8. In the Mad River Valley, Holstein cows graze green pastures, big red barns stand beside white farmhouses, and covered bridges span the burbling Mad. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. 6. (TIE) Cleveland, TN; Oak Ridge, TN – Jennifer Bonds; Riner, VA. Get This Issue! Our quest to have our readers select the happiest towns in the mountains began with a set of criteria applied to just under 100 cities and towns in our coverage area (the mountain regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina). I can’t remember the name of the town or the county that it is in. The Maury presents paddles of varied difficulties, as well as smallmouth bass and trout fishing. What about Front Royal, VA? Truly a hidden gem in the mountains." We go there 2-3 times per year and just recently purchased a vacation/retirement place there. 10. ", "Harrisonburg is the perfect blend of a college and sleepy mountain town. Open navigation A reflection of this influence is the abundance of breweries, cideries and vineyards in the area as well as delicious eateries. Outfitters are conveniently located in nearby Front Royal. 2. Lexington, VA My favorite vista in the entire park – Marys Rock, presents a stellar view overlooking Luray and the Shenandoah Valley as well as Massanutten Mountain. An official Appalachian Trail community, from Pearisburg you can walk the world’s most famous footpath from town up to Angels Rest, revealing a worthy panorama of the enveloping New River Valley. The Appalachian Mountains stretch for hundreds of miles through Virginia, from the highlands near Cumberland Gap in the southwest up the Blue Ridge all the way to Maryland. The production is the longest running outdoor drama in the commonwealth of Virginia. Visit the Strasburg Emporium, an agglomeration of antiques under one roof, as well as numerous other shops in town. 13. formId: "520dca37-e1cd-4cc8-bff2-42ffb2fdf82e" It also has a very unique downtown mall, and lots of very good restaurants." Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers and see how your city fared in 2021. – Suesan Humphreys; Winchester, VA, "I really don't know why, but the minute I pull into this beautiful little historic town I am immediately happy. – Larry Davis; Lewisburg, WV, 1. (TIE) Easley, SC; Greeneville, TN  Can you help me?   "Residents are friendly, welcoming, and have good values. Numerous access points make this river more viable. Stop at Big Meadows and enjoy the informative visitor center. Dillard, GA Read 3 Reviews Pretend you're ready to retire and you want to go to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking the AT on one side, or the Blue Ridge Parkway on the other. 22. Recognized by Only in Your State as one of the best places in Virginia for millennials, Virginia Beach’s vibrant urban atmosphere, ample activities, shopping opportunities, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural events make it just as big a draw to the old as it is to the young. Blue Ridge Highlands, Destinations, Heart of Appalachia, Outdoors, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Mountains / October 15, 2016 by Johnny Molloy / 28 Comments Updated: Jan 26, 2021. Elizabeth Furnace is just a few miles distant. 24. Filled with rich southern charm, it's the perfect place to visit for the weekend, or live in full time. _, Lewisburg, WV 18. Our quest to have our readers select the happiest towns in the mountains began with a set of criteria applied to just under 100 cities and towns in our coverage area (the mountain regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina). – Deborah Summey; Folly Beach, SC, Floyd, VA  This is by far the best way to ensure that a community is right for you. Overall, Fairfax County is definitely the place to retire in if you love the outdoors and still want some action in your life. Hendersonville, NC Outfitters are situated in town to help you accomplish the goal. Check out historic Camp Roosevelt, the very first Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the nation. Pitch your tent at Loft Mountain Campground. For more Virginia reading, check out: Best Places To Live In Virginia Or just make a relaxing trip on Skyline Drive, one of the world’s first scenic motorways. Float a kayak or canoe for 4 miles through town on the Waynesboro Water Trail. Charlottesville, VA* Food/Shopping/Entertainment: You have to come for the mountain music, too. and farmer’s market…if you haven’t been, go! Known for John Brown’s raid and action during the Civil War, the surrounding town is a perfect place to take in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Cross over the Potomac River to Maryland, … Harrisonburg is an important stop on the Shenandoah Beerworks Trail, a collection of breweries in the Shenandoah Valley. Falls Church. West Virginia is also a leading energy-producing state with rich natural resources. Why You Should Visit: If you like mountain music and mountain recreation, the mountain town is for you. Thanks. 