NRV Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

NRV Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

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New River Valley, VA – During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are searching for vacations that are fun and allow for physical distancing. It is a great time to consider visiting Virginia’s New River Valley. The region was highlighted as one of the “Lesser-Known Summer Vacations in Virginia” by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Here is what the Virginia is for Lovers blog has to say about the region:

“Organized along the New River between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, the New River Valley in Southwest Virginia contains cities like Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski, and Radford. With the New River as the focal point, water sports in the valley are becoming a big draw for travelers interested in exploring Virginia’s rushing waterways.”

The outdoor amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley make the region a unique place to live, work, and play. Learn more about travel to the NRV in the article here.

Note: Please contact destinations highlighted in the article prior to visiting since COVID-19 public health guidelines may have changed opening hours and activity availability.

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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.

Virginia Tech Among 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America

Virginia Tech Among 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America

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Montgomery County, VA – Condé Nast Traveler recently ranked Virginia Tech among the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The article states, “College campuses big and small boast some of the most beautiful architecture and landscaping – not to mention history – in the entire country.”

Here’s what the article had to say about Virginia Tech:

“While many old colleges are clad in beautiful stonework, the buildings on Virginia Tech’s campus all feature the locally sourced “Hokie Stone.” Brought to the campus from nearby limestone quarries outside Blacksburg, Virginia, the renovation of the school’s buildings dates back to the university’s fifth president during the turn of the 20th century. At the time, the school’s buildings were primarily made from brick, and university president Joseph D. Eggleston sought to use limestone of the area to model buildings closer to institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.”

Virginia Tech is one of the several colleges and universities that call Virginia’s New River Valley home. Learn more about education in the region here.

Photo credit: Photo by Ray Meese for Virginia Tech.

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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.

Wing Drone Flown in Christiansburg Added to Smithsonian’s Collection

Wing Drone Flown in Christiansburg Added to Smithsonian’s Collection

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Montgomery County, VA – The drone used by Wing to complete the first commercial drone delivery in the United States is now part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s collection. The drone made its first delivery in Christiansburg, VA on October 18, 2019.

The Smithsonian’s article “Delivery by Drone with Wing” states, “As the newest artifact in our collection, this drone helps us tell the story of how aviation can reshape how we live and work in our communities by moving more efficiently over short distances without cumbersome infrastructure. It will eventually be displayed in the upcoming Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery.”

Smithsonian Magazine highlighted Christiansburg as a town that welcomes new technology in its article, “This Drone Made the First Home Delivery in the United States”. The article states,

“Christiansburg may also be more unique than meets the eye in terms of their welcoming attitude towards new technology. The city is just south of Virginia Tech, which houses the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, a hub of drone testing and research and Wing’s spokespeople say the community is very keen on being at the cutting edge.”

Christiansburg is one of the many communities in Virginia’s New River Valley. The NRV is an expanding hub for the unmanned systems industry. Read more about the industry in the region 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.

Popular NRV Water Spots Win Awards from Blue Ridge Country Magazine

Popular NRV Water Spots Win Awards from Blue Ridge Country Magazine

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New River Valley, VA – Popular water spots across Virginia’s New River Valley won awards in the 2020 Mountain Blue reader poll from Blue Ridge Country magazine. The poll asked magazine readers to vote on the best water-related locations and businesses for each state in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Five locations and businesses in the NRV were included among the winners.

Best Virginia Waterfall
Cascade Falls (Giles County)– Platinum Winner

Best Virginia Water-Related State Park
New River Trail State Park (Pulaski County) – Silver Winner
Claytor Lake State Park (Pulaski County) – Honorable Mention

Best Virginia Swimming Hole
Dismal Falls (Giles County) – Honorable Mention

Best Virginia River & Fishing Outfitter
Tangent Outfitters (Giles County)– Silver Winner

These poll winners are just some of the many unique outdoor amenities that Virginia’s New River Valley has to offer. Learn more about the outdoors across the NRV 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.

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Fifteen destinations and businesses across Virginia’s New River Valley won Best of Virginia 2020 Awards for the Southwest Virginia region.  Virginia Living magazine published the annual list of winners in their special Best of Virginia 2020 issue.  The magazine tallied over 55,000 ballots to determine this year’s winners.

