A Retrospective Have a look at our Readers’ Alternative Awards
Blue Ridge Open air is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 2025, so all yr lengthy we’ll be revisiting a few of our favourite adventures from the previous three a long time. In that spirit, we’ve determined to take a retrospective strategy to this yr’s Better of the Blue Ridge function. Normally, a number of rounds of annual voting resolve these readers’ selection awards, however final fall, as we have been making ready to launch the competition, Hurricane Helene devastated communities in a big portion of our readership. In order peoples’ lives—and our protection—shifted to restoration, we determined to compile a few years of previous outcomes and supply a long-range have a look at the highest trails, rivers, races, brews, and outdoor-friendly companies our readers love all through the area.
Locations
Finest Public Lands
Blue Ridge Parkway – Va. and N.C.
The nation’s longest linear nationwide park is residence to one of the crucial iconic scenic drives on the planet and attracts greater than 16 million guests a yr. The 469-mile route traces the backbone of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Shenandoah Nationwide Park to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park and brings greater than 280 roadside overlooks, perpetual wildlife viewing alternatives, and numerous hikes to jaw-dropping summit views. Alongside the way in which, it’s lined with dozens of vibrant mountain cities and communities that allow you to observe a day of high-elevation eye sweet with dinner, drinks, and a keep in outdoors-loving hubs like Cherokee, North Carolina, or Roanoke, Virginia. – E.W.
Runners Up
Shenandoah Nationwide Park – Va.
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park – Tenn. and N.C.
Finest Mountain climbing Path
Artwork Loeb Path – N.C.
This much-beloved 30-mile point-to-point path carries trekkers by the center of the 18,000-acre Shining Rock Wilderness in Western North Carolina’s Pisgah Nationwide Forest. The nationally designated footpath boasts a thigh-crushing 8,103 ft of elevation change and has received a status as one of the crucial difficult within the Southeast. Artwork Loeb traverses a sequence of lengthy ridgelines that embrace Pilot, Tennent, and Chilly Mountain, and climbs to a peak elevation of 6,214 ft on the famed grassy, treeless summit of Black Balsam Knob. Superb 5,000-plus-foot views of distant peaks, valleys, and hills within the surrounding nationwide forest are discovered all through. – E.W.
Runners Up
McAfee Knob – Va.
Greenbrier River Path – W.Va.
Finest Biking Path
Virginia Creeper Path – Va.
This standard household pleasant rail-trail runs for 34 miles from Abingdon to White Prime Station, alongside the way in which winding by the pristine surroundings of southwest Virginia close to the Mount Rogers Nationwide Recreation Space. Sadly, parts of the Creeper have been devastated by Hurricane Helene, in order of press time in mid-December, the stretch of the path from White Prime to Damascus was closed with no timeline for restoration, whereas the rest of the trail from Damascus to Abingdon was open to discover. – J.F.
Runners Up
Nice Allegheny Passage – Pa./Md.
Greenbrier River Path – West Virginia
Finest Waterfall
Blackwater Falls – Davis, W.Va.
Regardless of its identify, the water tumbling over Blackwater Falls isn’t precisely black. As a substitute, tannic acid leached from hemlock and crimson spruce timber provides the water a novel amber hue—nearly like candy tea. To see it for your self, hike the Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Path, a brief however steep climb with greater than 200 stairs that’ll have you ever panting like a black-and-tan coonhound. Alternatively, you possibly can go for the Light Path, a quarter-mile paved path that’s simple on the knees. Irrespective of which path you choose, be sure you snap an image of the five-story waterfall—in spite of everything, it’s one of many Mountain State’s tallest. – L.S.
Runners Up
Cumberland Falls – Corbin, Ky.
Falling Spring Falls – Covington, Va.
Finest Swimming Gap
Sliding Rock – N.C.
If you wish to embrace your interior 10-year-old, you might spend six hours consuming cool ranch-flavored Doritos and enjoying Minecraft. Or you might take a highway journey to Sliding Rock in Pisgah Nationwide Forest. Tucked alongside U.S. Freeway 276 outdoors of Brevard, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot cascade that beckons all ages to make the leap. Come summertime, thrill-seekers line up for his or her flip to zip down the slick granite chute and dunk right into a pool of icy mountain water. Whether or not you’re a child or only a child at coronary heart, it is a must-try. – L.S.
Runners Up
Saint Mary’s Wilderness – Va.
Glade Creek – W.Va.
