Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VA

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VA

Radford, VA – Radford was ranked the ninth best place to raise a family in Virginia for 2021 by HomeSnacks.com. According to the website, “to narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, [HomeSnacks.com] looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000.”

Radford’s data show that the city has a lower cost of living and lower crime rates than the national average. Since the city is affordable and safe, it is no wonder that it ranked as one of the most family-friendly places to live in Virginia!

Learn more about Radford, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Mountain Lake Lodge Wins The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 Award

Mountain Lake Lodge Wins The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 Award

Giles County, Virginia – Mountain Lake Lodge is one of the winners of The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 award for wedding venues. The venue, located in Pembroke, is considered one of the top-rated vendors of the year by the leading wedding website. According to The Knot, the Best of Weddings “recognizes top wedding vendors across the country. This prestigious honor represents the highest rated vendors on The Knot who are trusted, dependable, and deliver quality service. Only the best wedding vendors (top 5%) receive this award!” This is the second time that Mountain Lake Lodge has won a Best of Weddings award from The Knot. Not only is Mountain Lake Lodge a well-known wedding venue, it is also where much of the iconic 80s movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Learn more about Mountain Lake Lodge here. Learn more about The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 awards here. Explore Giles County, a Virginia’s New River Valley community, here. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Mountain Lake Lodge.
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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.” Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
Qualtrax One of Best Places to Work in VA

Qualtrax One of Best Places to Work in VA

Montgomery County, VA – According to Virginia Business magazine, Blacksburg-based Qualtrax is one of the best places to work in Virginia. The tech company was featured on the magazine’s 11th Annual Best Places to Work in Virginia List. This is the fourth consecutive year that Qualtrax was included in the “Small Employers (up to 99 U.S. employees)” category.

Virginia Business worked with Best Companies Group out of Pennsylvania to compile the list. Employers were evaluated on categories such as number of paid holidays, retirement benefits, diversity training, and telecommuting options for employees. After evaluating the employers and compiling a list of the top 100 in the Commonwealth, Virginia Business then divided the list into categories for large, medium, and small employers.

See all the companies on the 2021 Best Places to Work in Virginia list here.

Learn more about Qualtrax’s previous honors on the Best Places to Work in Virginia list from 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Learn more about Qualtrax and the information technology industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 Awards

FloydFest Wins Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 Awards

Floyd County, VA – FloydFest won two Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 awards from Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine and was a runner-up in two more categories. FloydFest was the winner or runner-up in the following categories:

  • Music Festival (Overall): Winner
  • Music Festival Missed Most in 2020: Winner
  • Family Friendly Festival: Runner-Up
  • Rowdiest Festival: Runner-Up

Blue Ridge Outdoors had this to say about FloydFest:

“It doesn’t get much better than 100 bands on nine stages over five days. FloydFest is a celebration of all things music and mountains, also featuring outdoor adventures, delicious food, and activities just for kids.”

Missed FloydFest in 2020 and looking forward to attending this year? Blue Ridge Outdoors states, “[t]he festival producers are optimistic about 2021 and already announced the lineup for July 2021, which includes the Avett Brothers, Sturgill Simpson, and Old Crow Medicine Show.”

Read more about FloydFest and all the other Best of the Blue Ridge award winners here.

Learn more about Floyd, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

New River Valley, VA – Three communities in the NRV are among the top 20 safest cities in Virginia for 2021. The National Council for Home Safety and Security found that Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg are some of the safest places in the Commonwealth.

Here are the rankings for the three NRV communities who made the list:

#5: Blacksburg
#11: Radford
#20: Christiansburg

According to Alarms.org, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA, better known as the New River Valley, is “one of the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas in the country, with low crime being one of the main draws for many moving into the area.”

To compile the rankings, Alarms.org reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics for Virginia cities with populations over 10,000. Learn more about the methodology and see the full rankings list for the safest cities in Virginian for 2021 here.

