Virginia's Blue Ridge Podcast - Tourism NEWS for Roanoke, Salem, Franklin County and Botetourt County

The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs play from October to April every year! Head to https://www.railyarddawgs.com/ for tickets and more info

Thanks so much to Ginger Poole for coming and telling us all about the great shows coming up on the Trinkle Main Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre For more information and tickets head to www.millmountain.org 

Go Fest is Roanoke's premiere annual outdoor festival  For more info head to www.roanokegofest.org 

For tickets and info head to https://centerinthesquare.org/blue-ridge-nightmares 

The Beaverdam Farm Sunflower Festival is one of Virginia's Blue Ridge's fastest growing events. For more information head to Sunflower Festival https://beaverdamsunflowers.com/  Harvest Tour http://www.muddysquirrel.com/harvest-tour.html  Harvest Tour Video https://youtu.be/ZIq7l6EF6uk 

Head to https://twistedtrackbrewpub.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/TwistedTrackBrewpub or www.instagram.com/twistedtrackbrewpub for a full calendar of events and information   Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Black Dog Salvage is a Roanoke, Virginia staple. The world famous salvage and antique shop is a must see for any visitor to the valley.  You can find out more at www.blackdogsalvage.com  Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thank you to Matt Ross for coming to tell us everything Franklin County VA has to offer as the weather gets warm For more info head to www.playfranklincounty.com  Crooked Road Music Trail Information https://www.virginia.org/thecrookedroad  Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Treetop Quest at Explore Park is a great summer adventure for the whole family! For more information and tickets head to https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/505/Treetop-Quest 

Local Colors is Saturday May 15th, 2021!!  This is one of Roanoke's premiere outdoor festivals all year. Come see the sights, taste the food, hear the music, and experience the fun of all the different cultures the valley has to offer Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/LocalColorsVA     YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsEt_8y2xwAqF09mNo6ATA     Blue Ridge PBS https://www.blueridgepbs.org/local-productions/shorts/local-colors/ Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Looking for something fun, educational and interactive for your children? Look no further than Kids Square at Center in the Square.  Kids square is Roanoke's very own kid first museum. Exhibits are designed to be fun for all ages and to help your children learn in an exciting way. For booking, hours and more info head to https://kidssquare.org/    Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thanks so much to Red Sox General Manager Andrew Lawrence for telling us about all the great times coming up this season  The Red Sox are the pride and joy of the valley. Come see a game this season!  For more information and ticket sales visit https://www.milb.com/salem    Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thanks to Whit Ellerman from Cardinal Bicycles for coming and telling us about all the bike developments in VBR Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thank you to Leesa Brandon for talking with us about everything the famous blue ridge parkway has to offer Stretching hundreds of miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the backbone of Virginia's Blue Ridge From scenic views to hiking and mountain biking to charming bed and breakfasts, the Blue Ridge Parkway has something to offer for everyone You'll have to come see for yourself! Find more information at www.blueridgeparkway.org 

Thank you so much to Lisa Garst for talking with us about her incredible store in downtown Salem Dilly Dally has everything you could want with a perfect general store feel  Everything is locally sourced and guaranteed to be delicious. Whether you're after ice cream, a home made sandwich, Virginia peanuts, hand milled flour or you're on your way to go fishing.  Head to www.dillydallystore.com for a full selection and more information! Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Jump Into Mystery offers murder mysteries, escape rooms and all kinds of whodunnit fun right here in the Roanoke Valley Covid - 19 Precautions have caused them to get creative with their services, even moving to completely virtual whodunnit events Listen in and find out about all the fun and exciting new ways that they're keeping Roanoke on its toes.  Thanks to Sabrina East for coming and telling us all about it. For more information, tickets and booking head to www.jumpintomystery.com  Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Need some relaxation after a long week? Just got done with a hike or bike? Give your feet a break at the Salt Foot Sanctuary at the Hotel Roanoke. Thanks to Larry Landolt for coming and telling us about all the great things they offer. Visit https://www.saltfootsanctuary.com/salt-foot-sanctuary for more information and to book your appointment today! Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thank you to Amy Vann from The Claiborne House in Rocky Mount for telling us about all the wonderful things her inn has to offer Whether it's hiking or scenery or sampling some of the local flavor, Rocky Mount has a lot to offer.  Visit The Claiborne House at https://www.theclaibornehouseva.com/ for booking and more information Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Check Out John's New Youtube Channel Biking4Boomers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVORmLXIla3Pav0tLz2ewA  Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thanks to Cindy Peterson for talking with us about all the cool things happening this year at the Taubman Museum of Art  Visit www.taubmanmuseum.org for more information about the upcoming exhibits for 2021 Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thanks to Chris and Anna for joining us! For more information on Twin Creeks Distillery visit https://twincreeksdistillery.com/  For more information or to download the VBR Cheers Trail App visit https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/beer-wine-spirits/vbr-cheers-trail/  To watch the movie Lawless, Stream on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/70213471    Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Thanks to Carey Harvecutter for coming on the show and telling us everything there is to know about the wonderful city of Salem Salem is excited to welcome home the Amos Alonso Stagg Bowl in 2021 Salem Red Sox https://www.milb.com/salem  Salem Fair https://www.salemfair.com/  Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

