10 Winter Activities in the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Winter is a magical time to explore Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). From holiday traditions to outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are ten activities to make the most of the winter season in the NRV:

1. Floyd Center for the Arts Winterfest

Mark your calendar for the Annual Winterfest at the Floyd Center for the Arts on December 7–8, from 10 AM–5 PM. Browse unique handmade gifts, participate in the Festival of Trees, and soak in the holiday spirit. Admission is free, making it a must-visit for holiday cheer! Get all the details here.

Image by Floyd Center for the Arts

2. Frozen Cascades:

When the weather is just right, this spectacular 69 ft waterfall freezes over and transforms into a stunning icy masterpiece suspended from a two-hundred-foot cliff. As one of the most visited waterfalls in Virginia, Cascades Falls is a must no matter the season. Plan your visit here.

3. The Historic Draper Blooms Tea Garden:

Take a break from the holiday hustle at this enchanting tearoom. Indulge in gourmet teas and herbal infusions in a serene setting designed to nurture your spirit. Book a tearoom here.

Image by Blooms Tea Garden

4. “Fashions for Evergreens” at The Inn at Virginia Tech:

Marvel at intricately decorated Christmas trees and cast your vote for your favorite at this cherished holiday tradition. It’s the perfect backdrop for festive photos and family memories. Visit the Inn here.

5. Radford University Basketball:

Cheer on the Radford Highlanders at the Dedmon Center during their NCAA Division 1 basketball season. It’s an exciting way to enjoy winter sports and community camaraderie. Check out Radford University Athletics here.

Image by Radford University Athletics

6. A New Leaf Gallery:

Immerse yourself in Floyd County’s vibrant art scene at A New Leaf Gallery. Located across from the Floyd Country Store, this gallery offers a space for creativity and community connection, showcasing local artists’ work. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday (11 AM–5 PM) or Sunday (12 PM–4 PM). Learn more here.

7. Mountain Lake Lodge Magical Christmas Village and Marketplace:

Step into a winter wonderland at Mountain Lake Lodge (home to the movie Dirty Dancing), complete with twinkling lights, festive shops, ice skating, and seasonal activities. This magical experience promises memories to treasure. Explore more details here.

8. New River Community College Concert Series:

Celebrate the region’s love for bluegrass music at this longstanding concert series. Running since 1991, it’s a great way to experience talent and community. Learn more about the concert series here.

Image by Pexels

9. Montgomery Museum of Art & History:

Dive into art and history at this local museum, offering exhibits and programs to inspire and engage visitors of all ages. Plan you visit here.

10. The New River Polar Plunge:

Close out the winter months with a splash—literally! The Polar Plunge at Bisset Park is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Virginia, featuring costume contests, heated changing tents, and an exhilarating dip into the icy New River. Join the fun here.

Bonus Tips:


Christmas Trees:

Looking for a place to get a tree? Make your holiday special by selecting your own. Check out these local resources.

Image by Pexels

Local Parades & Events:

Every NRV community hosts its own holiday festivities. Stay tuned to local social media pages for the latest updates.


With its blend of festive events, stunning nature, and warm community spirit, the NRV has a little something for everyone in winter. Bundle up and explore all the region has to offer!

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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 Ranks Top 5 Toughest Places to Play

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Montgomery County, VA – Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech was recently ranked as one of the top five toughest stadiums to play in college football by Bruce Feldman in The Athletic article “What is college football’s toughest stadium to play in?”. The Athletic, the sports journalism department of the New York Times, stated that “Lane Stadium comes alive like no other venue” and the stadium can be “ominous”.

Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is known for its electric opening, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, that has become synonymous with Hokie pride. The Hokies’ entrance is so impactful that it has been measured on a seismograph.

Read The Athletic article here.

Learn more about the Virginia Tech Hokies here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Blacksburg Resident Wins Gold in Paris Olympics

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Montgomery County, VA – Cardinal News reported that Cole Hocker, a track and field athlete, won gold in the 1500 meter run at the Paris Olympics. His powerful finishing kick helped him to beat the two favorites, one from Great Britian and the other from Norway, and break the Olympic record.

Embed from Getty Images

Cole Hocker moved to Blacksburg in 2023 to work with Virginia Tech track and field coach Ben Thomas and train in the New River Valley. This move put him on the gold medal stand. He first attempted to win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics but came in 6th place.

Read the full article here.

Watch Cole Hocker’s gold medal run 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.

Trail Center Opens to Visitors in Giles County

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Giles County, VA – The ribbon cutting for the Giles County Trail Center at Mountain Lake Lodge was celebrated on May 10, 2024. According to a press release from Mountain Lake Lodge, the Trail Center has been created to help visitors discover the many attractions and trails of Giles County.

