Exploring Murals and Wall Art in Virginia’s New River Valley

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New River Valley, VA – Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Virginia’s New River Valley, a hidden gem awaits history buffs, art enthusiasts, and casual observers alike – a vibrant tapestry of murals and wall art that breathes life into the region’s communities. From the historic streets of the City of Radford to the charming corners of Pulaski County, these artistic expressions tell stories, evoke emotions, and celebrate the unique spirit and history of the NRV. These artworks honor each county’s heritage while adding a modern feel to its growing culture.

Embraced by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Floyd County showcases murals that echo the area’s musical heritage and craft traditions. Tucked between Main Street and the farmers market, you can find a mural that spans the entire side of a building that features a woman working on a quilted patchwork that makes up the fields and mountains of Floyd County. Red Rooster Coffee’s red rooster welcomes everyone to experience the wonders of Floyd as you enter the town. Placed onto the sides of buildings and widow panes, you can see Floyd’s connection to its roots and its history.

Giles County, nestled along the New River, boasts murals that reflect the region’s outdoor spirit. Nature-inspired artworks celebrate the scenic beauty that defines the county, while showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship. Driving into Pearisburg from route 100 you can see a beautiful scene that welcomes you to the town that features butterflies and the New River. Traveling further on to Narrows, there a several murals around the town park and downtown. Near the farmers market area stands a majestic blue jay speaking to Giles County’s love of the outdoors.

Montgomery County, home to Virginia Tech, combines academic innovation with artistic expression. Colorful murals adorn brick facades, showcasing the area’s rich history and the dynamic energy of its residents. From sassy sophisticated cats, pet murals, and historic railroad renditions; there is a little bit of art on sidewalks and buildings around the county. Follow their public art trail here.

As Pulaski County continues to innovate their industrial roots, the murals and art renditions around the county celebrate their heritage while adding a contemporary flair to its evolving identity. From historical Coca-Cola advertisements that adorn brick walls to the new Pulaski collaborations with local businesses and college students to the mural featured at the Draper Mercantile, each piece pays homage to the hardworking spirit of Pulaski County.

The small-town charm of Radford City is enhanced by the magical New River that flows through it. Take a drive down Main Street and you’ll find yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors; each stroke contributing to the narrative of the New River Valley. Antique advertisements on brick walls tell stories that transcend time and connect the vibrant present to the echoes of history. The bricks speak of a time when Cubanola Cigars were 5 cents and R.S Carson was the prescription druggist. Wander into one or two of the shops that adorn Radford’s Main Street and you will find new and old murals on the inside of the buildings that speak of the rich history that fills this city.

Together, these communities form a vibrant tapestry of art, with each mural telling a unique story of the people, history, and natural beauty that define Virginia’s New River Valley. As you wander through the streets of Floyd County, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, and the City of Radford, let the colors on the walls guide you through a visual journey of community pride and shared identity.

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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.

Radford University and Virginia Tech Among Best Student Cost of Living in VA

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New River Valley, VA – Radford University and Virginia Tech are among the top 10 best colleges for student cost of living in Virginia according to SmartAsset.com Radford University is ranked #6 for 2023 and Virginia Tech is ranked #7 for 2023.

According to SmartAsset’s methodology, the company “compares schools based on a variety of financial factors and data sets, including starting salary, tuition, living expenses, student retention rate, and scholarships awarded”.

See SmartAsset’s Best Student Cost of Living in Virginia rankings list and the methodology for their placements here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photo: Radford University on the right and Virginia Tech on the left

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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 Manufacturer Partners with Virginia Tech

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Montgomery County, VA – Businesses in the New River Valley have a unique opportunity to partner with world – class universities and colleges like Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College. Recently Virginia Tech reported that some of their graduate students in the Pamplin College of Business have been working with NRV manufacturer Inorganic Ventures.

