best of blue ridge; new river valley; readers choice awards

NRV Wins Best of Blue Ridge Reader’s Choice Awards

New River Valley, VA – In the ninth annual Best of Blue Ridge Awards, readers voted on a variety of places in the New River Valley and several were featured as top picks.

Overall Winners

Chateau Morrisette – Best Vineyard/Winery
The Black Dog from Chateau Morrisette – Best Wine
FloydFest – Best Festival Overall
FloydFest – Best Kid-Friendly Festival

Runners-Up

Muddy ACCE Race – MudRun/Adventure Race
Floyd Yoga Jam – Retreat
Gillie’s Cuisine – Vegetarian Restaurant
FloydFest – Kid Friendly Adventure
Claytor Lake – Flatwater
In Balance Yoga Studio – Yoga Studio
FloydFest – Instagram Account
Cascade Waterfalls – Cascade
Shaena Muldoon, The Palisades Restaurant – Personality
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines – Zipline
Hotel Floyd – Budget Friendly Lodging
Blacksburg Pilates – Mind Body Studio

Find a full list of the Best of Blue Ridge categories and winners here.

Photo by Best of the Blue Ridge photographer winner Leslie Restivo.

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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.

Brush Mountain Unveils Early Plans for Trail Network

Blacksburg, VA – Draft plans for the network of natural trails on Brush Mountain have been released.

The New River Land Trust bought two properties on Brush Mountain, totaling 552 acres with the aid of a $1.2 million grant from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation’s Forest CORE Fund. The proposal added about 9 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, among other recreational options. The trails will be located near the Huckleberry Trail connecting Christiansburg to the Jefferson National Forest.

The grant paid for the purchase and ecological enhancements of the land, however the New River Land Trust is now working to fundraise a total of $75,000 to build out the trails themselves. They have already received $25,000 in donations from the community and will be looking to the local businesses to donate the rest.

The properties that the New River Land Trust bought separately are 334 acres and 218 acres. The land trust plans to transfer 97 acres of the 334-acre property to the U.S. Forest Service and transfer the remaining 238 acres plus the other 218-acre property to the town of Blacksburg to become a public park. The first phase of trail work will begin in 2020.

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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.

Top Ten Posts of 2019

A lot of exciting things happened in Virginia’s New River Valley in 2019! Here are the top ten posts from the year. The following posts had the most page views online.

10.Virginia’s New River Valley Claims Top Trending Mountain Destinations

Two counties in the NRV were selected as the “Top Trending Virginia Mountain Destinations 2019” by Blue Ridge Country Magazine.

9.Blacksburg Mountain Bike Skills Park Now Under Construction

On February 18, Lynchburg-based Native Landworks began construction on the Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Skills Park located on the back four acres of Brush Mountain, off Meadowbrook Drive. The park is expected to be finished by mid-April.

8.1901 Group Officially Breaks Ground on Blacksburg Expansion

The VTCRC will be building 1901 Group’s 45,000 square foot EITOC to provide a state-of-the-art Operations Center to support 1901 Group’s continued growth of cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services business.

7. Blacksburg Named Top Ten Safest College Town

SafeWise names Blacksburg ninth safest college town in America.

6.Pulaski Has 8th Lowest Cost of Living in Virginia

Pulaski comes in with the 8th lowest Cost of Living Index (COLI) at 86 in the state of Virginia.

5.Volvo Group to Create 777 New Jobs in Pulaski County Expansion

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Volvo Group will invest nearly $400 million to expand its Volvo Trucks North America New River Valley (NRV) assembly operation in Pulaski County.

4.NRV to Be Home of First Commercial Drone Deliveries in US

Christiansburg is the first town in the U.S. where residents can have drone deliveries to their homes.

Drone Deliveries

3.Blacksburg Has the Shortest Commute in VA

The numbers are in and according to Business Insider, Blacksburg has the shortest commute time in Virginia. The average commute in Blacksburg is 13.9 minutes.

2.The Palisades Wins Restaurateur of the Year Award

Shaena Muldoon, owner and manager of The Palisades, received the Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA).

1.Christiansburg is 2nd Best City to Live in Virginia

Christiansburg is ranked as the second best city to live in Virginia by creditdonkey.com.

