New River Valley, VA – September is a beautiful month in the New River Valley. Daytime temperatures remain summer-like, while crisp evening air subtly transforms the rich green hillsides, mountainsides, and roadsides into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Autumn is the perfect time of year to gather with friends and family and explore the region’s many wonders. So, join us as we explore Fall in the NRV! The list below has something for everyone, from exciting events to scenic adventures.
Image courtesy of Sinkland Farm
Celebrating its 31st season, the fan favorite Sinkland Farms puts on a Pumpkin Festival that is unrivaled in the region. This year, the festival runs from September 23rd to October 30th and celebrates all things Fall. Featuring live music, local vendors, hayrides, and a dizzying corn maze, the Pumpkin Festival is an NRV staple that has something for everyone.
Apples have been grown on Doe Creek Farm for over 100 years. The pick-your-own apple orchard is perfect for kids and the “dwarf trees” allow even the smallest family member a piece of the action. Doe Creek is open every Saturday beginning 9/9 and ending when the fruit has been cleared from the trees. Check their website before you go to make sure you are up to date on hours and accepted forms of payment.
Image courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics
It can’t just be a coincidence that football rhymes with Fall! Gameday in Blacksburg is one of the Towns great experiences. Even those not into the sport can enjoy the sights and sounds of 66,000 dedicated fans cheering on the Hokies. The fervor created during the team’s entrance song, Metallica’s famous Enter Sandman, has registered as a small earthquake on the Richter Scale.
Image courtsey of Radford University
Celebrating its 25th year, the Highlanders Festival is a partnership between the City of Radford and Radford University. The festival began in the mid-1990s with a modest crowd of 3,000. It has since tripled in size, and now attracts an estimated crowd of 10,000. You don’t even have to be of Scots-Irish origin to attend (although if you plan to don a kilt, it helps). The Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia provide a beautiful backdrop for the fall festival and the events are awe-inspiring! The festival is held on 10/8 and is open to the general public with free admission.
Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the sights and sounds of rural Appalachia fill the air at Mabry Mill during the Fall. The old mill makes for a great “leg-stretching” spot for Parkway travelers and features cultural demonstrations, and a decades-long tradition of Sunday afternoon music.
Stock Image
Iron Heart Winery lives on a farm and was founded by a father-son team. Located in Pulaski County and built from the ground up, the farm’s history dates to America’s Industrial Revolution, circa 1882. The winery is a model of agro-tourism with a diverse array of activities and experiences that can be tailored to fit the needs of just about any guest. From cabin rentals to weddings, Iron Heart Winery is a must-see for a Fall trip in the NRV.
Fall is the perfect time of year to hit the links. The NRV is home to the stunning Pete Dye River Course. Located near the City of Radford, the 18-hole course is one of the best in the region. Sunshine, cool air, and fairways bordered by the beautiful New River make the River Course an easy pick for our Fall list!
New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the Town of Pulaski. The trail’s gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike, and ride horseback.
Image courtesy of the Town of Floyd
Music in the Mountains is a concert series that is sure to capture the ear of the music lover in your life. Fall in Floyd is perfect and the addition of local artists serenading as the sun sets is about as good as it gets. Put a priority on this series as the last date is at the end of September. Do not fret if you miss it this year however, the series wil be back in full swing beginning June 2023.
Photo courtesy of Alyssa Moody
Giles County is an outdoor lovers mecca. The county boasts multiple access points to the Appalachian Trail and offers hikes for all skill and ability levels. For those who would like to notch off a piece of the AT without breaking a sweat, the Pearis Cemetery Trail is a fantastic option. Located just outside of the Town of Pearisburg, the trail is level and mostly gravel. There are even a couple of benches for sitting and soaking up the Fall colors. Budget about an hour (at a leisurely pace) for the out-and-back trail.
Find more things to do each day on our Community Calendar powered by Next3Days.
Click here to find out why the NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business.
###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.
Photo Credit: Giles County