On today's episode John talks with Brandt Bernat about the rescheduled Blue Ridge Ironman Triathlon  The 2021 event is sold out for participants but you can go to https://www.ironman.com/im703-virginia-blue-ridge to find out how to volunteer and how to watch Click Here for a message from the CEO of Ironman about getting racing back on its feet during and after Covid-19 Click here for more information about the Ironman Return to Racing program https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/posts/10164600607735551    Check out some other summer fun you can look forward to next summer.  Salem Red Sox https://www.milb.com/salem  Salem Fair https://www.salemfair.com/    Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Buchanan, Virginia is a beautiful and historic town along the mighty James River. Known for its annual summer carnival, Buchanan also puts on the ritz every year for Christmas.    Things may look a little different this year, but the town certainly isn't stopping. They've re-invented their annual Christmas parade and found new ways to go ahead with their longstanding luminary celebration   For more information on the  the Reverse Christmas Parade, The Luminaries and a full calendar of events visit www.townofbuchanan.com    More holiday options in Virginia's Blue Ridge https://www.visitvbr.com/ Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

The town of Rocky Mount in Franklin County is ready to celebrate the holidays.   And why not?  With a quaint, walkable business area (uptown and downtown!), a farmer's market, nearby hiking trails and even a place to sample and buy legal moonshine or a local craft beer -- there's something for everyone.     In Episode 5 of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Podcast, Rocky Mount's Beth Simms talks about how this small town has a lot to offer -- especially if you ae looking for a unique gift or one of a kind experience. Link to Grassy Hill Nature Preserve: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/grassyhill   Link to Festive Friday events: https://fb.me/e/1ME5Q1cuA   Town website: rockymountva.org    Discover Rocky Mount Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverrockymountva/   Farmers' Market video links: https://youtu.be/gbqdd4OgbHo https://youtu.be/AfviNhyjjxI      More holiday options in Virginia's Blue Ridge https://www.visitvbr.com/ Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

For the 38th consecutive year, downtown Roanoke will ring in the holiday season with the annual Dickens of a Christmas festival.  Although things will certainly look a little bit different this year. Dickens is an event that typically brings around 40,000 people downtown over the course of Fridays in December. The Downtown Roanoke Foundation has been hard at work looking for ways to accommodate so many holiday makers in a safe manner adhering to all Covid-19 precautions.  We are happy to share their solution, The 25 Days of Dickens. Every evening starting Tuesday, November 24th until December 18th, downtown will come alive with Christmas cheer.  There will be something new and exciting for the whole family every day. Highlights include the Elf on the Shelf Adventure, Santa's Workshop, ice sculpting, and performances by the Southwest Virginia Ballet, Opera Roanoke, and Mill Mountain Theater.  In addition, the beloved downtown tree lighting will be broadcast virtually this year on the 24th to make sure everyone can enjoy safely and responsibly.  As a new feature this year, downtown Roanoke will be lit up for Christmas. To add extra incentive for folks to come see downtown, there will be hundreds of lights including many different hand crafted illuminated stars in place of the usual greenery. Come see the magic for yourself! For a full calendar of events visit https://www.downtownroanoke.org/events/signature-events/25-days-of-dickens to see what's lined up for every night of the season. Looking for ways to spend your time in the Mountains?   Look no further than the Visit VBR website! https://www.visitvbr.com/ Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Fall Festivals in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.VisitVBR.com/blog Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Christmas in Rocky Mount http://historicrockymount.com/franklin-county-christmas Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

