2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was frequently recognized during 2021 as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, and universities.

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VALife is Wonderful in Virginia’s New River Valley

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 AwardsThe NRV is Known for Its Unique Festivals, Destinations, and Businesses

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACCEnjoy Sports and Recreation Across the NRV

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing CompaniesCompanies in the Virginia’s New River Valley are Thriving and Growing

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in VirginiaThe NRV Offers High Quality Educational Opportunities

Explore more NRV accolades and awards 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 Featured on ESPN’s Ultimate College Football Road Trip

Blacksburg Featured on ESPN’s Ultimate College Football Road Trip

Montgomery County, VA – Blacksburg is the first stop on ESPN’s ultimate college football road trip! A recent article on ESPN.com mapped out “a week-by-week guide to the ultimate college football road trip, highlighting the must-see spots for food, drink, and revelry.” Virginia Tech’s 2021 season opener against UNC at Lane Stadium was the first stop on this nationwide college football extravaganza.

Here is what reporter David Hale had to say about Virginia Tech’s entrance to Lane Stadium:

“The key… is getting into your seats at least 30 minutes before kickoff because you won’t want to miss the most iconic stadium entrance in college football as the Hokies take the field to ‘Enter Sandman’ and the entire stadium shakes as the crowd celebrates.”

Read all of Hale’s recommendations for the best game day experience in Blacksburg here.

See the 2021 football schedule for the Virginia Tech Hokies here.

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.

Pete Dye River Course Ranked #10 Best Course You Can Play in VA

Pete Dye River Course Ranked #10 Best Course You Can Play in VA

Pulaski County, VA – The Virginia Golf Ratings Panel has ranked the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech the #10 best golf course you can play in Virginia for 2021. The rankings listed the top twelve golf courses in Virginia that are open for daily public play.

According to the list, the Pete Dye River Course is a par 72 course with championship tee yardage of 7,685. The golf course also came in at #20 on the Virginia Golf Ratings Panel’s list of the Top 50 Courses in Virginia for 2021.

Explore the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech here.

Learn more about the Virginia Golf Ratings Panel here.

Learn more about sports and recreation opportunities 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.

Calfee Park Wins Third Consecutive Best of the Ballparks Award

Calfee Park Wins Third Consecutive Best of the Ballparks Award

Pulaski County, VA – Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park recently won its third consecutive Best of the Ballparks award from Ballpark Digest. Calfee Park, home to the Pulaski River Turtles, was named the 2021 Best MLB Summer Collegiate Ballpark in July. The ballpark also won for best Rookie-Level facility in 2019 and 2020 when it was home to the Pulaski Yankees.

In the article announcing the winner, Ballpark Digest publisher Kevin Reichard states, “Repeating as a Best of the Ballpark winner is extremely difficult. The fact that Pulaski managed to do so even after an offseason of major change is a major accomplishment and shows the community’s commitment to the team.”

”We are ecstatic to once again receive this honor. It’s a testament to our local baseball community. Our fans make Calfee Park what it is… one of the best ballparks in the country!” – Pulaski River Turtles General Manager J.W. Martin

See the other winners in the 2021 Best of the Ballparks awards from Ballpark Digest here.

Learn more about Calfee Park here, and read about the upgrades that Shelor Automotive Group has made to Calfee Park since 2015 here.

Learn more about the Pulaski River Turtles here.

Learn more about Pulaski County, a community 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 Disc Golf Courses

Play a Round at These NRV Disc Golf Courses

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.

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

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.

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech Ranked 19th Best Golf Course in Virginia for 2020

Fairlawn, VA – The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech was recently ranked #19 in the 2020 list of the Top 50 golf courses in Virginia.  The course was also rated #9 on the 2020 list of courses which do not require a membership to play.  Both lists were compiled by the Virginia Golf Ratings Panel and highlighted in Virginia Business Magazine’s April 2020 issue.

The River Course, home of the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s golf teams, is well known for its scenic views and 2.5 miles of frontage on the New River, which is the oldest river in North America.  It has won many accolades since being redesigned by famous golf course designer Pete Dye beginning in 2003.

Located in Pulaski County, this par 72 course is one of the many golf courses available to avid golfers living and working in Virginia’s New River Valley.  To learn more about the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, visit www.petedyerivercourse.com.

See the full golf course rankings list here.

Correction:
September 1, 2021: This blog post was corrected to reflect that Pete Dye River Course was ranked #19 in the top 50 golf courses in Virginia for 2020. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the course was ranked #18.

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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.
Calfee Park

Motor Mile Field Voted Best Rookie-Level Ballpark

Pulaski County, VA Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park was chosen by the Ballpark Digest Best of the Ballparks annual fan voting competition as the best rookie-level ballpark in America.

Calfee Park beat out two-time champion TVA Credit Union Ballpark, home to the Johnson City Cardinals in the semi-final rounds of voting. The ballpark has received numerous updates since the Shelor Automotive Group purchased Calfee Park in 2015. Some of these updates include:

  • A new visiting team clubhouse
  • Concession stand
  • Press box
  • Souvenir store
  • Two VIP towers
  • JumboTron
  • The most recent update completed right before the 2019 season included a three-tiered party deck and new boxes, increasing the park’s capacity to 3,200.

    “This is the result of five years of continued improvements and support of the community. We’re proud of this ballpark and the upgrades over past years that have helped Calfee Park meet the standards of the New York Yankees and Minor League Baseball.”
      – David Hagan, Calfee Park owner

    The Pulaski Yankees are midway through their season with a winning record, putting them at the top of the Appalachian League division. Tickets are available at pulaskiyankees.net, at the Calfee Park box offices, or by calling (540) 980-1070.

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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.

    RU beats Texas

    RU Highlanders Beat First-Ever Ranked Opponent: Texas

    RADFORD, VA – The Radford University men’s basketball team took down the no. 17 ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas on Friday.

    This is the first time RU men’s basketball has beat a ranked opponent.

    With only 24 seconds left in the game, the Highlanders took the lead over the Longhorns. RU’s record is now 6-1 this year, which is the team’s best early-season record since their 1990-1991 season.

    For a full recap of the game, visit Radford Athletics.

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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.

    Virginia Tech Football Entrance

    Virginia Tech Ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football

    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Locals know how rowdy Lane Stadium gets, but the news has gotten out. The Virginia Tech Hokies stadium entrance to Metallica’s Enter Sandman was ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football by Fanbuzz.

    The entire stadium, from the band, to the student section, to people who are probably too old to do it, jump in unison to as the song builds to its climax. The Hokies’ football team walks from their locker room to the stadium, files into the narrow tunnel, and bursts onto the Lane Stadium field. It’s electric, it’s crazy, and it’s our favorite entrance in all of college football.

    Other universities mentioned include Miami, South Carolina, and Clemson, but Virginia Tech took home the number one spot.

    To see the full ranking, visit Fanbuzz.

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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.