10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

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Note:
July 8, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in May 2018, was updated to reflect current information about the summer activities on this list.

New River Valley, VA – Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or anything in between, Virginia’s New River Valley has no shortage of summer activities. Explore every part of the region and check out these 10 things to do in the NRV this summer.

1. Adventure at Mountain Lake Lodge

Mountain Lake Lodge - Things to do in the NRV

Check out the Adventure Center at Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County for endless summer fun. Zip through the Appalachian mountains on a Treetop Adventure, test your survival skills with an Escape Room challenge, or play Archery Tag with your closest family and friends. (photo by Alissa Moody)

2. Chateau Morrisette

Chateau Morrisette - Things to do in the NRV

Enjoy the grounds of this third-generation winery with friends, family, and even your pup (dogs are welcome!). Order a flight to explore new wines or sip a favorite blend while enjoying the outdoor seating and beautiful views of Floyd County.

3. Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake – Things to do in the NRV

Swim, boat, or fish at Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County this summer. Enjoy the beach and seasonal snack bar, the full-service marina, picnic spots, hiking trails, and more.

4. Float the New River from Bissett Park

Bisset Park - Things to do in the NRV

You can float, boat, paddle, or fish the New River from many spots in the NRV, but Bisset Park in the City of Radford is a good place to start. Bring your own equipment or rent from a local outfitter when you arrive. Float awhile and they’ll pick you up to start again.

5. Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree

Floyd Country Store - Things to do in the NRV

The Floyd Country Store is a nationally renowned country store and music venue in Floyd. It “has become a traditional gathering place for musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world.” The Jamboree happens every Friday night at 6:30 pm with different featured musicians.

6. Hahn Horticulture Garden

Hahn Horticulture Garden - Things to do in the NRV

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is almost six acres of beautiful gardens on the Virginia Tech campus in Montgomery County. Experience tranquil water gardens, shade gardens, and plants galore! You can even check out special events and exhibits like Art in the Garden.

7. Hike the Cascades

The Cascades - Things to do in the NRV

A classic hike in Virginia’s New River Valley, Cascade Falls is a moderate hike with amazing views. The 69-foot falls are flanked by even taller cliff walls. This Giles County treasure was recently listed among the top five scenic family hikes in Virginia.

8. Moss Arts Center

Moss Arts Center - things to do in the NRV

The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech welcomes performances that range from classical music to dance to stand-up comedy. The art galleries are open Wednesday – Saturday and feature various art exhibitions to explore. Click here to see the calendar of upcoming events.

9. Pulaski River Turtles Game at Calfee Park

Pulaski Yankees - things to do in the NRV

Head over to historic Calfee Park in Pulaski for a family-friendly River Turtles baseball game. Newly renamed in 2021, the River Turtles are part of the Appalachian League. This is an action-packed NRV experience you don’t want to miss.

10. Radford University Planetarium

RU Planetarium - Things to do in the NRV

Beat the heat and still experience nature! School is out, but the Radford University Planetarium is still up and running. Please note that as of Summer 2021, the Planetarium is in a “wait-and-see mode” due to COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination rates. Refer to the upcoming show times list here to see when the planetarium will be open.

Find more things to do each day on our Community Calendar powered by Next3Days.

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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.

Mahindra Group Expands to the NRV in the VT Corporate Research Center

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BLACKSBURG, VA – Mahindra Group, one of the world’s largest farm equipment production companies is expanding to Virginia’s New River Valley with an office at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Mahindra Group NRV: Mahindra group expands to Virginia's New River Valley in the VTCRC

The expansion was announced yesterday on-site at the VTCRC. It is now the largest internationally headquartered tenant in the park.

“Mahindra Group strives to be at the forefront of technology and innovation with a view to improve lives of our customers,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, President of Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector. “We believe that leveraging the ecosystem of a leading academic institution such as Virginia Tech will foster innovation and enable us to stay ahead globally.”

“The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center offers the perfect setting for both research and testing,” said Aravind S. Bharadwaj, CTO for Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector in Chennai, India. “The commonwealth’s rural communities married with Virginia Tech’s research expertise were the winning factors in narrowing down to Virginia Tech.”

