The first chill of crisp fall air, the rustling of leaves as they begin to turn into a canvas of color—that’s fall in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s the perfect opportunity to meander country backroads, explore small towns, and go apple picking in search of the perfect pumpkin. Fall in western Virginia invites you to ‘take a hike’ from the ordinary hustle and bustle and enjoy the fresh mountain air. From the winding byways of the Blue Ridge Parkway with its jaw-dropping vistas, to chasing waterfalls and camping under the Milky Way, to cozy coffee shops and cool, funky shops in charming small towns, and history that comes alive—the mountains of Virginia are calling you for an adventure.
In this American Nomad blog adventure I’ll highlight my favorite Virginia mountain spots and provide resources to get you started on your Virginia Blue Ridge Adventures.
Southwestern Virginia: ‘Crooked Roads’ lead to Mountain Wonders
We’ll kick off our journey in Southwestern Virginia. While I’d visited this area in the past, it was actually in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that I had a unique opportunity to explore the region more deeply. With I-40 closed, it was quicker to reach Nashville, TN, by heading up through Wytheville toward Abingdon and Bristol. This detour gave me a chance to see more than just a quick drive-through.
Southwestern Virginia is where natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and charming small towns all meet. The region is home to the Crooked Road Music Trail, which highlights its pivotal role in roots and country music, and its small towns have a way of making you feel like you’re coming home.
Here are a few of my favorite getaways in Southwestern Virginia:
Bristol: A Town that Straddles Two States for Remarkable Memories
Bristol—‘The Birthplace of Country Music’—is a city with a great mountain beat; you can feel the rhythm of its musical heritage everywhere. This city is truly one-of-a-kind, straddling the Virginia-Tennessee state line. Walk down Main Street (State Street), and you’ll find one side is in Virginia and the other in Tennessee.
The city’s claim to fame dates back to 1927, the year of the ‘Big Bang of Country Music.’ A talent scout from RCA Victor, Ralph Peer, put out a call for recording sessions that summer, helping to launch the careers of legends like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. To truly appreciate this history, a stop at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a must. Each year the museum hosts The Rhythm and Roots Festival – the best hoedown of great country, Americana and folk you’ll find in the United States.
Beyond the music, Bristol’s downtown is lined with eclectic shops and fantastic eateries, including my personal favorite, Blackbird Bakery: coffee and pastry shop. Racing enthusiasts will satisfy their need for speed at the Bristol Motor Speedway, while nature lovers will love getting ‘lost in the scenery’ of area trails in the nearby Cherokee National Forest and Holston Lake.
Want to learn more? Check out my full post recapping my visit to Bristol from April 2025. I’m already counting down the days until my next trip!
Other helpful links: Explore Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Abingdon, Virginia, is a true jewel in the highlands. Here, you can bask in the serene beauty of the mountain scenery and explore a historic downtown district with dozens of homes dating from the colonial era to the Federal period and beyond. The town is home to Virginia’s oldest tavern, the 1779 Abingdon Tavern, a testament to its long history.
Abingdon also boasts a rich arts and cultural scene, anchored by the world-class William King Art Museum, which is expanding to include the new WORL Wildlife Art Museum in 2026. The town is also home to the legendary Barter Theatre, which launched the careers of actors like Gregory Peck and Ned Beatty. The Barter was originally opened during the Great Depression, allowing audiences to ‘barter’ for tickets with food and other goods if they couldn’t afford a ticket. Today, the Barter continues its legacy as a top repertory theater, performing numerous national and original productions every year.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the northern end of the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail begins in Abingdon. This popular rails-to-trails path usually runs all the way to Damascus, though Hurricane Helene unfortunately did a lot of damage to the trail’s southern end. Thankfully, tons of accessible areas are still open for hiking and biking. Abingdon is also an easy drive to regional natural wonders like the Channels Natural Area Preserve.
Love history? A personal highlight for me was taking a tour of The Abingdon Muster Grounds, where on September 24th, 1780, Colonel William Campbell rallied 400 militiamen to march onwards to Kings Mountain on the South Carolina-North Carolina border to fight notorious British Major Patrick Ferguson. The Overmountain Men from Abingdon and the region helped to win a pivotal victory over the British that helped turn the tide of the war in the south for the Americans. Read more in our America 250-Liberty Trails Post about The Abingdon Mustering Grounds.