Finest Lake
Smith Mountain Lake – Va.
Smith Mountain Lake isn’t Virginia’s largest reservoir, however it’s definitely the state’s hottest. Situated about 30 miles southeast of Roanoke, this 20,000-acre impoundment is a boon to locals and vacationers alike. Yearly, hundreds flock to its shores to picnic, swim, fish, and boat. Smith Mountain Lake State Park additionally gives greater than a dozen miles of climbing and biking trails, do you have to need to stretch your legs. Afterward, pitch a tent within the campground or hire an onsite cabin. – L.S.
Runners Up
Lake James – Marion and Nebo, N.C.
Summersville Lake – W.Va.
Finest Whitewater
New River – W.Va.
The 53-mile span of river passing by the eponymous New River Gorge Nationwide Park & Protect is residence to among the East Coast’s greatest and most scenic whitewater paddling, and the stretch inside the 1,000-foot-deep canyon gives choices for all skill ranges.
The comparatively relaxed higher portion is outlined by lengthy swimming pools that circulation into a great deal of riffles and more and more difficult however navigable Class IIs and IIIs. The infamous Decrease Gorge, in the meantime, brings the motion. Consultants can catch white-knuckle thrills on a 16-mile span of river that drops a whopping 250 ft in 16 miles and is chock stuffed with roaring Class IIIs, IVs, and Vs. – E.W.
Runners Up
Youghiogheny River – Ohiopyle, Pa.
Nantahala River – Bryson Metropolis, N.C.
Finest Fishing Spot
South River –
Waynesboro, Va.
This small however lovely Shenandoah Valley waterway passes by downtown Waynesboro lower than 4 miles from the entrances to each the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Fed by gushing springs within the Thomas Jefferson Nationwide Forest, the 50-mile river is without doubt one of the few within the Southeast that stays cool sufficient to help grownup trout populations year-round. Which means anglers can anticipate finding loads of 20-plus-inch fingerling rainbows and browns in and round city. Smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, and fallfish abound downstream close to the confluence with the North River in Port Republic. – E.W.
Runners Up
The New River – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Davidson River – Brevard, N.C.
Finest Climbing Crag
Seneca Rocks – W.Va.
The sheer, 900-foot stone cliffs of Seneca Rocks have lengthy been a mecca and regional proving floor for East Coast cragsmen. The towering Tuscarora quartzite formation is famend for its multipitch conventional climbing and sits in the midst of jap West Virginia’s expansive Monongahela Nationwide Forest inside the 100,000-acre Spruce Knob Nationwide Recreation Space.
The cliffs boast a plethora of well-established routes that cater to a variety of skill ranges. With a 5.2 grade, the aptly named “Outdated Women Route” is the breeziest. At 5.13d, Flyin’ Lion will problem even high consultants with a route that features an upside-down climb by a broad, yawning cave slightly below the two,200-foot South Peak summit. – E.W.
Runners Up
Wanting Glass Rock – N.C.
New River Gorge – W.Va.
Finest Overlook
McAfee Knob – Va.
McAfee Knob is essentially the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Path, and it’s little surprise why. Located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Roanoke, this summit affords beautiful 270-degree views of the valley beneath. However getting there isn’t precisely simple. To take your Instagram-worthy picture, you’ll have to trek about 4 miles on the A.T., climbing practically 2,000 ft in elevation alongside the way in which. Upon arriving, you possibly can dangle your legs off the granite cliff for a photograph that’ll give your mama a coronary heart assault. Or you possibly can snap some pics from a secure distance away. – L.S.
Runners Up
Grandfather Mountain Overlook – N.C.
Dan Ingalls Overlook – Va.
Finest Campground
Devils Spine Basecamp – Roseland, Va.
Have you ever ever been sipping a malty porter at your favourite taproom and thought, “Man, I want I might keep right here all night time”? If that’s the case, Devils Spine Camp in Roseland, Va., is for you. With trendy facilities like an onsite brewpub, distillery, cigar lounge, and bathhouse, this five-acre biergarten-turned-campground is ideal for individuals who need the out of doors expertise with out sacrificing creature comforts (i.e., scorching showers and chilly beer). Plus, Devils Spine is a 20-minute drive to greater than 20 craft beverage producers, do you have to really feel thirsty for extra journey. – L.S.
Runners Up
Douthat State Park – Millboro, Va.
Davidson River – Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Finest Child-Pleasant Journey
ACE Journey Resort – W.Va.