The 3,000 square foot center features public restrooms, parking, outdoor decks, interior gathering spaces, and changing rooms. The facility also provides maps, itineraries, and brochures that will help connect visitors to the natural beauty of the surrounding New River Valley.

Giles County Administrator Chris McKlarney said that “The Giles County Trail Center was designed to be a place where guests can be immersed in the outdoor adventure and amenities found throughout our region. Given the remote nature of this area and tremendous increase in number of day users over the past few years, creating adequate facilities to accommodate this growth was necessary.”

Read the full press release from Mountain Lake Lodge here.

Breathtaking views, mountain hikes, and water activities make the New River Valley a natural fit for outdoor recreation. Virginia’s New River Valley is a place where you can find your escape. Discover more about 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.

All Inclusive Playground Open in Christiansburg

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Montgomery County, VA – As things begin to warm up towards summer in the New River Valley, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Town of Christiansburg’s newest park, Huckleberry Park. Recently WSLS reported that the 21-million-dollar Huckelberry Park was open for public use.

The land for this state-of-the-art park was purchased by the Town from the Truman Wilson Estate in 2013. The original “Conceptual Master Plan” was done by Foresight Design Services with Wood Partners, Inc. handling planning and landscape architecture while OWPR worked on the architecture. Faulconer Construction company made a comprehensive agreement for final design and construction, using Hurt & Proffitt and Hill Studio to complete the project in September 2023.

According to the Town of Christiansburg’s website “the approximately 50-acre park features all-inclusive playground amenities, pet-friendly play areas, special event locations, and multi-purpose playing fields. Christiansburg Huckleberry Park is committed to fostering a safe family-friendly atmosphere that supports youth and adult recreation. The Park will also welcome tournaments from across the region, including potential teams from North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia.” With the warmer weather approaching, things like the park’s splash pad are an added benefit to the surrounding communities.

Watch the full story from WSLS here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers a variety of sports and recreational opportunities, including splash pads, playgrounds, parks, and recreation centers scattered throughout the region. The New River Valley has something for everyone. We are simply a natural fit. Learn more about recreational options 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 Leaders Listed in 4th Annual Virginia 500 By Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Four leaders across the New River Valley were recently listed in the 4th annual “Virginia 500 – The 2023-24 Power List” published by Virginia Business Magazine. With a long tradition of leadership in the Commonwealth, Virginia Business Magazine created the Power List “to be an insightful and helpful resource on leaders in Virginia”. Read more about how Virginia Business created the list here.

The NRV leaders that made the Virginia 500 are:

  • Brent Pry | Sports | Football Head Coach, Virginia Tech
  • Tim Sands | Education | President, Virginia Tech
  • Koen Knippenberg | Manufacturing | Executive Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Trucks Operations North America
  • Elizabeth McClanahan | Nonprofits | Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Tech Foundation

Learn more about the leaders, industries, and communities 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.

NRV Farmers Market Trail

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If local vegetables, handpicked flowers, and fresh baked goods are what define your summer, then it’s time to hit the NRV Farmers Market Trail. Each market brings its own finds and, in some cases, music. Summer is a time for meandering through the local artisan-crafted gifts and food. It’s the taste of freshness and the local community that make this region’s farmers markets such a treasure. Explore the exciting flavors that abound in the New River Valley by grabbing your bag and joining us as we delve into the local NRV Farmers Market Trail.

       

1. City of Radford’s Farmers Market

 

Our first stop on this Farmers Market journey is the City of Radford, where The Radford Farmers Market is a staple in Radford every Saturday during the months of April through October from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. rain or shine. Visit them weekly for an ever-changing supply of fresh and local produce, honey, eggs, meats, crafts, pastries, baked goods, flowers, and nursery starts.

       

2. Floyd County’s Farmers Market

 

Traversing through the countryside, our next visit is to The Floyd Farmers Market. It is open every Saturday from May through December from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm under the community pavilion in the center of downtown Floyd. A limited number of vendors are available on Thursdays from 4:00pm-7:00pm. They are proud to provide the community with locally grown, fresh produce and artisanal products and believe that shopping locally is the best way to get fresh, high-quality, and unique products.

     

3. Giles County’s Farmers Markets

 

Giles County flows through several towns and offers up a great variety of local produce at their Narrows Farmers Market and the Pearisburg Community Market. With a chance to chat with local farmers and artisans, you won’t want to miss stopping into Giles County.

The Narrows Farmers Market runs Saturdays 9am – 1pm at 135 Monroe Street and offers tables already onsite to accommodate several vendors and a sheltered pavilion for rain coverage.

