A Retrospective Take a look at our Readers’ Selection Awards
Blue Ridge Outdoor is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 2025, so all 12 months lengthy we’ll be revisiting a few of our favourite adventures from the previous three many years. In that spirit, we’ve determined to take a retrospective strategy to this 12 months’s Better of the Blue Ridge function. Often, a number of rounds of annual voting resolve these readers’ alternative awards, however final fall, as we had been getting 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 take a look at the highest trails, rivers, races, brews, and outdoor-friendly companies our readers love all through the area.
Locations
Greatest Public Lands
Blue Ridge Parkway – Va. and N.C.
The nation’s longest linear nationwide park is residence to one of the vital iconic scenic drives on the planet and attracts greater than 16 million guests a 12 months. 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.
Greatest Mountaineering Path
Artwork Loeb Path – N.C.
This much-beloved 30-mile point-to-point path carries trekkers via 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 toes of elevation change and has gained a popularity as one of the vital difficult within the Southeast. Artwork Loeb traverses a sequence of lengthy ridgelines that embody Pilot, Tennent, and Chilly Mountain, and climbs to a peak elevation of 6,214 toes 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.
Greatest Biking Path
Virginia Creeper Path – Va.
This standard household pleasant rail-trail runs for 34 miles from Abingdon to White High Station, alongside the way in which winding via the pristine surroundings of southwest Virginia close to the Mount Rogers Nationwide Recreation Space. Sadly, parts of the Creeper had been devastated by Hurricane Helene, in order of press time in mid-December, the stretch of the path from White High 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
Greatest Waterfall
Blackwater Falls – Davis, W.Va.
Regardless of its title, the water tumbling over Blackwater Falls isn’t precisely black. As an alternative, tannic acid leached from hemlock and purple spruce bushes provides the water a novel amber hue—virtually 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’ll be able to go for the Light Path, a quarter-mile paved path that’s simple on the knees. Regardless of which path you decide, you’ll want to 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.
Greatest Swimming Gap
Sliding Rock – N.C.
If you wish to embrace your inside 10-year-old, you can spend six hours consuming cool ranch-flavored Doritos and taking part in Minecraft. Or you can take a highway journey to Sliding Rock in Pisgah Nationwide Forest. Tucked alongside U.S. Freeway 276 exterior 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, this can be a must-try. – L.S.
Runners Up
Saint Mary’s Wilderness – Va.
Glade Creek – W.Va.
Greatest Lake
Smith Mountain Lake – Va.
Smith Mountain Lake isn’t Virginia’s largest reservoir, but it surely’s actually 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 mountaineering 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.
Greatest Whitewater
New River – W.Va.
The 53-mile span of river passing via the eponymous New River Gorge Nationwide Park & Protect is residence to a number of the East Coast’s finest and most scenic whitewater paddling, and the stretch inside the 1,000-foot-deep canyon gives choices for all means ranges.
The comparatively relaxed higher portion is outlined by lengthy swimming pools that movement 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 toes 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.
Greatest Fishing Spot
South River –
Waynesboro, Va.
This small however stunning Shenandoah Valley waterway passes via 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 likely 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.
Greatest 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 course 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 means ranges. With a 5.2 grade, the aptly named “Outdated Girls Route” is the breeziest. At 5.13d, Flyin’ Lion will problem even high consultants with a route that features an upside-down climb via a broad, yawning cave just under the two,200-foot South Peak summit. – E.W.
Runners Up
Wanting Glass Rock – N.C.
New River Gorge – W.Va.
Greatest Overlook
McAfee Knob – Va.
McAfee Knob is essentially the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Path, and it’s little marvel why. Located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Roanoke, this summit affords gorgeous 270-degree views of the valley beneath. However getting there isn’t precisely simple. To take your Instagram-worthy picture, you’ll must trek about 4 miles on the A.T., climbing almost 2,000 toes in elevation alongside the way in which. Upon arriving, you’ll be able to dangle your legs off the granite cliff for a photograph that’ll give your mama a coronary heart assault. Or you’ll be able to snap some pics from a secure distance away. – L.S.
Runners Up
Grandfather Mountain Overlook – N.C.
Dan Ingalls Overlook – Va.
Greatest 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 evening”? In that case, Devils Spine Camp in Roseland, Va., is for you. With fashionable facilities like an onsite brewpub, distillery, cigar lounge, and bathhouse, this five-acre biergarten-turned-campground is ideal for many who need the out of doors expertise with out sacrificing creature comforts (i.e., sizzling 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.
