Congratulations to all the winners and top finishers in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards! The Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is well represented, with many unique local businesses and experiences earning top honors.

Many local businesses, events, outdoor trails and parks, and unique experiences from the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge were voted winners or runners-up across various categories.

It’s an excellent showcase of the many fun things to do and awesome local businesses you can experience during a metro mountain adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Whether you’re exploring the 1,000+ miles of incredible trails, sampling a delicious craft beverage at a local craft brewery or distillery, participating in one of our signature annual events, or just enjoying a relaxing weekend with your family, the region is a great spot for a vacation.

With Roanoke being voted the “Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family,” you might have so much fun on your visit that you decide to relocate here!

The following is a list of our local winners and runners-up in the 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

Mill Mountain Overlook - Best of the Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge Outdoors

  • Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family: Roanoke (Winner)
  • Best Bike Park: Mill Mountain Park (Winner)
  • Best Gym: River Rock Climbing (Winner)
  • Best Running Shop: Fleet Feet (Winner)
  • Best Bike Shop: Cardinal Bicycle (Winner)
  • Best Second-Hand Gear Shop: Roanoke Mountain Adventures (Winner)
  • Best Hotel or B&B: Roanoke Boutique Hotel (Winner)
  • Best Wellness Center: The Auberge Spa at Primland (Winner)
  • Best Drink: Get Bent IPA - Parkway Brewing Company (Winner)
  • Best Running Event: Blue Ridge Marathon (Winner)
  • Best Public Lands: Blue Ridge Parkway (Winner)
  • Best Lake: Smith Mountain Lake (Winner)
  • Best Raft Guide Company: Twin River Outfitters (Runner Up)
  • Best Fly Fishing Shop: Roanoke Angler (Runner Up)
  • Best Climbing Guide Company: Granite Arches Climbing Guide (Runner Up)
  • Best Outdoor Store: Walkabout Outfitter (Runner Up)
  • Best Resort: Primland Resort (Runner Up)
  • Best Overlook: MIll Mountain (Runner Up)
  • Best Realty Company: Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals (Runner Up)
  • Best Local Gear Brand: Mountain Laurel Designs (Runner Up)
  • Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail: VBR Cheers Trail (Runner Up)
  • Best Family Friendly Festival: GO Outside Festival (Runner Up)
  • Best Bike Race: Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships (Runner Up)
  • Best Fishing Spot: Upper James River Water Trail (Runner Up)
  • Best Accessible Outdoor Experience: Abbott Lake Loop Trail at Peaks of Otter (Runner Up)

Roanoke GO Outside Festival

Use this list to help you plan your next adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

You can also visit our Awards & Accolades page to see other amazing recognitions our region has received over the years.

Congratulations to all the nominees & winners, and thank you to everyone who took the time to vote!