FloydFest Wins Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 Awards
Floyd County, VA – FloydFest won two Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 awards from Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine and was a runner-up in two more categories. FloydFest was the winner or runner-up in the following categories:
- Music Festival (Overall): Winner
- Music Festival Missed Most in 2020: Winner
- Family Friendly Festival: Runner-Up
- Rowdiest Festival: Runner-Up
Blue Ridge Outdoors had this to say about FloydFest:
“It doesn’t get much better than 100 bands on nine stages over five days. FloydFest is a celebration of all things music and mountains, also featuring outdoor adventures, delicious food, and activities just for kids.”
Missed FloydFest in 2020 and looking forward to attending this year? Blue Ridge Outdoors states, “[t]he festival producers are optimistic about 2021 and already announced the lineup for July 2021, which includes the Avett Brothers, Sturgill Simpson, and Old Crow Medicine Show.”
Read more about FloydFest and all the other Best of the Blue Ridge award winners here.
Learn more about Floyd, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.
Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.
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 Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA
New River Valley, VA – Three communities in the NRV are among the top 20 safest cities in Virginia for 2021. The National Council for Home Safety and Security found that Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg are some of the safest places in the Commonwealth.
Here are the rankings for the three NRV communities who made the list:
#5: Blacksburg
#11: Radford
#20: Christiansburg
According to Alarms.org, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA, better known as the New River Valley, is “one of the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas in the country, with low crime being one of the main draws for many moving into the area.”
To compile the rankings, Alarms.org reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics for Virginia cities with populations over 10,000. Learn more about the methodology and see the full rankings list for the safest cities in Virginian for 2021 here.
Learn more about the safe communities and excellent quality of life in Virginia’s New River Valley here.
Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.
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.
Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford
Radford, VA – Long Way Brewing, the first brewery located within the City of Radford, opened in December 2020. The brewery is uniquely housed in a preserved former Seventh-day Adventist Church. The brewery shares the space with Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread, a non-profit organization that provides free meals to local people in need.
A recent article in The Roanoke Times, described the journey that the owners took to opening the brewery as well as the hopes that they have for the brewery. According to the article, “[Co-owner Keith] Weltens said he hopes the brewery adds to the revitalization of the city’s west end and can be a gathering place people in the neighborhood can walk to and enjoy a few brews.”
Read the full article about Long Way Brewing from The Roanoke Times here.
Learn more about Long Way Brewing here.
Learn more about the food processing and agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.
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.
New River Among Favorite Rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains
New River Valley, VA – The New River was listed among 13 favorite rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains by the editors of Blue Ridge Country magazine. The editors compared at least 50 rivers throughout the Blue Ridge region and created a list of their 13 favorites.
Here’s how the article describes the New River:
“Despite the name, this river is one of the oldest on the planet. It’s even thought to be more ancient than the Appalachian Mountains upon which it meanders. Unlike most rivers which plot their courses at lower elevations, this one runs on the crests and mountaintop basins. Its cuts and curves have exposed rocks dating back over one billion years, while the river itself is thought to be between 10 million and 360 million years old.”
The New River is an essential part of Virginia’s New River Valley. More than 89 miles of the New River run through the region, and it is one of the NRV’s major outdoor attractions. The river flows through most of the communities in the New River Valley and offers many unique experiences to both residents and visitors alike.
Learn more about Virginia’s New River Valley and the New River here.
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 Accolades and Awards in 2020
- Pulaski is the #1 most affordable place to live in Virginia according to HomeSnacks.net.
- Pulaski is also the #2 most affordable place to buy a home in Virginia according to SmartAsset.com.
- Blacksburg was ranked among the Top 100 Small Cities/Towns in the U.S. by BestCities.org.
- LendingTree rated the New River Valley as the fourth best metro area for homeownership in Virginia.
- Floyd was voted the Top Tiny Adventure Town for 2020 by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
- The Cascades was listed among the Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in Virginia by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
- Pete Dye River Course was ranked 19th best golf course in Virginia by the Virginia Golf Ratings Panel.
- The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized Harmonia Holdings Group on its 2020 “Fantastic 50” list, a ranking of the 50 fastest-growing companies in Virginia.
- Volvo Trucks North America’s 2019 expansion in Pulaski County was ranked third on a list of top projects in Virginia by Area Development magazine.
- Virginia Tech ranked #25 on the list of top undergraduate schools for entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine.
- Exelaration’s was ranked the #3 tech and engineering internship in the U.S. for 2021 by Vault.
- MCPS recognized as a “School Division of Innovation” by Virginia Board of Education for expanding information technology education and opportunities in the K-12 curricula.
- Blacksburg High School was ranked 30th among 386 public high schools in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.
- Virginia Tech was ranked #3 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
- Radford University was ranked the #33 Southern Regional University by U.S. News and World Report.
- The Princeton Review listed Virginia Tech as the 7th most loved college in the country.
- Conde Nast Traveler listed Virginia Tech among the 50 most beautiful college campuses in America.
