ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Although winter has a tight grip across much of the Commonwealth, it won’t be long before warm weather and sunshine are back as spring rolls around. Anyone ready to look ahead can check on the ‘Best of the Blue Ridge for 2025’ released by Blue Ridge Outdoors on January 7.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the latest edition looked at all the best areas for camping, sightseeing, hiking, eating, drinking, entertainment, fishing, and more. There are winners and runners-up from West Virginia to North Carolina; however, many awards have gone to locations right here in the Roanoke Valley.
Check out the list below of the local winners here in the Roanoke area.
Best Public Lands
Blue Ridge Parkway, Va.
Best Lake
Smith Mountain Lake – Va.
Best Fishing Spot
South River – Waynesboro, Va.
Best Overlook
McAfee Knob – Va.
Best Campground
Devils Backbone Basecamp – Roseland, Va.
Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail
Nelson 151 – Nelson County, Va.
Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family
Roanoke, Va.
Best Ski Resort/Best Terrain Park
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va.
Best Climbing Guide Company
Blue Ridge Mountain Guides – Charlottesville, Va.
Best Gym or Training Facility
River Rock Climbing – Roanoke, Va.
Best Running Shop
Ragged Mountain Running Shop – Charlottesville, Va.
Best Bike Shop
Blue Ridge Cyclery – Charlottesville, Va.
Best Hotel & Resort
The Omni Homestead – Hot Springs, Va.
Best Drink
Get Bent IPA from Parkway Brewing – Salem, Va.
Best Brewery
Blue Mountain Brewery – Afton, Va.
Best Winery
Chateau Morrisette – Floyd, Va.
Best Distillery
Twin Creeks Distillery – Rocky Mount, Va.
Best Cidery
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford, Va.
Best Restaurant
Floyd Country Store – Floyd, Va.
Best Coffee Shop
Red Rooster – Floyd, Va.
Best Music Festival
FloydFest – Va.
Best Family Friendly Festival
Front Porch Fest – Stuart, Va.
Best Running Event
Blue Ridge Marathon – Roanoke, Va.
Best Triathlon
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Ironman – Roanoke, Va.
Best Bike Race
Tour de Valley – Waynesboro, Va.