16. Canoe, kayak or raft a section of the sometimes brawling, always beautiful waterway, featuring calm stretches mixed with mostly Class II rapids. Nearby Crabtree Falls lays claims to being Virginia’s highest cataract. – Sheri Moretz; Boone, NC, "Our favorite place to visit. Johnson City, TN The North Fork Shenandoah River flows through Strasburg and adds more outdoor opportunities. Food/Shopping/Entertainment: It is almost mandatory for visitors to drive up to Mill Mountain, see the Roanoke Star, then take in the view of downtown Roanoke and the mountains beyond. Why You Should Visit: Synonymous with Shenandoah National Park, this town is not only great for exploring the national park but also for outdoor recreation opportunities on nearby Massanutten Mountain and the storied South Fork Shenandoah River. Lot of history & culture.. birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson to Country group the Statler Brothers home town. Williamsburg, KY 17. Whitewater enthusiasts can ply the Maury River, which flows through both Lexington and Buena Vista. Culture, beauty, arts, and great people." Hike the Appalachian Trail through the Three Ridges Wilderness or The Priest Wilderness. Visit the Shot Tower and the preserved buildings of nearby Foster Falls, where Virginia’s history comes alive on the New River Trail.   "Everyone you meet in Floyd acts like they are cousins from way back - there are no strangers! Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the “Gem of the Eastern Shore”. Most mountain communities offer discovery packages that allow you and your spouse the opportunity to ‘live like residents’. Bryson City, NC We go there 2-3 times per year and just recently purchased a vacation/retirement place there. And there’s much more at Virginia’s special national park. If you’re thinking of moving, Virginia has it all. Mountain bikers have a wealth of trails in the wooded valley of Carvins Cove, where a reservoir also opens up paddling opportunities on a mountain-rimmed lake. The Chessie Trail is a rail trail (and also old towpath) popular with bicyclers and hikers. Area hiking is superlative. If you are considering relocation to the state and but you are not sure where the best places to live in Virginia are, check out our list. Harrisonburg calls itself the cycling capital of the Shenandoah Valley, and they mean it. https://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/BurkesGarden/. 14.   "Blowing Rock is a portal to another time. Hopefully it will open again after after some renovation. 21. Asheville, NC* Martinsburg, WV While there, visit the collection of historic buildings and the William J. Carter Farm. Asheville is a vibrant, truly beautiful city, and attracts artisans, naturalists, and discerning professionals and visitors of all stripes to it. I grew up in Petersburg , VA but we always visited family in Roanoke growing up and my sister and I went to JMU when it was Madison college. Close proximity to all this plus great restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene, a railfans mecca, our own symphony orchestra, ballet, big name acts at the civic center.... and I'm running out of space." Specifically speaking, in Shenandoah National Park you can stop for a short walk to the overlook atop Turk Mountain. Jonesborough, TN Why You Should Visit: Strasburg’s history dates back to the Revolutionary War, perhaps that is part of it being the antique capital of Virginia. One of kinda restaurants to drive in with curbside service as the day it opened. Massanutten Bike Park has mountain biking trails for all abilities. The AT leads directly past the store. Discover Your Happy Place. 10. N. Georgia? The people of Staunton seem to really like living there. ", "Amazing restaurants, wide variety of great local music, lots of world renowned music plays there, close proximity to many incredible wineries and historical locations. And the people are down-home quaint and full of hospitality! Source:en.wikipedia.org. Hot Springs/Warm Springs update. Bicyclists can pedal the 5-mile one way Guest River Trail, a rail trail with “gorge-ous” scenery. More river floating lies beyond. This includes road cycling, mountain biking and casual bicycling. Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains along the West Virginia border, Douthat State Park offers mountain trails, a lake beach, cabins, tent sites, and swimming. Paddle and fish the South Fork Shenandoah River. Based on the novel by John G. Fox, it tells a story of the days when the coal boom was heaped upon the people of Southwest Virginia … and the lives that changed therein. Murphy, NC The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk … Maryville, TN It’s discovery tour time! Dine at the Waterwheel Restaurant for a historic flair, where you eat inside an old mill, a Virginia Historic Landmark. Tool along Skyline Drive, stopping at viewpoints and hiking to others, such as Hawksbill, the highest point in Shenandoah with 360-degree panoramas. Pulaski, VA From Woodrow Wilson's home and the quaint downtown buildings and shops to the still running outdoor evening band concerts in its gorgeous park, Staunton offers peace and friendliness in a setting of natural beauty in the mountains. The toy museum will captivate adults and kids alike. Happiness abounds in Asheville! In 2014, Forbes named Blacksburg the #1 place in the nation to retire. Roanoke, Virginia? Best Unknown Place to Live: Cherry Valley – Part of this quiet rural area (20,000-acres) has been designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. 