r/NRV

Greetings,

My family and I currently live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but we’re seriously considering relocating to the New River Valley—possibly near Floyd, Pilot, or Riner. One important question is whether our existing business, Basil & Banjo Wood Fire Kitchen, would have a place there.

Basil & Banjo is a veteran-owned mobile pizza concession trailer specializing in naturally leavened, wood-fired sourdough pizza. Sourdough isn’t just a menu buzzword for us—it’s the foundation of every pizza. Our dough is naturally fermented to develop a crust with real flavor, a light chew, and the subtle tang that sets genuine sourdough apart.

We operate from our pizza concession trailer at community events, festivals, recurring local stops, weddings, and private gatherings.

We know the NRV already has an established wood-fired pizza truck, along with several good pizza restaurants. We respect that and aren’t looking to imitate anyone. We’re wondering whether our sourdough-focused product is different enough—and whether the region has room for us alongside the businesses already serving it.

Would you be excited to see Basil & Banjo in a rotation around Floyd, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Radford? Are there particular communities, breweries, markets, or events that need another food vendor?

Honest feedback is welcome. We’re trying to listen to the community before making a major family and business move. Thanks you for your insight!

If you were to describe Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford, what would you say about them? There's a lot I can find about the data, but I'm looking for the vibes, the personalities of the towns. I know I need to visit, but I can't do that yet.

Basically I need to move next summer and don't have a target. Getting divorced, selling the house, only lived where I do for the soon to be ex. I'm starting over with my upcoming high-schooler and I want to settle down in a place that just feels like me. I've never lived in VA, but have lived in pretty much all of the surrounding states.

So outside of the Wikipedia stuff, what makes these towns tick? Cute, old, and charming? Eclectic and a little odd? Trying to out-party WVU but without the burning couches? Overrun with engineering students and there's five nerd bars? I think Norman Rockwell designed this town? Suburban hellscape?

I know, some of the above descriptions are obviously in jest. But really, whatcha all like?