Virginia Mountains
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VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS LAKE MOOMAW Warm Springs PET-FRIENDLY LOVEWORK It’s your turn to sniff out You’ll have no treasures, while your trouble entertaining dog tags along! Wander yourself at Smith the 40,000-square-foot Mountain Lake, and warehouse and two outside the new LOVEwork acres at Black Dog Salvage, provides even packed with amazing more inspiration. creative architectural and The L-O-V-E letters VIRGINIA repurposed products. Shop paint a picture of for furniture and home the 20,600-acre décor, outdoor gems, Black lake, 500 miles of Dog furniture paint and shoreline and iconic MOUNTAINS oh-so-much-more. And you highpoints. The sign, and your companion just BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY by local artist Lisa might meet resident black Bedford Floyd, captures the dogs Molly May and Stella beauty of the lake – or the treasure hunters BUCKET LIST and surrounding of the DIY Network show Undoubtedly, the Blue Ridge Parkway serves up gorgeous views along mountains, “Salvage Dawgs.” hundreds of miles of mountain driving. Scenic overlooks make it easy to pull farmland, homes, over, absorb the beauty and refresh your soul. But there’s more! This ribbon shops, restaurants of road passes by iconic stops that showcase rich regional traditions and also and more – and all grants glimpses of abundant biodiversity and geological wonders. Take a hike, the different ways snap a pic or just soak in the wonders of nature. to enjoy its beauty. You’ll #LOVEVASML! ICONIC CARVINS COVE KAYAKING The natural beauty of the Peaks of Otter has Roanoke attracted visitors for centuries, from Native Americans to European settlers and Blue Ridge ASK A LOCAL Parkway travelers. Hike to the tops of the three peaks and you’ll be rewarded with scenic "Everyone who knows 360-degree views, thickets of mountain laurel and me knows the first the serenity of Mother Nature. Even the base of place I will take the mountains offers walking paths, a scenic lake, them is the Booker T. a 1930s farmstead and a historic lodge with comfy Washington National rooms and regional dining. Monument. The park is a perfect combination of history, culture and NOTABLE TOWN nature, and I count it HIDDEN GEM a privilege to learn When this thriving railroad boomtown saw its Who’d guess that the nation’s second-largest about the enslaved livelihood go bust, Clifton Forge remade itself, with municipal park could be so easily overlooked? childhood of Booker art at the center of the renewal. The Alleghany The size of Carvins Cove Natural Reserve can’t be T. Washington and the Highlands Arts and Crafts Center opened in 1984, overlooked: 12,700 acres, including 11,363 acres obstacles he overcame and other artistic endeavors followed, including of protected forestland creating diverse wildlife to achieve success. the historic Clifton Forge School of the Arts and the habitats and natural eye candy. The recreational I also enjoy taking restored Masonic Theatre and Amphitheatre. Now opportunities are remarkable: 60 miles of trails for friends and family the town boasts creative shops and restaurants, hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus an over to Smith Mountain the C&O Heritage Center railroad museum, and 600-acre reservoir for fishing and boating. The Lake Community Park trainloads of nearby recreation. Schedule a visit convenience is noteworthy, too: near downtown and Smith Mountain and renew yourself! The VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS region connects small Roanoke, Interstate 81 and the Appalachian Trail. Lake State Park. towns and vibrant cities through scenic drives in the western reaches of the state. With breathtaking views The trails are great, and a wealth of fresh air adventures, this outdoor and the views are INSTAGRAM-WORTHY mecca - known as America's East Coast Mountain breathtaking!" History, architecture, nature – three popular reasons to snap a photo at Humpback Bridge. Built in 1857, Biking Capital - invites you to explore and kick back — Brittany Webb Lane, the National Historic Landmark is an arched multiple Kingpost truss bridge, possibly the oldest of its design to enjoy your favorite locally crafted beverage. ZUBANOVA ALINA Booker T. Washington in the nation. Covered-bridge enthusiasts from across the country come to visit this icon. The surrounding National Monument park, unique LOVEwork sign and peaceful Dunlap Creek add to the photogenic qualities. Nineteenth-century travelers called covered bridges “kissing bridges,” giving cover for stolen kisses – now there’s a photo op! BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: KRISTINA LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY / BRITTANY WEBB LANE: COURTESY OF BRITTANY WEBB LANE / CARVINS COVE KAYAKING: SAMANTHA BROOKE SAMANTHA KAYAKING: COVE CARVINS / LANE WEBB BRITTANY OF COURTESY LANE: WEBB BRITTANY / PHOTOGRAPHY LOVE KRISTINA PARKWAY: RIDGE BLUE 144 VIRGINIA.ORG 145 SHARE THE LOVE IN Franklin County Virginia’s Franklin County Day trip, road trip or extended stay – make Franklin County your future destination. Our rural community has plenty of open spaces, great views, small towns