Abingdon has become a culinary hotspot with a truly impressive food scene. You can find destination restaurants like the historic Tavern, Dwayne & Company, and 128 Pecan. Coffee lovers are in luck too, with fantastic local roasters like The Girl and The Raven and Wolf Hills Coffee. Whatever you’re craving, Abingdon has just the dish to whet your palate. Check out our Abingdon Foodie Guide here
Looking for the perfect spot to check into – I highly recommend The Creeper’s End Lodging (only steps away from the Virginia Creeper Trail), Tailor’s End Lodging and the Martha Washington Inn
Check out our Abingdon Guides here:
Official Visit Abingdon Website
Ready to find the perfect pumpkin in Abingdon? Check out ‘The Pumpkin Patch’
Also experience 225 years of Appalachian History at White’s Mill – they have lots of fun activities for families all fall.
Marion—A Scenic Song in the Mountains
One of my favorite retreats in the heart of Southwestern Virginia is the historic town of Marion. I had the pleasure of staying at the 1927 General Francis Marion Hotel several years ago. This historic hotel exudes 1920s Art Deco charm. Stepping inside, you instantly feel drawn back into a different era, where you might hear jazz music in a speakeasy in the basement or see guests enjoying a game of cards and conversation in the elegant game room. The accommodations are refined and welcoming. The hotel is in the heart of downtown Marion, and you can easily walk to a number of restaurants and shops.
The hotel is right next door to one of the prettiest historic theaters I’ve ever visited, The Lincoln Theatre. Built in 1929, it is one of only three Art Deco Mayan Revival-inspired theaters in the United States. The theater is where the popular Virginia PBS show, Song of the Mountains, is filmed. Year-round, you can listen to wonderful local and nationally touring acts, as well as catch a movie.
Marion is also home to a popular nature escape, Hungry Mother State Park. Here, you can enjoy a day by the lake, hike park trailheads, bring a picnic lunch, and visit the gift shop. While the area is known for its serenity and peace today, its name comes from a tragic legend: Legend has it that a pioneer named Molly Marley and her small child were captured by a Native American tribe and taken to their mountain camp. Molly and her little one eventually escaped and wandered through the woods foraging for food and searching for shelter. One day Molly collapsed from exhaustion, and the youngster continued along the creek until help was found. The only words the child could utter were “Hungry Mother.” A search party later found Molly dead at the foot of the mountain near the creek.
Part of what makes the Appalachian region come alive is its rich cultural history from folklore to early pioneer tales.
Marion and nearby Damascus are excellent base camps to explore the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. At 5,729 feet, Mt. Rogers is the tallest peak in Virginia. This is the perfect area to meander scenic backroads and embrace the ‘not all who wander are lost’ mentality. My mom and I had a lot of fun exploring the different scenic byways and small towns from Marion to Damascus during our Mt. Rogers adventure.
Both Damascus and Marion are about an hour from Grayson Highlands State Park, just north of the North Carolina state line. This park is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and wild horses.
Damascus – The Road to Mountain Adventure Starts Here
Damascus has long been a favorite mountain haunt of mine. While sometimes overlooked because it is not off the main highway, that is what gives Damascus it’s unique character. This is a mountain community with soul, where you can listen to flatpicking on a Friday night, before your neighbors hit the hiking and biking trails on Saturday morning. Downtown Damascus has eclectic shops, arts and craftsmen, delicious eateries and hospitality that welcomes every guest as a friend. Sadly, Damascus was one of the hardest hit communities in Helene. Their end of the Virginia Creeper Trail is still mostly under repair, but don’t let that deter you! Damascus has a lot of heart – they are open for business and ready to welcome you. For a complete guide to Damascus click here. For a #destinationcoffee stop – check out Mojo’s Trailside Cafe and Coffee House
Looking for cool places to stay in the area: Try the Old Damascus Mill or The Abingdon Donkey Lodge (just off the Virginia Creeper Trail halfway between Abingdon and Damascus)
Wonderful Wytheville
Wytheville (pronounced With-ville) is named after founding father Judge George Wythe, who was a mentor to Thomas Jefferson, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Father of Jurisprudence in America. Wytheville is a must stop for me on every mountain road trip. Its location at the intersection of I-81 and I-77 about an hour east of Abingdon and an hour north of Mt. Airy (Pilot Mtn. State Park area) makes it a convenient basecamp for variety of mountain adventures.
Even when I don’t have time to spend the night in Wytheville I always have to exit off the interstate and stop for a spell in the charming downtown which is home to one of my favorite coffee shops – The Grind! They have the best lattes and smoothies. The staff are friendly and always ready to serve with a smile. Next door you can tour First Lady Edith Wilson’s Childhood Home.
