VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in Virginia

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in Virginia

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Tech and Radford University are among the top 10 best value colleges in Virginia according to SmartAsset.com. Virginia Tech is ranked #3 for 2021, which is up one spot from the previous year. Radford University is ranked #8 for 2021, which is two spots higher than university’s last ranking in 2019.

According to SmartAsset’s methodology, the company “looked at five factors to determine the best value colleges and universities in the U.S.: tuition, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention rate and starting salary for new graduates.” Each institution was given a College Education Value Index and ranked based on their index score. Virginia Tech’s score was 71.91 and Radford University’s score was 43.11.

See SmartAsset’s Best Value Colleges Virginia ankings list and methodology here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photos: Radford University (left) and Virginia Tech (right)

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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 Disc Golf Courses

Play a Round at These NRV Disc Golf Courses

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New River Valley, VA – One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Virginia’s New River Valley is to play a round of disc golf. Whether you’re a beginner or a disc golf enthusiast, make sure to explore all of these free, public courses in the region!

Golden Hills Disc Golf Course – Christiansburg, VA

Golden Hills is Christiansburg’s 37-hole disc golf course run by Montgomery County Parks & Recreation. It has two separate 19-hole courses, Golden Bear or Black Bear, which share a final hole. Golden Hills has a unique layout and “is one of only 19 [public courses] in the United States with 37 holes.”

Randolph Park Recreation Disc Golf Course – Dublin, VA

This 18-hole disc golf course is located at Randolph Park in Dublin. The course winds through the 87-acre park and is available to the public during park hours.

Disc Golf Course @ The VTCRC – Blacksburg, VA

The disc golf course at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (pictured above) consists of nine holes located throughout Phase I of the research park. Make sure to enjoy the lake views by holes 1 and 2!

Camp Success Disc Golf – Narrows, VA

Camp Success Campground in Narrows has an 18-hole disc golf course available. The campground “boasts approximately a quarter of a mile of frontage along the New River and 500 feet along Wolf Creek.”

Municipal Park Disc Golf Course – Blacksburg, VA

Municipal Park Disc Golf Course is one of the newest in the region. It consists of nine holes and surrounds Blacksburg’s parks and recreation facilities.

Chantilly Farm Disc Golf Course – Floyd, VA

Chantilly Farm has a 9-hole disc golf course that is open to both camping guests and the general public. The camp store offers discs for rent or purchase if players do not have their own available.

Virginia Tech Disc Golf Course – Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Tech Rec Sports opened a new disc golf course in April 2021. This par-62 course is located near the Duck Pond and next to the Virginia Tech Golf Course. It has nine baskets with two tee boxes at each basket.


Disc golf is just one of the many outdoor amenities available throughout Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn more about outdoors in 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.

NRV Community Building Projects Win ARC Funding

NRV Community Building Projects Win ARC Funding

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New River Valley, VA – Community building projects in Pulaski and Montgomery Counties were recently recommended for funding by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The two NRV projects are among 13 projects that, according to Governor Ralph Northam, “align with [Virginia’s] ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all those in our Appalachian communities by creating new economic opportunities, building critical infrastructure, preparing a skilled workforce, and supporting community development.”

Here is more detailed information about both projects:

Calfee Training School Adaptive Reuse
$500,000
Town of Pulaski
This project will repurpose an historic African American school into a childcare center, commercial kitchen, digital learning lab, and museum highlighting local Appalachian African American leaders and history. In addition, the project will provide an event space for community use, cultural and educational programming, and small business incubation and meeting spaces. The project will retain 64 full-time jobs and create 17 full-time jobs through the construction of the facility.

Montgomery Museum of Art and History
$25,000
Montgomery County
This project will expand the Montgomery Museum of Art and History to provide more exhibit, event, and research space as well as create new digital and technological infrastructure and improve care of the collections. The expansion will enhance community engagement, accessibility, diversity, and sustainability of museum programming, supporting the community and economic development efforts of Southwest Virginia.

Click here to learn more about the Calfee Community & Cultural Center.

Click here to learn more about the Montgomery Museum of Art and History.

Click here to read the full press release about the community building projects around the Commonwealth that were recommended for ARC funding.

Click here to learn more about the communities in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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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 Among Top Sustainable Destinations in Virginia

Mountain Lake Among Top Sustainable Destinations in Virginia

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Giles County, VA – Mountain Lake was recently featured as one of the top stunning, sustainable destinations in Virginia by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The blog article, titled “4 Stunning Destinations That Define Sustainability in Virginia”, highlighted destinations that are “leading the way in sustainable practices that preserve the land and waters of [the] vibrant state” of Virginia.


