Region Fast Facts

When it comes to planning a meeting or convention, the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge has it all.

Between our stunning natural beauty, charming Southern hospitality, state-of-the-art meeting space, central location, walkable downtown districts full of great shopping, dining, attractions and events, and 5,000 guest rooms, your attendees won't ever want to leave!

The following are some fast facts about why Virginia's Blue Ridge is the ideal location for your next event.

An Award-Winning Destination

The Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge regularly receives various awards and accolades as a great place to live, work and visit. Whether it's what makes the region enjoyable as a leisure or business traveler, people are raving about all there is to experience in Virginia's Blue Ridge!

• "Top Mid Sized Town" by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine - 2015

• "Best Meeting Sites in the South" by ConventionSouth Magazine - 2014

• Named by ConventionSouth Magazine as one of "The South's Cool Spots for Summer Meetings" - 2014

• "America's Best Small Cities on the Rise" by Smarter Travel - 2014

• "Best Trail Town" by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine - 2013

• "Next Great Neighborhood: Downtown Roanoke" by Southern Living - 2013

Central Location

Virginia's Blue Ridge is just 250 miles from our nation's capital and is easy to reach through a variety of modes of transportation. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Interstate 81, U.S. 220, and U.S. 460 make the region accessible via car, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport provides service to eight international hubs. Passenger train service is available via Amtrak on the Northeast Regional Route.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

• Service to eight international airports

• 25 daily departure flights

• Located within five miles of Downtown Roanoke - less than a 10-minute drive

• Airline service through Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines

Convention Services

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge takes pride in the level of service we provide meeting planners and attendees for every event. We will work tirelessly to connect you with our partners in the hospitality industry to make sure you have everything you need for a successful experience. We are also happy to provide welcome materials, brochures, information tables, activity planners and much more.

Extra Time for Fun

With the amazing outdoor amenities and cultural offerings in the area, many meeting attendees choose to extend their time in Virginia's Blue Ridge. The region offers the opportunity to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike the Appalachian Trail, learn about historic steam locomotives at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, explore the water at Smith Mountain Lake, drink award-winning craft beer, and much more.

Cost

With a cost of living that's nearly 9% below the national average, the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is a destination with tremendous value. We offer a broad range of lodging options that can meet any budgetary challenges and the services provided by our partners will make it an affordable experience for your attendees.

Safety

The region has a violent crime rate well below the national average and many local agencies work hard to ensure Virginia's Blue Ridge is a safe place for residents and visitors. The safety of the area is part of what makes our walkable downtown districts enjoyable at any time of day, where you'll always be welcomed by a friendly-face.

Weather

Virginia's Blue Ridge features all four seasons, but the location and geography of the region provides a temperate climate throughout the year. With an average daily high of 66.6°F and low of 45°F, the weather is comfortable in any season. We receive an average of 21 inches of snowfall annually, and heavy snowfall in the region is rare. During the fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains transform with amazing fall colors.