhouse 100 Bradley Drive 540-381-2900
The Blue Hen 1465 Roanoke St. 540-251-5967
The Summit Restaurant 95 College St. 540-382-7218
Uptown Christiansburg [Formerly New River Valley Mall]
New River Coffee
Twist & Shake 782 New River Road 540-381-6300
Waffle House 90 Oak Tree Blvd. 540-382-8175
Blue Ridge Restaurant 113 E. Main St. 540-745-2147
Bootleg BBQ 412 Locust St. 540-285-0691
Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company and McDaniels Tavern 332 Webbs Mill Road North 540-745-2491
Chateau Morrisette 287 Winery Road MP 171.5 Blue Ridge Parkway 540-593-2865
Cocoa Mia 109. E. Main St. 540-695-0224
Dino’s Restaurant 4943 Floyd Hwy South 540-789-2419
DJ’s Drive-In
701 E. Main St. 540-745-3663
Dogtown Roadhouse 302 S. Locust St. 540-745-6836
El Charro Grill Mexican 302 S. Locust St. 540-745-5303
Floyd Country Store Café 206 S. Locust St. 540-745-4563
Jim’s Grill 5602 Floyd Hwy S, Willis 540-789-4745
Lush Lounge
317 E. Main St. 540-745-5874
Mabry Mill Restaurant 266 Mabry Mill Road MP 176 Blue Ridge Parkway 276-952-2947
OuterSpace
364 S. Locust St 540-745-2857
Pantoufle’s Bistro 109 E. Main St. 540-695-0224
Parkway Grille 227 N. Locust St. 540-745-4770
The Bread Basket 2167 Webbs Mill Road 540-745-5382
The Pharm House 331 E. Main St. 540-745-3366
Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn 3351 Parkway Lane South 540-745-3402
Wildwood Farms General Store
George’s Kitchen 2380 Floyd Hwy S, Willis 540-745-5155
RESTAURANTS
Salt Pond Pub, Pembroke
Giles County
Bluegrass BBQ
609 Snidow St., Pembroke 540-626-2271
Cascade Cafe
201 Cascade Drive, Pembroke 540-626-4567
Dairy Queen
503 N. Main St., Pearisburg 540-726-3133
Eggleston Springs General Store
1365 Sinking Creek Road, Pembroke 540-626-3322
Friends & Family
100 Woodland Drive, Pearisburg 540-626-4717
Harvest Restaurant
Mountain Lake Lodge 115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke 540-626-7121
Hilltop Deli
7887 Virginia Ave., Newport 540-626-7682
J&J Grocery
2909 Pulaski Giles Turnpike 540-921-0073
La Barranca Mexican Grill 418 N. Main St., Pearisburg 540-921-2323
Lost in Taste Roadhouse
5840 Virginia Ave., Pembroke 540-626-4000
Lucky Star Chinese 316 N. Main St., Pearisburg 540-921-2808
Papa’s Pizzeria & Subs 111 Tazewell St., Pearisburg 540-921-1333
Pizza Plus
507 N. Main St., Pearisburg 158 Old Virginia Ave., Rich Creek 540-921-3100
Queen’s Pizza & Subs
144 Kinter Way, Pearisburg 300 Old Virginia Ave., Rich Creek 540-921-4321
Salt Pond Pub Mountain Lake Lodge 115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke 540-626-7121
Scoops Arcade 610 Snidow St., Pembroke 540-626-5959
Sugar + Flour
129 S. Main St., Pearisburg [no phone]
Sugar Mountain Bakery
792 Federal St., Rich Creek 540-358-2080
Riviera Mexican 5870 Virginia Ave., Pembroke 540-626-5441
The Happy Hog 100 S. Main St., Pearisburg 540-922-8100
The Palisades
68 Village St., Eggleston 540-626-2828
Walker Valley Market
106 Nature Lane, Pearisburg 540-921-1381
Pulaski County
Asahi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 5239 Alexander Road Dublin 540-307-5946
Big Belly Pizza 1048 Memorial Drive Pulaski 540-980-5292
Chang Hua Chinese 1040 Memorial Drive Pulaski 540-980-6363
Compadres Mexican 1106 E. Main St. Pulaski 540-994-5557
Downtown Grub
