Roanoke Sites Voted Best of the Blue Ridge

Best of the Blue Ridge 2015Several Roanoke Region sites, businesses, and events were selected by readers in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine‘s annual “Best of the Blue Ridge” issue.

Over the past several years, the Roanoke region’s reputation as an outdoor recreation destination has steadily grown, gaining accolades and recognition from around the country for its abundance of, and ease of access to, a huge amount of outdoor resources. As 2015 begins, yet another outdoor entity is singing the praises of Roanoke’s infrastructure, events, and the companies it supports. 

Carvins Cove, Peaks of Otter, the Blue Ridge Marathon and several others were selected as the tops in the Southeast in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine‘s annual online vote for 2015. 

This is not the first time Roanoke has been at the center of the “Best of the Blue Ridge” voting. Roanoke was named the Best Mountain Town in 2012 and Best Trail Town in 2013. 

Below is list of the accolades:

Places

Best Biking Trail: The Gauntlet at Carvins Cove

Best Campground: Douthat State Park

Best Blue Ridge Parkway Spot: Peaks of Otter

Best Place for Outdoors Singles: Roanoke, VA (runner-up)

Best Urban Park: Mill Mountain Park (runner-up)

Best Pet Friendly Destination: Pandapas Pond (runner-up)

Events

Best Marathon: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon

Best Triathlon: Off the Rails Tri (runner-up)

Best Sports Festival: Anthem GO Fest (runner-up)

Best Costumed Event: Superhero 5K (runner-up)

Best Music Festival: Floyd Fest (runner-up)

Businesses

Best Outdoor Shop: Walkabout Outfitter

Best Climbing Gym: River Rock 

Best Yoga Studio: Uttara Yoga

Best Outdoor Club: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Best Running Store: Fleet Feet Sports (runner-up)

Best Coffee Shop: Sweet Donkey (runner-up)

Best Barbecue: Blues Barbecue (runner-up)

Best Sugar Fix: Pop’s (runner-up)

Best Brew: Parkway Get Bent IPA (runner-up)

Check out the full list of winners >>>