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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.

peppermint hot chocolate; new river valley; mountain lake lodge

HGTV Features Stony Creek Tavern at Mountain Lake Lodge

Giles County, VA – HGTV features Stony Creek Tavern at Mountain Lake Lodge in Boozy Hot Cocoa is What You Need for the Holidays article.

The article showcases hotels and restaurants across the country that are taking their hot chocolate drinks to the next level. Stony Creek Tavern’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate made the list! Their delicious drink is made with peppermint-infused vodka and topped with an old fashioned peppermint ribbon candy and sprinkles for “maximum nostalgic holiday spirit”. To try this holiday beverage and more, visit 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.

Downtown Blacksburg Holiday Parade Concert

NRV Holiday Bucketlist

New River Valley, VA – Tis’ the season in the New River Valley. The holidays are always a great time to explore the region and participate in all of the festivities going on. Whether you want to attend a tree lighting ceremony or just drink some hot cocoa outside, the NRV has something for everyone!

1. Go to a Christmas Parade
Pulaski Aglow

– December 5th
Rich Creek Christmas Parade
– December 5th
Blacksburg Christmas Parade
– December 6th
Radford Parade
– December 6th
Pembroke Christmas Parade
– December 7th
Floyd County Christmas Parade
– December 8th
Town of Christiansburg Christmas Parade
– December 13th

2. Attend a tree lighting ceremony
Tree Lighting at Radford Public Library

– December 3rd
Winter Lights Festival in Blacksburg
– December 6th
Christmas at the Market in Christiansburg
– December 13th

3. Look at holiday lights in Randolph Park

4. Check out the Festival of Trees

5. Drink hot chocolate at A Very Narrows Christmas

6. Watch a holiday movie at The Lyric theater

7. SeeThe Nutcrackerlive

pulaski downtown; new river valley; revitalization

New Pulaski Luxury Apartments Set the Standard for Future Projects

Pulaski, VA – The Town of Pulaski is currently undergoing several revitalization projects to bring new life to downtown.

Two years ago, Pulaski started their first renovations on the West Main Development project which included fully renovating several downtown buildings. Now, Phase One of this project is complete and locals were able to tour four new apartments and three new business spaces. Two one-bedroom and two-two bedroom apartments spaces, on the corners of West Main and Jefferson Ave, are expected to be move-in ready by the end of the year. Two of the three business spaces have already been filled and now are home to Next Level Virtual Reality Experience Center, expected to open January 2020, and Pulaski Business Center, planning to open in March 2020. The third space has been envisioned as a future eatery.

Explore the one of the newly renovated two bedroom apartments below.

The town is also using $700,000 in grants to revitalize 15 storefronts and a park on Main Street to be completed October 2020. Not only will these renovations help enhance the quality of life for current residents but it will also play a positive role in attracting larger companies to come to the area.

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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.

Wonder Universe Children’s Museum Opens in NRV Mall

October 29, 2019. The New River Valley is about to redefine child-like wonder as Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum held its Grand Opening at the New River Valley Mall on Thursday, November 7

Our museum’s Grand Opening marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for the kids and families in our region,” said Sarah Nucci, the museum’s new executive director. “Not only are the current exhibit areas fun and new but we will soon have engaging programs to complement them.”

Museum guests of all ages enjoyed ten new hands-on exhibit areas including: farm to table, veterinary clinic, dental office, a builder’s toolbox, and a 16 ft fire truck – Engine #3 among others. Additional interactive play spaces include an infant/toddler area, art and maker space and Amazing AirPlay, a pneumatic airway exhibit that allows guests to study the power of air.

The museum’s new exhibits were designed with kids in mind as Wonder Universe seeks to educate, amuse and inspire kids and families through play. Nucci, who began work with the museum in September, looks forward to the opportunity to promote the power of playful learning in the New River Valley. “Play is how children learn, and Wonder Universe is here to help inspire kids and families to discover and learn, side by side,” she added.

Kristin Kirk, chair of the museum’s board of directors, cites the support of the community and months of thoughtful planning as being keys to bringing the new museum to life. “It’s been amazing to see so many area businesses, civic groups and volunteers support this endeavor,” she said.