This unique partnership enabled students to gain real world knowledge while the company had access to a team that can work on solutions to targeted problems within their company. Inorganic Ventures gave students access to data sets, and by the end of the project the students developed and delivered a product that will greatly enhance Inorganic Ventures’ business strategy.

Inorganic Ventures is located in Christiansburg and manufactures certified reference materials in Virginia’s New River Valley region. Their location in the NRV allows them access to research teams and technology from the surrounding universities that they would normally not have.

Read more about Inorganic Ventures’ partnership with Virginia Tech here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a growing technology hub that offers an abundance of resources for manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a great place to do business 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.

Regional Consortium Awarded Federal Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant

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Regional Consortium Awarded Federal Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant

10.24.23 / PRESS RELEASES

Oct. 23, 2023 – A consortium led by the New River Valley Regional Commission has been selected for a highly competitive $500,000 federal Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant.

“This is exciting news and a testament to our region’s burgeoning prowess in additive manufacturing and applied materials,” said Kevin Byrd, executive director of the New River Valley Regional Commission. “This award will accelerate our work to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers adopt and implement these new technologies, grow their business, and create jobs at all skill levels.”

“This is exciting news and a testament to our region’s burgeoning prowess in additive manufacturing and applied materials. This award will accelerate our work to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers adopt and implement these new technologies, grow their business, and create jobs at all skill levels.” – Kevin Byrd, executive director of the New River Valley Regional Commission

The U.S. Economic Development Administration received more than 400 applications for the Tech Hubs Program. It was created as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to drive innovation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies.

On Monday, the EDA announced it has designated 31 Tech Hubs and awarded 29 Strategy Development Grants in Phase 1 of the program. Tech Hub designees are eligible to apply for a handful of $40 million to $70 million implementation grants that will be awarded in Phase 2.

The New River Valley-based proposal centers on a set of world class technology assets that includes Virginia Tech and MELD Manufacturing Corporation, maker of large scale, metal 3D printers. It heavily leverages the Virginia Tech College of Engineering’s Advanced Manufacturing Team, led by Professor Chris Williams. This team, composed of 15 faculty from across the college, conducts research and education around advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing and advanced materials.

“This is another step toward our goal of creating a globally competitive hub of excellence in this technology area, which is critical for our national competitiveness and security” said Williams, the L.S. Randolph Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. “I see this opportunity as yet another way in which we strive to fulfill Virginia Tech’s land-grant mission.”

The Strategy Development Grant provides the consortium, which includes more than 15 partners, with critical resources to work together to refine its strategy and position for future funding opportunities, Byrd said.

The CHIPS and Science Act authorized the Tech Hubs Program at $10 billion; EDA has so far received $500 million – 5 percent – of the authorized dollars. If additional funding is appropriated by Congress, the EDA could offer additional implementation grants beyond Phase 2. Strategy Development Award consortiums are invited by the EDA to apply for future application rounds.

Byrd believes the unique technology and skills across the geographic footprint of the consortium – including multiple partners in the Danville area – helped it earn designation as an inaugural Tech Hubs Strategy Development Consortium. He also credited bipartisan support from Virginia’s congressional delegation. The grant application included a joint letter of support signed by U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith and Rob Wittman.

Nanci Hardwick, CEO of MELD Manufacturing, said additive manufacturing is a growing industry that offers the region a chance to distinguish itself.

“Large scale additive manufacturing is critical to supply production parts for industries such as semiconductor equipment manufacturing, the machines that make chips, as well as aerospace, space, and shipbuilding,” she said. “We need to expand our capability to deliver these parts as fast as we can and this grant will allow us to bring together key partners to develop a plan for growth that benefits the community.”

The regional collaboration behind the Tech Hubs consortium’s proposal builds off a federal Build Back Better proposal led by Virginia Tech last year. John Provo, executive director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement, said the strategy development endorsement from the EDA reflects the momentum of the region and validates the focus in additive manufacturing.