Read more from Virginia Tech.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

MELD Manufacturing Corporation Awarded RAPID + TCT Innovation Award for Patented MELD Technology

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The accolade recognizes technological advancement in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industries

FROM MELD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – On Thursday, April 26, 2018, MELD Manufacturing Corporation was selected from the more than 300 exhibitors at RAPID + TCT 2018 as the recipient of the Innovation Award. RAPID + TCT, a 3D printing and additive manufacturing event that draws industry leaders from around the globe, is North America’s preeminent event for 3D manufacturing. This year’s show, hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, saw live demonstrations and speakers representing a variety of recognizable institutions, from FIAT/Chrysler and Caterpillar to Lockheed Martin and the United States Army Research Laboratory. The Innovation Award recognizes the most groundbreaking new product or service with industry-changing potential.

MELD Manufacturing Corporation, which was launched earlier this month as a subsidiary of Aeroprobe Corporation, was selected for the award for their patented MELD technology. MELD is a unique process for additive manufacturing that avoids melting the metal, thereby eliminating the weaknesses and other issues associated with melt-based processes. MELD’s open-atmosphere operation and scalable equipment also make it more efficient and capable of making larger parts than similar processes. In addition to additive manufacturing, MELD can be used to repair, coat, and join a wide range of materials, including some metals that cannot be welded with traditional processes.

“The MELD technology is a revolution,” noted MELD Manufacturing Corporation CEO Nanci Hardwick. “To be recognized at RAPID by these industry leaders demonstrates just how much potential MELD has to change the way we think about manufacturing. We want to see MELD adopted across industries, so it’s exciting to see genuine interest from such a diverse crowd.”

The winner of the Innovation Award is selected by a panel of industry experts. This year’s group included judges from industry, government, and academia.

“To earn this award our first year at RAPID is an honor,” said MELD Additive Manufacturing Manager Chase Cox. “MELD is on its way to innovating a number of industries and this award is a great milestone.“

After finishing up at RAPID + TCT, MELD will launch into a busy conference season, including participation in AeroMat in Florida and MegaRust in California in May alone. For customers anxious to learn more about the MELD technology, the company is currently offering machines sales, contract manufacturing, and a variety of other services.

Visit www.meldmanufacturing.com for more information.

CONTACT:
Ryan Davis
ryan.davis@meldmanufacturing.com
200 Technology Drive
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Ph: +1-540-950-3980 x 4226

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MELD Manufacturing Corporation holds more than a dozen patents for MELD technology, an innovative process for additive manufacturing, coating, joining, and repairing metals and metal matrix composites. MELD offers the power to build parts in solid state, thereby avoiding the issues associated with melting. The technology is also open-atmosphere, meaning no special vacuums or chambers are needed for operation. The MELD equipment is scalable and can produce parts much larger than similar processes. MELD Manufacturing Corporation offers MELD machines sales, contract manufacturing, and consulting services. Learn more at www.meldmanufacturing.com.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

New NRV Community Pages Now Live

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Onward NRV has officially published new NRV community pages that showcase each county and city in the region. Each page can be accessed by hovering over the “Our Region” tab or visiting the “Our Region” page.

“The new and improved community pages on our regional website do a great job communicating the uniqueness of each community in our region,” said Onward NRV Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack. “We’re excited to release another resource full of information about what makes Virginia’s New River Valley an inspiring place to live, work, and do business.”

Onward NRV staff worked closely with local government, chamber, and tourism staff to ensure that each community was accurately represented.

The five pages are linked below:

  • Floyd County
  • Giles County
  • Montgomery County
  • Pulaski County
  • City of Radford

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Governor Northam Nominates Opportunity Zones, Six Located in NRV

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Governor Northam announced the nomination of Virginia Opportunity Zones yesterday to the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Governor nominated a total of 212 sites (the maximum number allowed). There are 6 nominated Opportunity Zones in the NRV.

    Opportunity Zones in the NRV

    Click for full, interactive map. (via esri)

    “Opportunity zones are an important federal tool to spur vitality in economic growth in communities across Virginia and we are committed to using them fully in this administration,” said Governor Northam. “By focusing on local and regional strategies, as well as Virginia’s diverse geography and economic opportunities, we selected a balance of zones that align with other state and local economic development and revitalization efforts. This ensures that Virginia is at the forefront of attracting new Opportunity fund investments.”