248 W. Main St. Dublin 540-307-5360
Draper Mercantile + Draper Blooms Tea Garden + Village Coffee Shoppe & Restaurant 3054 Greenbrier Road Draper, I-81, exit 92 540-994-5659
El Ranchero 5239 Alexander Road Dublin 540-674-8639
Fazoli’s 4416 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin 540-307-5079
Ginza Asian Fusion 1075 E. Main St. Pulaski 540-980-1055
Hank’s Drive-In 7431 Lee Hwy. Fairlawn 540-731-1579
Happy Cinco De Mayo 4426 Cleburne Blvd Dublin 540-418-0510
Patty’s Kitchen 793 Broad St. Dublin 540-674-4952
Preston’s at The River 8400 River Course Drive Fairlawn 540-633-2667
Sal’s Jr. Pizzeria 7401 Peppers Ferry Blvd. Fairlawn 540-639-2600
Sonic Drive-in 647 E. Main St. Pulaski 540-980-7039
The Dawg House 1060 E. Main St. Pulaski 540-980-2275
The Mason Jar 4941 State Park Road Dublin 540-307-5834
The River Company Restaurant & Brewery 6633 Viscoe Road Fairlawn 540-633-3940
TJ’s 4538 State Park Road Dublin 540-674-1313
Tom’s Drive-in 620 S. Washington Ave. Pulaski 540-980-1752
Tuscano Pizza 313 N. Washington Ave. Pulaski 540-509-5540
Verona Italian 222 Cleburne Blve. Dublin 540-674-4441
RESTAURANTS
Rising Silo, Blacksburg
Radford (and Fairlawn)
Bee & Buter
600 Tyler Ave. 540-744-1500
Brick House Pizza
311 W. Main St. 540-639-5793
B T’s
218 Tyler Ave. 540-639-1282
Benny Nicola’s 1018 Clement St. 540-838-2088
Domino’s Pizza
1700 E. Main St. 540-639-6144
El Charro Mexican Grill
713 W. Main St. 540-633-0051
Fu Lin 7440 Lee Hwy. 540-633-0322
Golden Bowl 1802 E. Main St. 540-639-1106
Highlander Pizza 700 E. Main St. 540-731-4444
King Buffet 7387 Peppers Ferry Blvd. 540-633-5065
Latino’s Taste 1126 W. Main St. 540-633-5633
Lin House 1200 Tyler Ave. 540-633-6128
Little Caesars Pizza 7414 Lee Hwy. 540-633-1111
Macado’s 510 E. Main St. 540-731-4879
Nagoya Sushi 1144 E. Main St. 540-633-6008
Pazar 703 W. Main St. 540-838-2414
Radford Coffee Company 333 W. Main St. 540-838-2399
Red Provisions Coffee Shop 600 Tyler Ave. 540-744-1500
Riley’s Main Street Lounge 1043 E. Main St. 540-731-1796
Rocas 7523 Lee Hwy. 540-730-4111
Sal’s Italian 709 W. Main St. 540-639-9669
Sal’s Jr. Pizzeria & Italian 7401 Peppers Ferry Blvd. 540-639-2600
Screamer’s Sports Grill 1017 E. Main St. 540-731-0700
Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint 1202 E. Main St. 540-267-3434
Sonic Drive-in 113 W. Main St. 540-639-2800
Thai This Express 1401 Tyler Ave. 540-838-2329
The River Company & Brewery 6633 Viscoe Road 540-633-3940
Troy’s Steak Subs & Pizza 7339 Peppers Ferry Road 540-731-4611
Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg
JBR Vineyards, Pearisburg
Virginia’s great soil and cool climate bodes well for enterprising wine makers and vintners who work hard every year to create small batch, award-winning wines. Beliveau Estate Winery, a destination boutique winery, event center and B&B in the lush countryside outside Blacksburg offers events year-round.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette revels in more than 40 years of having “a hobby that soon got out of hand.” The premier winery boasts a world-class restaurant, some of the finest wines produced in the East, elite wine tastings and a wonderful gift shop with a large tasting bar. Giles County on the western boundary of the New River Valley is home to JBR Winery.