“It’s a testament to the dedication and collaboration within our community,” he said. “With this award, we’ll be able to strengthen our region’s position in the tech industry.”

“It’s a testament to the dedication and collaboration within our community. With this award, we’ll be able to strengthen our region’s position in the tech industry.” – John Provo, executive director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Consortium members include: Hollingsworth & Vose, which operates a Floyd County location and makes advanced materials; Radford University; New River Community College; MELD PrintWorks, a spinoff of MELD Manufacturing; Fastech, a Danville-based 3D metal printing and engineering firm; Volvo Trucks in Dublin; the Virginia Manufacturers Association; the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center; the Verge alliance; the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board; Onward New River Valley; the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance; and the Danville-based Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski and the cities of Danville and Radford are members too.

Media contact: Kevin Byrd
kbyrd@nrvrc.org
New River Valley Regional Commission

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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 Vineyards and Wineries Trail

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New River Valley, VA – Virgnia has been growing wine since the colonial era and is listed in the Top 10 Wine Regions of the USA by USA Wine Ratings. Fall not only brings about a range of colors in Virginia’s New River Valley but is also a time for harvest as grapes become ready for wine glasses.

With harvest season upon the NRV vineyards, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and sample the flavorful wines made here in the New River Valley. Plan the perfect wine trail through the region by visiting the following vineyards:

The New River Valley continues to inspire all that live and work here. The beautiful mountains are majestic, and the New River flows steady. It’s a natural fit for wine growers and lovers! 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.

New LewisGale Montgomery ER Coming to Christiansburg

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Montgomery County, VA – WDBJ7 recently reported that work has begun on a new emergency room in the town of Christiansburg. This will be LewisGale’s first freestanding ER in the New River Valley. There are 2 others located in the Roanoke area.

HCA LewisGale Montgomery COO Devin Tobin said, “We have seen it really enhance the ER services in a community and bring that care closer to home. So, we when looking about where do we put the next one, how do we bring care to the community, Christiansburg was the perfect selection for that.”

WDBJ7 stated that “the ER will be an extension of LewisGale Montgomery and the two facilities will work together to provide patient care.”

Watch the full story here.

Photo by Pixabay

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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 Researchers Receive Funding for Cybersecurity Projects

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Tech recently reported that “the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) will be investing approximately $700,000 in seven experiential learning projects that give students crucial cybersecurity, on-the-job training in areas such as privacy protection and mobile software development.”

Of the seven projects selected, Radford University spearheads a project about technology enabled internships with mentoring and Virginia Tech leads another one concerning the “use and abuse of personal information” with technology.

According to CCI’s website they are “Virginia’s main access point for cybersecurity research, innovation, workforce development, and news. In this community, researchers find funding and collaboration, students discover diverse career possibilities, and new innovations come to life.”

Read the full article here.

See the full list of projects here.

The NRV has exceptional education programs from world-class universities that are producing some of the best IT workforce in the country, making the region a natural fit for companies in the cybersecurity and the information technology sectors. Discover more about the innovative IT landscape in the NRV here.

Photo by fauxels

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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.

Innovative Startups Find Opportunities in the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) is the perfect location for businesses to flourish. It’s not hard to see why many startup businesses choose to be part of the economic landscape in the NRV. With its easy access to talent, strategic location, and an innovative businesses community, the NRV is a natural fit for any business.

Several NRV startups are innovating in different sectors across the region.