Learn more about the safe communities and excellent quality of life in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Accolades and Awards in 2020

NRV Accolades and Awards in 2020

New River Valley, VA – Throughout 2020, the New River Valley was frequently recognized for its outstanding lifestyle amenities, business growth, and educational opportunities. The region is truly a premiere destination to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won in 2020 by the counties, city, towns, and universities that comprise Virginia’s New River Valley. Pulaski is 2nd Most Affordable Place to Buy a Home in VA High Quality of Life Floyd Voted Top Tiny Adventure Town 2020 Abundant Outdoor Amenities Harmonia Recognized as one of Virginia's "Fantastic 50" Expanding and Developing Businesses Exelaration Ranked #3 Best Tech Internship by Vault Educating Tomorrow’s Talent RU Ranked #33 Southern Regional University by U.S. News & World Report Top Tier Colleges & Universities Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

Correction: September 1, 2021: This blog post was corrected to reflect that Pete Dye River Course was ranked #19 in the top 50 golf courses in Virginia for 2020. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the course was ranked #18.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.” Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
Red Rooster Coffee Blends Ranked in Top 30 Coffees of 2020

Red Rooster Coffee Blends Ranked in Top 30 Coffees of 2020

Floyd County, VA – Two of Red Rooster Coffee Roaster’s coffee blends were ranked in the Top 30 Coffees of 2020 by Coffee Review. Coffee Review is “the world’s most widely read and influential coffee buying guide” with a goal “to point readers to the best coffees in the world.”

Here are the two blends from Red Rooster that made the list:

#8 Ethiopia Shantawene Washed
Coffee Review described this Ethiopia Shantawene Washed blend as “an exceptional washed-process Sidama cup evoking a garden in the spring, vivid with complex sweet-spicy florals.” Read their full review here.




#20 All Rise (in Collaboration with RND Coffee)
Red Rooster collaborated with RND Coffee in Roanoke to create the All Rise blend. Proceeds from All Rise “benefit Dream Corps and the work they do driving criminal justice reform, building a greener economy, and creating equity in the tech industry.” Coffee Review thought All Rise was “bright, sweet, tart, chocolaty and floral – delicious and worthy.” Read their full review here.


Read the full list of the Top 30 coffees for 2020 from Coffee Review here.

Explore currently available coffee from Red Rooster here.

Learn more about the thriving food processing and agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Cascades Among Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in Virginia

Cascades Among Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in Virginia

Giles County, VA – The Cascades National Recreation Trail was recently listed among the top five scenic family hikes in Virginia by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Here’s what the Virginia is for Lovers blog has to say about the Cascades:

“Cascade Falls Trail in Pembroke, Virginia, offers one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, if not the entire East Coast.”

Cascade Falls is a beautiful hike no matter the season. Read more about hiking the Cascades here and see the Top 5 scenic hikes in Virginia for families here.

Learn more about the wide variety of outdoor amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Cascades Among Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in Virginia
Virginia Tech Ranked #25 for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship

Virginia Tech Ranked #25 for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech ranked #25 on the list of Top Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. The 2021 list was created by evaluating data from a “survey of more than 300 schools with offerings in entrepreneurship studies”.

According to the list, which was posted in its entirety on Entrepreneur.com, one way that Virginia Tech sets themselves apart from other universities is:

“We believe great companies can start and scale anywhere, aided by the fact that startups in emerging venture communities are often more capital efficient, offer a lower cost of doing business and attract talent looking for better quality of life. Our geographic and sector diverse approach means we work with student entrepreneurs from all over the country who chose Virginia Tech because of our fantastic programs.”

Learn more about The Princeton Review rankings here.

See the full list top 50 best undergrad programs for entrepreneurs in 2021 here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Pulaski County Awarded SolSmart Gold Designation

Pulaski County Awarded SolSmart Gold Designation

Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County was recently awarded a SolSmart Gold designation. SolSmart is a nationwide program that “recognizes cities, counties, and regional organizations for making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.” SolSmart has only awarded 139 Gold designations across the country, and Pulaski County is one of only three communities in Virginia to achieve that designation.

According to County Administrator Jonathan Sweet, “this Gold designation further demonstrates that [Pulaski County has] made it easier and more affordable for citizens and business[es] to move to solar.”

Read more about Pulaski County’s SolSmart Gold Designation from The Southwest Times here.

Learn more about Pulaski County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.