Check out our array of guides to the best things to do in the Virginia Mountains, including stories on all the best VA mountain towns, restaurants, hiking trails, waterfalls, tourist attractions, and accommodations.
Visiting the Virginia Mountains
The 10 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Museums to Visit
The Blue Ridge Parkway (and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain towns) is heaving with options for amazing outdoor adventures. But whether it’s a rainy day,
Exploring Groundhog Meadow & Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is roughly split evenly between North Carolina and Virginia, linking two of the most beloved US National Parks– Great Smoky
20 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2025
Blue Ridge Mountain resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some upscale luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains focus on foodie-friendly restaurants, outstanding golf courses,
The 30 Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to Visit in 2025
Over the 5 years since we launched Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, our team has visited 70-80 different towns in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and
7 Fun Things to Do for Christmas in Galax VA
Galax is one of those quaint little Virginia mountain towns that becomes all the more endearing during the Christmas holidays. Although best-known as “the Old-Time
The 10 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year, encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and is home to the impressively
The 10 Best Rental Cabins in Shenandoah Valley VA
The Shenandoah Valley is a breathtaking region of Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Potomac and James Rivers. In
7 Fun Things to Do in Galax VA in Autumn
With a total land area of 8.28 sq miles, Galax is a wonderful little Virginia mountain town to visit at any time of year. But, in our
The Top 10 Things to Do in Floyd VA
After moving to Western NC, I fell in love with the vast array of small Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to explore. My wife Emma and
The 15 Best Places for Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains (GA, NC, TN, VA)
Want to keep one foot in nature while simultaneously turning up the dial on luxury? Try a weekend of glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA
There’s hardly an inch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that wouldn’t make a lovely spot to have a picnic. Whether you’ve been taking a scenic
The Top 10 Fall Festivals in the Virginia Mountains (2024)
Without a doubt, Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is my favorite season. The colors start to change, the heat starts to subside, and the farm
How to Get to Crabtree Falls VA (Near Lexington/Natural Bridge)
It’s insane to realize that there are two different Crabtree Falls that are commonly associated with the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, but that is the world
The 10 Best Things to Do in Galax VA (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 215)
Located about 7 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Galax VA is the epitome of the ideal small mountain town in Southwest Virginia. Some
The Best Lake Gear of 2024 (Floats, Grills, Coolers & More)
We’ve written about how much Mary and I both love the water many times before. She grew up spending weeks every summer with her grandparents
The 10 Best Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Spanning 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway should be on the bucket list of any avid hiker or road trip
The 10 Best Waterfalls on/near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
There are over 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. That stretch is riddled with marvelous Blue Ridge Mountain views that leave little
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in Virginia
There’s a wealth of beautiful things to see while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. But the 200+ scenic mountain overlooks found along the way are
A Detailed History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as “America’s favorite drive,” with over 16 million annual visitors making it the most popular unit of
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in VA & NC
When we think of America’s most beloved scenic route, most people envision jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, amazing waterfalls, and/or the colorful foliage along the Blue
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bedford VA (BRP MP 85.6–90.9)
Founded in 1782 (when it was originally known as Liberty), Bedford VA is one of our favorite small towns in the Shenandoah Valley. Located about
Hiking the Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail Near Waynesboro VA
Do you love exploring caves and caverns? Do you love hiking interesting trails that don’t involve lots of elevation gain? If you answered yes to
How to Plan an Amazing Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles in Virginia and North Carolina, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though seasoned travelers
The 10 Best Hotels in Bristol TN/VA (With Pet-Friendly Options!)
Much like Lookout Mountain (which straddles the border between GA and TN), Bristol is a town in two states. The north side of its main street
The 10 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville VA
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a few hours south of Washington DC, Charlottesville is widely regarded as one of the
The 10 Best Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
We love our home in Harrisonburg VA because it’s close to so many wonderful Shenandoah Valley attractions and activities. Nature lovers and history buffs alike
10 Fun Things to Do During Winter in Virginia
[Updated November 30, 2024] Winter weather in Virginia varies greatly, depending on whether you’re in the Virginia mountains or along the coast. But, as longtime
The Best Places for Snow Skiing in Virginia
[Updated November 30, 2024] Curling up by a roaring fire in a cozy little mountain cabin rental sounds like the perfect idea of Winter fun.