  • Good Food Groups, LLC located in Pulaski County seeks to manufacture functional foods that contain a substance that helps individuals maintain weight, build muscle, and lose fat. They were recently selected to participate in the RAMP program that gives them access to regional resources and support. Learn more here.
  • MacroVation, LLC also located in Pulaski County designs sustainable biomaterials such as additives that rend plastics biodegradable after use and 3D printable materials from seaweed to manufacture medical devices. MacroVation was also selected to be part of the RAMP program.
  • Fermi Energy in Montgomery County is developing electric vehicle batteries that would help solve supply chain issues of hard-to-get materials like cobalt and nickel. Their goal is to create a battery that would come from locally sourced materials. Through Virginia Tech, they won $2.9 million in grant money from the U.S Department of Energy. Read the full story of them in the Cardinal News here.
  • Vegg Inc. has also found a home in Pulaski County. They are introducing novel solutions for indoor farming by repurposing old school buildings for vertical farming companies. WSLS recently featured a story on them. You can watch the story here.
  • Cowden Technologies in Montgomery County is automating the logistical requirements of uncrewed systems. This is a system that uses robotics to support the drone ecosystem. Cowden Technologies was recently accepted into the NVIDIA Inception program that will give them access to cutting edge technology, venture capitalists, and technical resources. Read the press release here.
  • MOVA Technologies in Pulaski County uses air capture technology for air purification and air pollution control. They recently closed on a $2 million seed funding round that will help with the organization’s growth. Read the full MOVA press release here.

Find out how your business can become a part of this innovative landscape 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.

Fall Activities in the NRV

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Note:
September 26, 2023: This blog post, which was originally published in September 2022, was updated to reflect current information about fall activities on this list.

New River Valley, VA – Fall is a beautiful time to be 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 a fall in the NRV! The list below has a little something for everyone, from exciting events to scenic adventures.

1. Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival

Image courtesy of Sinkland Farms

Celebrating its 32nd season, the fan favorite Sinkland Farms puts on a Pumpkin Festival that is unrivaled in the region. This year, the festival runs every weekend from the end of September  to October 29th 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.

2. Doe Creek Farm

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 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in September and closes 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.

3. Virginia Tech Football

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 town’s 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.

4. Highlanders Festival

Image courtsey of Radford University

Celebrating its 26th year, the Highlanders Festival is a partnership between the City of Radford and Radford University. The festival began in the mid-1990s. It has since tripled in size since the original festival, and now attracts an estimated crowd of 10,000. NRV’s fall leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the festival and the events are awe-inspiring! The 2023 festival is held on 10/14 and is open to the general public with free admission.

5. Mabry Mill

Image courtesy of Jeremy Riffe

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 Blue Ridge Parkway travelers and features cultural demonstrations, and a decades-long tradition of Sunday afternoon music.

6. Randolph Park Halloween Light Show

Image from Daklights

Randolph Park in Pulaski County hosts a spooky light show that is set up to Halloween themed music. The lights will turn on October 9th at 7pm and run every night through Halloween. Plan your visit at daklights.com.

7. St. Albans Sanatorium Haunted House

St. Albans Sanatorium was constructed in 1892 just across from the City of Radford overlooking the New River. It first functioned as an elite Lutheran boys school. In 1916 the property became a hospital with innovative treatments for psychiatric patients. The Sanatorium has received many paranormal investigators over the years, and they say that some of the patients have yet to leave the building. Every year the St. Albans Sanatorium opens for a haunted house experience. Tickets are available for every Friday and Saturday in October.

8. New River Trail State Park

Image courtesy of Jeremy Riffe

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.

9. Floyd County Arts & Crafts Festival Series

Image courtesy of Augusta Poplar Art

This Arts & Craft Festival has been sponsored by the General Federation Woman’s Club since 1982. This year over 180 artisans and craftsmen will offer their handcrafted wares for sale including ceramics, quilts, afghans, hand-woven baskets, and many other uniquely crafted items. You don’t want to miss this single day event happening in Floyd County on Oct 7, 2023!

10. Pearisburg Annual Scarecrow Trail and Festival

Photo by Charles Parker on Pexel

The Scarecrow Festival kicks off with a scarecrow trail and will run from October 2nd through November 1st . The scarecrows are scattered around the Town of Pearisburg for all to enjoy. The Scarecrow Festival is on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10am until 3pm. With contests like best pet photo, the cutest baby, or the best Halloween costume contest; there is fun for all ages! Find out more here.

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.

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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.