Blue Ridge Country - July/August 2019 - 52

VIRGINIA
1. Floyd County (Floyd, Willis)
Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge
Plateau in southwest Virginia, Floyd is a
haven of natural beauty renowned for
small-town hospitality and for a vibrant,
eclectic culture of music, arts, outdoor
recreation and local foods, farms and
spirits.
"Floyd is trending because there are so
many small businesses-all birthed from
inspiration and vision," says Floyd County Tourism Director Pat Sharkey. "Folks
are creative and trend-setting-in roasting
coffee, making chocolate, growing food,
in creating moonshine cocktails and craft
beer, visionary art and memorable music.
Community and creativity are alive here."

FIVE THINGS NOT TO
MISS:

* Friday Night Jamboree: Enjoy
gospel, old-time and bluegrass
music and flatfoot dancing in the
Floyd Country Store.
* Blue Ridge Parkway: Floyd County
borders nearly 40 miles of the Blue
Ridge Parkway with the historic
Mabry Mill and scenic overlooks,
trails and camping.
* Downtown Floyd Stroll, to
experience an engaging blend of
home-spun shops, dining, craft beer
and spirits and music venues, all in a
friendly small-town setting.
* Chateau Morrisette Winery and
Restaurant: Southwest Virginia's
premier destination for awardwinning wine and refined rustic
dining. Enjoy tastings, tours, dining,
music, scenic views and festivals.
* Artisan Studios and Farms: Nestled
throughout the county are potters
and woodworkers, farm stores, a
honeybee sanctuary, alpaca and
herb farms plus yurt and farmhouse
stays.
ABOVE: Floyd County's Blue Ridge Parkway
miles are replete with beautiful overlooks.
RIGHT: Roanoke's Center In The Square
rooftop offers views of the city and surrounding
mountains.

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2. Roanoke County (and the cities of
Roanoke and Salem)

3. Montgomery County (Blacksburg,
Christiansburg)

As the largest metropolitan area along the
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and recently named America's East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, Virginia's Blue Ridge
Region at Roanoke, Salem and Roanoke
County is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, offering fabulous culture,
cuisine and entertainment while delivering refined, authentic, metro mountain
adventure.
"Virginia's Blue Ridge is a destination
with an energized mix of culture and adventure," says Taylor Spellman, the public
relations manager for Visit Virginia's Blue
Ridge. "At the hub of amazing outdoor
activities, find a Cheers Trail, renowned
restaurants with outstanding flavors and
a thriving arts scene with live music and
world-class performances year-round."

This beautiful part of southwest Virginia
is the home of Virginia Tech and a perfect
mid-Atlantic destination for getting outdoors while staying connected to town
amenities.
"Montgomery County joins with localities throughout the New River Valley
to provide activities for all levels of adventurists," says Lisa Bleakley, executive
director of Montgomery County Virginia
Regional Tourism. "Whether seeking outdoor recreation, arts and culture, or simply relaxation, this community welcomes
you to enjoy the surrounding beauty and
hospitality of Montgomery County."

FIVE THINGS NOT
TO MISS:

* Stay at the Hotel Roanoke then take a walking
tour to the Virginia Museum of Transportation,
O. Winston Link Museum and the Taubman
Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke.
* Explore Center in the Square in downtown
Roanoke and visit the long-running Roanoke
Farmers Market.
* Visit the Mill Mountain Star and take in the view
of the Roanoke Valley.
* Catch action and beautiful mountain views at a
Salem Red Sox Game.
* Hike, paddle and camp off the Blue Ridge
Parkway at Explore Park (milepost 115), Roanoke.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS:

* The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg.
* The New River, popular for fishing or tubing at
McCoy Falls.
* Downtown Blacksburg's Lyric Theatre, offering a
variety of entertainment.
* Breweries and wineries in rural farm settings.
* The Huckleberry Trail, a rail-trail connecting
Christiansburg to Blacksburg and beyond.

VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE

http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country - July/August 2019

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