Here’s what the article had to say about Mountain Lake Lodge:

“The historic Mountain Lake Lodge – where the iconic movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed – is part of the non-profit Mountain Lake Conservancy, protecting 2,600 acres of picturesque Appalachian highlands. The untamed forest ecosystem safeguards stream water quality while protecting lesser seen flora and fauna, including the wide lip orchid and sought-for bird species like the Northern saw-whet owl and yellow-bellied sapsucker. The land, laced with enticing hiking trails leading to overlooks such as Bald Knob and Butt Mountain, is also used for scientific research. After a rewarding hike on the conservancy property, enjoy locally sourced farm-to-table dining at the on-site restaurant, Harvest. Then you can overnight at the Main Stone Lodge, a rustic cabin or modern mountain home, all set at 4,000 feet on Virginia’s highest lake.”


Read about all the sustainable destinations highlighted in the article here.

Learn more about Mountain Lake Conservancy and Mountain Lake Lodge here.

Learn more about Giles County, a Virginia’s New River Valley community, 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.

Wing Makes National News

Wing Makes National News for Innovative Deliveries

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Photo courtesy of Wing

Montgomery County, VA – Want Girl Scout cookies or hot coffee delivered to your door by drone? Wing’s got you covered! The company made national news several times in recent weeks for their innovative deliveries. Wing has been delivering to Christiansburg customers by drone since they completed the first U.S. commercial drone delivery in 2019, but they recently expanded their offerings.

In April, Wing began a partnership with Virginia Skyline Troop 224 to deliver Girl Scout cookies to customers by drone. They will be offering cookie delivery through May 31st. According to the Associated Press, “Wing said it began talking to local Girl Scout troops because they’ve been having a harder time selling cookies during the pandemic, when fewer people are out and about.”



More recently, NBC Nightly News’s Jacob Ward visited Christiansburg and received the first hot coffee delivered drone in U.S. history. The coffee came from local coffee roaster Brugh Coffee, who has been working with Wing to deliver cans of cold brew coffee since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Hot coffee is a new addition to Wing’s drone delivery menu in Christiansburg.



Christiansburg is the only place in the United States where commercial drone deliveries are available. Residents who live within Wing’s delivery area can order a wide variety of things including Girl Scout cookies, hot and cold coffee, library books, baked goods, chocolates, Mexican food, and pharmacy items.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the unmanned systems industry. Learn more about the NRV unmanned systems industry here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

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Montgomery County, VA – Passenger rail will be expanding to the New River Valley by 2025. Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that Virginia has reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway to extend passenger rail service to the region. This will be the first time since 1979 that the NRV will have passenger rail service.

The current service, which stops in Roanoke, will be expanded to Christiansburg in 2025 after Norfolk Southern finishes rail infrastructure improvements. The route will be part of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor service. It will travel between Washington, D.C. and Christiansburg with stops in Alexandria, Burke, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Passenger rail in the NRV will help make the region more accessible. According to Governor Northam, “Bringing passenger rail service back to the New River Valley will fuel tourism, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s 180,000 residents and 40,000 college students.”

Read the full press release about the Western Rail Initiative here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

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Note:
September 24, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in April 2021, was updated to reflect current information about the breweries on this list.

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley has an ever-expanding assortment of breweries throughout the region.  Try these eleven breweries and explore everything the NRV’s craft beer scene has to offer!

Beliveau Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Just outside Blacksburg, Beliveau Farm Brewery is a truly unique experience because it is the only gluten-free brewery in Virginia.  Beliveau Farm also features a winery, bed and breakfast, and wedding/event space.

 

Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Floyd, VA

Buffalo Mountain Brewery and McDaniel’s Tavern is a small batch brewery in Floyd County. It opened in April 2018 and features tavern fare alongside pretzels, flatbread, and cookies from local Grateful Bread Bakery.

 

Bull & Bones – Blacksburg, VA

Bull & Bones Brewery Bull & Bones brews six craft beers on site in a ten-barrel brewhaus.  While the Christiansburg location is temporarily closed, the Blacksburg location in First & Main is serving brews such as the ever-popular Lunch Pale Ale.

 

Eastern Divide Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Eastern Divide Brewing Company Eastern Divide Brewing Company is located in the Blacksburg Industrial Park.  The building has a modern feel and features a tasting room, event space, and a large outdoor area.  Eastern Divide serves unique brews and delicious food.