Wytheville has lots of local historical sites including the Wytheville museums, which are hosting lots of fun for America 250 including a recent ‘tavern night.’
For lodging I recommend checking into the Bolling Wilson Hotel (right across the street from The GRIND and Skeeter Hot Dogs)
Check out our Wytheville Guide here
Only about thirty minutes from Wytheville, take a detour to Newbern VA and the Wilderness Road Regional Museum...they have tons of wonderful exhibits about Southwestern VA as well as Lewis and Clark’s travels in Virginia.
Galax to Fancy Gap – Blue Ridge Parkway Adventures
These small towns just off the Blue Ridge Parkway not far from the high meadows of the Dan River region are rife with music, apple picking, hiking and charm.
Galax is home to the Old Fiddlers Convention every August – the oldest fiddling hoedown in the world. This week-long event features nightly competitions, lively jam sessions, and performances by some of the most talented old-time and bluegrass musicians around. Even if you can’t play the fiddle, you can enjoy the music and tap your toes to the rhythm of Virginia’s Crooked Road.
Galax is also home to the Blue Ridge Music Center, an outdoor venue that hosts amazing Bluegrass and American concerts throughout the summer into early fall. Past performers have included Molly Tuttle to regional picking phenoms. The site also has a wonderful museum that brings the rich story of music in the Blue Ridge to life.
This area is not far from the iconic Mabry Mill – one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Follow the Crooked Road to Floyd:
Nestled in the mountains just east of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd is a mecca for music lovers. Every Friday night, the Floyd Country Store invites you to enjoy the sounds of Appalachian music in a hard-stomping Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel picking fest. Floyd also hosts several major music and arts festivals throughout the year, including ‘FloydFest’ where thousands camp out and listen to nationally touring acts, local musicians, and jam sessions all weekend long.
The vibrant downtown has several great places to eat and fun shops. You can find unique, locally made goods at places like New Mountain Mercantile and Troika Contemporary Crafts. And of course, Floyd’s Red Rooster Coffee is another #destinationcoffee of mine. You can even order their beans online, bringing the java rhythms of Floyd straight to your door.
Floyd is thirty minutes west of the popular Fairy Stone State Park and Philpott Lake. Fairy Stone gets its name from a unique geologic rock formation that creates a type of stone known as “fairy crosses.” It is a peaceful place to spend a summer day by the lake or meander the area trails on a crisp fall morning. You can also explore the legendary Mabry Mill just up the parkway or enjoy a glass of wine at a local vineyard like Chateau Morrisette.
Blacksburg: Mountain Scenery + College Vibes = A ‘Hokie’ Lot of Fun
Blacksburg is a perfect example of a charming “ye olde” college town. The town’s roots date back to early settlement in the mid-1740s, and its beautiful Virginia Tech campus is a sight to behold with its exquisite, castle-like stone architecture. The walkable college district and quaint neighborhoods only add to its timeless charm.
As a college town, Blacksburg is brimming with arts and educational opportunities. You can catch a show at the historic Lyric Theatre or attend a world-class performance at the university’s Moss Arts Center. For a deeper dive into local culture, be sure to visit the lively Blacksburg Farmers Market.
Blacksburg is your BASE CAMP for adventure. Within a short distance from downtown, you’ll have ready access to recreational spots like Claytor Lake State Park, the iconic hike to McAfee Knob, the 66-foot Cascades Waterfall, and the wilderness beauty of the Jefferson National Forest. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, you can also bike or walk the scenic Huckleberry Trail or go tubing on the New River.
In Central Virginia—from Roanoke, Lexington, Peaks of Otter, Bedford to Lynchburg—adventure awaits. Discover high mountain vistas and sweeping valleys, a rich cultural history, and the timeless charm of small towns that have stories to tell.
Roanoke – The Star of The Blue Ridge
Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and I-81, Roanoke is your gateway to all that Virginia’s Blue Ridge has to offer. Roanoke’s bustling downtown is a destination for fun, anchored the amazing Taubman Museum of Art, which features a permanent collection with artists like John Singer Sargent and Thomas Eakins, the Center in the Square, which is home to several museums, as well as fun local shops, award-winning eateries and a popular farmers market. Love coffee? Make sure to check out Mill Mountain Coffee – it is my go to for java in Roanoke.
No visit to Roanoke would be complete driving atop Mill Mountain to see the Roanoke Star and visit the Mill Mountain Zoo where you can view a mix of animals from Red Wolves to Red Pandas.
