5 Small Towns in Southwest Virginia You Need to Visit

With dozens of critically acclaimed restaurants, nonstop entertainment, and easy transportation, the lure of Virginia’s bigger cities is obvious. But here's our secret: Virginia's hidden gems have plenty of options in those categories, plus all the appeal of a quiet getaway. Southwest Virginia has several small towns worthy of exploration with tons of character and friendly locals to make you feel like you're at home.

These five small towns beckon you to come stay a while and experience the laidback charm of Southwest Virginia.

COEBURN

The small town of Coeburn sits along the Guest River with the Jefferson National Forest just south of the town border, providing ample outdoor activities for visitors. The High Knob Lake Trail and Little Stony National Recreation Trail are two of the popular hiking spots in the area, and cyclists head to the Guest River Gorge Trail, a scenic rails-to-trail pathway that runs along the river.

Coeburn even partnered with the neighboring town of Saint Paul and Spearhead Trails, an ATV and multi-use trail system in Southwest Virginia, to add a trailhead that offers access to the Mountain View Trails, one of the trails that winds through about 100 miles of the region.

Known for its beautiful downtown, this mountain gem features antique lamps, brick sidewalks, and several pedestrian bridges. Coeburn is also known as an artistic haven and is part of the Lonesome Pine Artisan Trail in Wise as well as a member of the ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network.

The Historic Lays Hardware Center for the Arts is part of the famed Crooked Road, which pays tribute to local musical legends like the late Dr. Ralph Stanley (himself a longtime resident of Coeburn) and Appalachian music culture as a whole. Every Friday night, the venue hosts musical talents from the region and informal performances are offered most Thursdays.

Where to Stay in Coeburn

Consider nearby The Inn at Wise, located about eight miles west of the downtown area. Nestled in the Appalachian mountains, the Colonial Revival landmark offers a charming stay with comfortable rooms and suites. 

Where to Eat in Coeburn

Stop at Moon Dog Brick Oven for a bite to eat in Wise. In Coeburn, find German fare at Oma's Haus or Mexican at Mi Hacienda. 

PULASKI

Pulaski has several historic stops worth a visit, including the Pulaski Theatre, a restored historic theater that hosts concerts, live stage performances, and children’s shows. Another spot worth a visit is the Pulaski Historic Train Depot, built by the Virginia-Tennessee Railroad in 1888 and nicknamed the “Grand Old Lady of Pulaski.” While much of the depot was destroyed in a fire, a historical restoration managed to salvage the original stone walls, preserving this important piece of Southwest Virginia history.

A few miles southeast of Pulaski, Thee Draper Village has been a favorite spot for locals for over 125 years, frequently hosting live music, workshops, and special events. You can also shop a selection of locally sourced foods and artisan wares in the Draper Mercantile Marketplace.

Pulaski is also well known as an outdoor recreation destination, with New River Trail State Park and Claytor Lake just a few miles away. The Dora Trail connects the New River Trail to downtown Pulaski, where cyclists and hikers can explore along the banks of the picturesque New River.

Where to Stay in Pulaski

Book a room at the Jackson Park Inn for an overnight stay. The inn is located in a converted building which used to house a 1920s grocery warehouse. 

Where to Eat in Pulaski

Purple Cactus Taqueria is your spot for tacos. Another eating option is Corner Deli, an unassuming family-owned spot with subs, burgers, and breakfast. 

TAZEWELL

One of the oldest communities in Southwest Virginia, Tazewell was first named Jeffersonville due to Thomas Jefferson also being elected as the third President of the United States the same year (1799) that the town was founded. Eventually renamed Tazewell in 1892, the town is well known for the surrounding scenery.

Take in the views from your car (or for a real adventure, your motorcycle!) when you drive on the Back of the Dragon, the moniker given to Route 16 due to its more than 300 winding curves in about 32 miles. The route has spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, especially in spring and fall.

For even more stunning scenery around Tazewell, drive the Mountain Heritage Loop and see Burke’s Garden, an ancient mountain that collapsed in on itself, creating a massive bowl in the earth. The site is often referred to as “God’s Thumbprint” due to its shape and epic proportions. End the loop at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum to learn about the cultural history and mountain heritage prevalent in Southwest Virginia. 

Where to Stay in Tazewell

Stay at Foxtail Orchards Cabins & Campground, located at the gateway to the Back of the Dragon in beautiful Thompson Valley.

Where to Eat in Tazewell

Don't miss your chance to stop by Wayfarer Appalchia, a bar and restaurant that doubles as a rocking live music venue. Grab a casual bite at Fisher & Company, a family-operated barbecue restaurant housed in an old general store building across the street from the Crab Orchard Museum. 

FLOYD

Floyd is home to the internationally-renowned Floyd Country Store, a general store that doubles as a live music venue, celebrating Southwest Virginia’s deep musical roots, especially in bluegrass and old-time music. Visit on the weekends for the Friday Night Jamboree, a family-friendly live music event that features different artists each week.

Although it only occurs once a year, FloydFest is another music event that draws people to the area from all over the world. This four-day music festival hosts big name artists like Gov’t Mule, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Foster the People, all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In addition to music, FloydFest offers local arts, food, and craft lessons that give a comprehensive overview of Southwest Virginia culture. Make sure to snap a picture at the LOVEwork at the Floyd Center for the Arts, made up of quilts designed and sewed by local quilt makers.

Where to Stay in Floyd

Get a unique lodging experience when you spend the night at Floyd Yurt Lodging, a 30-foot circular yurt with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and spacious loft area. At night, you can take in the incredible starry skies through a five-foot clear dome in the middle of the yurt roof. Or book a stay at the Hotel Floyd, an eco-friendly upscale hotel in Downtown Floyd.

Where to Eat in Floyd

Stop in to Dogtown for a wood-fired pizza and some live music to go along with it, or get a quick bite at the Floyd Country Store. Don't miss OuterSpace, an outdoor food court packed with eclectic finds and a variety of eats. 

CLINTWOOD

A vibrant small town near the Kentucky/Virginia border, Clintwood is best known for the Ralph Stanley Museum, a museum dedicated to the life and music of Dr. Ralph Stanley, a legend in traditional Appalachian old-time music. The exhibits also detail musicians influenced by Stanley’s music, including Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless, and the history of the genre’s ties to Southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains.

Like most towns in Southwest Virginia, Clintwood is surrounded by natural beauty. Drive Route 611, the Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive, for a memorable trip through the gorgeous mountain landscape. Discover this beauty on-foot with a hike to Birch Knob Tower in the nearby Jefferson National Forest. From the top of the tower — which is 3,144 feet above sea level — you’ll have uninterrupted panoramic views of Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and (on a clear day) Ohio.

If you’re looking for even more outdoor scenery, plan a stop at Breaks Interstate Park to see the largest canyon east of the Mississippi, appropriately called the “Grand Canyon of the South."

Where to Stay in Clintwood

Stay at a restored, century-old home that's down the street from the Ralph Stanley Museum, or opt for a rustic stay at Pound River Campground.  

Where to Eat in Clintwood

Eat at La Casa Mexicana in downtown Clintwood.

Virginia has countless small towns that offer charm, hospitality, and a whole lot of fun. From small towns for outdoor lovers to the best foodie destinations, discover what makes Virginia’s small towns an excellent choice for an unforgettable vacation.