The 10 Best Virginia Mountain Resorts to Visit
The Virginia Mountains were renowned for their beauty long before the first European settlers set foot on this continent. And they’ve been a popular vacation
The 10 Best Small Towns in Virginia to Visit
There are dozens of charming small towns in Virginia, but in our experience the ones in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley easily rank among the
15 Great Romantic Getaways in Virginia for Couples
[Updated on January 27, 2024] If you’re looking for a vacation filled with relaxation, romance, and pampering, there are plenty of romantic getaways in Virginia
The 40 Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts for 2023-2024
[Updated on December 5, 2023] Growing up in North Georgia, some of my favorite childhood memories involved camping and hiking in the mountains with my
10 Festive Things to Do for Christmas in Richmond VA
[Updated October 27, 2024] As longtime Harrisonburg residents, we love celebrating Christmas in Richmond VA to get into the holiday spirit! Coming from the more
10 Festive Things to Do in Shenandoah Valley VA for Christmas
[Updated October 27, 2024] Christmas events in the Shenandoah Valley can be delightfully old fashioned, and yet also quite modern. We’ve lived in Harrisonburg VA
Visiting the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton VA
Located 3 miles from Downtown Staunton VA, the Frontier Culture Museum is the largest living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley and one of the
The 10 Best Breweries in Harrisonburg VA to Visit
Despite the fact that we’ve lived in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia for 30+ years now, we still love discovering new hiking trails, roads, mountain
Exploring the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Appalachian Music Trail
Appalachia music is well-known around the U.S. and highly regarded worldwide. This region’s peaks and valleys were instrumental (pun intended!) in forming the foundation of
The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Train rides for Christmas chug back into our lives with a payload of nostalgia on board. Railroads come from a historic era before automobiles and
30 Facts About Mennonite History, Culture & Amish Connections
My wife, Heather, and I both grew up in the Mennonite community and attended Mennonite churches and schools. If you met us, you’d see that
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol TN/VA
While Nashville may be considered the home of country music today, many experts consider Bristol TN/VA to be the birthplace of the genre. After all,
The 15 Best Christmas Tree Farms in Virginia (2024)
[Updated November 30, 2024] Boone NC is the undisputed king of Christmas trees in the Appalachian Mountains region, annually providing millions of Frasier firs for families
The 10 Best Things to Do in Charlottesville VA
[Updated January 31, 2024] The historic town of Charlottesville is at the center of the State of Virginia, both geographically and historically. Here you’ll find
10 Best Haunted Houses in Virginia for Halloween
I truly love October in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s when Autumn temperatures cool things down, the amazing Fall foliage gets into full swing,
The 20 Best Places To See Christmas Lights in Virginia (2024-2025)
The 15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights in Virginia from SWVA to Norfolk and Virginia Beach including drive through Christmas lights.
The 10 Best Corn Mazes in Virginia to Visit
In our experience, a good head-scratcher of a Fall corn maze really makes it feel like Autumn (much like leaf-peeping, pumpkin patches, and apple picking).
Fall in Shenandoah National Park: 10 Places to See Fall Foliage
Shenandoah National Park in the Fall invites you to experience panoramic views, cool breezes, beautiful birds, and leaves falling like colorful gems from above. In
Fall in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia: 10 Places to See Fall Foliage
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” This line from the Emily Brontë poem “Fall, Leaves, Fall” perfectly captures the wistful
The 15 Best Escape Rooms in Virginia to Visit
If you like brain teasers, love a good head-scratching mystery, or just enjoy playing pretend, there are some amazingly fun escape rooms in Virginia you
Virginia Fall Foliage: The 15 Best Places to See Fall Colors in VA
Fall is finally here! In the state of Virginia, where we live, we’re already pulling out our flannel shirts and stepping out for a pumpkin
What is Bluegrass? The History & Evolution of Appalachian Music
[Updated on September 18, 2023] The Appalachian Mountains encompass a massive portion of the United States. They span 420 counties in 13 states, with foothills
The 10 Best Restaurants in Staunton VA to Visit
Staunton VA is one of the oldest mountain towns in the Shenandoah Valley, which lies just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. It’s a popular destination
20 Incredible Places To See the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall
As the sweltering days of Summer say their goodbyes, the nights and mornings get a little cooler, and the promise of changing leaves in the
Celebrating Autumn at Oktobrewfest in Tazewell County VA
It’s approximately 4,497 miles from Tazewell VA to Munich, the German home of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest celebration of beer. But if a trip to Deutschland
The 15 Best Virginia Music Festivals to Visit