The NRV’s winners and runners-up are listed below by category.

Restaurants
India Garden Restaurant – Winner – Best Indian Restaurant
Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Winner – Best Italian Restaurant
Cabo Fish Taco – Winner – Best Seafood Restaurant
Gillie’s – Winner – Best Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
Macado’s – Winner – Best Sandwich Shop
The Farmhouse – Winner – Best Outdoor Dining
Due South BBQ – Barbecue Restaurant
Dogtown Roadhouse – Pizzeria
Palisades Restaurant – Restaurant
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Restaurant for Vegans and Vegetarians, Dessert
Red Rooster Coffee Roasters – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Thai This Food Truck – Food Truck

Food Shopping
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Bakery
Blacksburg Farmers’ Market – Farmer’s Market
Harvest Moon Food Store – Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
Vintage Cellar – Wine Shop

Drink
Five Mile Mountain Distillery – Winner – Best Distillery
Chateau Morrisette Winery – Winner – Best Winery
Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Brewery
Iron Heart Winery – Winery

Entertainment & Events
Wine & Design – Winner – Best Entertainment Center for Adults
Floyd Center for the Arts – Art Gallery
Floyd Country Store – Music Venue

Travel
Mountain Lake Lodge – Resort

Outdoors & Active
Cascade Falls – Hiking or Biking Trail

Home
Warm Hearth Village – Retirement Community

Services
Brown Edwards – Winner – Best Accounting Firm
Shelor Motor Mile – Winner – Best Car Dealer

Pets
Blacksburg Dog Park – Winner –  Best Dog Park
Off Leash K9 Training – Winner – Best Dog Training Company
Sparky’s Run Dog Park – Dog Park

Kids
Xtreme Springz Trampoline Park – Winner – Best Birthday Party Place
Alta Mons Summer Camp and Retreat Center – Summer Camp

Health
New River Dermatology – Winner – Best Dermatology Practice
Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia – Primary Care Practice
River Ridge Dermatology – Dermatology Practice
Sideline Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Orthopedic Practice
Tuck Chiropractic Clinic – Chiropractic Clinic

Beauty
Nail Envy – Nail Salon

Weddings & Special Events
Chantilly Lace Bridals, Formals, & Tuxedos – Bridal Boutique

Shopping
Finders Keepers – Antiques
East Coasters – Bicycle Shop
Whistle Stop Books – Bookstore
The Upscale Attic – Consignment Shop
New River Valley Mall – Shopping Mall
Hey Helen – Women’s Clothing Store

The winners and runners-up of the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards are just some of the unique destinations and businesses that make Virginia’s New River Valley a great place to live, work, and do business.

Learn more about the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards 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.

Blacksburg Ranked Among Top 100 Small Cities/Towns in US

Blacksburg Ranked Among Top 100 Small Cities/Towns in US

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Montgomery County, VA – BestCities.org recently ranked Blacksburg among the top 100 small cities/towns in the United States on their 2020 list of America’s Best Small Cities. Resonance Consultancy created the report by ranking cities/towns based on the following six categories: place, product, people, prosperity, programming, and promotion.

Blacksburg ranked 86th overall and 18th under the place category. The report defined place as, “The perceived quality of a city’s natural and built environment, including the sub-categories of Weather, Safety, Neighborhoods & Landmarks, and Outdoors.”

Here is what BestCities.org had to say about Blacksburg:

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (aka Virginia Tech) calls Blacksburg home, its roots reaching back to 1872 when it opened as Virginia’s white land-grant institution. Some 34,000 students attend annually, with the institution planning for an aggressive expansion: an additional 7 million gross square feet in facilities over the next three decades. Located in the Blue Ridge Highlands of Montgomery County, the city ranked #12 for Universities, helping it land a #50 spot for Product overall. In addition to having the youthful, lively feel of a college town, Blacksburg’s appeal stems from its sense of safety. Blacksburg Police Department has aid agreements in place with Virginia Tech Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, yielding one the lowest crime rates in the country (#2). The local police will have shiny new headquarters come 2021; The city is putting $25.5-million toward the new 35,000 square foot department as part of a $100-million development downtown that will see close to 100 new townhomes go up.

