Beyond FloydFest: Your Three-Day Guide to Floyd

If you are anything like me, when you think of Floyd County, you think of the music festival FloydFest (or “that place where my uncle was born,” although that's less likely). 

FloydFest is amazing and epic and truly something every single person should experience at least one time. But beyond that, Floyd is a surprising, magical small town filled with entrepreneurs, innovators, inspiring families, passionate people, lifelong friends, and great food and drinks.

Follow this guide for things to do when visiting the charming small town of Floyd, Virginia. 

DAY ONE

Lunch & Sweets

My first stop was The Floyd Country Store. I’ve known about their Friday Night Jamboree — the traditions, music, flatfoot dancers, cloggers — but their food is also delightful. We had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and of course, a sweet tea.  My sandwich was ooey and gooey and just what your grandma makes you in the dead of winter or when you are fighting a cold. We picked up a few retro candies (the one-stop store has a collection of unique and quirky merchandise) and walked across the street.  

After lunch, we had a hankering for some chocolate, so we went to Cocoa Mia. Grayson Rudd is one of those entrepreneurs that never thought he would end up in Floyd. He’s lived and worked in many places and always thought he was going to open a wine shop, but he fell in love with Floyd and opened Cocoa Mia.

When you walk in, you may feel like you are inside a corner boutique in Paris. Sip on hot chocolate while you browse chocolates from all over the world. Customers can even choose their own toppings and create custom chocolate bars! The flavors and choices of chocolate bars, too – crazy and interesting! Chocolate with shrimp?  Who knew!

Art & Brews

We then made a quick stop at the Floyd Center for the Arts.  It’s known as “the Jax” to the locals for its original name, Floyd’s Jacksonville Center.  There is a hayloft gallery that has exhibits year-round, but you can also see performances, classes, festivals, and there is even a gift shop.  The best part is, it’s free admission!  The children displays tug at your heart strings.

Buffalo Mountain Brewery was our next stop. Bill, the owner, greeted us, and told us that he bought a house that he turned into a brewery. Talk about innovation! The result is a cozy and welcoming space with delicious brebws. The back door opens to a deck covered by a pergola for shade and fire pits to keep warm in chillier seasons. If you try nothing else, try the Far-Tar (Fire Tower) — Habanero Chocolate Stout.  It’s dark and a stronger stout than I’m used to but you will get some chocolatey tastes and then the heat!

Dinner & Accommodations

What’s better than pizza and beer for dinner?  Dogtown Pizza has wood-fired pizzas (try The Appalachian) and a ton of drink options. All of their pizzas can be made gluten-free, too. We listened to some great local music which happens a lot of the nights. 

That night we stayed at the Hotel Floyd. It’s a boutique hotel located in the heart of town. Each room and suite is artfully decorated, encompassing all of the magic of Floyd.  The rooms are charming, well-equipped, and a great value. Some have back porches that open to an amphitheater and some rooms are pet-friendly. 

DAY TWO

Coffee & Outdoor Adventure

The next morning we had Red Rooster Coffee.  It is a Virginia-based, family coffee company that roasts beans from around the world. The coffeehouse strives to operate sustainably in the daily operations so you feel good about the coffee you’re drinking. The coffee tastes even better knowing the owners have a true passion for making a positive social impact both at home and abroad.

After we were caffeinated, we started on our outdoor adventure.  We hiked around two miles in Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, which provided beautiful views and was free of crowds. Park in the small gravel parking lot and be aware that the bathroom options are limited, so go before you reach the preserve! 

Here are a few more hiking options near Floyd: 

• Rocky Knob/Rock Castle Gorge-10.8 miles strenuous hike at MP 16
• Black Ridge Trail-3.1 miles moderate hike at MP 169
• Smarts View Trail-2.6 miles moderate hike at MP 154.5
• Bottoms Creek Gorge-4.5 miles of moderate hiking trails
• Dodd Creak Trail-1.25 miles moderate loop hike in town

If you'd rather see Floyd from horseback, check out Along the Water in Floyd for a horseback riding guided tour along the banks of the Little River. 

There are also plenty of trails to tackle by bike.

Here are a few recommended biking routes: 

• Town of Floyd, 2.5 – 6 miles, unpaved
• Tour de Floyd, 62 miles, an annual signature road-bike route and event, ride just a section or the entire route
• Rocky Knob Classis, 27.5 miles
• Willis Loop, 33 miles, fully-paved loop
• Laurel Ridge Loop, 32 miles, advanced level road bike, several big climbs
• Tour de Dirt, 30-57 miles, mostly unpaved back roads

More Adventurous Options

If you aren’t into hiking, water, or the outdoors, then jump in your car. See all the glory of "America's favorite drive" with a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery will blow your mind. Check out Mabry Mill – located at MP 176.1 and about a 25-minute drive from downtown – where visitors can see the restored gristmill and sawmill. 

On the return trip, stop at Chateau Morrisette. It’s about ten minutes from Mabry Mill and is the winery that overlooks Buffalo Mountain. We dined al fresco on the beautiful outdoor patio with sweeping mountain views. I highly recommend the winemaker’s platter and the Viognier, which uses fruit grown in Virginia. If you prefer red wines, try the Cabernet Franc.  Chateau Morrisette has a number of fruit wines, too, if you like something sweeter.  Take a 4-bottle sample pack to go! 

DAY THREE

A Farmers Market Morning

Our last day in Floyd we visited SustainFloyd’s Farmers Market across from the Floyd Country Store.  Farmers sell their locally grown produce while local artisans showcase their special creations. Last year the market had more than 20 full-time vendors.  Organic breads, pastries, microgreens, produce, meats, eggs, aromatherapy products, flowers, cheeses, jellies, granola, and more can be purchased while strolling.

After we stocked up at the Farmers Market, we spent time touring some of the local working farms.  There are so many to see.  These farms have everything from veggies, fruits, herbs, meat, eggs, honey, and grains.  Farmers like Zach Fisher, owner of Thomas Hill Angus, has a compelling story for why he chose Floyd to plant his seeds. 

Needless to say, Floyd was such a surprise beyond what I knew. While music is their foundation, there is so much more to see and do. Spend a few days taking it all in – the outdoors, the arts, the wineries, the food, breweries, farms and agriculture, the chocolate, and the annual events. It’s much bigger than FloydFest, in every sense.