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: Jeremy Riffe
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
When you blend Appalachian roots and pioneer heritage with impressive natural beauty, four distinct, mild seasons and a global population of diverse cultures, the result ranks really high for quality of life, opportunity, merriment, relaxation and good times. Small towns, farms and a rural and academic history mesh comfortably with well-known, revered universities, colleges and high tech companies that impact the world from our marvelous slice of southwest Virginia.
The New River Valley rests a whisker over 2,000 feet above sea level and encompasses the towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski, Pearisburg and Floyd, the counties of Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery and Floyd, plus the City of Radford. It’s likely the miles of slow speed, 2-lane, back roads outnumber the high-speed, 4-lane highways. Interstate 81 can take you straight to the Canadian border going north, or Dandridge, Tenn., going south. U.S. 460 is a straight shot to the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and when you reach the capital of Kentucky to the west, you’ll have to pick up another road to get to the Pacific Ocean.
But, here’s the thing. Lots of folks have traveled the country and the world, and once settled in the New River Valley, they don’t find going anywhere else to be especially appealing. The ubiquitous staycation is alive and well throughout the New River Valley
This is a place where the good times roll --- from Scottish Highlander games, internationally-acclaimed performances, Virginia Tech football and myriad other ACC college sports to mountain biking, fishing, tubing, ziplining, kayaking, hiking, camping, foot-stompin’ to bluegrass and country tunes and other pursuits. Life in the slow lane beckons folks to coffee shops, farmer’s markets, wineries, hundreds of acres of parks and trails, and restaurants which rival big city fare or others offering the best of Southern smoked BBQ, meatloaf and hush puppies.
The climate, referring to weather, falls somewhere between mountain temperate and humid continental. There are few extremes, and you get to bundle up one season in chunky sweaters and mittens, and unbundle for a season of tee shirts, cargo shorts and hiking boots or flipflops. You can dress up or dress down all over the region, and be prepared for an excess of wardrobes in maroon and orange, Virginia Tech’s unique-in-thenation Hokie colors.
In these pages, you can find ohso-much to See and Do. You might have to return to pack it all in. If you 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.
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com
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]
Dismal Falls, Giles County, not so dismal when you are there, very pretty, hiking, horse camping, people camping
Escape Room, Blacksburg, 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
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
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. 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 -- 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.
AArt 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 Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech 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
• Center for the Arts at VT, Blacksburg
I’ve always said money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail. - Kinky Friedman, singer, songwriter
No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does. - Christopher Morley, writer
Bringing your dog to the New River Valley eliminates separation anxiety for both dog and owner, and the pup is welcome in many places. Dog friendly hotels can be found at online sites like bringfido.com, tripswithpets.com and pet-friendly-hotels.net. Restaurants and cafes with outdoor dining often permit dogs in the patio space, and well-mannered dogs on leashes can go into Lowe’s, PetSmart, Kibbles on Main and other places. Parks, hikes, rivers and trails are like heaven to most dogs. The same walk every day is a sensational experience for a dog, and 10-fold as exciting in a new place.
Dog services of note:
l Sparky’s Run Dog Park, 102 Pulaski Street, Radford
l Blacksburg Dog Park, 2100 Toms Creek Road, Blacksburg
l bringmydogs.com on Facebook or www.bringmydogs.com (NRV specific)
l Kibbles on Main, DIY dog wash, food and supplies, Blacksburg and Radford
l PetSmart, Christiansburg
l PetCo, Christiansburg
l Heartstrings, boarding, doggie day care, Blacksburg
l Blacksburg Critter Care, boarding, doggie day care
l Flying Fur!, boarding, doggie day care, Giles County
l Hans Meadow Kennel, dog boarding, Christiansburg
l NRV Varmints Pet Sitting, boarding, Blacksburg
l Doe Creek Kennels, boarding, Giles County
l 24/7 Emergency services:
Town & Country Vet, Christiansburg
VA-MD College of Vet Medicine, Blacksburg
in the New River Valley
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.
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!
Off the Mall Brewery in The Maroon Door, Blacksburg
Rising Silo, Blacksburg
The River Company Restaurant and Brewery, Pulaski County
Great Wilderness Brewing Company, Pulaski
Moonshine
| Distillery
From a local whiskey club named Bourbon And Rye Drinking Society (BARDS) to a micro distillery and tasting room in downtown Blacksburg, J.H. Bards Spirit Co. has taken its place as a premium producer of whiskeys and vodka. Five Mile Mountain Distillery in Floyd uses the traditional copper stills over open flames to craft some smooth 80 proof moonshine. Salty Stash Distillery in Dublin, Pulaski County, took its decade of crafting fine wine to flow into spirits, embracing the family tradition of hard work with quality results.
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
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.
World War II Museum, Blacksburg History Markers of Note
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
Super 8 by Wyndham 4600 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-1951
Travel Inn 246 Cleburne Blvd. Dublin, 540-674-4611
Wingate by Wyndham 5094 State Park Road Dublin, 540-674-4099
Moutain Lake Lodge
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
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
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever. – Walt Disney
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.
