Virginia's Blue Ridge - Response to COVID-19

Normally, the primary mission and goal of our organization is to get people to visit Virginia's Blue Ridge. We love this region and want others to experience it. Unfortunately, because of the impact of COVID-19, we are temporarily having to adjust what it means to experience Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Forward Virginia: Phase One - Effective May 15, 2020

In accordance with the plan set forth by the Governor, the Commonwealth of Virginia is now in Forward Virginia: Phase One. Learn more about Safer at Home: Phase I Guidelines and what it means for Virginia's Blue Ridge. See Guidelines >

While we work together to support each other and stay safe, we promise that Virginia's Blue Ridge is Worth the Wait.

While we wait, we still have many fantastic local businesses and organizations that could use our support. It's these people and businesses that make Virginia's Blue Ridge a wonderful place to visit, as well as live, work, and play.

If you're able, we ask that you consider ways that you can help out local businesses, such as ordering takeout or delivery from restaurants & bars, purchasing gift cards that can be used at a later date, or purchasing memberships to local museums.

While we practice social distancing and all do our part to get through this time, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge has come up with some resources, ideas, virtual events, digital activities, entertainment options, and outdoor activities for how you can still experience the region, in a variety of ways.

Restaurants - Take-Out & Delivery Options | Outdoor Patio Service

B-Sides Burger - Rocky Mount, VA

Check out the list below to find out which restaurants in our region are offering takeout, curbside, and delivery service. Purchasing gift cards to restaurants that can be used at a later date is another great way to show your support!

As part of the Phase One Guidelines, food & beverage businesses are also allowed to offer outdoor patio service at 50% capacity. We've created a list of locations featuring outdoor patio service >

Pictured above: Rocky Mount Burger Company - Franklin County

Virginia's Blue Ridge Takeout Maps

We've also created a series of maps that feature which local restaurants are currently offering takeout, pickup, & delivery service:

NOTE: Visit VBR will continue to update this list. If a restaurant isn't listed, do not assume that it is not offering takeout or delivery services. Please visit the websites and social media pages of specific restaurants & locations for the most up-to-date information on services and availability.

Craft Beverages - Take-Out & Delivery Options

Get Bent IPA - Parkway Brewing Company - Salem, Virginia

In addition to restaurants, many of our local breweries, wineries, and craft spirits businesses are developing creative ways to continue to serve their customers. Many have started offering special to-go and curbside delivery options. If you're unable to visit in person, consider purchasing a gift card for future use or a six pack of your favorite local craft beverage on the next trip to the grocery store.

Drink Local - Takeout/Delivery Craft Beverage List >

Shopping & Retail - Online & Gift Cards

La De Da Roanoke

Who else could use some retail therapy right now? There are lots of local stores and shops that offer online options, as well as gift cards that can help you be ready for your next shopping spree. Check out our list of Online Shopping Options in Virginia's Blue Ridge >

Attractions - Digital Activities

Roanoke Star - Mill Mountain

The local museums and attractions are hard at work to continue coming up with creative ways to keep us educated and entertained! Consider showing your appreciation by purchasing passes for a future date or becoming an annual member. Many of our partners are providing fun digital activities, virtual tours and resources that you can enjoy from home with your family, such as the following:

Hotels & Lodging - Book a Room

Holiday Inn Tanglewood Roanoke Hotel

When it's time to start planning your next trip, the hotels and lodging options in Virginia's Blue Ridge are here to provide a clean, refreshing space that can be part of a relaxing getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether it's a downtown hotel near great restaurants and museums, a charming B&B in a historic neighborhood, or secluded cabins and campgrounds, you'll find all kinds of great lodging in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Visit our Hotels & Lodging section to learn more >

Arts & Culture | Entertainment | Virtual Events

Roanoke Live Music

When things get back to normal, our local arts & culture organizations and event venues will get back to producing and presenting fantastic events! Many performing arts organizations and venues offer the option to purchase gift cards, so plan ahead and get ready for when the show goes on! Check out our Performing Arts page for more info on local organizations and venues in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Local venues are even getting creative and coming up with ways to stream live music and entertainment programming through social media, including the following:

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS >

We'd like to offer some other ways you can enjoy Virginia's Blue Ridge through popular TV shows, movies, music and books with local connections to the region. Here are some recommendations:

