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Virginia Mountains
The Virginia Mountains Region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with lakes to boat, rivers to fish, and peaks to conquer, but that's not all.
Highland County is known as “Virginia’s Switzerland” thanks to its alpine climate; the highest mean elevation of any county east of the Mississippi River. Monterey hosts the Highland Maple Festival annually in March. The Library of Congress designated it a “Local Legacy” in 1999. Visit for a literal taste of the mountains and incredible views.
The Omni Homestead Resort is a gem of Bath County and a quintessential escape for those seeking authentic southern hospitality. Absent of a single stop light, 89% of Bath County is comprised of natural forest and state park. Here, you’ll appreciate the great outdoors alongside world renowned chamber music at Garth Newell, an unexpected delight.
Virginia’s oldest covered bridge and the last remaining covered humpback bridge in the United States can be found in Alleghany County. Built in 1857, Humpback Bridge ushered traffic across Dunlap Creek until 1929. Falling Spring Creek is a tributary to Dunlap Creek, and along Route 220 is where you’ll find its namesake 80’ waterfall, Falling Spring. Pull over and enjoy what Thomas Jefferson described as a “remarkable cascade.”
Those seeking a stunning drive will find it in Craig County, another locale void of stop lights but abundant in natural resources. Agritourism is thriving; visit fisheries, tree farms, pumpkin patches, and pick-your-own blueberry patches for a feel of rural mountain life. You'll find small town charm in Paint Bank and New Castle, where the shopping is unique and history comes alive at the Old Brick Hotel.
The Upper James River Water Trail is your call to experience the outdoors of Botetourt County. Float and fish through scenic pastures before enjoying the wineries and history of the area. Shop nostalgic Buchanan, hailed as “one of the Best Top Ten Antiquing Towns in the US” by Fodor’s Travel, and check out the Swinging Bridge, too.
The “Star City of the South” is Roanoke, the largest city, shopping, and dining destination in the region. Accolades are accumulating for the outdoor offerings of the city, however, and Roanoke County itself, an entry point for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Within the area are points of interest like the Taubman Museum, Historic Roanoke City Market, O. Winston Link Museum, various craft breweries, and one of Virginia’s favorite hikes, McAfee Knob, as seen in the film “A Walk in the Woods” starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.
Bedford County shares the shores of shimmering Smith Mountain Lake with Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties. Push off from Mariners Landing Resort, a year ‘round reprieve for families and couples alike. Those seeking history will find the one-of-a-kind National D-Day Memorial to be a somber but beautiful place. Bedford suffered the highest per capita loss during the invasion at Normandy in WWII. To walk in the footsteps of a president, head to Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat and a National Historic Landmark.
On the Franklin County side of Smith Mountain Lake are waterside destinations like Bridgewater Marina and Bernards Landing. Rent a boat and spend the day on the water or enjoy a nice meal with a great view. Franklin County is also the beginning of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Find a jam session in Rocky Mount and then head to Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum in Ferrum to learn about the many facets of folklife. Finally, one can never be in Franklin County, “the wettest county in America” and “Moonshine Capital of the World,” without sampling its legal ‘shine. Inquire about Twin Creeks Distillery’s Sweet Mash Corn, the first legal Franklin County moonshine since before Prohibition.
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- Bedford
- Buchanan
- Clifton Forge
- Covington
- Fincastle
- Hot Springs
- New Castle
- Roanoke
- Rocky Mount
- Salem
- Troutville
- Vinton
- Warm Springs
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- Alleghany County
- Bath County
- Bedford County
- Botetourt County
- Craig County
- Franklin County
- Highland County
- Roanoke County
Area Highlights
The Omni Homestead Resort
- 7696 Sam Snead Highway
The Omni Homestead Resort... the birthplace of Southern hospitality. The Omni Homestead is a luxury resort and spa surrounded by…
Buchanan Swinging Bridge
- 19990 Main Street
The Buchanan Swinging Bridge is 366 feet long, 57.5 feet tall, the only one of its type to cross the James River. Owned…
Falling Spring
- Hot Springs Rd
Falling Spring Falls is a breathtaking 80' waterfall that is one of the most visited and photographed spots in the Alleghany…
Lake Moomaw
- Route 600
Lake Moomaw was named in memory of Benjamin Moomaw whose efforts succeeded in bringing the lake to the Allegheny Highlands…
Douthat State Park
- 14239 Douthat State Park Road
A traditional family park for more than 70 years, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because its design…
Garth Newel Music Center
- 403 Garth Newel Lane
There is no better place to hear live music than Garth Newel Music Center. Our picturesque concert hall with superb acoustics…
Gathright Dam and Bolar Recreation Complex
- 756 Twin Ridge Dr.
The Bolar Mountain and Bolar Flat Recreation areas on the northwest shore of Lake Moomaw are among the most popular developed…
Trip Ideas
Family fun in Virginia's Blue Ridge
The family will have all kinds of fun in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge. With an outstanding selection of…
Getaway to the Star City in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains
Don’t let fall pass you by. Take a break and visit the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Have a fun-filled…
How To: A Wine Weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Beautiful seasons call for a road trip, and wine is an attractive lure. Let us virtually escort you around Virginia’s Blue…
Find Your Passion Along the Blue Ridge Mountains
Hub-and-spoke from Staunton to enjoy the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mountain Getaway to Virginia's Blue Ridge
Make it a family getaway to the mountains, including the sites and scenery.
Get Cozy in Botetourt County
Botetourt County has offerings perfect for family getaways, romantic weekends for two or even getaways with your closest…
Get Out on the Wine Trail of Botetourt County
One of Virginia's oldest counties is one of its newest delights. Your getaway will reveal the history, charm and hospitality…
Make Mountains Move on a Summer Mountain Vacation
Virginia is for adventurers, and if you’re looking for a true mountain adventure, look no further than this 3 day getaway in…