A Scenic Road Trip Through Southern Virginia

United States Route 58 is a scenic stretch of road coursing east to west across southern Virginia. In 10 hours, you could reach Virginia Beach from the Cumberland Gap on the Kentucky/Tennessee/Virginia border. It's not the fastest route for eager beach-bounders, to be sure, but it's a worthy trip for adventurers eager to take in the sites and spend a few days taking in all Virginia has to offer. 

Explore 350+ miles of beautiful Southern Virginia scenery, culture, food, and music on this road trip through the Commonwealth. 

CUMBERLAND GAP

Immensely beautiful and rich with westward migration history, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a great place to begin your adventure. The great pioneer, Daniel Boone, forged his way through the Gap to lead homesteaders to settle the west. There are more than 70 miles of trails to explore, Gap Caverns, and the Hensley Settlement, too, not to mention this place is a nature and landscape photographer's paradise.

It's fitting that this journey begins with Cumberland Gap, perhaps the main point of interest along The Wilderness Road: Virginia's Heritage Migration Route. As it turns out, Route 58 is named Wilderness Road between the Gap and Jonesville, and then Daniel Boone Trail between Jonesville and Duffield.

Natural Tunnel State Park

Duffield is where you'll find the Natural Tunnel State Park and its centerpiece, the 10-story natural tunnel which remains an active thoroughfare for Norfolk Southern and CSX coal cars. Points of interest here include the tunnel itself, the view of it from a chairlift (especially amazing when lit up during the holiday season), trails to places like Lover's Leap, and of course, the scenery.

Cabins and camping are available at Natural Tunnel, even cabins big enough for more than a few people. It's a great place to overnight before continuing your road trip.

Hob-Nob Drive In & Carter Family Fold

For an entertaining and fueling pit stop, make a quick detour to grab lunch and take in some tunes. 

The Hob-Nob Drive In in Gate City serves up a quick-order counter lunch that you'd expect from a 1950s diner style establishment (which it is). The burgers are big and juicy; the shakes? Divine. It's the perfect stop before checking out Carter Family Fold—a story of music and a slice of Americana.

If you're a country music fan, you have the Carter Family of Hiltons, VA to thank. A.P., his wife Sara and her cousin Maybelle recorded 300 songs between 1927 and 1942. Their genre was traditional Appalachian, which led the way for their family (June Carter Cash and husband Johnny Cash) and today's country musicians to record music and reach the masses. When you head off the beaten path of 58 into Hiltons and A.P. Carter Highway, the Fold is a quick three miles up the road on your left. A.P.'s general store is a museum, the old homeplace has been reconstructed on site, and the music center hosts bands every weekend. Saturday is the only day you can get inside to visit, so plan accordingly.

Birthplace Of Country Music Museum

Continue on 58/421 to State Street in Bristol. On the left, you're in Virginia. To your right is Tennessee. Your stop here is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. If you've timed your travels such that you're ready for a bite to eat, stop by Burger Bar for a meal and some local lore. It's said that Hank Williams enjoyed his last meal at Burger Bar—in fact, "they say" this was the last place he was seen in public.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is dedicated to the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, meaning you're going to have an incredible experience in this facility.

ABINGDON

To get back on track, take Route 113 north to Route 11 where you can drive on to Abingdon. This is another great place to stretch your legs and see something new and beautiful. Go to The Barter Theatre (the State Theatre of Virginia), take in the grounds and spa of The Martha Hotel, and enjoy great dining and artisan shopping.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail has trail heads in Abingdon, Alvarado, Damascus, Creek Junction, and Whitetop Station. Damascus is the next stop along your Route 58 adventure. Go on to Damascus and connect with a bike service company for bike rental and shuttle to the top at Whitetop Mountain. From there you can coast down to Damascus. It's about 18 miles down (but you're coasting), so supper at Damascus Old Mill Inn and an overnight might be in order, depending on your pace.

Grayson Highlands State Park

If you're not into cycling or are otherwise into scenic views, Grayson Highlands State Park is your next stop. Waterfalls, overlooks, and Virginia's highest peaks are found here.

GALAX

If you've never heard of the Galax Old Time Fiddlers' Convention, you're missing out. It's the oldest and largest fiddlers' convention in the world, and it happens annually the second week of August. Can't make it? Plan to pass through for a show at the Rex Theater. In the summer months, make a beeline south down Route 89 to Blue Ridge Music Center at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There you'll find an amphitheater hosting musical acts on the weekends, though there are sites, music and more available most any day of the week.

Does fishing or floating appeal to you? Contact New River Trips for guided excursions on the New. There's also a great rail trail through New River Trail State Park, perfect for photography, biking, or just taking a stroll.

Hillsville Diner

Virginia's oldest continuously operating streetcar diner is Hillsville Diner in Hillsville. It was built in the 1920s and has been operating in Hillsville since 1946. It's the perfect nostalgic stop for cheap, short order food and an authentic diner experience.

Blue Ridge Parkway Detour

This detour is worth it! Take Route 52 south of Hillsville to pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway at Fancy Gap.