Positive, you might take your kiddo to Chuck E. Cheese for his or her birthday. Or you might rejoice the wild and fantastic method at ACE Journey Resort. Situated on 1,500 acres in West Virginia, ACE dishes up greater than a dozen kid-friendly actions, from mountain climbing within the New River Gorge to kayaking Summersville Lake. After a day filled with journey, you possibly can get pleasure from a household dinner at The Misplaced Paddle Bar and Grill after which catch some Z’s in a comfortable chalet with all the fashionable conveniences. – L.S.
Runners Up
Anakeesta – Gatlinburg, Tenn
NOC Zip Line Journey Park – Bryson Metropolis, N.C.
Finest Pet-Pleasant Journey
Chetola Resort – Blowing Rock, N.C.
If you wish to go on trip however can’t stand the considered leaving Fido behind, head to Chetola Resort. Nestled in Blowing Rock, N.C., this high-country haven gives a collection of neatly appointed canine-friendly rooms. After chill-laxing together with your BFF (greatest furry good friend), go for a stroll at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a close-by property with over 25 miles of scenic trails. Julian Worth Memorial Park, a 4,200-acre recreation space, can also be shut by. Chetola employees can present instructions to each parks and advocate different native spots to take your pup. – L.S.
Runners Up
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va.
Blue Ridge Tunnel – Afton and Waynesboro, Va.
Finest Accessible Outside Expertise
C&O Canal Nationwide Historic Park – Potomac, Md.
Not all out of doors areas are accessible to individuals with disabilities, however employees and stakeholders with the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Nationwide Historic Park are working to alter that. On the C&O, all customer facilities are ADA-accessible and efforts just like the Towpath Resurfacing Mission have made strolling trails extra wheelchair-friendly. Moreover, the park gives ASL interpretation and listening gadgets for ranger-led excursions and audio-described reveals on the Nice Falls Tavern Customer Middle. By way of the Canal For All initiative, the C&O can also be participating with underrepresented teams to take away obstacles and get extra individuals outdoors. – L.S.
Runners Up
The Park at Flat Rock – Flat Rock N.C.
New River Path State Park – Max Meadows, Va.
Finest Beer/Wine/Spirits Path
Nelson 151 –
Nelson County, Va.
This scenic route in central Virginia has one thing for all craft beverage fans, with six breweries, seven wineries, three cideries, and two distilleries linked collectively on the agricultural roads of Nelson County by a candy stretch of the Virginia Blue Ridge. Should-visit choices alongside the way in which embrace the idyllic property of Veritas Winery, the upscale, rustic taproom at Daring Rock Arduous Cider, and the sprawling beer backyard of Devils Spine Brewing Firm. – J.F.
Runners Up
Kentucky Bourbon Path – Ky.
Asheville Ale Path – Asheville, N.C.
Finest Place for Outside Singles to Stay
Asheville, N.C.
A booming arts, meals, tradition, and nightlife scene combines with handy proximity to among the East Coast’s high climbing, biking, and paddling experiences to make Asheville the proper metropolis for outdoors-loving singles. Discover snowboarding at Hatley Pointe Resort inside 45 minutes of downtown, scenic cruising on the Blue Ridge Parkway, practically 500 miles of MTB trails in close by Pisgah Nationwide Forest, and bucket record hikes at hotspots like 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell inside an hour’s drive. Observe the enjoyable with drinks at certainly one of greater than 50 space craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries. As the town continues to get well from Hurricane Helene, take into account a go to to patronize native companies in 2025. – E.W.
Runners Up
Boone, N.C.
Charlottesville, Va.
Finest Place to Elevate an Outside Household
Roanoke, Va.
The Star Metropolis makes it simple for fogeys to cross on their love of the open air to youngsters with out sacrificing facilities. Its bustling downtown space is crisscrossed with greater than 30 miles of bikeable greenways and boasts an ever-expanding lineup of craft breweries and eating places. It’s additionally residence to one of many nation’s oldest and most celebrated weekend farmer’s markets.
13-thousand-acre Carvins Cove Pure Reserve holds greater than 60 miles of mountain biking trails for all ability ranges. There’s a kid-friendly climbing health club within the historic Wasena neighborhood and top-tier bouldering alternatives at McAfee Knob. Each the Appalachian Path and Blue Ridge Parkway cross simply outdoors of city. And breezy to intermediate paddling alternatives abound on the Roanoke and New rivers. – E.W.
Runners Up
Brevard, N.C.