Exhibit sponsors include NRV Pediatrics, Shelor Motor Mile, Real Life Dental, and Stateson Homes, among others. Kirk added, “The volunteers from Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club and the area Rotary Clubs have been incredibly helpful in getting our new space ready for play, and we could not have opened our doors without the great support and help of the New River Valley Mall and Snyder & Associates!”

The museum’s board of directors and community volunteers have logged over 2500 hours of work in recent months to get Wonder Universe ready to greet its guests. “We can’t wait to see all of the smiling, wide-eyed kids and families as they enter our doors for the very first time,” says Nucci.

Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization located at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg, VA. Hours of Operations are Tuesday through Saturday 9:30a – 6:00p; Sunday 12:00p – 6:00p. General admission is $8 per person. Special events, field trips, and birthdays can be scheduled through the Wonder Universe website located at http://Wonderuniverse.org. All inquiries can be sent to Sarah Nucci, Executive Director at sarahn@wonderuniverse.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.

Bisset Park in the City of Radford, VA overlooks the New River and is home to soccer fields, tennis courts, and more

Bisset Park Selected in ‘Virginia You Love’ Contest

Radford, VABisset Park was selected as the “Staff Pick” for the Virginia Municipal League (VML) ‘Virginia You Love’ contest.

The three winners of the VML ‘Virginia You Love’ contest were featured in the July/August edition of Virginia Town & City. Bisset Park was selected as the “Staff Pick”. Below is the excerpt from the 2019 VML ‘Virginia You Love’ survey contest winners article.

“After carefully considering all the submissions (including the respondent who enthusiastically voted for his backyard as the best spot in his locality), we have chosen Bisset Park as this year’s staff pick! Bisset Park, located in Radford along the New River, is full of life, wonder, and adventure. Moreover, Bisset Park earned numerous votes within each category, making it apparent that we are not alone in loving this location. Bissett Park – the largest city park in Radford – is located along a 57 acre stretch of riverfront with easy access to canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Besides water activities, Bisset Park also has a gazebo, picnic areas, a football field, soccer fields, and tennis courts. Visitors also enjoy hiking or biking the 3.5-mile long riverway trail with beautiful views of the New River and opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds and dragon flies. Those who enjoy a bit of history in their outdoor adventures visit the Civil War trail at the far end of the park. A marker on this trail indicates where the original foundation of a bridge was burned during the Battle of New River Bridge. This historic bridge is still visible today from the riverbank.”

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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.

radford university hotel; live here, nrv

Radford University Announces Plans for Hotel Near Campus

Radford, VARadford University, in collaboration with the Radford University Foundation and the City of Radford, has announced plans to build a hotel in close proximity to campus. The hotel, which will be located at the intersection of Tyler Avenue and Calhoun Street, will be constructed on land owned by the Radford University Foundation. Four existing structures will be demolished to make way for the hotel, which will include 125 rooms, a conference center, a rooftop restaurant, and on-site parking.

Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “The hotel will provide amenities not available at current area hotels and a proximity to campus that cannot be matched. I am confident that our campus will serve as a wonderful backdrop for area visitors and University guests. Imagine standing on the top floor of the hotel in the rooftop restaurant and seeing the beauty and excitement of our campus.”

City of Radford Mayor David Horton said, “We are excited to welcome a new world-class hotel to the City of Radford on Tyler Avenue. This facility will serve as a great complement to the hotels and restaurants in Radford and will provide options currently unavailable to guests and citizens alike. The rooftop restaurant will offer unmatched views of not only the campus, but the beautiful vistas of the City of Radford and the New River Valley. The economic impact of bringing this new business to Radford will be tremendous, and we will benefit as a community not only from the outstanding amenities that this new hotel and conference center will provide, but also in the jobs and revenue that will be generated. Businesses across Radford will benefit from the guests joining us who presently stay outside the city and with the special events and conferences that will come to our community once the facility opens. This is a big win for our fair city and another great step as we revitalize and support the business community in Radford.”