and welcoming people. Cahas Mountain As a land of two lakes, four elevation 3,571 ft rivers and 10,000 springs, with a landscape spanning from the crest of the Blue Ridge down to the Piedmont with the foothills in between, we offer a little something for everyone. Heritage and community are important to us, from our history as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” going back to the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935, to the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College, to the Booker T. Washington National Homestead Creamery Monument’s showcase of social justice principles. Cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway for an serene Philpott Lake – where incredible vista at the Smartview summer fun makes for an Franklin County is a distinct outdoor destination along the Recreation Center and relaxing unforgettable vacation. Coast Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a landscape woven with miles of travel. Sample homegrown with our mountain and trail harvests at the Rocky Mount biking, navigate five blueways or roads, trails, and waters perfect for adventures of all kinds. Farmers Market, the Foothills experience miles of designated Produce Auction near Boones scenic byways. Fishing reigns Bike along nearly 50 miles of scenic byways. Mill and various farmstands, here, and we are the only East peruse local shops for antiques Coast location offering two You can paddle on one of five blueways, including Philpott or handcrafted finds and enjoy forms of wakeboarding: boat- a rewarding trip to Homestead pulled and cable-pulled. Lake. Or spend the day boating on one of two lakes, including Creamery for a tasty ice cream cone or milkshake, courtesy of Everyone loves a good story. Our Smith Mountain Lake. Finish the day with a craft beverage at happy dairy cows just down the world-class outdoor recreation one of our fine wineries, breweries or distilleries. road. While you’re here, take in and incredible touchstones of Americana music thanks to our Appalachian music and history, presence being the starting point combined with the beauty of of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Virginia’s mountains make for Heritage Music Trail. the perfect road trip or weekend getaway for your family. Past, Families will love the close present and future Franklin proximity to two premier County brings it all together for Blue Ridge Institute & Museum (BRIM) outdoor jewels – the vibrant you to enjoy. We’re here when of Ferrum College Smith Mountain Lake and you’re ready! (540) 483-3030 | VisitFranklinCountyVA.com SPONSORED CONTENT 146 VIRGINIA.ORG 147 VG MEETS ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS OF THE VIRGINIA GREEN PROGRAM g PROVIDES PRINTED MATERIAL IN BRAILLE D PROVIDES DESCRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DESCRIBER W PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE VIRGINIA q OFFERS ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION u PROVIDES A DEVICE USED FOR COMMUNICATION WITH AND BETWEEN HEARING IMPAIRED s PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS MOUNTAINS b BUSES/GROUPS WELCOME c PET- FRIENDLY FACILITY $ ADMISSION REQUIRED I ADA- COMPLIANT Welcome Center at The Bedford Wine Trail Covington VG 816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford; 540-587-5681; Virginia Tourism Corporation destinationbedfordva.com/experiences/beer-wine. Mile Marker 2, I-64 Eastbound Savor the flavor of exquisite wine varieties and Covington 24426 enjoy wonderful views. bj 540-559-3010 Monterey Big Otter Mill Rt. 122 North, Bedford; 434-455-2308; bigottermill. 250 com. Historic mill that hosts events and group tours Hot Blue Spring Run Farm Jackson River Sports Complex by appointment. bj Springs 3901 Blue Spring Run Rd., 870 W. Edgemont Dr., 220 Covington; 540-747-2055; Covington; 540-965-6360; Bower Center for the Arts bluespringrunfarm.com. covington.va.us. State-of-the-art 305 North Bridge St., Bedford; 540-586-4235; Tours, seasonal produce, sports facility. Athletic fields, bowercenter.org. Cultural center with art exhibits, To the east and west are bustling cities, but in between baked goods and sweet treats tennis courts, driving range, concerts, workshops throughout the year. b available year-round. amphitheater. bjI is pure bliss. Beauty that will take your breath away and The Charles & Louise Wharton House C&O Railway Heritage Center Lake Moomaw, Gathright Dam 315 North Bridge St., Bedford; 540-587-5681; stories of bravery that will leave you speechless. Clifton 705 Main St., Clifton Forge; and Morris Hill Campground bedfordhistory.org. 1883 Italianate house and 540-862-8653; cohs.org. South end of Lake Moomaw, gardens. Gardens open to public. b Forge 64 Railway heritage museum Morris Hill Rd., Covington; that tells the story of C&O 540-962-2178; Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail Covington Railway. bI visitalleghanyhighlands. 816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford; 540-587-5681; com. Nestled in the scenic civilwartrails.org. Bedford hosts four sites. Information Eastern National Allegheny Mountains; camping, at Bedford Area Welcome Center. bj 220 Children’s Forest boating, fishing, swimming. State Rt.