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.
Top Ten Posts of 2020
10. Torc Robotics to Invest $8.5 Million and Create 350 New Jobs in Blacksburg
In August it was announced that Torc Robotics will invest $8.5 million to expand its software development operations in Montgomery County. The company will establish an additional facility at the VT Corporate Research Center and create 350 new jobs.
9. NRV Commerce Park Welcomes Patton Logistics Group
In January it was announced that The Patton Logistics Group will invest $12 million to establish a new logistic and warehousing operation at NRV Commerce Park located in Pulaski County. The project will create 33 new jobs.8. Pete Dye River Course Ranked 19th Best in VA for 2020
The Virginia Golf Ratings Panel ranked the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech as #19 in a list of the top 50 golf courses in the state. The golf course is well known for its scenic views and 2.5 miles of frontage on the New River.
7. Why Blacksburg, VA is a Best Place to Live
Originally published in 2018, this blog post shared an editorial that Melody Warnick published on Livability about “why she thinks Blacksburg is a special place to live.” Warnick is a freelance writer, author, and Blacksburg local.
6. Kollmorgen Motion Solutions Used in Fight Against COVID-19
Kollmorgen played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. The company’s motion solutions are being used by manufacturers around the country to make “respirators and other personal protective equipment” as well as other essential items that help diagnose and treat the virus.
5. 10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer
Blog readers were clearly looking for fun and safe things to do this summer around the New River Valley. Originally published in 2018, this blog post lists ten unique spots to visit throughout the region.
4. H&V Delivering Critical Materials in the Fight Against COVID-19
Hollingsworth & Vose was busy throughout 2020 “making filtration material that is a critical component in Respiratory Protection Equipment being used to fight the virus.” They continued to increase their production throughout the year to help with the COVID-19 pandemic response.
3. Pulaski is the Most Affordable Place to Live in VA
The town of Pulaski was named the cheapest place to live in Virginia for the second year in a row by HomeSnacks.net. In particular, “housing in Pulaski is [very affordable] when taken as a proportion of income, whether you’re renting or buying.”
2. Virginia Tech Ranked 7th Most Loved College by The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review ranked Virginia Tech the 7th most loved college for 2021. VT also ranked first for best counseling services, eighth for best campus food, and fifteenth for town-gown relations are great.
1. Virginia Tech Ranks Top 3 Best College Campuses in America
Niche.com ranked Virginia Tech third in their list of 2020 Best College Campuses. Rankings were “based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education.”
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.
Red Rooster Coffee Blends Ranked in Top 30 Coffees of 2020
Floyd County, VA – Two of Red Rooster Coffee Roaster’s coffee blends were ranked in the Top 30 Coffees of 2020 by Coffee Review. Coffee Review is “the world’s most widely read and influential coffee buying guide” with a goal “to point readers to the best coffees in the world.”
Here are the two blends from Red Rooster that made the list:
#8 Ethiopia Shantawene WashedCoffee Review described this Ethiopia Shantawene Washed blend as “an exceptional washed-process Sidama cup evoking a garden in the spring, vivid with complex sweet-spicy florals.” Read their full review here.
#20 All Rise (in Collaboration with RND Coffee)Red Rooster collaborated with RND Coffee in Roanoke to create the All Rise blend. Proceeds from All Rise “benefit Dream Corps and the work they do driving criminal justice reform, building a greener economy, and creating equity in the tech industry.” Coffee Review thought All Rise was “bright, sweet, tart, chocolaty and floral – delicious and worthy.” Read their full review here.
Read the full list of the Top 30 coffees for 2020 from Coffee Review here.
Explore currently available coffee from Red Rooster here.
Learn more about the thriving food processing and agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.
Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.
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.
Cascades Among Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in Virginia
Giles County, VA – The Cascades National Recreation Trail was recently listed among the top five scenic family hikes in Virginia by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Here’s what the Virginia is for Lovers blog has to say about the Cascades:
“Cascade Falls Trail in Pembroke, Virginia, offers one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, if not the entire East Coast.”
Cascade Falls is a beautiful hike no matter the season. Read more about hiking the Cascades here and see the Top 5 scenic hikes in Virginia for families here.
Learn more about the wide variety of outdoor amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley here.
Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.
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.
Cascades Among Top 5 Scenic Family Hikes in VirginiaPulaski County Awarded SolSmart Gold Designation
Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County was recently awarded a SolSmart Gold designation. SolSmart is a nationwide program that “recognizes cities, counties, and regional organizations for making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.” SolSmart has only awarded 139 Gold designations across the country, and Pulaski County is one of only three communities in Virginia to achieve that designation.
According to County Administrator Jonathan Sweet, “this Gold designation further demonstrates that [Pulaski County has] made it easier and more affordable for citizens and business[es] to move to solar.”
Read more about Pulaski County’s SolSmart Gold Designation from The Southwest Times here.
Learn more about Pulaski County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.
Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.
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.