Greatest Child-Pleasant Journey
ACE Journey Resort – W.Va.
Positive, you can take your kiddo to Chuck E. Cheese for his or her birthday. Or you can have fun the wild and fantastic manner at ACE Journey Resort. Situated on 1,500 acres in West Virginia, ACE dishes up greater than a dozen kid-friendly actions, from mountaineering within the New River Gorge to kayaking Summersville Lake. After a day full of journey, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a household dinner at The Misplaced Paddle Bar and Grill after which catch some Z’s in a comfy chalet with all the fashionable conveniences. – L.S.
Runners Up
Anakeesta – Gatlinburg, Tenn
NOC Zip Line Journey Park – Bryson Metropolis, N.C.
Greatest 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 along with your BFF (finest furry buddy), go for a stroll at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a close-by property with over 25 miles of scenic trails. Julian Value Memorial Park, a 4,200-acre recreation space, can also be shut by. Chetola employees can present instructions to each parks and suggest different native spots to take your pup. – L.S.
Runners Up
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va.
Blue Ridge Tunnel – Afton and Waynesboro, Va.
Greatest Accessible Outside Expertise
C&O Canal Nationwide Historic Park – Potomac, Md.
Not all out of doors areas are accessible to folks 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 Challenge have made strolling trails extra wheelchair-friendly. Moreover, the park gives ASL interpretation and listening units for ranger-led excursions and audio-described reveals on the Nice Falls Tavern Customer Heart. By means of the Canal For All initiative, the C&O can also be participating with underrepresented teams to take away limitations and get extra folks exterior. – L.S.
Runners Up
The Park at Flat Rock – Flat Rock N.C.
New River Path State Park – Max Meadows, Va.
Greatest Beer/Wine/Spirits Path
Nelson 151 –
Nelson County, Va.
This scenic route in central Virginia has one thing for all craft beverage lovers, with six breweries, seven wineries, three cideries, and two distilleries linked collectively on the agricultural roads of Nelson County via a candy stretch of the Virginia Blue Ridge. Should-visit choices alongside the way in which embody 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.
Greatest Place for Outside Singles to Dwell
Asheville, N.C.
A booming arts, meals, tradition, and nightlife scene combines with handy proximity to a number of the East Coast’s high mountaineering, biking, and paddling experiences to make Asheville the right metropolis for outdoors-loving singles. Discover snowboarding at Hatley Pointe Resort inside 45 minutes of downtown, scenic cruising on the Blue Ridge Parkway, almost 500 miles of MTB trails in close by Pisgah Nationwide Forest, and bucket listing 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 town continues to get better from Hurricane Helene, contemplate a go to to patronize native companies in 2025. – E.W.
Runners Up
Boone, N.C.
Charlottesville, Va.
Greatest Place to Elevate an Outside Household
Roanoke, Va.
The Star Metropolis makes it simple for fogeys to cross on their love of the outside to children 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 talent 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 exterior 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
Greatest Ski Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va.
In case you’re not acquainted, a “permagrin” is the long-lasting smile winter sports activities lovers 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 a wide range of meals and beverage choices. – L.S.
Runners Up
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va.
Wintergreen Resort – Nellysford, Va.
Greatest 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 primary Snowshoe Basin slope is residence to the largest and finest. 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.
Greatest 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, offers 1.7 miles of quick and livid movement 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.
Greatest Raft Information Firm
Nantahala Outside Heart – Bryson Metropolis, N.C
The Nantahala Outside Heart 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. It’s also possible to e-book 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 via stunning 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.
Greatest ZipLine
Adventures on the Gorge – Lansing, W.Va.
In search of a brand new method to expertise the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect? Adventures on the Gorge’s one-of-a-kind zipline course helps you to soar above the treetops on the banks of the New River and catch gorgeous 1,000-foot views of the park. A collection of wood ladders, aerial nets, platforms, and cord 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 toes 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.
Greatest 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 12 months 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 stunning waterways deep within the mountains and embody meals dished up by a professional chef.
Runners Up
Albemarle Angler – Charlottesville, Va.
South River Fly Store – Waynesboro, Va.
Greatest 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 may help you ascend to new heights. As the one enterprise within the Southeast accredited by the American Mountain Guides Affiliation, BRMG offers knowledgeable instruction in every little thing from sport resulting in alpine climbing, assembly adventurers the place they’re with personal guiding periods tailor-made to totally different talent ranges. The clothing store additionally works in additional places than some other information within the South Atlantic, with boots on the bottom (or, moderately, 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 Faculty – Brevard, NC
Greatest Gymnasium 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. toes of climbing house is split into two distinct areas that carry 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 toes in top. They’re complemented by 26 stations for top-rope and lead climbing that max out at a powerful 37 toes. A well-equipped weight room and yoga studio rounds out the bundle. – E.W.