Fayetteville, W.Va.
Companies
Finest Ski Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va.
In case you’re not acquainted, a “permagrin” is the long-lasting smile winter sports activities fans expertise whereas shredding recent powder at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. The resort has 4 terrain parks and greater than 60 meticulously groomed trails various in problem from the beginner-friendly Decrease Hootenanny to the uber-challenging Decrease Shay’s Revenge. Off the slopes, Snowshoe retains the great instances rolling with indoor/out of doors swimming choices, cozy lodging, and quite a lot of meals and beverage choices. – L.S.
Runners Up
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va.
Wintergreen Resort – Nellysford, Va.
Finest Terrain Park
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va.
It’s no secret the “Beast of the East” brings the shred like no different resort within the Mid-Atlantic. 4 designated terrain park trails are present in two distinct ski areas throughout the mountain. The principle Snowshoe Basin slope is residence to the largest and greatest. Development Park boasts parallel runs with options that vary from beginner- to intermediate-level jumps, packing containers, and ride-up flat rails. Neighboring Evolution Park is longer, with options like 12-foot pole jams or multilevel spherical rails that cater to high-level intermediates and consultants. A pair of epic jumps wait close to the underside. – E.W.
Runners Up
Wintergreen Resort – Nellysford, Va.
Sugar Mountain Resort – Sugar Mountain, N.C.
Finest Bike Park
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va.
The Nut hosted its first Hoo-Ha pro-am mountain biking race in 1989, and that pioneering spirit is mirrored in its bike park. 9 lift-served trails are present in the principle ski space. A quartet of beginner-friendly blues and greens are positioned towards the underside of the mountain, with extra superior routes descending from the higher summit. The longest, Creamy, gives 1.7 miles of quick and livid circulation with monster berms and round 50 tabletop jumps. The double-black diamond World Cup, in the meantime, will problem even essentially the most top-tier of riders. – E.W.
Runners Up
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va.
Kolo Bike Park – Asheville, N.C.
Finest Raft Information Firm
Nantahala Outside Middle – Bryson Metropolis, N.C
The Nantahala Outside Middle sits 13 miles west of downtown Bryson Metropolis close to Lake Fontana and gives a fleet of action-packed rafting and inflatable kayaking adventures on its namesake river. You may as well guide guided journeys to different high regional paddling locations just like the Decrease Pigeon Gorge in Tennessee or Georgia’s higher Chattooga River.
Homebase choices begin with a quick orientation and shuttles to a launch website about 8 miles south of NOC. The swift-moving present winds by lovely mountain forests and brings a near-constant rollercoaster of enjoyable class IIs and IIIs. – E.W.
Runners Up
Adventures on the Gorge – Lansing, W.Va.
ACE Journey Resort – Oak Hill, W.Va.
Finest ZipLine
Adventures on the Gorge – Lansing, W.Va.
On the lookout for a brand new solution to expertise the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect? Adventures on the Gorge’s one-of-a-kind zipline course enables you to soar above the treetops on the banks of the New River and catch beautiful 1,000-foot views of the park. A collection of picket ladders, aerial nets, platforms, and twine programs carries you thru the excessive cover and connects six ziplines that collectively measure greater than 1.5 miles in size. The longest is 200 ft excessive, .75 miles lengthy, and reaches a high velocity of 65 mph. – E.W.
Runners Up
The Gorge Zipline – Saluda, N.C.
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines – Floyd, Va.
Finest Fly Fishing Store
Fly Fishing the Smokies – Bryson Metropolis, N.C.
The mountains of western North Carolina and southeast Tennessee brim with world-class fly- and spin-fishing alternatives—and Bryson Metropolis’s Fly Fishing the Smokies is the go-to clothing store for gear and guided adventures. The six-time store of the yr gives a broad vary of float or wade-in catch-and-release journeys to hidden honey holes in and round Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park and Nantahala Nationwide Forest. In a single day choices carry patrons to distant, stunningly lovely waterways deep within the mountains and embrace meals dished up by a professional chef.
Runners Up
Albemarle Angler – Charlottesville, Va.
South River Fly Store – Waynesboro, Va.
Finest Climbing Information Firm
Blue Ridge Mountain Guides – Charlottesville, Va.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned rock jock or a nervous beginner, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides can assist you ascend to new heights. As the one enterprise within the Southeast accredited by the American Mountain Guides Affiliation, BRMG gives knowledgeable instruction in all the things from sport resulting in alpine climbing, assembly adventurers the place they’re with personal guiding periods tailor-made to completely different ability ranges. The clothing store additionally works in additional areas than another information within the South Atlantic, with boots on the bottom (or, fairly, climbing footwear within the air) in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. – L.S.