2. Now that we've choco-loaded, make the most of scenic White County's Georgia Mountains and hit the trails on a bike from Woody's Mountain Bikes.If staying in place is more … To see how your favorite Virginia cities compared, take a look at the list below; and if you don't see it there, head to the bottom. From horse farms to city lofts, Boone has it all." Anglers like to float and fish the Powell River, a day long float starts in downtown Big Stone Gap at Bullitt Park and meanders 12 miles to a takeout at Dryden off US 58. 25. When you go there, it's like stepping back to 1930 - no one's in a hurry, you stop and enjoy an ice cream on a park bench, there's not a stranger to be found." The surrounding area provides many opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, to kayaking the winding Shenandoah River. Hike to incredible and large Cascade Waterfall in nearby Pembroke. Those three destinations add up to a plethora of outdoor possibilities. In 2018, home security company Safewise released a list of the safest towns in North Carolina.Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Northbound windshield visitors will enjoy views aplenty and hiking opportunities. Robbinsville, NC (TIE) Bridgewater, VA; Dahlonega, GA Take a 45-minute tour of the Winchester residence of the first woman singer to join the Grand Ole Opry. The best place to retire in Virginia would be Martinsville according to the most recent data. – Lorraine Covington; Clemmons, NC, "Floyd is a magical place. The scenery is gorgeous. Virginia Beach. A valley surrounded by high hills of maples, pines, and oak trees. The people are friendly, there are many things to see and do. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site. And the worst place to live in Virginia? Furthermore, a trail system here at Mill Mountain avails walking. Quite narrow by comparison to other regions, Virginia's Blue Ridge region hugs the western edge of the Piedmont and covers the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Virginia's highest peak, Mount … I fall in love every time we visit!" People here are still friendly, the city is very easy to live in, and you feel safe. – Mary Brittingham; Mechanicsville, VA, "Harrisonburg is the perfect blend of a college and sleepy mountain town. Outdoor pursuits certainly include visiting mountain-rimmed Lake Moomaw. I love the farms, the mountains the people the many places to visit. The median home value is $172,000, with an average household income … 5. 5. Don’t forget to enjoy the roadside view of Falling Spring Falls. 6. Head north from Swift Run Gap on Skyline Drive in the park, stopping to view South River Falls and enjoy its fine picnic area. Why You Should Visit: Lately made famous by the movie and novel series Big Stone Gap, the real life town of Big Stone Gap sits in splendor by the Powell River encircled by mountains of far Southwest Virginia. – Beverly Boswell; Ronceverte, WV, "Amazing restaurants, wide variety of great local music, lots of world renowned music plays there, close proximity to many incredible wineries and historical locations." Fish Whitetop Laurel or Beaverdam Creeks, then walk back to your place of lodging. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit the most photographed spot on the parkway at Mabry Mill. Jump on the Parkway southbound for a scenic ride to the visitor center on the James River. At 50,000 acres and boasting more than 850 miles of shoreline, it’s not only Virginia’s largest lake, but also one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast. Outdoor activities run the gamut. Raleigh, North Carolina takes the top spot on Bankrate’s list of the 10 best places to live in the U.S. in 2021. Float the New from Austinville to Foster Falls.   "Autumn in Lewisburg is picturesque as the vibrant colors explode across the mountains! Hiking the AT on one side, or the Blue Ridge Parkway on the other. The citizens of these settlements are lucky enough to dwell amidst scenery where peaks cloaked in green forests rise to frame the place they call home, places where clear rivers and streams run free and hiking trails explore the back of beyond. 8. Other hiking destination avail solitude, waterfalls, and historic sights, namely Roaring Run Falls & Furnace, Audie Murphy Monument and Fenwick Mines Walk. Take a scenic drive on US 58 to Grayson Highlands State Park. Banner Elk, NC Here, see the wild ponies on the meadows and mountains of this nearly mile-high park. Virginia's three western regions have different names, but they share many geographic features - mainly, mountains. Your email address will not be published. 