    The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development assisted in coordinating nomination process alongside the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

    For more information regarding the opportunity zones, visit the Governor’s website.

    Click here for a full, interactive map of Virginia’s nominated zones. (via esri)

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Aeroprobe MELD logo, Virginia's New River Valley

    Aeroprobe Corporation Commercializes MELD Technology

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    ~Machine sales and manufacturing services will be managed by newly-announced subsidiary, MELD Manufacturing Corporation~

    FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – On Thursday, April 12, 2018, Aeroprobe Corporation announced MELD, its proprietary manufacturing technology, is moving into a new phase of commercialization that includes the spinout of MELD Manufacturing Corporation. These announcements come after more than a decade of research and development for the MELD process.

    “Our technology is truly unique,” noted MELD CEO Nanci Hardwick. “We identified an area in the additive manufacturing industry that could be improved upon and put a lot of time and effort into making it happen. The MELD process is a game changer in the additive manufacturing field and beyond.”

    Aeroprobe MELD logo, a revolutionary manufacturing process for metal created at Aeroprobe in Virginias New River Valley

    The company holds more than a dozen patents for MELD, a process that can be used for a wide range of materials, including metal powders and rods. It can also be used with metal chips that would normally be discarded in other processes, making it a viable option for a green alternative.

    “What sets us apart from other technologies is that we aren’t melting,” explained Additive Manufacturing Manager Chase Cox, “When you melt, you introduce weakness and other issues. By taking the material up to a point where it is malleable but not melted, we end up with properties that meet or exceed similar processes and, in some cases, even those of the original material.”

    While a few other processes offer the ability to work with materials without melting, MELD is further differentiated by being open atmosphere, meaning no special chambers or vacuums are needed to operate a MELD machine.

    “Being open atmosphere means less equipment and fewer headaches,” continued Cox, “From a manufacturing standpoint, it also means that MELD isn’t limited in the size of the parts it can make. Compared to similar processes, we can make parts that are not only bigger, but also superior in quality and material options.”

    Beyond additive manufacturing, the MELD process can be used to repair, coat, and join materials. The novelty of the technology also means that welding previously unweldable materials is a possibility.

    “I was very excited the first time I saw the MELD technology,” notes Paul Allison, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama, which already owns a MELD machine. “It was and still is obvious that MELD provides a breakthrough in manufacturing technology that overcomes the technical barriers of fusion-based processes. That innovation is why I was eager to purchase a MELD machine and to work with the MELD team to pioneer research for this technology,” stated Allison.

    The MELD process promises to innovate a number of industries, from automotive and aerospace to defense and turbomachinery. MELD Manufacturing will offer machine sales in addition to contract manufacturing and consulting services.

    “This is just another example of the technical innovations that are occurring in the New River Valley,” said Chris Tuck, Chair, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. “The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors continues to support our local businesses in growing and making world-wide impacts,” said Tuck.

    “I’m both proud of and excited about this home-grown technology in Montgomery County,” said Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, April DeMotts. “It is clearly evident that the impact of this cutting-edge technology will reach far beyond Virginia,” said DeMotts.

    About MELD Manufacturing Corporation

    Established in 2018, MELD Manufacturing Corporation holds more than a dozen patents for MELD and facilitates contract manufacturing and consulting services as well as MELD machine sales. MELD is an innovative and unique patented technology that revolutionizes the additive manufacturing industry. MELD is the first process to give you the power to build 3D parts in solid state, producing better quality, scalable parts faster using a variety of materials and metals. Learn more at www.meldmanufacturing.com.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 Top Posts of 2018

    Blacksburg a Top 100 Best Place to Live

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Town of Blacksburg is a Top 100 Best Place to Live according to Livability.com. Blacksburg came in at number 63 out of almost 2,300 cities.

    The small and mid-sized towns and cities were ranked using 40 data points that analyzed economics, education, housing, and more.

