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The Top 61 Happiest Mountain Towns in the Blue Ridge
Our quest to have our readers select the happiest towns in the mountains began with a set of criteria applied
April 2, 2026
Mountain Trails
More than outposts for gearing up, these seven mountain communities are destinations in their own right, pairing easy access to some of the region’s best outdoor adventures with walkable downtowns, local flavor, and much more.
The West Virginia Coal Heritage Trail winds for nearly 200 miles, from Ansted south to Bluefield.
Pick a passion—history, scenic beauty, music, wineries, agri-visits, gardens and more—and the mountain region has a driving trail for a concentrated dose. Plan your year’s travels here!
The Roanoke, Virginia metro area has been transformed over the past 25 years, and we salute Liz Belcher for leading the way to 400 miles of trails and greenways over that time.
Veteran RVers and first-timers alike are in luck in the Blue Ridge region, where the combination of mountain beauty and easy access makes for a perfect trip.
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Web Extras
Photo Recap: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2023
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (BRRR) is a musical festival held annually in September that celebrates the heritage of country
September 1, 2023
Behind Blue Ridge Country
“Virginia” in Virginia: Discovering Patsy Cline in Winchester
Walking Winchester in the relentless rain of a soggy spring could not dampen my enthusiasm to see the home of
August 10, 2018
Behind Blue Ridge Country
Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes
Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it
April 12, 2018