Runners Up
New River Mountain Guides – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Pisgah Climbing College – Brevard, NC
Finest Health club or Coaching Facility
River Rock Climbing – Roanoke, Va.
Discover this treasure of a climbing facility in an overhauled century-old warehouse that sits on the scenic Roanoke River Greenway within the historic Wasena neighborhood. A sprawling 8,500 sq. ft of climbing area is split into two distinct areas that convey enjoyable and demanding exercises that vary from greenhorn-friendly to prograde difficult. Bouldering partitions provide a big top-out part, a number of caves, and common 12 ft in top. They’re complemented by 26 stations for top-rope and lead climbing that max out at a formidable 37 ft. A well-equipped weight room and yoga studio rounds out the package deal. – E.W.
Runners Up
Peak Experiences – Richmond, Va.
Climbmax – Asheville, N.C.
Finest Working Store
Ragged Mountain Working Store – Charlottesville, Va.
Husband-and-wife duo Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni opened Ragged Mountain method again in 1982 and the store’s combo of customer-focused service, understand how, and state-of-the-art expertise has since made it a beloved hub of runners from the Charlottesville space and past. Visiting patrons can get pleasure from individualized gait analyses and fittings and choose from a big selection of substances and attire from high manufacturers like Brooks or Asics. The store additionally organizes group runs and coaching packages for individuals of all ages and skills. – E.W.
Runners Up
Fleet Ft Roanoke – Roanoke, Va.
Two Rivers Treads – Ranson, W.Va.
Finest Bike Store
Blue Ridge Cyclery – Charlottesville, Va.
Proprietor Shawn Tevendale based downtown Charlottesville’s major Blue Ridge Cyclery store in 2010 because the pure outgrowth of his ardour for all issues bikes. He’d been a sponsored athlete racing highway, cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bikes for practically a decade and needed to discover a solution to keep concerned as his aggressive profession wound down. The store now serves as a beloved gathering place and leaping off level for the native biking group. It gives all the things from mechanical companies to suggestions round space path programs or highway rides, to bike fittings and equipment from high manufacturers like Trek, Salsa, Cannondale, Electra, and Surly. – E.W.
Runners Up
Journey Damascus and Sundog Clothes shop – Damascus, Va.
The Hub & Pisgah Tavern – Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Finest Outside Retailer
Marion Open air – Marion, Va.
Debating the deserves of trekking poles? Undecided which backpacking tent to purchase? Can’t resolve between a bear bag or a bear canister? If that’s the case, head to Marion Open air in southwest Virginia. Owned and operated by Andrew “Coach” Livingston, this clothing store makes a speciality of high-quality backpacking, climbing, and tenting gear, making it simple for purchasers to buy provides for his or her subsequent massive journey. The shop even sells a complete backpacking package for individuals who need to get into the game however aren’t fairly positive how. Via-hikers alongside the Appalachian Path are additionally welcome to remain at The Merry Inn, a hostel above the store. – L.S.
Runners Up
Mast Basic Retailer – Va. and N.C. (a number of areas)
Walkabout Clothes shop – Va. (a number of areas)
Finest Lodge & Resort
The Omni Homestead – Scorching Springs, Va.
This historic resort within the Allegheny Mountains has been an idyllic escape for a lot of—together with 24 U.S. presidents—for the previous two and a half centuries. Along with the Homestead’s spa and different well-known upscale facilities, friends may also get loads of outdoors time on the resort’s ski slopes, zipline, and two-acre water park fed by pure springs. – J.F.
Runners Up
Chetola – Blowing Rock, N.C.
Lodge Floyd – Floyd, Va.
Finest Inn, Mattress & Breakfast, or Cabins
Pilot Cove Forest Lodging – Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Pilot Cove is completely located for these embarking on an journey. The distinctive lodging outpost options trendy cabins and a campground on 64 acres that border Pisgah Nationwide Forest close to Brevard. Whilst you keep, hike the Artwork Loeb Path, try Wanting Glass Falls, or trip Pisgah’s famend singletrack. And while you’re executed, seize a beer close by on the Hub and Pisgah Tavern. – J.F.
Runners Up
The Merry Inn – Marion, Va.
