LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BACK OF THE DRAGON
Virginia is not just for lovers anymore, it is a destination for riding enthusiasts! Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s famed Route 16 lies Back of the Dragon…32 miles of exhilarating winding curves and unparalleled excitement.
Spanning from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia riders from around the world unite for the experience of a lifetime. Back of the Dragon offers over 400 curves for the thrill-seeking knee draggers, a two-lane ribbon road for the sports car aficionado’s and breathtaking views of the expansive 3 mountain range for all riders.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a ribbon of road that weaves through the region’s vibrant living traditions. From Cherokee life and agricultural history to Southern Appalachian crafts and music, the Parkway’s 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina offer many ways to explore rich traditions.
Millions of visitors enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway each year. Some think of it as just a motor road or a pleasant drive. But the Parkway is also a place of varied and significant natural resources.
CLAW OF THE DRAGON
It would be a challenge for motorcycle riders to find a more beautiful driving trail than the scenic back roads of Southwest Virginia. Looping through the Blue Ridge Mountain range, The Claw of the Dragon is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the South for motorcycle enthusiasts.
With the charming town of Wytheville, Virginia, as the trail’s center or hub, the trail features loops totaling over 350 miles as it ventures over to the community of Marion to the west and Galax to the east. The drive meanders through parts of seven Virginia counties but is easily accessible from Interstates 77 or 81 as a starting part.
BIG WALKER LOOKOUT
Big Walker Lookout is Virginia’s oldest privately owned scenic attraction, and is located in Wythe County in Southwest Virginia! At an elevation of 3,405 feet, Big Walker Lookout affords one of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains to our visitors. Looking out over the patterned farms of Virginia in one direction and the untouched wilderness in another, you’ll find it hard to believe that the views are real. As if the mountains’ natural height weren’t enough, Big Walker Lookout features an observation tower that puts you another 100 feet higher. Climb above the treetops to enjoy a view beyond belief, “Where only the Birds See More”!
GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK
Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
CHATEAU MORRISETTE
Chateau Morrisette is a third generation tradition in Virginia winemaking in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you visit us, enjoy the rustic elegance of theChateau Morrisette Restaurant or take in one of our Black Dog Music Festivals or other special events. Savor the view, ranked among the top restaurant views in America. Sip some wine by one of our fireplaces, on our restaurant terrace, or in our winery courtyard. Relax and enjoy. Chateau Morrisette is open year round. Find us along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia.
BUFFALO MOUNTAIN ZIPLINES
At Buffalo Mountain Ziplines in Floyd, VA you will soar through the treetops on cables as high as 150′ above the forest floor while traversing distances of up to 2400′.
MABRY MILL
Explore the historic Mabry Mill, perhaps the most iconic structure on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience live milling demonstrations, as this gristmill still grinds flour more than a century since its original construction! See the nearby Matthews Cabin, blacksmith shop and interpretive area. Here, National Park Service staff conducts demonstrations on blacksmithing, carding, spinning, basket making and other traditional Appalachian crafts. On Sundays throughout the summer, local folk and mountain music performers appear live here as well!
NANCY’S CANDY CO.
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a small mountain community where pride in accomplishment is still important. This is the home of my Candy Factory. With the help of caring neighbors, we make the greatest tasting fudge, chocolates and truffles. Using the finest chocolate, fresh cream and butter and a little extra patience, I developed my original recipe for creamy fudge, decadent truffles, homestyle chocolates and lots more. Folks say our candy is the best they’ve ever had. Come visit us and shop our factory candy store – you’ve never seen so many luscious chocolates, mouth- watering fudges, artisan truffles and handmade candies. And at factory prices!
TOWN OF FLOYD, VA
Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty. We’re renowned for our hospitality and for a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and wines, and outdoor recreation. Floyd is a key stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail – with our famous Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Floyd is as much a state of mind as it is a destination
BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER
The sounds of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar are likely to welcome you when you visit the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia.
May through October, we invite you to clap along to bluegrass, old-time, blues, and Americana concerts in our scenic amphitheater, learn about the regions musical heritage at the Roots of American Music Museum, sit and enjoy our Midday Mountain Music sessions, and explore our hiking trails.
THE TOWN OF HILLSVILLE
A charming, safe, progressive community nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia; Hillsville is easily accessible by car and by air. The town is served by two primary state highways, Routes 58 and 221, and Interstate highway 77. The residents are friendly and hardworking, extending open arms to business, industry, and visitors.
The Town is steeped in history with a two block area of downtown designated as a state and national historic district.
MOUNT AIRY, NC
MOUNTAINS. MUSIC. MAYBERRY. MERLOT. Mayberry RFD icon Andy Griffith grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and it’s no coincidence that a stroll down Mount Airy’s Main Street reminds people of the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show.
In addition to Mayberry RFD and Andy Griffith, visitors find that Mount Airy, North Carolina is a great jumping off point for exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the stunning pinnacle of Pilot Mountain, or the twangy sound of bluegrass and old-time music. Whatever your passion, we invite you to step back to a simpler time when you visit Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina—affectionately known as Mayberry RFD.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BACK OF THE DRAGON
Virginia is not just for lovers anymore, it is a destination for riding enthusiasts! Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s famed Route 16 lies Back of the Dragon…32 miles of exhilarating winding curves and unparalleled excitement.
