In Patrick County, Virginia, Appalachia meets the Piedmont, ridge meets gorge, and past meets future. It’s a place of contrasts and transition—a hidden treasure that’s ripe for discovery.
Whether you trek solo or with a family, prefer rugged or luxurious, explore the mountains on the ground or from a veranda with a glass of local wine in hand, Patrick County has something for everyone.
On any given day, you can find a trail to hike or a creek to paddle. You can immerse yourself in local history, whether related to the early American republic, the Civil War or NASCAR’s early roots. You can flatfoot to fiddle music, or wind down at a winery. The deeper you dig, the more you’ll find.
Take the Scenic Route
About 30 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway run through Patrick County, with scenic vistas stretching to the east and west. There is no bumper-to-bumper traffic on the county’s curvy back roads and the views are always magnificent.
Tap Your Toes
Enjoy rich local music year-round at numerous locations on the Crooked Road heritage music trail. Bluegrass and old-time traditions run deep at Crooked Road sites, including the Willis Gap Community Center, Wayside, and the Patrick County Music Association. If it’s the last weekend of July, check out FloydFest, the mega-sized world music festival located in Patrick County.
Travel in Time
Steeped in history and tradition, Patrick County’s heritage runs deep. Explore the past at the Reynolds Homestead, J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace, Patrick County Historical Society Museum or Groundhog Mountain Lookout Tower on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you feel like something faster, make time for the Wood Brothers Racing Museum, which displays the roots of a NASCAR team still running strong today.
Fun for the Whole Family
Explore Patrick County’s rugged outdoors by foot, bike, kayak or motorcycle. Test your whitewater rafting skills during the Kibler Valley River Run, or travel through Rock Castle Gorge among the remains of a lost community. Race a mountain bike on 16 miles of trails at DeHart Memorial Park, or take a more leisurely ride on the Mayo River Rail Trail. For a more high-octane option, try the Jagged Edge motorcycle trail, which runs through much of the county.
Fuel Up and Wind Down
Tour the county’s unique wineries, including Stanburn and its 15 acres of vineyard, along with Villa Appalaccia and its Italian-inspired wines and architecture. When it comes to eating, stop in at one of the restaurants that range from family-style to seafood or cafés to elegant dining. Get your fix at our local coffee shop or bakery in town. You can even take a picnic to Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, one of only 4 historic covered bridges in Virginia open to the public. After satisfying your appetite, go for a sweet finish at Nancy’s Candy, where you can sample fudge and candy made right there in the store.
After a long day, relax in luxury at Primland Resort, which is as posh as it sounds. Or settle in at one of three local bed and breakfast options, including Beaver Glen Bed & Breakfast, The Mountain Rose Inn, or Wolf Creek Farm B&B. Or for something more rustic, stay at one of the county’s various rental cabins.