• Milepost 189.9: Orlean Hawks Puckett Cabin — See a preserved log cabin with rail fencing, the home of Orlean Hawks Puckett, a mid-wife who assisted with more than 1,000 deliveries from 1890 to 1939.
• Milepost 189: Doe Run Lodging — If you need a place to stay, these chalets, villas and log homes have beautiful views from their perches atop Groundhog Mountain.
• Milepost 189.1: Pilot Mountain Scenic Overlook — Check out the Carolina Piedmont below Pilot Mountain.
• Milepost 188.8: Groundhog Mountain Overlook — Here you'll find a picnic area with grills and tables, not to mention an observation tour to take in the views.
• Exit the Parkway at Meadows of Dan to pick up Route 58

Fresh Goodies At Poor Farmers, Meadows Of Dan

Don't pass by Poor Farmers, a country store dishing out homemade fudge and pies, fresh produce, hoop cheese, old fashioned candy, and plenty more. Rock a bit on the front porch while you're there.

STUART

You'll find no shortage of speedy things in Stuart, like NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars at the Wood Brothers Racing Museum. The Wood Brothers have been involved with NASCAR almost since its inception. You can see the iconic number 21 car on the next track scheduled for competition, and of course, at Virginia's tracks: Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway.

If a visit to WBR Museum isn't enough, check out the Virginia Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame, detailing moonshine's contribution to the birth of NASCAR, and showcasing various cars.

Farm Stops From Stuart To Martinsville

Take a short detour off of 58 down Route 680 to Stanburn Winery, an 11-acre family vineyard and winery. Try their Traminette, Highfly, or Cabernet Franc, all gold medal winners in the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition.

Seventeen miles away and continuing on Route 58 is Stonehaus Farms, a petting ranch offering one-hour farm tours featuring Nigerian dwarf milking goats, llamas, donkeys, and more. Take home a bit of the farm with soy and beeswax candles or hard cheeses.

MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY

Pay a visit to Piedmont Arts, a museum displaying beautiful, varying media from international, national and regional artists. If you're traveling with kids, check out the mini art studio in the Discovery Room.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is also a place to play. This world-class facility is associated with the Smithsonian Institute and has many events and programs offered year round. Their exhibits include ancient life, discoveries found in Virginia, Native American life, and much more. If your visit coincides with one of their "Night at the Museum" sleepovers, you are in luck!

For a meal, check out Rania's Italian Restaurant for fresh ingredients and homemade desserts or Wild Magnolia for eclectic Southern cuisine.

DANVILLE

No visit to Danville is complete without a drive (or walk) down Millionaires Row on Main Street. Tobacco and textiles were the cash engines of Southern Virginia, and these Victorian and Edwardian homes reflect those prosperous times.

Within Millionaires Row is the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, which happens to find itself in storied Sutherlin Mansion, the place where Confederate President Jefferson Davis wrote his final proclamation and met with his cabinet for the last time. It is with this history that Suthernlin Mansion is known as "The Last Capitol of the Confederacy."

The first woman seated in the British House of Commons as a Member of Parliament was born in Danville, Virginia. Nancy Langhorne is better known as Lady Astor, and you might have also unknowingly heard of her sister Irene, the "Gibson Girl." Visit The Langhorne House to learn about the family.

In the Tobacco Warehouse District of Danville you'll find none other than the Golden Leaf Bistro, an upscale dining option that sources local ingredients to craft seasonal specialties. They're open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and offer a tapas menu and full bar.

Work in a fun stop for the kids at the Danville Science Center. Running off some steam and getting hands-on will do a family good.

After leaving Danville, travel east along Route 58 about 20 miles to get to the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, which is known as "America's Motorsport Resort." The raceway has a full calendar of events, but some of the biggest racing events this year include the Oak Tree Grand Prix, the MotoAmerica Mid-Atlantic Superbike Doubleheader, and Hyperfest, a festival that showcases a variety of car racing contests.

SOUTH BOSTON

Much like Danville, South Boston has a rich tobacco heritage and a Tobacco Warehouse District. Within the district is The Prizery, an arts and cultural center. The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is so named because of its tobacco past. Tobacco was "prized" (pressed) for shipping. The leaves were pressed by the layer into barrels and those barrels were shipped for sale via the railroad or the Dan River. A visit to The Prizery today includes an art gallery, a Revolutionary War exhibit called "Crossing of the Dan," and perhaps entertainment in the 250-seat theatre.

Turn in for the night at Berry Hill Resort, a 650-acre historic treasure complete with golf, a spa, and recreation.

CLARKSVILLE

As you head into Clarksville, take Route 58 business to experience downtown. If you're a water sports enthusiast, this is an awesome place to spend some time. Buggs Island Lake / Kerr Reservoir is Virginia's largest lake and boasts the IGFA World Record for a blue catfish catch. Additionally, In-Fisherman named it the number one crappie fishing lake in the United States. 

If you're hungry, try Lamplighter Restaurant or Cooper's Landing Inn & Traveler's Tavern to cheers to your Southern Virginia adventure.