 

Iron Tree Brewing Company – Christiansburg, VA

Iron Tree Brewing Company is the NRV’s newest brewery. It opened in May 2021 on Roanoke Street in Downtown Christiansburg. The tasting room is a former furniture store!

 

Long Way Brewing – Radford, VA

Long Way Brewing

Photo courtesy of Long Way Brewing

Named after Mary Draper Ingles’ long journey home to the NRV in the 1700s, Long Way Brewing is the first brewery located within the city limits of Radford.  It opened in December 2020 in a preserved former church.

 

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

Photo courtesy of The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing is a gastropub and brewery located just across from Virginia Tech’s campus in Downtown Blacksburg.  It is one of the NRV’s newest breweries and opened to the public in October 2020.

 

Moon Hollow Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Moon Hollow Brewing Company is located in the revitalized Old Prices Fork Elementary School.  In addition to beer, Moon Hollow also features a selection of non-alcoholic brews. Make sure to bring Fido with you since the patio is pet friendly!

 

Right Mind Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

Right Mind Brewing Located in Lefty’s Main Street Grille on South Main Street in Blacksburg, Right Mind Brewing is temporarily closed.  While you wait for Right Mind Brewing to reopen, the brewery’s creations can still be enjoyed while dining at Lefty’s.

 

Rising Silo Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Rising Silo Farm BreweryRising Silo Farm Brewery is located in a barn on the farm of Glade Road Growing.  The brewery uses green energy to help brew their beers and non-alcoholic drinks; the barn has 113 solar panels and a solar hot water system.

 

The River Company Restaurant & Brewery– Radford, VA

Located in Pulaski County just across the New River from the City of Radford, The River Company Restaurant & Brewery offers a selection of seasonal and year-round beers.  Enjoy a brew and a view while watching the beautiful sunsets from the balcony overlooking the river.

 

Breweries like these are just some of the specialty beverage makers that contribute to the growing Food Processing & Agribusiness Industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.  Learn more 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.

Montgomery County Receives Grant to Expand Broadband

Montgomery County Wins Grant to Expand Broadband

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Montgomery County, VA – Montgomery County recently received a Virginia Telecommunication Initative (VATI) grant to expand broadband in the eastern parts of the county. Gigabeam will partner with Montgomery County to increase high-speed internet access in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.

Governor Ralph Northam announced the grant in mid-March as part of $20.1 million in VATI funding awarded to 17 localities across the commonwealth. These grants are designed “to extend broadband service to areas that are unserved by an internet service provider.” According to Governor Northam, “Quality broadband service is key to growing our economy, and learning, competing, and succeeding in today’s digital world.” Expanding access to broadband in Montgomery County will benefit residents and businesses alike.

Here is more detailed information about the project:

Montgomery County and Gigabeam
$919,569
Montgomery County and Gigabeam will extend its broadband network. The new construction will bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.

Learn about other efforts to expand broadband access 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.

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

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October 14, 2022- This post from March 2021 highlights the electricity of Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. We revisit as Virginia Tech prepares for its homecoming game against Miami this Saturday, 10/15. Go Hokies!!!

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium was voted the best football stadium in the ACC by College Football on FOX fans. The Home of the Hokies won with a clear majority of the votes, ahead of Clemson’s Death Valley and Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

CFB on Fox Best ACC Stadium Twitter Graphic

Attending a game at Lane Stadium is an experience like no other. Here are a few more reasons why Virginia Tech football is so special:

Learn more about Lane Stadium/Worsham Field at HokieSports.com.

Learn more about sports and recreation 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.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co.

Microdistillery J.H. Bards Spirit Co. Opens in Fairlawn

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Pulaski County, VA – J.H. Bards Spirit Co., a new microdistillery in Virginia’s New River Valley, will open in Fairlawn on March 27, 2021. The grand opening event will include scheduled tasting sessions, the Bluegrass BBQ food truck, and live music.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co., founded by Blacksburg natives Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy, produces its whiskies and vodka from ingredients grown or sources in Southwest Virginia. The distillery is located in an industrial space in the Pulaski County Innovation Center and features a tasting room made of a reconstructed barn originally located in Blacksburg. “We wanted our tasting room to have the ‘in-the-woods’ feel of the Appalachian Mountains, and we were very fortunate to have come across this barn wood,” said Hardy.

Visit the J.H. Bards website to get more details about the grand opening and to sign up for tastings.

Learn more about local distilleries, breweries, and wineries, part of the thriving food processing & agribusiness 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.