Runners Up
Peak Experiences – Richmond, Va.
Climbmax – Asheville, N.C.
Greatest Working Store
Ragged Mountain Working Store – Charlottesville, Va.
Husband-and-wife duo Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni opened Ragged Mountain manner again in 1982 and the store’s combo of customer-focused service, understand how, and state-of-the-art know-how has since made it a beloved hub of runners from the Charlottesville space and past. Visiting patrons can take pleasure in individualized gait analyses and fittings and decide from a big selection of drugs and attire from high manufacturers like Brooks or Asics. The store additionally organizes group runs and coaching applications for folks of all ages and talents. – E.W.
Runners Up
Fleet Toes Roanoke – Roanoke, Va.
Two Rivers Treads – Ranson, W.Va.
Greatest Bike Store
Blue Ridge Cyclery – Charlottesville, Va.
Proprietor Shawn Tevendale based downtown Charlottesville’s predominant 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 almost a decade and needed to discover a method 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 neighborhood. It gives every little thing from mechanical providers to suggestions round space path methods 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 Clothing store – Damascus, Va.
The Hub & Pisgah Tavern – Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Greatest Outside Retailer
Marion Outdoor – 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? In that case, head to Marion Outdoor in southwest Virginia. Owned and operated by Andrew “Coach” Livingston, this clothing store makes a speciality of high-quality backpacking, mountaineering, and tenting gear, making it simple for patrons to buy provides for his or her subsequent huge journey. The shop even sells a complete backpacking package for many who need to get into the game however aren’t fairly positive how. Through-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 places)
Walkabout Clothing store – Va. (a number of places)
Greatest Lodge & Resort
The Omni Homestead – Sizzling 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, visitors can even get loads of exterior 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.
Greatest 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 fashionable cabins and a campground on 64 acres that border Pisgah Nationwide Forest close to Brevard. When you keep, hike the Artwork Loeb Path, try Wanting Glass Falls, or experience Pisgah’s famend singletrack. And while you’re achieved, seize a beer close by on the Hub and Pisgah Tavern. – J.F.
Runners Up
The Merry Inn – Marion, Va.
Mistaken Method River Lodge & Cabins – Asheville, N.C.
Greatest Wellness Heart
Asheville Group Yoga – Asheville, N.C.
You don’t must spend an arm and a leg to entry high-quality yoga courses. Not 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 price every month, yogis are inspired to provide a “love providing” of $10 to $20 per class. Nevertheless, all are welcome no matter their means to pay. The studio additionally offers monetary assist for these keen on coaching periods and workshops. – L.S.
Runners Up
New River Yoga – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Berkeley Springs – Berkeley Springs W.Va.
Greatest Academic Outside Program
Path Sisters – N.C. (a number of places)
Path Sisters works to spice up feminine illustration within the outside via academic sources, races, and path working and mountaineering 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
Hold Virginia Cozy – Va.
Appalachian Path Conservancy – W.Va.
Greatest Environmental Group
Virginia Creeper Path Conservancy – Abingdon, Va.
The Virginia Creeper Path Conservancy is a long-standing winner of this class, and with good motive. 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 supply a secure and memorable path expertise for all customers, the nonprofit’s so-called “Creeper Keepers” oversee path maintenance, interact in advocacy efforts, set up neighborhood occasions, and host academic applications. – L.S.
Runners Up
Southern Environmental Regulation Heart – Charlottesville, Va.
MountainTrue – Asheville, N.C.
Greatest Native Gear Model
Eagles Nest Outfitters – Asheville, N.C.
Since its founding in 1999, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) has turn into a go-to model for out of doors lovers worldwide. Based mostly within the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, ENO makes a speciality of light-weight, sturdy hammocks splendid for every little thing from tenting at music festivals to mountaineering 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 outside. – L.S.
Runners Up
Farm to Toes – Mount Ethereal, N.C.
Sylvan Sport – Brevard, N.C.
Meals & Drink
Greatest Dish
Pizza at Pies and Pints – Fayetteville, W.Va.
Observe a protracted 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 almost 100 brews along with ciders, craft cocktails, and regional wines. Choose 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 sizzling hen. – E.W.
Runners Up
Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes – Tupelo Honey Cafe – Asheville, N.C.