Incorrect Method River Lodge & Cabins – Asheville, N.C.
Finest Wellness Middle
Asheville Group Yoga – Asheville, N.C.
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to entry high-quality yoga lessons. No less than, that’s the philosophy at Asheville Group Yoga, a donation-driven nonprofit within the mountains of North Carolina. Relatively than pay a membership payment every month, yogis are inspired to present a “love providing” of $10 to $20 per class. Nonetheless, all are welcome no matter their skill to pay. The studio additionally gives monetary assist for these thinking about coaching periods and workshops. – L.S.
Runners Up
New River Yoga – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Berkeley Springs – Berkeley Springs W.Va.
Finest Instructional Outside Program
Path Sisters – N.C. (a number of areas)
Path Sisters works to spice up feminine illustration within the open air by academic sources, races, and path working and climbing teams. The nationwide group has regional teams throughout the nation, together with a footprint in North Carolina. Get entangled at trailsisters.internet. – J.F.
Runners Up
Preserve Virginia Cozy – Va.
Appalachian Path Conservancy – W.Va.
Finest Environmental Group
Virginia Creeper Path Conservancy – Abingdon, Va.
The Virginia Creeper Path Conservancy is a long-standing winner of this class, and with good purpose. For greater than 20 years, the environmental group has stored a watchful eye on the 34-mile rail path, which runs from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, Va., and attracts greater than 180,000 guests yearly. To offer a secure and memorable path expertise for all customers, the nonprofit’s so-called “Creeper Keepers” oversee path maintenance, have interaction in advocacy efforts, manage group occasions, and host academic packages. – L.S.
Runners Up
Southern Environmental Legislation Middle – Charlottesville, Va.
MountainTrue – Asheville, N.C.
Finest Native Gear Model
Eagles Nest Outfitters – Asheville, N.C.
Since its founding in 1999, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) has change into a go-to model for out of doors fans worldwide. Primarily based within the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, ENO makes a speciality of light-weight, sturdy hammocks supreme for all the things from tenting at music festivals to climbing the Appalachian Path to easily enjoyable in your yard. Along with hammocks, their product line consists of bug nets, rain tarps, hammock stands, blankets, lounger chairs, and all of the gear it is advisable to keep snug within the nice open air. – L.S.
Runners Up
Farm to Ft – Mount Ethereal, N.C.
Sylvan Sport – Brevard, N.C.
Meals & Drink
Finest Dish
Pizza at Pies and Pints – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Observe an extended day of outside journey within the New River Gorge Nationwide Park & Protect with connoisseur pizza and craft drinks at Fayetteville’s Pies and Pints. The eatery occupies a thoughtfully restored historic brick constructing on the sting of the park that opens onto a spacious beer backyard with a patio and loads of out of doors seating. The drinks menu holds practically 100 brews along with ciders, craft cocktails, and regional wines. Decide from an array of scrumptious pub-style handhelds or wood-fired pizzas—which run the gamut from primary to inventive riffs, like an upscale tackle Nashville’s famed scorching rooster. – E.W.
Runners Up
Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes – Tupelo Honey Cafe – Asheville, N.C.
BBQ – Firecreek Steaks & BBQ, Fayetteville, W.Va.
Finest Drink
Get Bent IPA from Parkway Brewing – Salem, Va.
Parkway Brewing is a long-running favourite within the Roanoke Valley. One of many outfit’s hottest brews, Get Bent, will get its identify from Bent Mountain, positioned simply off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a deliciously hoppy old-school IPA that options daring flavors of pine and citrus that come from a beneficiant quantity of Cascade, Columbus, and Cluster hops. – J.F.
Runners Up
Full Nelson Pale Ale – Blue Mountain Brewery – Afton, Va.
Daring Rock IPA – Daring Rock Arduous Cider – Nellysford, Va.
Finest Brewery
Blue Mountain Brewery – Afton, Va.
Blue Mountain has been making scrumptious craft brews from its scenic outpost in rural Nelson County since 2007. The brewery’s sprawling out of doors patio is commonly filled with people having fun with scenic mountain views and a prolonged record of tasty beers. Favorites embrace Full Nelson Pale Ale, a long-running regional staple that’s excellent for hop heads, and Darkish Hole, a beast on an imperial stout that’s aged in bourbon barrels. – J.F.
Runners Up
Bridge Brew Works – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery – Boone, N.C.
Finest Vineyard
Chateau Morrisette – Floyd, Va.
