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Virginia's Blue Ridge Social Distancing Guide

A few months ago, we couldn’t have even told you what “social distancing” means. Now, it’s become part of every-day life.

As we work together to keep each other safe, it’s important to continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask any time you choose to go out. 

If it’s difficult to know how far apart you need to stay away from others, we hope this special Virginia’s Blue Ridge Social Distancing Guide can serve as a fun, helpful reminder! :)

Virginia's Blue Ridge - Social Distancing Guide


24 Cheesy Westerns - Texas Tavern

Texas Tavern - Cheesy Westerns - Social Distancing

Many late nights in Downtown Roanoke have included quite a few bowls of “chile” and Cheesy Westerns, the iconic burger at Texas Tavern. For the uninitiated, a Cheesy Western is a burger topped with cheese, fried egg, pickles, and relish.

See the Texas Tavern Menu >

18 Pints of Craft Beer - Craft Breweries on the VBR Cheers Trail

Craft Beer - Cheers Trail - Social Distancing

Cheers to the good times ahead in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! 18 pints of craft beer equals roughly six feet, the proper amount for social distancing. You can’t go wrong when you’re filling those pints with craft beer from local breweries from our region.

6 Large Calzones - Mac & Bob’s Restaurant

Mac & Bob's Restaurant - Calzones

If you’re putting together a list of the most iconic dishes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the giant calzones from Mac & Bob’s Restaurant in Salem definitely earns a spot on the list! The Boston Zone is a calzone stuffed with chicken tenders basted in hot wing sauce.

1 Moonshine Still - Twin Creeks Distillery

Twin Creeks Distillery - Moonshine Still - Social Distancing

Twin Creeks Distillery carries on a family legacy of craft spirits production in Franklin County - the Moonshine Capital of the World. The still at the Twin Creeks tasting room in Rocky Mount is a wonderful tribute to that history and heritage.

Twin Creeks Distillery - Order Online >

1 Kayak - Twin River Outfitters

Twin River Outfitter - Kayak - Social Distancing

Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers the opportunity to practice social distancing in the great outdoors, with beautiful settings such as the Upper James River Water Trail in Botetourt County. Twin River Outfitters can help you plan your next water adventure with options for gear rentals, including kayaks.

Twin River Outfitters Website >

1 Fishing Pole - Orvis

Orvis Fly Fishing - Social Distancing

The local creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes provide amazing areas for fly-fishing in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and you can get all the gear you need, including a fly-fishing rod, from Orvis, which has a store in Downtown Roanoke.

For digital planning and shopping, check out the Orvis website > 

1 Snow Leopard - Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo - Snow Leopard - Social Distancing

Please stay “Bali the Snow Leopard” distance away from each other! :) Bali is one of the four-legged members of the Mill Mountain Zoo family, which is located atop Roanoke’s Mill Mountain. Keep up with the animals at the Zoo and some fun activities they’re currently enjoying by checking out the Mill Mountain Zoo Facebook Page >

2 Baseball Bats - Salem Red Sox

Salem Red Sox - Social Distancing

Two baseball bats from the Salem Red Sox is a good reminder for social distancing, and it’s also a reminder that a visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge means a chance to get future Major League Baseball stars in a beautiful setting - a night out at the Salem Memorial Ballpark to cheer on the Sox is Worth the Wait.

Salem Red Sox Website >

½ Height of the 611 Locomotive - Virginia Museum of Transportation

Virginia Museum of Transportation - 611 Locomotive - Social Distancing

Many of the most impressive locomotives in railroad history were constructed at the Norfolk & Western Shops in Downtown Roanoke, including the iconic Class J611 steam locomotive, deemed “The Queen of Steam.” When the 611 isn’t being used for passenger excursions, it’s housed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

VMT’s Rail Collection >


NOTE - This is intended to be a fun, light-hearted way to encourage social distancing. Please avoid traveling if sick, maintain at least six feet distance from others, wash hands often, and follow all recommended CDC & public health guidelines. 

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.


Complete the VBR Support Local Bingo card and take advantage of some fun ways you can show your support for local businesses in Virginia's Blue Ridge.


Enjoy a virtual shopping spree in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge and support local retail businesses and stores that are offering online shopping service.


Find out which local food & beverage businesses in Virginia's Blue Ridge are offering some type of takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery service and show them some love by placing an order.


Partner Resources

Visit VBR 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 >


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.