For Watching: Lawless, Dirty Dancing, What About Bob?, A Walk in the Woods, Lake Effects, Salvage Dawgs (TV Show)
For Reading: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek - Annie Dillard, Truevine - Beth Macy, Wish You Well - David Baldacci, The Bedford Boys - Alex Kershaw
For Listening: VBR Spotify Channel | Spotify Playlist: The Crooked Road | Local Bands: Old Dominion, My Radio, Place Called Home, After Jack, Corey Hunley, The Low Low Chariot, The Floorboards, Morgan Wade & The Stepbrothers

Outdoor Recreation & Self-Guided Tours

Waid Recreation Park

We have no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Virginia's Blue Ridge and getting outside is one of the things that medical experts are recommending right now, as long as you practice smart social distancing. Avoid any group outdoor activities and keep six feet apart from others you encounter, but take advantage of our fantastic local parks and trail systems. We also have some fun options for self-guided walking & biking tours.

New Resource: Outdoor Activity Options for Social Distancing >

If you're getting out for a walk, run, or ride, we'd also encourage you to use free tools like STRAVA, MapMyWalk, MTB Project, and Trailforks so that you can track your route and share it with others! It's a fun way to encourage group participation while still adhering to social distancing.

Notable Closures of Outdoor Recreation Areas in Virginia's Blue Ridge

Zagster Bike Share Program is temporarily suspended
Appalachian Trail from Route 624 (Newport Road) to Route 652 (Mountain Pass Road) - this includes the Virginia Triple Crown hikes of Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, & Tinker Cliffs, as well as Hay Rock
As a result of recent heavy rains, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge is currently closed from Milepost 112.4 to Milepost 135.9. There are multiple road hazards and the schedule for repairs is currently unknown. Learn more in the National Park Service News Release >

Please note that in recreation areas that remain open many public restrooms in these areas are currently closed so plan accordingly. Visitors are also encouraged to pack out all of their own trash and help preserve the natural beauty of the region.

Roanoke Outside has put together a great list of updates related to outdoor businesses and locations in the region: COVID-19 Outdoor Updates >

Here are some additional resources:

We know this is an uncertain time and people have lots of questions. Feel free to reach out to us through our Contact form - we can't promise that we'll have the answers but we'll do our best to provide you with helpful information and resources.

Contact Visit VBR

VBR Coloring Sheets

Learn about Virginia's Blue Ridge in a fun, educational way with our special VBR Coloring Sheets.

Coloring Sheets

VBR Zoom Backgrounds

Share the beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge during your next virtual meeting or video chat by downloading a scenic image that makes for a great Virtual Background!

See the Backgrounds

Support Local Farmers

Find out how local markets are offering new ways for customers to continue to support our local farmers and vendors in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Farmers Markets

Virtual Entertainment

Find out how you can continue to enjoy entertainment from Virginia's Blue Ridge with local options for live music, movies, TV shows, Spotify playlists, and more.

Entertainment List

Virtual Date Night Ideas

Experience Virginia's Blue Ridge with your special someone by planning a virtual date night and pair an activity with great local takeout options!

Date Ideas

VBR Trivia

Put your knowledge of Virginia's Blue Ridge to the test by checking out our collection of VBR Trivia Questions.

See the Questions

Scenic Images of VBR

It's not the same as seeing it in person, but these scenic images of Virginia's Blue Ridge will provide an idea of what awaits when the time is right to travel again.

Scenic Images

Local Campaigns & Fundraisers

There are numerous ways to support individuals, families, and organizations in need in Virginia's Blue Ridge by taking part in different campaigns and fundraisers that have been created.

How to Help

VBR Support Local Bingo

Who's ready for a game? Download our Support Local Bingo card and see if you can check off everything on the list! Take pictures of completing the various items on the card and share it with us on Facebook & Instagram - @visitvbr

Partner Resources

For our local businesses and organizations that are partners with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, we've created a special page in our Partnership section with additional resources and organizations to connect you with that can provide assistance during this time.

Tourism Impact Survey: Let Visit VBR Know How Your Business Has Been Impacted by COVID-19 >

Calendar of Virtual Events

As many events in Virginia's Blue Ridge have been postponed or canceled due to COVID-19, local organizations and event venues are hosting special virtual events that you can attend and enjoy in a digital format!

VBR Calendar of Virtual Events >

Resources & Links

The following are helpful resources that other websites in the community have created, such as ideas for activities, ways to support local businesses, and updates related to cancellations and breaking news.

Virginia's Travel Blog

A great collection of content featuring resources and opportunities to enjoy digital experiences throughout the Commonwealth. These posts are from Virginia's Travel Blog, which is managed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.