The state of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Southern Appalachia and are all widely recognized for their musical influence, both historically and currently. On a
30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
“O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses…” Written by a long-forgotten author in the 1700s, this poem memorializes a haunting tale
Apple Picking in Virginia: The 20 Best VA Apple Orchards to Visit
[Updated August 10, 2024] Virginia is one of the largest apple-producing states in the nation, with plenty of apple orchards scattered throughout the state. Many
The 15 Best Pumpkin Patches in VA to Visit for 2024
[Updated 9/15/24] If you’re looking for the best pumpkin patches in VA, you’ll find a seemingly endless array of options to choose from in every
The 10 Best Things to Do in Staunton VA
Located 16 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway (and just 11 miles west of Waynesboro), the lively town of Staunton VA is teeming with art, theater,
The 10 Most Haunted Places in Virginia to Visit
You don’t have to look very far to find some hair-raising haunted places in the state of Virginia. From Civil War sites and haunted
The Best Lake Day Gear & Accessories for Summer
My lady and I are HUGE lake day lovers, and have been for years. Since travel is work for us, a day at the lake
The 10 Best Restaurants in Harrisonburg VA to Visit
Surrounded by an array of farms, orchards, and wineries, Harrisonburg is Virginia’s first official culinary district. The sheer variety of places to eat in Harrisonburg
The 10 Best Things to Do in Harrisonburg VA & Rockingham County
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, with the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the east and the grand Alleghenies to the west,
The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in Virginia
River tubing in Virginia is the perfect way to cool down during the dog days of summer, while also exploring some of the state’s most
Exploring Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
[Updated January 28, 2025] Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway
20 Beautiful Butterflies in VA
My husband and I live in a cabin we built near Doughton Park and Elkin NC, about 20 miles south of the VA border. So
The 10 Best Things to Do in Waynesboro VA (Augusta County)
[Updated June 26, 2023] It’s been said that the most important considerations when it comes to real estate are “location, location, location.” If that’s truly
The 10 Best National Parks in Virginia
Virginia is for lovers, but it’s easy to love because the state is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Visitors are constantly wowed by
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bristol TN/VA
Visiting Bristol TN/VA means getting to explore awesome places in two states, because the Blue Ridge mountain towns‘ main street literally acts as a state boundary. The
The 15 Best Things to Do in Luray VA (Gateway to Shenandoah)
[Updated Jun 20, 2023] Located in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Luray is the county seat of Page County and one of just
The 15 Best Things to Do in Roanoke VA
[Updated June 16, 2023] With a population of around 100,000 people, Roanoke is both the largest city along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the largest
The 15 Best Virginia Waterfalls for Hiking
Once you start digging into all the different Virginia waterfalls, you’ll quickly realize that there are far too many Virginia hikes with waterfalls to possibly
Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
“Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” is a question we get fairly often, and it’s understandable why so many people are confused by the geographical
The 10 Best Civil War Battlefields in Virginia to Visit
With hundreds of memorials, museums, and VA battlefields to see, visiting all of the Civil War sites in Virginia would be an impressive feat. In
The 10 Best Historic & Covered Bridges in Virginia
The State of Virginia has a cool collection of historic and covered bridges, all of which are well worth a visit if you’re traveling in
The 10 Best Caves and Caverns in Virginia
If you’ve ever driven I-81 through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, you probably know that there are myriad caverns and caves in Virginia. In fact, many
The 10 Best Campgrounds in Virginia
The state of Virginia is blessed with a splendid selection of landscapes to explore, from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Dismal Swamp to Virginia Beach. Nothing
20 Beautiful Birds of Virginia
There are nearly 500 species of birds in Virginia, including native species and migratory visitors. For fans of the feather– whether novices or serious birders–
Visiting the Peaks of Otter Lodge & Campground in Bedford VA
We’ve been fortunate enough to drive the entire 469-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway several times over the past two years. And though the
10 Best Virginia Mountain Towns to Visit
The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains stretch approximately 550 miles, from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. But the State of Virginia is home to 300+ linear miles
30 Fun Facts About Virginia State History and Culture
The state of Virginia packs seemingly endless natural beauty and historic sites into its 42,775 square miles, including the Jamestown Settlement and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit
The best Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds including info on facilities, unique features and nearby attractions.