27. Elevations are generally lower than Shenandoah National Park, and the section has numerous trail shelters. 3. See the huge rock scree slopes on a simple trek to Blackrock Mountain. Cultural and outdoor pursuits enhance the allure of the warm waters. Beckley, WV Here, you can enjoy 50 more miles of the AT in Virginia. Thanks for the update Kathy and thanks for reading about the wonders of Virginia. Abingdon, VA Tour Shenandoah National Park, a Virginia treasure. Best Places to Live in Herndon, Virginia National center - Along the Potomac River between southern Maryland and northern Virginia, inland from Chesapeake Bay. Winchester, VA Safest Place to Live – Broadway. Outfitters are situated on the James. 9. Food/Shopping/Entertainment: Stay at the Inn at Riverbend, where your room overlooks the New River. To the north stands Mount Pleasant Scenic Area with meadows and eye-popping vistas. It is also a good place for those looking for an understated, down-home, rural Virginia atmosphere. If resident happiness was the only factor to consider when looking at the best places to live in West Virginia, Morgantown would be the outright winner. #14 in Best Places to Visit in Virginia Another city with a Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop, Roanoke features cultural hot spots like art galleries, live music venues, museums and more. 12. – Doreen Kimball; Lakeland, FL, "I enjoy going to Staunton to dine and attend plays at the American Shakespeare Festival Center. Best Places to Live in Blue Ridge, Virginia Mid-sized city - Southwestern Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gaffney, SC ", "Nowhere else in the country can you choose to live directly on a ski slope, on a golf course, in a fly-fishing resort, in a historic rural district, in a country club with its own airport, in a rustic mountain lodge at 5,000 feet or in a beautiful urban college town. Breweries are located in Waynesboro as well as nearby Afton and Staunton. The town has been holding the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention since 1935!   "Although small, Staunton is full of beauty and history. 15. 9.   "What a great place! Heading south from Swift Run Gap, hike to Hightop and grab more views. 30. Bristol, TN Two lodges within the national park make convenient overnighting for the Shenandoah National Park enthusiast. Mountains all around. Food/Shopping/Entertainment: Music lovers have the unique opportunity to check out the home and museum of country music legend Patsy Cline.   "Small town attitude but big town necessities. Why You Should Visit: Visit for nearby Virginia history as well as a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The beauty alone makes me happy. 4. At Warm Springs, you can still come to immerse in the mineral-rich 98-degree water where Thomas Jefferson himself soaked (The Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs are currently closed for renovations). Kerr Lake. Outfitters are available. Waynesboro, VA Why You Should Visit: Come see the town where the lower New River and the Appalachian Trail cross paths under the mantle of Peters Mountain. Have a ball taking on the Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble, which sounds tougher than it is, though you do use all fours. Blessed with both river and mountain recreation held fast against the West Virginia border, Pearisburg makes for a great mountain getaway. It’s the largest town in VA; located in the fastest growing county in Western VA (about to surpass the population of the city of Roanoke); home to Va Tech; home to the Va-Md College of Vet Science; a medical school; full of historic homes; Smithfield Plantation; New River; explosive growth in technology and research jobs; center for developing Driverless Autonomous Vehicles; Drone research; Moss Center for the Arts; Black Box Theatre; the Lyric Theatre; a beautiful downtown Where is the Safest Place to Live in North Carolina? _, Boone, NC – Gary White; Lincoln, NE, Roanoke, VA Visit the Andrew Johnston House, an antebellum home on which grounds the Giles County Historical Society can also be found. Stops, overlooks and activities along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway will keep a nature lover busy. _, Asheville, NC People here are still friendly, the city is very easy to live in, and you feel safe." Blue Ridge, VA Housing Market Tackle Class I and II rapids in a kayak, canoe or even inner tube. Read on and discover your Virginia mountain town, where you can relax, unwind and create outdoor adventures. Heading south from Waynesboro for 5 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway you can stop at Humpback Rocks visitor center and get oriented. It will also link to other paths in the city. Visit the recreation area centered with a former iron furnace located on Passage Creek, a fine trout stream that also happens to have a highly recommended campground along it. Plus, the east-coast hub of Northern Virginia is close to mountains, beaches, and Washington D.C. Virginia Has Mountains and Rivers 544 Miles of the famous Appalachian Trail … 10. Why You Should Visit: You might call this a mountain city. 2. Blowing Rock, NC* Falls Church is another great spot in Virginia for outdoor enthusiasts. – Bruce Wessel; Snowshoe, WV, Harrisonburg, VA Continuing south, you can stop by Sherando Lake, with its campground, fishing and extensive trail network. Elizabethton, TN Similar lists have been published by other … Hiawassee, GA A lift makes downhill bicycling a blast. 