Pioneering oenologist William Morrisette based certainly one of Virginia’s first property wineries on his household’s Floyd County farm in 1980. Its lineup of 20 award-winning wines has since received Chateau Morrisette a spot among the many state’s ever-expanding pantheon of celebrated vintners. The winery sits a half-mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway on a superbly landscaped 120-acre property. The latter is centered by a 40,000-square-foot chateau-style vineyard, restaurant, and tasting room that gives huge views of the encircling mountains. – E.W.
Runners Up
Veritas – Afton, Va.
Veronet Vineyards – Kings Mountain, N.C.
Finest Distillery
Twin Creeks Distillery – Rocky Mount, Va.
This small however mighty distillery awaits within the quickly revitalizing downtown space of Rocky Mount some 20 miles east of the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia. Right here, proprietor Chris Prillaman crafts a fleet of seven spirits that features small batch corn whiskeys, fruit brandies, and a candy mash rye that he calls “a tribute to 200 years of household distilling traditions.” Liquors are made the old school method from 100% regionally grown grains and fruits utilizing heirloom gear like submarine copper pot stills, picket mash forks, copper worms, and picket thumper barrels. Tasting room visits embrace a tour that explores legacy strategies and the historical past of distilling within the Virginia mountains. – E.W.
Runners Up
Easy Ambler – Maxwelton, W.Va.
Buffalo Hint Distillery – Frankfort, Ky.
Finest Cidery
Daring Rock Arduous Cider – Nellysford, Va.
Southern farmer John Washburn and New Zealand cider connoisseur Brian Shanks are an unlikely pair. However working collectively, the 2 males cultivated the number-one regional cider model in America: Daring Rock Arduous Cider. For the previous decade, Daring Rock has been pleasing palates with its award-winning number of cider blends, arduous lemonades, ready-to-drink cocktails, and different grownup drinks. The model has additionally opened a handful of brick-and-mortar tasting rooms, together with its flagship location in Nellysford, Va., and its cidery in Mills River, N.C. – L.S.
Runners Up
Blue Toad Arduous Cider – Roseland, Va.
Tumbling Creek Cider Firm – Abingdon, Va.
Finest Restaurant
Floyd Nation Retailer –
Floyd, Va.
This regional establishment is well-known for serving up among the greatest in Appalachian music, notably on the nationally famend Friday Night time Jamboree. However the Floyd Nation Retailer has additionally been lauded by our readers as a high spot to get some tasty grub, together with the Southern-friendly Nation Bowl, which options pinto beans, collard greens, and cornbread. – J.F.
Runners Up
Blue Mountain Brewery – Afton, Va.
Secret Sandwich Society – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Finest Espresso Store
Crimson Rooster – Floyd, Va.
It’s no surprise that the hip and funky mountain city of Floyd is residence to certainly one of Virginia’s greatest and most fascinating espresso outlets. Crimson Rooster prides itself in providing exceptionally scrumptious and sustainable roasts along with connoisseur teas, smoothies, breakfast biscuits, breads, pastries, boutique syrups, and farm-fresh produce. The three-time Good Meals Award winner sells greater than two dozen sorts of espresso starting from single-origin delights to tasty collaborations just like the Starr Hill Stout Mix, which was created for use within the brewery’s flagship espresso cream stout. – E.W
Runners Up
Basecamp Espresso Firm – Cumberland, Md.
Trager Brothers Espresso Roasters – Afton, Va
Finest Farmers Market
Harrisonburg Farmers Market – Harrisonburg, Va.
When in Rome, you feast on dormice and watch chariot races. However when in Harrisonburg, Va., you store on the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. Open year-round, the market is the proper place to top off on organically grown blueberries and yams, naturally leavened sourdough, forest-raised pork, Peruvian darkish chocolate, and anything you is perhaps craving. Undecided what to do together with your farm-fresh vittles? Organizers present weekly recipe inspiration on social media, guiding group members by the steps of searing pork chops and roasting celebration squash. – L.S.
Runners Up
Stuart Farmers Market – Stuart, Va.
Roanoke Metropolis Market – Roanoke, Va.
Occasions & Races
Finest Music Pageant
FloydFest – Va.
FloydFest has set a typical for thriving impartial music festivals by yearly bringing a loyal crowd again to a scenic website in southwest Virginia for a fastidiously curated, eclectic lineup of roots music. This yr the pageant will happen on July 23-27 and mingle high headliners Mt. Pleasure and the Black Crowes with upstarts LA LOM, Geese, and Kelsey Waldon. – J.F.