Blacksburg is one of the many communities that make up Virginia’s New River Valley. The NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business. Learn more about our region at www.theNRV.org.

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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 Receive $775,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission Grants

NRV Communities Recommended to Receive $775,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission Grants

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Montgomery County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that two projects in Virginia’s New River Valley will be among those recommended to receive funding from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants to help stimulate economic development. Close to $775,000 in grants will be awarded to the local projects which will enhance the quality of life for residents in Virginia’s New River Valley. The ARC will finalize approval of these awards later in 2020.

Here is more detailed information from the press release about both of the projects:

Downtown Christiansburg Community Gathering Space
$275,000 ARC Award
Town of Christiansburg
The Christiansburg Community Gathering Space will create a welcoming farmers market and multipurpose cultural anchor space in downtown Christiansburg that will act as a catalyst for future economic growth and vibrancy, and serve the need for both programmed and spontaneous outdoor public space use.


YMCA at Virginia Tech – Y Cares Childcare Center
$499,985.50 ARC Award
Town of Blacksburg
The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Y Cares Children Center is designed to create approximately 20 to 25 new full-time jobs in the region and provide training and mentor opportunities to individuals entering the workforce.

Read the full press release, including information on the other 15 projects, 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.

Drones to Deliver Library Books

Drones to Deliver Library Books to Kids in Christiansburg via Wing Partnership

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Montgomery County, VA – A recent article by The Washington Post describes a new pilot program between Wing, a drone delivery service, and Montgomery County Public Schools. The company has partnered with the school system to use drones to deliver library books to students in the Christiansburg area this summer. The deliveries will begin the week of June 8, 2020.

The idea was hatched by Blacksburg Middle School librarian Kelly Passek. Here is what she had to say about the new program in the article:


“I think kids are going to be just thrilled to learn that they are going to be the first in the world to receive a library book by drone.”

Wing started drone delivery of food, beverages, medications, and packages to select Christiansburg customers in October 2019. Virginia’s New River Valley is an expanding market for the unmanned systems industry, including drones. Learn more about the growth of this industry in our region here.

Read the entire article from The Washington Post here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/06/10/wing-library-book-drone-delivery/

See a video from Wing about the project here:
https://medium.com/wing-aviation/wing-delivers-library-books-to-students-in-virginia-b2cd0ad86551

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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.

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech Ranked 19th Best Golf Course in Virginia for 2020

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Fairlawn, VA – The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech was recently ranked #19 in the 2020 list of the Top 50 golf courses in Virginia.  The course was also rated #9 on the 2020 list of courses which do not require a membership to play.  Both lists were compiled by the Virginia Golf Ratings Panel and highlighted in Virginia Business Magazine’s April 2020 issue.

The River Course, home of the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s golf teams, is well known for its scenic views and 2.5 miles of frontage on the New River, which is the oldest river in North America.  It has won many accolades since being redesigned by famous golf course designer Pete Dye beginning in 2003.

Located in Pulaski County, this par 72 course is one of the many golf courses available to avid golfers living and working in Virginia’s New River Valley.  To learn more about the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, visit www.petedyerivercourse.com.

See the full golf course rankings list 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.

Blacksburg High School Ranked 30th in VA by U.S. News

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Montgomery County, VA – U.S. News just came out with their 2020 Best High Schools Ranking by state and a NRV high school made the top 50! Among 386 public high schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Blacksburg High School ranked 30th. The ranking is based off of graduation rate, college readiness and enrollment. After taking this into consideration, U.S. News compiles a list of the top 100.

Here is the summary from U.S. News:

Blacksburg High is ranked 30th within Virginia. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Blacksburg High is 51%. The total minority enrollment is 21%, and 15% of students are economically disadvantaged. Blacksburg High is 1 of 4 high schools in the Montgomery Co Public Schools.

Of more than 24,000 public high schools in the U.S., Blacksburg High School ranked No. 1,328. The means that Blacksburg ranks among the top 10% of high schools in the country.