ROANOKE, Va. Visit Virginias Blue Ridge is looking to drive visitors to the region in the safest way possible, especially during the fall and holiday season.
The group has been marketing the region as an outdoor playground where people can safely participate in outdoor activities or dine at restaurants outdoor patios.
VBR received $250,000 in CARES Act funding and used some of that money to start the Stay Safe Pledge, a campaign to encourage businesses and customers to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while also supporting those local businesses.
So far, about 200 local businesses have taken that pledge, which includes guidelines for both businesses and customers.
To stay safe and to keep our region safe, but also continue to make it welcoming, said Catherine Fox, with VBR.