The Lodge and Cottages at Primland. Credit: Primland
Any trip to scenic Southern Virginia can deliver lush landscapes, verdant vistas and historical charm. Thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is filled with opportunities for hiking, biking, boating and fishing, making it unlikely you’ll want to spend much time inside.
Southern Virginia is proud of its historical heritage from the Civil War and Revolutionary War, and its small towns are ideal for tapping into its storied past. If you’re not busy snapping photos of your surroundings or immersing yourself in nature, you might want to catch a NASCAR race — the region is home to six speedways and raceways — or visit one of these other area attractions.
Taste Some Wine
Southern Virginia is known for its vineyards, but most people aren’t familiar with these boutique gems. Take a drive and visit either Château Morrisette or Villa Appalaccia Winery — both located on the Blue Ridge Parkway — to taste wine and explore the vineyards.
Be Wowed at Primland
Situated on 12,000 acres of verdant Blue Ridge Mountain land, Primland was made for relaxation. The property consists of a Lodge, Fairway Cottages and Mountain Homes. Guest rooms are comfortable and cozy, and outdoor fire pits and live music on the terrace add to a cabin-like feel.
Primland also offers countless activities on its property, including tree climbing, sporting clays, horseback riding, tennis, golf, geocaching (a high-tech treasure hunt), stargazing and fly fishing.
Shenandoah National Park. Credit: iStock/tonda
Go on a Hike
The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway has countless hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. The 544-mile Appalachian Trail cuts through the Shenandoah National Park, and the southern end of the trail winds through George Washington and Jefferson national forests.
Check Out Floyd, Virginia
The town of Floyd is known for its artisan culture and its wineries. Go to the 100-year-old Floyd Country Store to experience its selection of vintage and novelty candy, hand-dipped ice cream and live Appalachian music (the store also serves as a music venue and café).
The town is also home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Floyd Fest and Black Dog Wine & Music Festival.
Visit Virginia International Raceway
Virginia is the home of a number of tracks, so if you’re in town during an event, we suggest you try and catch a race.
The Virginia International Raceway is a 3.27-mile course that plays host to at least 12 events each season, including the Gold Cup Historic Races, GT LIVE and American Le Mans Series.
Explore The Crooked Road
Take a drive through Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. The nearly 300-mile trail travels through the Appalachian Mountains, from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Coal Field region.
Along the way, stop at music venues such as the Blue Ridge Music Center, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance and Carter Family Fold to get a taste of the area’s popular bluegrass, gospel and mountain music.
Mabry Mill. Credit: iStock/pkphotography
Visit Mabry Mill
A historic settlement that re-creates rural life around the turn of the century, Mabry Mill is surrounded by scenic green forests. It offers a blacksmith, a wheelwright shop as well as a gristmill and sawmill.
Walk Around Millionaire’s Row
Located in the town of Danville, Millionaire’s Row is an area with majestic restored houses that showcase classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Take a guided walking tour for a peek inside the lives of the wealthy families who made their fortunes from tobacco and textiles in the late 1800s.
Sample Foggy Ridge Cider
Head to Foggy Ridge Cider in Dugspur to sip three different types of cider, plus one mixed with apple brandy. Apple experts will teach you how to pair cider with just the right dishes. Afterward, you can buy some cider to take home.
Play in the Park
A 168-acre lake in the sprawling Fairy Stone State Park makes it a prime place for swimming, canoeing, paddle boating and kayaking. There’s also nine miles of hiking trails.
But it’s best known for its namesake fairy stones. Local lore says that fairies were dancing in the forest, when an elf told them about the death of Christ. As he relayed the crucifixion story, the fairies wept and their tears hardened into cross-shaped stones.
People used to wear the stones in hopes of warding off bad fortune and evil.