Iron Heart Winery, near the southern tip of the region, was founded on a 1782 land grant parcel that housed an Iron Complex some 100 years ago. The father-son owners work side by side daily and offer home stays, corporate retreats and an event venue.
Wineries
w Chateau Morrisette, Floyd
w Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg
w JBR Vineyards, Pearisburg
w Spinning Jenny, Draper
w The New River Vineyard & Winery, Fairlawn
w Iron Heart Winery, Hiwassee
w Villa Appalaccia, Floyd
w Dobbins Hollow Winery & Cidery, Pilot
Wine Shop: Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg
Blacksburg Wine Lab: A place to drink, eat and enjoy all the world of wine has to offer
Blacksburg
Beliveau Farm
B&B and Winery 5415 Gallion Ridge Road, 540-961-2102
Blacksburg Bed and Breakfast
401 Clay St. SW 540-552-4030
Comfort Inn, 3705 S. Main St 540-951-1500
Courtyard by Marriott 105 Southpark Drive 540-552-5222
Hilton Garden Inn
900 Plantation Road 540-552-5005
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1020 Plantation Road 540-552-5636
Home2Suites by Hilton 1321 Rugby Lane 855-618-4702
Hyatt Place
650 University City Blvd. 540-277-9050
Inn at Virginia Tech
901 Prices Fork Road 540-231-8000
Main & Henry Extended Stay
1307 N. Main St. 540-553-1000
Main Street Inn 205 S. Main St. 540-552-6246
Red Carpet Inn 1615 S. Main St. 540-552-4011
Residence Inn
850 Prices Fork Road 540-750-4400
Christiansburg
Affordable Corporate Suites 1045 Peppers Ferry Rd NW 540-264-3034
Budget Inn
304 W. Main St. 540-382-6625
Comfort Inn & Suites
2331 Tyler Road 540-639-3333
Days Inn 2635 Roanoke St. 540-382-0261
Econo Lodge 2430 Roanoke St. 540-382-6161
Fairfield Inn & Suites 2659 Roanoke St. 540-381-9596
Hampton Inn 380 Arbor Drive 540-381-5874
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 2725 Roanoke St. 540-382-6500
Holiday Inn 99 Bradley Drive 540-381-8100
Homewood Suites 2657 Roanoke St. 540-381-1394
Knights Inn 100 Bristol Drive 540-381-0150
Oaks Victorian Inn
311 E. Main St. 540-381-1500
Quality Inn 50 Hampton Blvd. 540-382-2055
Super 8-East 2780 Roanoke St. 540-382-7421
Super 8-West 55 Laurel St. 540-382-5813
SureStay Hotel by Best Western 135 Ponderosa Drive 540-381-0500
Tru by Hilton 55 Hampton Blvd. NE 540-251-3604
Wingate by Wyndham 70 Hampton Blvd. NE 540-299-1432
Floyd County
Ambrosia Farm B&B 271 Cox Store Road Floyd, 540-745-6363
Blacksburg Bed and Breakfast
The Oaks Victorian Inn
Highlander Hotel
Inn at Virginia Tech
Bent Mountain B&B
9039 Mountain View Drive
Copper Hill, 540-651-2500
Hotel Floyd
300 Rick Lewis Way 540-745-6080
Little River B&B
446 Little River Road 540-745-4598
Oak Haven Lodge
323 Webbs Mill Road 540-745-5716
Pine Tavern Lodge 585 Floyd Hwy. 540-745-4428
Primland
2000 Busted Rock Road Meadows of Dan 866-960-7746
Stonehaven B&B 244 Christiansburg Pike 828-308-5428
Stoney Meadow Inn B&B 208 Radford Road SE, 540-745-6480
Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn
Blue Ridge Parkway 540-745-3402
Woodberry Inn 182 Woodberry Road Meadows of Dan 540-593-2567
Radford | Fairlawn
Quality Inn 1501 Tyler Ave. 540-639-3000
Econo Lodge Inn and Suites 1501 Tyler Ave. 540-838-2115