    “The college town atmosphere in Blacksburg has helped foster affordable housing options along with a robust downtown district, fantastic restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues…”

    Read more from Livability.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 versus North Carolina basketball, ACC sports, Cassell Coliseum

    Virginia Tech and Radford University Men’s Basketball Make it to the NCAA Tournament

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – The men’s basketball teams in the NRV are headed to the NCAA Tournament.

    nrv teams ncaa tournament

    The Virginia Tech Hokies (no. 8 seed in the East Region) received an at-large bid and will face Alabama (no. 9 seed) this Thursday, March 15.

    After winning the Big South Championship last week, the Radford Highlanders will be play in the “First Four games today. They’re opponents are LIU-Brooklyn and the winner will be the no. 16 seed against no. 1 seed Villanova on Thursday.

    Read more from Mark Berman at The Roanoke Times.

    UPDATE (March 16)

    The Radford University Highlanders beat LIU-Brooklyn to make it to the first round. Radford was then defeated by Villanova. Virginia Tech also lost by 3 points to Alabama in the first round.

    While the Hokies and the Highlanders didn’t make it past Round 1 this year, there was a lot of love for these NRV teams. Radford alumnus and ESPN commentator Marty Smith showed his support, even letting Reggie Miller know he’d help him get to town for a game.

    RU Coach Mike Jones was glad Virginia’s New River Valley had the opportunity to be seen:

    The NRV is such a special place. Not just because of our universities, but because of the people who attend them and populate the rest of the region. Whether you’re an alumnus, a long-time resident, or a new professional, it doesn’t take long to see Virginia’s New River Valley is A Natural Fit.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Bikeshare NRV, NRV Bikeshare program coming to the New River Valley, painted bike logo on a side walk with fall leaves

    Bikeshare Coming to the New River Valley

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – The New River Valley will soon have a bikeshare program, complete in Spring 2018. The NRV bikeshare program will service Montgomery County, the towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech.

    The program will start with 12 stations and 88 bikes. Users can both purchase memberships or rent by the hour. Powered by Gotcha, there will be traditional bikes as well as a few electric-power-assist bikes.

    How to use Gotcha bikeshare NRV, NRV bikeshare program, new river valley, screen grab from gotcha

    For more information visit the New River Valley Regional Commission site or check out the bikes at Gotcha.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    The Beauty of the NRV on the Big Screen

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Did you know there are movies filmed in the NRV? That’s right, the sites of Virginia’s New River Valley are on the big screen. This month, filmmakers visited Blacksburg and Giles County for Black Dispatch, a civil war era love story told by Director Shea Sizemore and Producer Chip White.

    The sun shines down on a group of civil war reenactors on the set of 'Black Dispatch,' one of the movies filmed in the nrv

    Filming began at Historic Smithfield on March 2nd. The rest of the short was filmed in Giles County at Kairos Resort from March 3rd-4th.

    As Sizemore grew up in the area, he understands what makes the NRV great. It’s his relationship with the NRV that brings Black Dispatch here, and now even more people will know the beautiful landscape of the NRV.

    “We are fortunate and excited about the opportunity to capture the beauty of this gorgeous corner of Virginia,” said Producer Chip White.

    There are other movies filmed in the NRV.

    This isn’t the first time the scenery around here caught the eye of a filmmaker.

    The film adaption of David Baldacci’s best-selling novel Wish You Well (starring Ellen Burstyn, Mackenzie Foy, and Josh Lucas) was filmed in Giles.

    Plus, most people know that much of the iconic film Dirty Dancing was filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge. The lodge was ranked one of TripAdvisor’s top movie destinations.

    Other films Geographically Desirable (2014) and House of Good and Evil (2012) were filmed in Floyd.

    When it comes to the outdoors in the NRV, there are plenty of ways to take it in. From in-person to the silver screen, the natural assets here are worth marveling at.

    Get More Information

    Historic Smithfield Plantation was established in 1772 by William Preston, a leader of westward expansion and a prominent Southwestern Virginia Revolutionary War patriot. Now Smithfield is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours that take visitors back to the 18th century with costumed guides.

    Kairos Resort in Giles County is a 1515-acre wilderness resort that stretches from the valley of the New River to the top of the Appalachian Mountains. It features over 40 miles of trails, river activities, camping, special events, and more.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.