Runners Up
Crimson Wing Roots Music Pageant – Mt Solon, Va.
4848 Pageant – Snowshoe, W.Va.
Finest Household Pleasant Pageant
Entrance Porch Fest – Stuart, Va.
Greater than a decade in the past, Entrance Porch Fest started as a small gathering of family and friends within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within the years since, this four-day fête has grown right into a famend music pageant that includes acts just like the psychedelic-sounding group Yam Yam and the folksy singer-songwriter Amber Collier. There’s loads for teenagers to do, too, from face portray to hula hooping to dancing. Plus, there’s no cost for youngsters 12 and beneath. – L.S.
Runners Up
LEAF – Black Mountain, N.C.
Rooster Stroll – Martinsville, Va.
Finest Distinctive Pageant
West Virginia Roadkill Cookoff – Marlinton, W.Va.
The West Virginia Roadkill Cook dinner-Off is as wild because it will get. Hosted yearly in Marlinton, this quirky occasion invitations courageous (and hungry) souls to pattern quite a lot of unconventional dishes created from animals typically discovered on the facet of the freeway (assume bear wontons, snapping turtle stew, and squirrel gravy over biscuits). The successful chef takes residence a money prize and bragging rights. The day consists of loads of different actions, too, together with stay music, arts and crafts, a biscuit bake-off, and a pageant throughout which a neighborhood teen is honored because the “Queen of Roadkill.” – L.S.
Runners Up
Highland Maple Pageant – Highland
County, Va.
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Pageant – Buchanan, Va.
Finest Working Occasion
Blue Ridge Marathon – Roanoke, Va.
Should you’re searching for an epic sufferfest, look no additional than the Blue Ridge Marathon. Higher generally known as “America’s Hardest Street Race,” this grueling 26.2-mile course begins in downtown Roanoke after which climbs up, up, and away into the encircling mountains, with a number of miles logged alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway. In whole, runners can count on 7,430 ft of whole elevation acquire/loss—greater than any highway race within the U.S. Those that push by the ache are rewarded with beautiful views and a vigorous End Pageant at Elmwood Park. – L.S.
Runners Up
Rim to River 100 – New River Gorge, W.Va.
Run The Valley – Waynesboro, Va.
Finest Triathlon
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Ironman – Roanoke, Va.
On the lookout for a race that pairs unparalleled mountain views and a course that might problem the mettle of even essentially the most seasoned veteran? Roanoke’s Blue Ridge Ironman triathlon has you lined. The competitors begins with an in any other case unlawful 1.2-mile swim in a pristine reservoir surrounded by 4,300-plus-foot mountains within the 13,000-acre Carvins Cove Pure Reserve. Subsequent comes a thigh-slaughtering 56-mile highway bike trip on designated scenic byway U.S. Route 11 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Conclude with a comparatively flat 13.1-mile sprint again to downtown alongside the paved Roanoke River Greenway. – E.W.
Runners Up
King Of the James – Richmond, Va.
Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon –
Huddleston, Va.
Finest Bike Race
Tour de Valley – Waynesboro, Va.
The Tour de Valley is a choose-your-own-adventure bike race. Organized by the Augusta Biking Membership, this occasion permits rivals to choose from 4 routes: the Century (100 miles), the Metric Century (62 miles), the 40-miler, and the 25-miler. Every course begins in downtown Waynesboro after which meanders by the farmlands and mountains of Augusta and Rockbridge counties, with absolutely supported assist stations alongside the way in which. After crossing the end line, riders can take a dip within the pool at Ridgeview Park and nosh on meals truck fare. – L.S.
Runners Up
Agony within the Alleghanies Gran Fondo – Clifton Forge, Va.
Hearth Mountain Inferno Enduro Weekend – Cherokee, N.C.
Finest Paddling Occasion
Gauley Fest – Summersville, W.Va.
What’s now the most important paddling pageant on the planet began again within the early 80s to rejoice the derailment of a dam venture that might have disrupted flows of the mighty West Virginia river. The annual September occasion brings collectively class V whitewater runs on the mighty Gauley, stay music, and a giant boater hold with gear cubicles and loads of good-time shenanigans. – J.F.
Runners Up
Rivanna RiverFest – Charlottesville, Va.
Kibler Valley River Run – Patrick, Va.
Cowl picture: Snap {a photograph} at McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Path. Photograph by Benjamin Hays