The Nutcracker is back for 2020 in Virginia's Blue Ridge! With precautions for COVID-19 The Southwest Virginia Ballet is once again presenting the holiday classic performance of the Nutcracker. In Episode 3 of The Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Podcast Carol Jessee with the Southwest Virginia Ballet talks about how they are partnering with Blue Ridge Public TV to present the Nutcracker in spite of the Challenges posed by the pandemic. Interested in more information about the Southwest Virginia Ballet?  Here is a link to their website. https://www.svballet.org/ Looking for ways to spend your time in the Mountains?   Look no further than the Visit VBR website! https://www.visitvbr.com/ Roanoke is a top adventure town!  https://www.visitroanokeva.com/blog/post/roanoke-virginia-blue-ridge-mountains-top-adventure-town-contest-winner/ Fall Festivals in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.VisitVBR.com/blog Salem Crafty Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/salem-crafty-christmas/36084/ Buchanan Christmas Market https://www.visitroanokeva.com/events/buchanan-community-christmas-market/37213/ Dickens of a Christmas https://www.visitroanokeva.com/articles/post/dickens-of-a-christmas-details-announced/ Christmas in Rocky Mount http://historicrockymount.com/franklin-county-christmas Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

Explore your holiday spirit through a unique experience featuring over 500,000 lights, dazzling features, and memorable moments. Travel down the half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season at Illuminights.   In Episode 2 of the Visit VBR Podcast, guest Wendi Schultz tells you all about the additions to last year's popular display as well as extended hours and precautions for COVID-19. All about Illuminights: https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/545/Illuminights   A Family enjoys one of the displays at Illuminights at Roanoke County's Explore Park.   While you’re at Illuminights, shop for artisan crafts, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy additional family activities on select nights. This year, due to COVID-19, Illuminights has special programming in place to protect the health of you and your family. #Illuminights #ExplorePark #CenterInTheSquare #WSLS10 But remember Explore park is a year-round attraction with zip lining, camping, hiking and mountain biking.  Wendi also reveals information about plans for expansion at the park including an eventual RV park, bike skills course and expanded network of mountain biking trails.  The famous Brugh Tavern is back this season, serving craft beer and holiday cheer from Twin Creeks brewing! Explore Park - www.explorepark.org Illuminights - www.explorepark.org/illuminights  OR https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/545/Illuminights Camping - www.explorepark.org/camping - One park, two campgrounds! Choose form cabins, yurts and RV sites operated by Don's Cab-Inns or primitive camping and tent rental from Blue Mountain Adventures. Weddings - https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/430/Weddings Twin Creeks Brewpub - https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/554/Brugh-Tavern  Treetop Quest - www.explorepark.org/treetop - Treetop Quest is a family adventure for ages four and up, with progressively challenging aerial obstacles guaranteed to provide a thrill like you've never experienced! Soar through the trees on Tarzan swings, traverse cargo nets, balance on tightropes and fly across zip-lines.    Looking for ways to spend your time in the Mountains?   Look no further than the Visit VBR website! https://www.visitvbr.com/ Fall Festivals in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.VisitVBR.com/blog Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com

The Hotel Roanoke, also known as the Grand Old Lady is the pride of Virginia's Blue Ridge.  Overlooking downtown, the beautiful hotel and conference center is a major attraction in the region -- and now it's even better!  Opening in October of 2020 is the newly expanded and improved Pine Room and the 1882 Lobby Bar.  In episode one of the Visit VBR podcast, host John Carlin interviews Hotel Roanoke General Manager Brian Wells about the new additions, Christmas at the hotel, and how the hotel is hosting conferences and meetings in a COVID-19 world.   Hotel Roanoke Home Page: www.HotelRoanoke.com Dining Link: https://www.hotelroanoke.com/downtown_restaurants/ AAA Link:https://www.hotelroanoke.com/southwest_va_hotel/ Pine Room Renovation Press Release: https://www.hotelroanoke.com/i/downloads/Hotel%20Roanoke%20Completes%20Pine%20Room%201882%20Lobby%20Bar%20Renovations.pdf Looking for ways to spend your time in the Mountains?   Look no further than the Visit VBR website! https://www.visitvbr.com/ Fall Festivals in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.VisitVBR.com/blog Cycling in Virginia's Blue Ridge www.BikeVBR.com