20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
The Virginia mountains encompass much of the western half of the state. Most of the mountain lakes, stunning summits, and incredible scenic vistas are part
The 5 Best Places for Snow Tubing in Virginia 2024/2025
Rumored to date back to the 1820s, snow tubing is a fun winter pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. A perennially
The Best Ski Resorts in the Virginia Mountains to Visit
[Updated November 30, 2024] The state of Virginia may not be the first place you think of when it comes to winter sports. There aren’t
20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
[Updated October 27, 2024] During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state
The 10 Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia to Visit
[Updated October 27, 2024] As much as we love the wildflowers of spring, lakes and swimming holes in summer, and the dazzling fall colors, Christmas
10 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Virginia
[Updated November 30, 2024] The Christmas season tends to be filled with festive joy and wonder, no matter where you are. It’s a time for
The 10 Best Virginia Wineries to Visit for Wine Tastings & Tours
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, visiting wineries in Virginia is a great way to see the beauty of
The 8 Best Breweries in Roanoke VA, the Heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge
[Updated August 16, 2022] The fact that a Blue Ridge mountain town the size of Roanoke VA (population 99,411) has enough breweries to create an “8
Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in Virginia (ID Guide)
Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in Virginia, including ways to identify snakes, snake habitat & and what to do if you or your dog is bitten.
Things to Do at Wintergreen Resort in Summer (Near Waynesboro VA)
Things to Do at Wintergreen Resort in Summer, including all the best hiking trails, waterfalls, family activities and Wintergreen restaurants.
40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia)
American folk music, and particularly traditional Appalachian music, would be incomplete without the signature twang of the banjo. Along with the accompaniment of the fiddle, the
The 10 Best Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in VA
The Appalachian Trail extends 2,190 miles north to south in the eastern United States. Nearly a quarter of that—more than 550 miles— lies within (or
30 Fascinating Facts About the Appalachian Mountains for Trivia Buffs
The Appalachian Mountains run north to south in the eastern third of the United States, passing through every coastal state north of Florida and all
Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions
Stretching from Alabama and North Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later,
Hungry Mother State Park Cabins, Camping & Hiking Trails
Hungry Mother State Park is one of the six original Virginia State Parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It includes over 3,300 acres of wilderness,
The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA
Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, about halfway between Roanoke and Waynesboro, Lexington VA is a small college town with a rich history dating back to
The 15 Best Things to Do in SWVA (Southwest Virginia)
Virginia is a phenomenal state to explore for anyone who appreciates the wilderness, as well as those who enjoy delving into US history and Appalachian
The 10 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA (Virginia’s Blue Ridge)
[Updated 1/12/2022] The city of Roanoke VA has no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. With a population of around 100,000 people– the largest
The 20 Most Beautiful Wildflowers in Virginia (& Where to See Them)
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offer a rich, biodiverse terrain with lots of mountain streams, waterfalls, high-altitude meadows, and extensive forests. It’s a perfectly
The 15 Best Lakes in the Virginia Mountains to Visit
Nothing quite ups the ante on a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains like nestling in beside a beautiful mountain lake. In our eyes, Virginia
Camping and Hiking in Natural Bridge State Park, VA
Though it wasn’t designated as one of Virginia’s State Parks until 2016, Natural Bridge of VA has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since
Camping and Hiking in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
One of the most popular Virginia State Parks, Grayson Highlands State Park is in a fantastic location. It’s set in the beautiful high country in
The Best Restaurants in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA for Foodies
Located about halfway between Roanoke and Waynesboro, just over 10 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lexington is arguably the most historic town in
The 10 Best Virginia State Parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains
My wife and I live in the northernmost part of Western North Carolina, less than 20 miles from the Virginia border. It’s a great place
The 10 Hiking Essentials Packing List for the Blue Ridge Mountains
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.
Exploring the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA
If I’m being completely honest, visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA, was not even on our itinerary. We literally hadn’t even considered
Tips for Tackling the McAfee Knob Hike Near Roanoke, Virginia
Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, Roanoke VA boasts a winning blend of the attractions and activities you’d expect from a small city, surrounded by
Visiting Mill Mountain Park & the Roanoke Star in Roanoke VA
Exploring Mill Mountain Park is one of the most popular things to do in Roanoke, beloved by both visitors to and residents of Virginia’s Blue
The Best Things to Do at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in Roanoke VA
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the fifth largest city park in the entire United States, and the second-largest run by a municipality. It encompasses more than
Things to Do at Center In The Square in Downtown Roanoke VA
Encompassing 43 square miles, with a population right around 100,000, Roanoke is the largest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with loads of great shopping,
Exploring the Blue Ridge Music Center Near Galax VA (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 213)
The Blue Ridge Music Center was established by an act of Congress in 1985 to celebrate the rich cultural history and ongoing musical traditions of the
The Appalachian Culture & History of the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you’ve lived in the Southeast for a good portion of your life (as our team has), chances are you’ve been exploring Appalachia and the
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in NC & VA
[Updated September 14, 2021] In our opinion, taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is one of the finest romantic getaways or family vacations the