Check our American Nomad Guide to Roanoke to help plan a fun getaway in the Star City
The Peaks of Otter and Bedford VA area:
The Peaks of Otter Lodge is one of the only inns located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For centuries from Native American tribes, to early frontiersmen and locals like Thomas Jefferson (he had a home in nearby Lynchburg at Poplar Forest), to modern day have come to this scenic and peaceful spot near the Peaks of Otter range in the Blue Ridge to relax. Hands down it is one of my favorite places to visit.
Nearby you can visit historic Bedford, which is home to the National D-Day Memorial. In World War II, Bedford lost more soldiers per capita than any other town in America. The legacy of the bravery of these Bedford Boys and their fight for freedom on D-Day lives on at the D-Day Memorial and Bedford Boys Tribute Center Museum.
Bedford has lots of cool restaurants and shops, and one of my favorite pumpkin and apple patches – Gross Orchards
Day trips from Peaks-Bedford: You can also visit Smith Mountain Lake, Natural Bridge State Park, Booker T. Washington National Historic Site, Blue Ridge Parkway fun and Lynchburg area…
Check out our complete Peaks of Otter and Bedford Guide here
Lynchburg VA – Gateway to the Blue Ridge and Historic Crossroads
Situated on the banks of the James River, on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Peaks of Otter, Lynchburg is a dynamic city with deep historical roots. It is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, The Lynchburg Museum, Point of Honor Historic House, the Anne Spencer House, the Daura Museum of Art, and more. It’s also only about thirty minutes from Historic Appomattox Court House National Historic Site, where General Lee’s Confederate forces surrendered to General Grant’s Union forces in April 1865. You can also visit the home of the “Voice of the American Revolution,” Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, which is about thirty minutes from Lynchburg.
Beyond the history, Lynchburg offers easy access to the outdoors. You can explore nearby Smith Mountain Lake, Holliday Lake State Park, and enjoy direct access to the James River, in addition to numerous local greenways and area trails.
Check out our complete Lynchburg guide here.
Lexington, VA
This postcard town, with its charming historic buildings, local restaurants, and fun gift shops, casts a spell on every visitor. Lexington has a strong cultural and historical legacy as it is home to both Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
Founded as the Augusta Academy in 1749, Washington and Lee University is the ninth oldest college in the United States. In 1796, President George Washington himself helped the struggling school survive financial difficulties, leading it to be renamed after him in gratitude. Following the Civil War, former Confederate General Robert E. Lee served as its president, and upon his death, he was buried in the university’s Lee Chapel. It now partially bears his name in honor of his service.
Lexington was also the hometown of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, who was a professor at VMI before the war. Today, his home serves as a museum house. VMI itself, established in 1839, has a number of famous alumni, including General George Marshall, creator of the post-World War II Marshall Plan. You can delve into the institute’s military history, including its role in the Civil War, at the VMI Museum, which houses unique artifacts like General Jackson’s preserved horse, “Little Sorrel.”
Lexington is a great base camp for visiting Virginia’s Natural Bridge State Park. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson actually purchased Natural Bridge from none other than King George III (before the Revolutionary War, otherwise that would have been awkward). He was the first to turn it into a potential tourist attraction. George Washington etched his name into the rock while surveying the region. It’s a beautiful park that has inspired centuries of adventurers. It was a popular painting subject for the Hudson River School and romantic artists of the mid to late 1800s. Natural Bridge State Park Website Natural Bridge State Park has a hotel on site, or stay in Lexington, Roanoke or Peaks of Otter/Bedford…
Further West – Tazewell VA is a hidden gem I discovered a few years ago. The historic downtown is lined with shops and surrounded by scenery. Check out their historic train depot and visitor center Backroad drivers looking for a winding adventure will be ready to take on the challenge of driving the ‘Back of the Dragon’ motor route.
Northern Virginia is the heart of Shenandoah Country, a region where wide valleys and winding rivers have beckoned travelers for centuries. It’s a land steeped in history, from the early Colonial frontier and the founding of the United States to the battlefields of the Civil War and beyond. In this place, you’ll discover historic sites and beautiful scenery, state parks and dazzling caverns, all leading to adventures that will last a lifetime.
Harrisonburg: The Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley
Harrisonburg is a thriving college town at the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, serving as the perfect gateway to natural wonders like Shenandoah National Park and the Luray Caverns. But what truly makes this city special is how its urban energy blends seamlessly with its historical charm.