Highlander Hotel 604 Tyler Avenue 855-326-2695
Nesselrod on the New B&B 7535 Lee Hwy. 540-731-4970
La Quinta 1450 Tyler Ave. 540-633-6800
Super 8 by Wyndham 1600 Tyler Ave. 540-731-9355
Tru by Hilton 2300 Tyler Road 540-744-1400
Giles County
Budget Inn 141 Virginia Ave. Rich Creek, 540-726-2362
Holiday Lodge 401 N. Main St. Pearisburg, 540-921-1551
Kairos Resort Shumate Falls Road Glen Lyn, 540-235-2777
Lilly Valley Inn 125 River Ridge Drive Pearisburg, 540-910-3123
MacArthur Inn 117 MacArthur Lane Narrows, 540-726-7510
Mountain Lake Lodge 115 Hotel Circle Pembroke, 540-626-7121
Mr. Hunter’s Cottage Eggleston Springs 540-626-2828
Plaza Motel
415 N. Main St. Pearisburg , 921-2591
Pulaski County
Budget Inn 509 E. Main St. Pulaski, 540-980-3771
Claytor Lake Inn 5080 State Park Road Dublin, 540-674-4176
Fariss Farms 2742 Boone Furnace Road Allisonia, 540-320-0203
Quality Inn 4424 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-1100
NRV Suites & Extended Stay 117 Dominion Drive Dublin, 540-674-0780
Hampton Inn 4420 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-5700
Holiday Inn Express 4428 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-1600
Homestead Inn, Claytor Lake, 2652 Brown Road Draper, 540-980-6777
Jackson Park Inn 68 1st St. NW Pulaski, 540-509-5164
Knights Inn and Suites 4600 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-1951
Lakewood Getaways, Claytor Lake vacation rentals, 540-320-3058
New River Retreat Lake & River vacation rentals 800-708-6778
Rockwood Manor B&B 5189 Rockwood Road Dublin, 540-674-1328
Super 8 by Wyndam 4600 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-1951
Travel Inn 246 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-4611
Wingate by Wyndam 5094 State Park Road Dublin, 540-674-4099
Moutain Lake Lodge
Lilly Valley Inn
Jackson Park Inn
The New River Valley is like an epicenter of good times with fairs, symphonies, internationally-acclaimed performances, football frenzy in the fall, Appalachian music and basketball madness come spring. Summers bring people into the streets for all kinds of festivals. Leaf peeping and pumpkin pickin’ goes on all autumn, along with heritage celebrations, rotating art exhibits and a winter wonderland that attracts the outdoorsy folks to enjoy nature’s quiet beauty in parks and forests.
Celebrations and street fairs are catalysts for community connection. We celebrate tomatoes and fiddlin’, old cars, wine, food trucks and more.
Chocolate
Bugs
Micro brew
Tomatoes
Lavender
Holidays
Arts and crafts
Food truck rodeos
Heritage
Music
Summer solstice
Battle re-enactments
International cultures
Water and mud
And practically everything else.
Fork & Cork
Premier wine and food festival
Blacksburg
International Street Fair
Vendors and food from around the world
Downtown Blacksburg
Pulaski County Lions Club Flea Market
Big, fun, bargains, food vendors, 2x each year
NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin
Claytor Lake Celebration of Summer Festival
Live music, car show, food vendors, fireworks, Claytor Lake State Park
Pearisburg Festival in the Park Vendors, car show, food, live entertainment, gospel music Pearisburg Community Center.