BBQ – Firecreek Steaks & BBQ, Fayetteville, W.Va.
Greatest 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 title 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.
Greatest 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 usually full of of us having fun with scenic mountain views and a prolonged listing of tasty beers. Favorites embody Full Nelson Pale Ale, a long-running regional staple that’s good 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.
Greatest 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 gained 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 fantastically 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 encompassing mountains. – E.W.
Runners Up
Veritas – Afton, Va.
Veronet Vineyards – Kings Mountain, N.C.
Greatest 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 manner from 100% regionally grown grains and fruits utilizing heirloom tools like submarine copper pot stills, wood mash forks, copper worms, and wood thumper barrels. Tasting room visits embody a tour that explores legacy methods and the historical past of distilling within the Virginia mountains. – E.W.
Runners Up
Easy Ambler – Maxwelton, W.Va.
Buffalo Hint Distillery – Frankfort, Ky.
Greatest 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, laborious 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.
Greatest Restaurant
Floyd Nation Retailer –
Floyd, Va.
This regional establishment is well-known for serving up a number of the finest 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.
Greatest Espresso Store
Purple Rooster – Floyd, Va.
It’s no marvel that the hip and funky mountain city of Floyd is residence to certainly one of Virginia’s finest and most fascinating espresso retailers. Purple 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 kinds 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
Greatest 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 right place to replenish on organically grown blueberries and yams, naturally leavened sourdough, forest-raised pork, Peruvian darkish chocolate, and the rest you may be craving. Undecided what to do along with your farm-fresh vittles? Organizers present weekly recipe inspiration on social media, guiding neighborhood members via 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
Greatest Music Competition
FloydFest – Va.
FloydFest has set a typical for thriving unbiased music festivals by yearly bringing a loyal crowd again to a scenic website in southwest Virginia for a rigorously curated, eclectic lineup of roots music. This 12 months the competition 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
Purple Wing Roots Music Competition – Mt Solon, Va.
4848 Competition – Snowshoe, W.Va.
Greatest Household Pleasant Competition
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 competition that includes acts just like the psychedelic-sounding group Yam Yam and the folksy singer-songwriter Amber Collier. There’s a lot for youths to do, too, from face portray to hula hooping to dancing. Plus, there’s no cost for kids 12 and below. – L.S.
Runners Up
LEAF – Black Mountain, N.C.
Rooster Stroll – Martinsville, Va.
Greatest Distinctive Competition
West Virginia Roadkill Cookoff – Marlinton, W.Va.
The West Virginia Roadkill Prepare dinner-Off is as wild because it will get. Hosted yearly in Marlinton, this quirky occasion invitations courageous (and hungry) souls to pattern a wide range of unconventional dishes produced from animals usually discovered on the facet of the freeway (suppose bear wontons, snapping turtle stew, and squirrel gravy over biscuits). The profitable chef takes residence a money prize and bragging rights. The day consists of loads of different actions, too, together with reside music, arts and crafts, a biscuit bake-off, and a pageant throughout which an area teen is honored because the “Queen of Roadkill.” – L.S.
Runners Up
Highland Maple Competition – Highland
County, Va.
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Competition – Buchanan, Va.
Greatest Working Occasion
Blue Ridge Marathon – Roanoke, Va.
When you’re in search of an epic sufferfest, look no additional than the Blue Ridge Marathon. Higher referred to as “America’s Hardest Highway Race,” this grueling 26.2-mile course begins in downtown Roanoke after which climbs up, up, and away into the encompassing mountains, with a number of miles logged alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway. In complete, runners can count on 7,430 toes of complete elevation acquire/loss—greater than any highway race within the U.S. Those that push via the ache are rewarded with gorgeous views and a energetic End Competition at Elmwood Park. – L.S.
Runners Up
Rim to River 100 – New River Gorge, W.Va.
Run The Valley – Waynesboro, Va.
Greatest Triathlon
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Ironman – Roanoke, Va.
In search of a race that pairs unparalleled mountain views and a course that may 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 experience 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.
Greatest 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 via 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.
Fireplace Mountain Inferno Enduro Weekend – Cherokee, N.C.
Greatest Paddling Occasion
Gauley Fest – Summersville, W.Va.
What’s now the most important paddling competition on the earth began again within the early 80s to have fun the derailment of a dam venture that may have disrupted flows of the mighty West Virginia river. The annual September occasion brings collectively class V whitewater runs on the mighty Gauley, reside music, and an enormous boater dangle 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. Picture by Benjamin Hays