You can spend a day exploring the walkable downtown, which is a diverse mix of local restaurants, lively bars, and a fantastic farmer’s market. When you’re ready to recharge, I recommend stopping at Broad Porch Coffee for a caffeine fix or heading to Clementine for some delicious food and great live music.
Massanutten Resort: Virginia’s Four-Seasons Mountain Retreat
Massanutten Resort is a must-visit destination in the northern part of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. We spent several days there in a cozy and affordable condo rental at the base of Massanutten Mountain. The resort is huge from its ski area and après style restaurants and shops to a popular golf course, hiking trails and indoor waterpark. We used it as a base to travel to Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns and even Staunton and Charlottesville. But truly I could spend days on end just relaxing at the resort taking in the beautiful mountain views.
Plan your Massanutten Adventure here – one thing I love about Massanutten is the value for your money. We rented an entire condo for less than $150.00 a night. While prices may vary – the quality and access here made it an affordable place for our family vacation.
Go underground at the World-Famous Luray Caverns. Located just north of Shenandoah’s northern entrance at Front Royal, this is one of the largest show caverns in the United States. Check out of write up about Luray Caverns here. I had so much fun visiting and look forward to returning to this geologic wonder soon.
Staunton: Where History and Art Meet
Just a scenic drive from Charlottesville, Staunton is a Blue Ridge gem that casts a spell on every visitor. Its historic downtown is a treasure trove, filled with architectural beauty that speaks to its past as an important railroad and industrial hub. History buffs will love exploring the amazing museums, including the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, dedicated to the Staunton native.
But Staunton’s cultural scene is truly what sets it apart. The city is home to the world-renowned American Shakespeare Center, which performs on an exact replica of Shakespeare’s original indoor Blackfriars Theatre. For a unique, family-friendly experience, the Frontier Culture Museum brings early settlement to life with living history exhibits that transport you back in time.
Charlottesville:
Charlottesville is the cultural and intellectual hub of northwestern Virginia. Home to the University of Virginia, and site of founding father President Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, as well as President James Monroe’s Highland, history buffs will delight in Charlottesville rich and diverse historical roots. While nature lovers flock to Charlottesville for its ready access to the Blue Ridge Parkway access near Waynesville and the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park. As a college town, Charlottesville is home to numerous museums, classical concerts, and a thriving indie and national music scene. Tim Reynolds and Dave Matthews got their start in the C-Ville.
Only thirty minutes away, continue the Founding Fathers trail with a stop at James Madison’s Montpelier
Plan your visit to Charlottesville with our in-depth guide
- Visit Charlottesville Official Website
- Crozet – quaint suburb of Charlottesville known for its wineries
- Fall in love with Carter Mountain Orchards – your perfect spot for apple picking, pumpkins and more
Hot Springs:
Founded in 1766, the Homestead Hotel at Hot Springs is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in America. Though it has been added onto and remodeled over time, the foundations remain as a testament to over 250 years of history. Famous guests have included the likes of Thomas Jefferson. The resort and town of Hot Springs settled in a thermally active area, where for centuries people have come to take advantage of the healing springs. Hot Springs is about an hour and a half north of Roanoke and about fifty minutes east of The Greenbrier in West Virginia, another historic resort tied to healing thermal springs.
I have visited the town of Hot Springs, unfortunately I have yet to visit the hotel. It is on my bucket list (just need to save up to splurge on this elegant resort). You can purchase day passes for certain warm baths at the resort. Check out their website for more information.
Winchester Virginia – Oldest City West of the Blue Ridge in Virginia
As the northernmost and oldest city in Virginia west of the Blue Ridge, Winchester is a place where U.S. history comes to life. Founded in 1744, the city’s story is deeply intertwined with some of the nation’s most famous figures. A young George Washington began his surveying career here in 1752, and his former office now stands as a museum. During the Civil War, Winchester served as Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters and was central to the war effort in the Shenandoah Valley.
Today, the city is a blend of history and modern charm. Old Town Winchester is bustling with cool shops and great restaurants, and you can explore the art, history, and culture of the region at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. The city also celebrates its more recent history as the birthplace of legendary country singer Patsy Cline. You can visit her house museum and walk the same streets where she would go “walking after midnight.”
Also in Frederick County is the historic Belle Grove Plantation – a popular stop for history lovers in the region
Visit Winchester – Frederick County Website
I apologize for any towns or favorite spots missed in this post. Don’t worry, I’m always doing more features on cool small towns, scenic backroads and mountain adventures…this is just a primer for more adventures. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest posts.
Virginia’s Official Website provides tons of great resources on Virginia’s Blue Ridge as well as upcoming events
Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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