Spanning from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia riders from around the world unite for the experience of a lifetime. Back of the Dragon offers over 400 curves for the thrill-seeking knee draggers, a two-lane ribbon road for the sports car aficionado’s and breathtaking views of the expansive 3 mountain range for all riders.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a ribbon of road that weaves through the region’s vibrant living traditions. From Cherokee life and agricultural history to Southern Appalachian crafts and music, the Parkway’s 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina offer many ways to explore rich traditions.
Millions of visitors enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway each year. Some think of it as just a motor road or a pleasant drive. But the Parkway is also a place of varied and significant natural resources.
CLAW OF THE DRAGON
It would be a challenge for motorcycle riders to find a more beautiful driving trail than the scenic back roads of Southwest Virginia. Looping through the Blue Ridge Mountain range, The Claw of the Dragon is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the South for motorcycle enthusiasts.
With the charming town of Wytheville, Virginia, as the trail’s center or hub, the trail features loops totaling over 350 miles as it ventures over to the community of Marion to the west and Galax to the east. The drive meanders through parts of seven Virginia counties but is easily accessible from Interstates 77 or 81 as a starting part.
BIG WALKER LOOKOUT
Big Walker Lookout is Virginia’s oldest privately owned scenic attraction, and is located in Wythe County in Southwest Virginia! At an elevation of 3,405 feet, Big Walker Lookout affords one of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains to our visitors. Looking out over the patterned farms of Virginia in one direction and the untouched wilderness in another, you’ll find it hard to believe that the views are real. As if the mountains’ natural height weren’t enough, Big Walker Lookout features an observation tower that puts you another 100 feet higher. Climb above the treetops to enjoy a view beyond belief, “Where only the Birds See More”!
GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK
Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
CHATEAU MORRISETTE
Chateau Morrisette is a third generation tradition in Virginia winemaking in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you visit us, enjoy the rustic elegance of theChateau Morrisette Restaurant or take in one of our Black Dog Music Festivals or other special events. Savor the view, ranked among the top restaurant views in America. Sip some wine by one of our fireplaces, on our restaurant terrace, or in our winery courtyard. Relax and enjoy. Chateau Morrisette is open year round. Find us along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia.
BUFFALO MOUNTAIN ZIPLINES
At Buffalo Mountain Ziplines in Floyd, VA you will soar through the treetops on cables as high as 150′ above the forest floor while traversing distances of up to 2400′.
MAYBRY MILL
Explore the historic Mabry Mill, perhaps the most iconic structure on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience live milling demonstrations, as this gristmill still grinds flour more than a century since its original construction! See the nearby Matthews Cabin, blacksmith shop and interpretive area. Here, National Park Service staff conducts demonstrations on blacksmithing, carding, spinning, basket making and other traditional Appalachian crafts. On Sundays throughout the summer, local folk and mountain music performers appear live here as well!
NANCY’S CANDY CO.
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a small mountain community where pride in accomplishment is still important. This is the home of my Candy Factory. With the help of caring neighbors, we make the greatest tasting fudge, chocolates and truffles. Using the finest chocolate, fresh cream and butter and a little extra patience, I developed my original recipe for creamy fudge, decadent truffles, homestyle chocolates and lots more. Folks say our candy is the best they’ve ever had. Come visit us and shop our factory candy store – you’ve never seen so many luscious chocolates, mouth- watering fudges, artisan truffles and handmade candies. And at factory prices!
TOWN OF FLOYD, VA
Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty. We’re renowned for our hospitality and for a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and wines, and outdoor recreation. Floyd is a key stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail – with our famous Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Floyd is as much a state of mind as it is a destination
BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER
The sounds of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar are likely to welcome you when you visit the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia.
May through October, we invite you to clap along to bluegrass, old-time, blues, and Americana concerts in our scenic amphitheater, learn about the regions musical heritage at the Roots of American Music Museum, sit and enjoy our Midday Mountain Music sessions, and explore our hiking trails.
THE TOWN OF HILLSVILLE
A charming, safe, progressive community nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia; Hillsville is easily accessible by car and by air. The town is served by two primary state highways, Routes 58 and 221, and Interstate highway 77. The residents are friendly and hardworking, extending open arms to business, industry, and visitors.
The Town is steeped in history with a two block area of downtown designated as a state and national historic district.
MOUNT AIRY, NC
MOUNTAINS. MUSIC. MAYBERRY. MERLOT. Mayberry RFD icon Andy Griffith grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and it’s no coincidence that a stroll down Mount Airy’s Main Street reminds people of the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show.
In addition to Mayberry RFD and Andy Griffith, visitors find that Mount Airy, North Carolina is a great jumping off point for exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the stunning pinnacle of Pilot Mountain, or the twangy sound of bluegrass and old-time music. Whatever your passion, we invite you to step back to a simpler time when you visit Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina—affectionately known as Mayberry RFD.