The University is collaborating with JLL, a commercial real estate services firm and the second-largest company of its kind in the world. As a Fortune 500 company, JLL will provide professional services and needed assistance with project definition and implementation as the University works closely with the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation staff, as well as the Radford University Real Estate Management LLC Board of Directors and officials from the City of Radford.

Radford University Foundation Chief Executive Officer John F. Cox, Jr. said, “Like many people in the Radford University community, I am personally excited about the hotel project on Tyler Avenue. Feedback from the Foundation Board and the Real Estate Management LLC Board has been very positive. The Foundation has engaged JLL to assist both the Foundation and the University during this process, and we have been very pleased with this partnership. Our goal is to bring a top-quality hotel to Radford by 2023, as expressed by President Hemphill during his State of the University Address on October 25, 2019. Our goal is to turn the President’s vision into a wonderful reality for the benefit of the entire Radford University community.”

The hotel will be included in the University’s 2020-2030 Master Plan, which is in the final development stages as review and approval by the Board of Visitors is expected in early December. The hotel brand will be announced in the near future. The estimated cost is between $20 million and $25 million.

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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.

cascade falls; giles county; outdoor recreation; new river valley; nrv

Giles County to Receive Technical Assistance to Grow Outdoor Recreation Economy

Giles County, VA — Recently, in support of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) are announcing that they have selected 10 communities under the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities assistance program to help revitalize their Main Streets through outdoor recreation.

Several of the selected communities are in or adjacent to Opportunity Zones, economically-distressed areas that can be designated for preferential tax treatment under the president’s historic tax reform package. The 10 communities selected for assistance include: Cambridge, New York; Fryeburg, Maine; Giles County, Virginia; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Gorham, New Hampshire; Grants, New Mexico; Jasper, Alabama; John Day, Oregon; Poultney, Vermont; and Thompson Falls, Montana.

“We are pleased to work with our federal partners to promote healthy outdoor activities and deliver on President Trump’s commitment to support and revitalize rural communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Together, we will develop strategies that rural communities can use to grow their economies and make wise use of their natural resources.”

“What better way to sustain our nation’s forests, grasslands and watersheds than through partnerships that engage people directly in stewardship and foster community-driven economic opportunities,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen.

An outdoor recreation trade association representative welcomed the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program. “We applaud this effort,” said Jessica Wahl, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) Executive Director. “ORR looks forward to working with the EPA, USDA and the Northern Border Regional Commission to help more communities invest in the recreation economy and time spent outside.”

Through Recreation Economy for Rural Communities assistance, a planning team appointed by the EPA and its federal counterparts will help the partner communities create an action plan to grow the local outdoor recreation economy in ways that promote sustainable resource management and environmentally friendly community development.

The selected communities are planning to revitalize their communities in a variety of ways, including building new trail connections, boosting downtown amenities, connecting nearby hiking-biking trails to downtown, and working to attract recreation-related economic opportunities.

Giles County, Virginia, will work with the USDA Forest Service to manage and use Cascades Falls and other natural assets to attract residents and visitors to downtown Pembroke and other communities.

The planning process will take place over four to six months, with a two-day facilitated community workshop as the focal point. Participants will work together to identify a vision, goals, and specific actions to realize the locally set goals. Recreation Economy for Rural Communities is sponsored by the USDA-Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and EPA.

Background According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2017 report on The National Outdoor Recreation Economy, outdoor activities – including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, off-road vehicle riding, skiing, snowmobiling, and viewing historic places – generated $887 billion in annual spending and created more than 7 million jobs. These activities can bring new investment to local economies, heighten interest in conservation of forests and other natural resources, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The EPA Office of Community Revitalization supports locally led, community-driven efforts to expand economic opportunity, protect human health and the environment, and create and enhance the places that people love. Through technical assistance, publications, research, tools, and grants, EPA is helping America’s communities turn their visions of the future into reality.

The USDA Forest Service develops and implements place-based recreation planning using collaborative processes with communities and outdoor recreation and tourism providers within regional destination areas. Forest Service recreation programs support over 205,000 jobs, the majority of which are in rural gateway communities near national forests. The agency partners with states, tribes, local communities, and landowners to promote shared stewardship of public and privately owned forests and grasslands.

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

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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.