One of the most romantic areas in the U.S., Southwest Virginia welcomes travelers with warmth and the intrigue of a magical adventure waiting to unfold. Approximately 75 percent of the U.S. population can travel here within a day. This is home to some of the most photographed locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region’s two national parks, 11 state parks, and more than a thousand square miles of national and state forests are among the landscapes to explore. Hiking and off-roading, rafting and kayaking, and bouldering and ziplining are just some of the most popular ways to enjoy this diverse and exciting landscape.
This was America’s original frontier, a region filled with distinctive and authentic music and craftsmanship. At the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, stories are told and the best of regional crafts and traditional music are on display. The center is a gateway to a vibrant community of artisans, artists and craftspeople in the galleries, shops and heritage groups that make up the ‘Round The Mountain Artisan Network.
Southwest Virginia’s shared border with Tennessee boasts the Birthplace of Country Music Museum (Bristol, Virginia) and its deep roots in mountain music, old-time, bluegrass, gospel, and blues that make up the soundtrack of this region. Visitors can experience this diverse musical culture along a trail of venues, attractions and events known as Southwest Virginia’s The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.
Where to stay depends upon your interests. Close to the music and nightlife of Bristol and the theatre, arts and dining of Abingdon, yet away from it all in elevated and serene luxury, is Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, a scenic mountain oasis on 450 acres ten minutes from Bristol, Virginia. The property includes a 28-room boutique inn with beautifully appointed rooms and a penthouse suite, as well as nine luxury yurts. This newcomer was named voted the top readers’ favorite in Southern Living’s “The South’s Best Hotel in 2023 and honored by Esquire, Travel + Leisure and many others. It’s a full resort with a well-established, award-winning vineyard, a fishing pond and trails to wander, spa services and the award-winning Virginian Golf Club next door. Nicewonder’s signature restaurant, Hickory, offers a world-class culinary and wine program. James Beard Award nominee Chef Travis Milton spent his childhood in a true Appalachian kitchen. He reimagines and elevates Appalachian cuisine in a fresh, approachable way that he hopes will build upon its heritage.
If stage and screen location vacations are part of your vibe, check out the location for “Dirty Dancing” movie scenes, the rustic and historic Mountain Lake Lodge and Conservancy in Pembroke, Virginia. This getaway features rustic historic cabins, luxury cottages with fireplaces and a grand historic 1936 hotel built of native sandstone. It’s set in the middle of a 2,600-acre nature preserve with miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic vistas. Dine on gourmet fare and build memories with fun indoor and outdoor activities. From there, explore historic downtown Blacksburg and discover eclectic shopping, dining and antique hunting. Catch a live performance, play or art exhibit at Virginia Tech’s The Moss Art Center.
Stargazers looking for a luxury splurge will find a romantic, dark-sky experience near the Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Primland Resort is a thickly wooded 12,000-acre mountain estate voted “Best Resort in the U.S. South” by Condé Nast Traveler that features plenty of outdoor activities. If the fine dining, soaring great hall, fireplaces, game room and theatre, spa and indoor pool aren’t enough to win hearts, gaze farther upward. Connected to the stately historic lodge is a state-of-the-art observatory. The two-story Celestial Suite offers 1,800 square feet of tranquil space in the Lodge’s Observatory Tower. Wraparound windows reveal the stellar golf course, the Blue Ridge Mountains by day and a vast expanse of stars at night.
Additional romantic lodging on the property are three aromatic red cedar treehouses, perched high above the Dan River Gorge with sweeping mountain, creek and valley views. Designed by renowned treehouse architectural firm La Cabane Perchee, the 440-square-foot tree houses feel utterly remote. Guests access the lofty accommodations by a wooden bridge.
The official website for the region is VisitSWVA.org.
Journalists: For high-res, downloadable images of Southwest Virginia: https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/southwest-virginia/.