Summer Solstice Fest
a “green” event
Music, midway, dog parade, beer garden, kid fun
S. Main St., Blacksburg
Dirty Dancing Weekends
Dance lessons, dance parties and more
Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
Lavender Festival
Music, wine, food and all things lavender
Beliveau Estate Winery, Blacksburg
Independence Day Celebrations
Throughout the New River Valley
Breakfast and Art at The Market
Lots of local art for sale, meet artists
Blacksburg Farmers Market
New River Valley Fair
Rides, animals, horse show, bull riding, music
NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin
FloydFest
Celebration of music, artisans, multiple stages Festival Park, Check
Steppin’ Out
150+ crafters, sidewalk sales, food, music
Downtown Blacksburg
Historic Smithfield
Special events
Blacksburg
Newport Agricultural Fair
Oldest Virginia agricultural fair, horse show, home skills
Newport Fairgrounds, Newport
Saturday in the Park Classic Car Show
Lucky (Rubber) Duck Race Bisset Park, Radford
East Mont Tomato Festival
Celebrating the humble tomato Meadowbrook Center, Shawsville
Wilderness Trail Festival
Heritage, history, artisans, food trucks
Downtown Christiansburg
St. Albans Sanatorium Haunted House
Spooky, scary, screams and more Radford
Chocolate Festival
Rotary Club of Blacksburg Downtown Blacksburg
Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin fields, pony rides, vendors, food, family fun
Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg
Blacksburg Brew Do
More than 100 crafts beers, food, demos, music, competition
Blacksburg
Highlanders Festival
Scottish and Scots-Irish excitement
Bisset Park, Radford
NRV Holiday Expo
Christmas crafts, food and more
NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin
Sinkland Farms
Blacksburg Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Wednesdays, year round, hours vary seasonally Corner Draper and Roanoke, Blacksburg www.blacksburgfarmersmarket.com
Christiansburg Farmer’s Market
Thursdays, May – October, 2-6 p.m. 1600 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg
Draper Village Heritage Market
1st Saturday, April to December, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Merc Farms, Draper
Narrows Farmer’s Market
Thursdays, May – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 118 Monroe Street, Narrows
Pearisburg Community Market
Saturdays, May – October, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1410 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg
Pulaski Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays, May - September Historic Train Station
Radford Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 600 Unruh Drive, Radford. www. mainstreetradford.org
P E R F O R M . D A R E . T H E P L A C E T O . . . P L A Y . E A T . L A U G H .
X P L O R E . D R E A M . C E L E B R A T E .
The New River Valley’s retirement population is energetic, happy and wise. More settle here every year for myriad reasons. They loved younger years at Virginia Tech or Radford University and enjoy the vibrant youthfulness. Many move closer to family for precious grandchildren. Others embrace the moderate climate, recreation, restaurants and volunteer opportunities. The local culture, state-of-the-art medical facilities and education combine for a high quality of life with an attractive cost of living. It’s easy to make friends of all ages and become immersed in the towns and rural places. Sports, music, history, natural and a strong, intriguing international presence draw people who have traveled the world and find the New River Valley the best place to land in the end. Residence-wise, one can live comfortably as a small farmer, front porch rocker, condo dweller or in beautiful assisted living communities. Aging gracefully is attainable, along with all the benefits of small town life and warmth in communities.
& Main
Chiswell Animal Park
Giles County Tourism Gillies
Long & Foster Real Estate
Macado’s
Miller off Main St. Galleries
Moss Arts Center
Nest Realty
New River Art & Fiber
Pearis Mercantile
Pulaski County Tourism
Ratcliffe Transportation Museum
River Ridge Dermatology
Sinkland Farms
Star City Greyhounds
Stateson Homes
Sunshine Tours
The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Lyric Theatre
Thee Draper Village
Town of Christiansburg
Virginia Furniture Market Wendy
