The curtain on summer in the New River Valley is almost closed, and the next act is almost upon us – Fall.
By Jeremy Hart
Fall is, in my opinion, one of the best times of the year here in the New River Valley. If you appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us, it’s hard to find a more beautiful place than our region in the fall. I love the New River Valley for its changing leaves, the crisp air, the sound of a mountain stream, and the sound of moving trucks being unloaded on the campuses of Virginia Tech and Radford University.
That’s right, I love when the students come back to the area. The vibrancy of having two universities right in our backyard is one of the things that makes the New River Valley so incredibly special. And really, most of us are here in the area partly because of the universities that surround us. I embrace that—it’s really unusual to live in such a small community, yet have access to amazing arts, culture, athletics, concerts, and international flavor. Sure, we complain about a little more traffic, but why not take some time to slow down and appreciate the colors while you wait for the next green light? Yes, we might have to wait a little longer for a seat at our favorite restaurant, but it’s just an opportunity to chat with friends, old and new. And of course, it also means the start of some high-level arts and athletic spectating at both schools.
I was in Alaska several years ago, staring in awe at Mt. McKinley as I prepared to board a little four-seater plane to land on a glacier. The majesty of the mountains was overwhelming to someone from the east coast, but when I told the pilot where I lived, he exclaimed “I love the Blue Ridge! What an amazing mountain range!” It reminded me that there’s beauty all around us, regardless of where we live, and that I needn’t overlook what’s in my own backyard. So when the traffic—which will be funny to all of you in larger metropolitan areas—gets a little heavier, when the wait times at restaurants get a little longer, and when the students get a little rowdier, remember to take some time to look around and realize how lucky we really are to live here.
What do YOU love about the New River Valley?
#LiveWhereYouLove
Jeremy Hart is the Managing Broker of Nest Realty, New River Valley, and the 2014 NRVAR REALTOR of the Year. His interest are as varied as his expertise. Whether you just need to buy or sell home, or you want to learn more about your new community and how to get involved—give Jeremy a call, send him an email, or better yet, just stop him as you see him around town and say hi.