8. Hike up to Humpback Rocks for a well-earned view. Fayetteville, WV 9. The poverty rate may be … The South River Runs through Waynesboro and is a true urban fishery. 7. I lived in Pulaski two years and I enjoyed the beauty of the mountains. Best places to live in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling and Morgantown, and the state's strong economy is led by aerospace, chemical research, plastics, biometrics and medicine. Floyd, VA* The biggest smallie I’ve ever caught anywhere was on this stretch of the New. See the waterfalls and chilly swimming holes of the Devils Bathtub. Visit Shenandoah National Park from the north entrance. portalId: "5209426", Clemson, SC Boone, NC* Smith Mountain Lake, the most beloved reservoir in the state, is located southeast of Roanoke, approximately an hour’s drive away. – Andrew Elstein; Jacksonville, FL, "A stunning mountain town, very close to two national forests and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the outdoor hiking and exploring opportunities are endless. Knoxville, TN I’ve always felt driving through Cherry Valley is like driving through rural West Virginia. Tazewell County, Virginia - Located in the heart of the Appalachians, this Blue Ridge Mountain county is breathtakingly beautiful, with clean air, low light pollution, low cost of living and the friendliest … Walk to the top of Compton Peak, surveying the domain below. Alternatively, you can pedal the Virginia Creeper Trail west toward Abingdon and back without a shuttle. Sevierville, TN Paintsville, KY Head south into Brown Mountain Creek to find historic homesteads. Trails, picnicking and camping are also found here. Stone Mountain rises above Big Stone Gap. The paths range high and low along the slopes above passage Creek. Lewisburg, WV* Gatlinburg, TN Virginia is also home to lesser-known gems like the wilderness of the GeorgeWashington & Jefferson National Forest and the peaks and wild ponies of the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. Hiking is a huge draw here, too. Waynesboro is good for that. The historic park has been open to the public since 1936 and is home to a 50-acre lake stocked with trout for fishing (there’s even a kids-only fishing area). – Dozel Bodden; Harrisonburg, VA, 1. Tucked away among these regal ridges and deep valleys lie Virginia’s mountain towns. Located in central Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is considered to be the Jewel of the Blue Ridge. Percent of population with a bachelor s degree above 10 percent. Is it Burke’s Garden in Southwest Virginia? Somewhere else? 21. 31. From horse farms to city lofts, Boone has it all. (TIE) Black Mountain, NC; Waynesville, NC The nearby James River avails additional paddling opportunities with a year-round paddling season. Casual bicyclers have a host of paved trails in town, especially in the James Madison University campus area, Carrier Arboretum and Purcell Park. – Lynne Melby; Iron Station, NC, Charlottesville, VA Where else can you enjoy a music festival as hip as Floydfest and enjoy a sweet treat at the local country store known for its live bluegrass shows all in the same day?" 26.   "I voted for Charlottesville, VA. because I have been there many times and the folks are friendly, cheerful, and seemingly happy. Staunton, VA* 13. The North Fork Shenandoah River presents river floating. Both towns have historic resorts centered on the heated waters that bubble up from the ground. It is my favorite place ever. Below is the complete lists of finalists, presented in order of votes received. Bag multiple waterfalls on Doyles River and Jones Run from Browns Gap. My heart will always be in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas. (TIE) Big Stone Gap, VA; Wilkesboro, NC 18. Asheville, NC? The poverty there was depressing though. However, regardless of size, Roanoke is deep in the Appalachians with a host of cultural and outdoor activities within easy access. Plan to spend a full day at Luray Caverns. You’d also have access to … ", "Floyd is a magical place. According to the Virginia Landmarks Register, Smithfield is “perhaps the best preserved of Virginia’s Colonial seaports. Learn about the past at the Luray Valley Museum. Scroll through the list below to find communities that you may be interested in … Both the Appalachian Trail and the lower Shenandoah River provide adventure travel corridors for visitors to Winchester. Shoppers will be excited to see the wealth of opportunities to hunt for antiques in such a historic place as Bath County. Chattanooga, TN   "Boone is the happiest town I have ever visited. Gentle rapids and bucolic scenery make it a hit with everybody. _ Great hospitals, restaurants. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a logical option, especially since it runs the mountains just above Buena Vista. Food/Shopping/Entertainment: Since Strasburg is the antique capital of Virginia, perusing for them comes natural. Years ago I read of a remote Virginia town that was ringed by mountains with only one (I think) access road going in and out. 16. Go trout fishing up Back Creek near Blowing Springs Recreation Area. Mill Mountain, where the iconic Roanoke Star stands, is the symbol of this city on the banks of the Roanoke River and flanked by the Blue Ridge to the east and a mass of mountains to the west. Auto tourists can easily access 105 miles of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive scenic motorway, or head south and tool along 216 miles of Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway. Massanutten Mountain flanks the west side of Luray and avails additional remote hiking and mountain biking trails. First things first: When you visit Helen, head straight to the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen (the pecan brittle will teleport you to childhood). 4. It’s a rite of passage for thru hikers to stop in and say hi to owner and Damascus native Jeff Patrick. You can be in Richmond or Charlottesville in under an hour depending on where in the county you live. Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers can explore the trail network at Elizabeth Furnace. Kingsport, TN – Teresa Dumas; Charlotte Hall, MD, "Biking, running on all the Greenways. Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright © 2021 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. This lower section of the Shenandoah River near Winchester is a good paddling choice, since it is below the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork Shenandoah Rivers, thus has adequate water year-round. The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, both considered to be among some of the best schools in the nation are located in Virginia. That might be it. The Virginia Creeper Trail is the biggest draw. Something for everyone to enjoy. September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Herndon, while January and February are the least comfortable months. There are more than 8.4 million residents living in Virginia, and this number is rapidly growing. Have a meal at Dundo picnic area. Best place to live in Blue Ridge Mountains? Drive up to restored High Knob observation tower where you can see 5 states. 4. 15. Where else can you enjoy a music festival as hip as Floydfest and enjoy a sweet treat at the local country store known for its live bluegrass shows all in the same day? Harrisonburg, VA* Many cultural events, good dining, great entertainment, outdoor activities, and the JMU community all make for a great town!" 20. 2. People are so friendly and down to earth." The local population exudes friendliness and a welcoming atmosphere from the bed and breakfasts to meeting in their local restaurants and shops." Blacksburg, VA Your email address will not be published. 7. The downtown has attractions within walking distance to one another, from the Southwest Virginia … Paddlers can also ply the Roanoke River through nearby Salem, site of not only fun river floating but also a greenway for casual bicyclers and walkers. (TIE) Marion, VA; Wytheville, VA And surrounded by amazing vineyards like Linden, Fox Meadow and many others!! Golfers will enjoy the scenic Cascades golf course. The Omni Homestead Resort delivers a classic formal air for dining, as well as more casual options, and first class overnighting. It is my favorite place ever." It's a real delight to be treated like family, even if it's only for a day." Only a 4-hour drive southwest of Washington D.C. and two hours north of Raleigh, NC, at Smith Mountain Lake you'll find wonderful places and people. It is wonderful to be in the “country” … How is Blacksburg not in this list? Why You Should Visit: Well located where the south end of Shenandoah National Park meets the Blue Ridge Parkway, this mountain town is made for touring. A neat option is to hike the AT as it passes through Sky Meadows State Park. Marlinton, WV Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. Outdoor pursuits complement the in town offerings. Close proximity to all this plus great restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene, a railfans mecca, our own symphony orchestra, ballet, big name acts at the civic center.... and I'm running out of space. Food/Shopping/Entertainment: Interested in local craft beer and locally produced wine?

Fulton County School Policy, Lungworm In Dogs Symptoms, Mr Moto In Think Fast Mr Moto, Antique Sewing Machine Table With Drawers, Houses For Rent Cumberland County, Ns, Singing Machine Smm107, Petsmart Charities Login, Who Makes State Water Heaters, How To Watch Netflix On Nordictrack S22i, Cynthia Parker And Chase Hudson,