The Pearisburg Community Market is located on the front lawn of the Community Center on Wenonah Avenue and is open the third Friday of the month from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

       

4. Montgomery County’s Farmers Markets

 

Continuing our travels through the New River Valley’s Farmers Markets, we find ourselves in Montgomery County with a few options for perusing the local offerings.

The Blacksburg Farmer’s Market is located in the center of Blacksburg and has a variety of hours to choose from:

  • Jan-Mar: Sat. 10am – 2pm
  • Apr-Oct: Wed. 2pm – 6pm & Sat. 8am – 2pm
  • Nov.-Dec: Wed. 2pm – 6pm & Sat. 9am – 2pm

The Christiansburg Farmers Market is located at 1600 North Franklin Street on Thursdays May – October from 3pm – 7pm. Each day differs, so you don’t want to miss out on what is available. You never know what you are going to find!

I don’t know about you, but I have found some lovely things at each market. My bags are full of some fabulous gifts and local veggies. I even heard some great music along the way! But there is still room for just a little more of what the NRV has to offer.

     

5. Pulaski County’s Farmers Market

 

Pulaski’s Marketplace has just what I need to finish out this Farmers Market Trail and I have just the spot for it in my bags. The Historic Train station offers a great backdrop for the music as I make my final purchases from the NRV. Join Pulaski at The Marketplace Tuesday’s 4-7pm in the summers where local vendors and artisans show of their knowledge and products. With activities for kids, there is fun for the whole family!

           

Thank you for joining us on the NRV Farmers Market Trail. I hope you have enjoyed the vendors, the locations, music, and all the treats you picked up along the way!

Click here to find out why the NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business.

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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 Counties Receive Outdoor Recreation Grants

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New River Valley, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that two counties in Virginia’s New River Valley will each receive up to $20,000 through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) DRIVE Outdoor grant program. The DRIVE Outdoor grant program targets “outdoor product development and entrepreneurial expansion throughout the Commonweath.”

Both Floyd County and Giles County were selected for the grant. The counties will use the funds to build upon the quality of life experienced by the residents of the NRV.

Governor Glen Youngkin said, “Outdoor recreation is an important part of Virginia’s economy and key to furthering the Commonwealth’s position as a top destination on the East Coast. The projects developed from the DRIVE Outdoor program will spur job creation, private investment, and endless opportunities for outdoor-focused partnerships.”

Read the full press release, including information on the other 8 communities selected for the grant, here.

The outdoors in the NRV provides a constant source of entertainment due to its natural resources, activities, and breathtaking views. Major outdoor attractions such as the New River, the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Claytor Lake State Park, and Pandapas Pond are woven into the fabric of each community in the NRV. Explore the trails and waterways of Virginia’s New River Valley here.


Photo by Tony Greatorex


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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 Locations Featured in the 2023 Blue Ridge Outdoors Camping and Cabin Guide

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New River Valley, VA– The New River Valley is the perfect place to pitch your tent for the summer while making lasting family memories overlooking the New River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With camping season in full bloom, Blue Ridge Outdoors recently listed several locations in Pulaski County and Floyd County as some of the “best places to stay in the Blue Ridge backcountry” in their 2023 Camping and Cabin Guide.

Pulaski County’s Claytor Lake was selected as a great place for RVs since the “campsite offers the perfect home base to explore the 4,500-acre lake”. The New River Trail State Park was selected for its multi-day adventure and the ability to camp along the 57-mile park as you bike or hike.

Floyd County was chosen because of the variety of camping options. It “is home to the Little River, Buffalo Mountain, and 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect destination for outdoor adventure and camping.”

Explore the 2023 Blue Ridge Outdoors Camping and Cabin Guide here.

Step into the great outdoors and discover the beauty that awaits you 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.

VT Women’s Basketball Headed to First Final Four

VT Women’s Basketball Headed to First Final Four

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team is headed to the Final Four!

This will be the first time in school history that the women’s basketball team has gone to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament. It has been a banner season for the Hokies, who currently have a 31-4 record and won the ACC Tournament Championship on March 5th.

Here are the results from the Hokies’ previous 2023 NCAA tournament games:

  • First Round: Hokies 58 – Chattanooga 33
  • Second Round: Hokies 72 – South Dakota State 60
  • Sweet Sixteen: Hokies 73 – Tennessee 64
  • Elite Eight: Hokies 84 – Ohio State 74

The Hokies will face LSU in the Final Four on Friday, March 31st at 7:00 pm EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Congratulations and good luck to the Hokies!

Get all the news about Virginia Tech’s historic run in the tournament here.

Explore 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.