REGIONS OF VIRGINIA The VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS region sits between the Shenandoah Valley and the Southwestern part of the state. Filled with spectacular views and a wealth of outdoor adventures, this region is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience a true getaway. Scenic drives through the mountains connect many of the charming towns and lively cities, each with its own genuine brand of local culture, historic sites and delicious food. From the natural hot springs in Bath County to the bustling city of Roanoke, and down to the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, the Virginia Mountains offer travelers every reason to stop, relax and stay awhile. OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE. ULTIMATE THE FOR RIDE BIKE A WITH IT OF DAY A MAKE MOUNTAINS. VIRGINIA THE COVINGTON IN SPRING FALLING ENJOY WORLD-CLASS MUSIC AND RENT A HOUSEBOAT and enjoy the ENJOY CULTURE, FOOD AND THE VIRGINIA CUISINE at the Garth Newell Music Center sunset on Smith Mountain Lake. Five OUTDOORS with a stay in Roanoke. in Warm Springs, where resident artists hundred miles of coastline in two counties, Stop at Center in the Square for its many are joined by renowned guests to enjoy Bedford and Franklin, make this lake a museums and butterfly garden. Play vintage chef-prepared meals in a rustic setting. favorite for water-based fun and relaxation. pinball games at the Pinball Museum and Stay at the restored Inn at Gristmill Square catch a play on the Mill Mountain Theater MOUNTAINS B&B and dine at their award-winning VISIT THE NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL stage. Explore craft beers along the restaurant, The Waterwheel. Or camp at in Bedford, an immersive experience Blue Ridge Beerway, visiting breweries in Douthat State Park, which offers hiking, of sound, sculpture and imposing Botetourt, Bedford and Roanoke counties. THIS STUNNING LOCATION IS ONE OF MANY IN IN MANY OF ONE IS LOCATION STUNNING THIS mountain biking, fishing, watercraft architecture which tells the story of the Speaking of explore, Roanoke County’s rentals, tent sites and cabin rentals. Normandy invasion of WWII, then take a Explore Park offers camping, glamping ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Peaks and even heated and air-conditioned pod PUMP UP THOSE TIRES and hit the of Otter to hike, bike or even spend the cabins, as well as stellar mountain bike Jackson River Scenic Trail, a railbed trail night at rustic Peaks of Otter Lodge. trails and great fishing and paddling on the suitable for family bike riding. While you’re Roanoke River, all about 20 minutes from in Covington, plan some time on the EXPERIENCE LIFE ON A TOBACCO FARM downtown and directly off the Blue Ridge Alleghany Highlands Blueway, comprised at the Booker T. Washington Monument Parkway at milepost 115. of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers, in Hardy, and learn about Washington’s Douthat Lake and Lake Moomaw. early life as a slave, before he rose to Don’t leave Roanoke without stopping at prominence as a leader and educator. the MILL MOUNTAIN STAR, the world’s CATCH A SHOW at the Historic Masonic largest illuminated man-made star, and Theatre in Clifton Forge or the adjacent GET A LITERAL TASTE OF HISTORY in viewing the city from 1,045 feet above. Amphitheatre, designed and built by the moonshine capital of America, where Beautiful both day and night! Virginia Tech architecture students. Franklin County Distillery offers genuine moonshine just like the bootleggers used PUT ON YOUR SERIOUS HIKER FACE and PADDLE THE UPPER JAMES WATERWAY to make back in the day. Stop in the small tackle Virginia’s Triple Crown – Dragon’s TRAIL and experience outstanding scenic town of Rocky Mount at The Harvester Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. These beauty, history, wildlife and freshwater Performance Center, where you’ll catch an challenging hikes will be rewarded with fishing. Twelve public access points, intimate show from talented performers stunning views and incredible photo ops. including Iron Gate, Buchanan and Glen such as Willie Nelson. Don’t forget to Maury Park, and several outfitters and stop at Homestead Creamery in Burnt CATCH A FLY BALL at a Salem Red Sox guides make this historic waterway Chimney, where you can enjoy lunch and game. Farm team of the Boston Red Sox, accessible for all skill levels. renowned ice cream, or learn more about their home is Haley Toyota Field at Salem the local community’s agriculture by Memorial Ballpark, which boasts beautiful exploring their farm and dairy plant. views of the surrounding mountains. The National D-Day Memorial—Bedford Roanoke Star—Roanoke Salem Memorial Ballpark—Salem (FACING PAGE) FALLING SPRING (COVINGTON): SARAH HAUSER / THE NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL (BEDFORD): JUDY WATKINS / / MEMORIAL (BEDFORD): JUDY WATKINS D-DAY SPRING (COVINGTON): SARAH HAUSER / THE NATIONAL FALLING PAGE) (FACING OF VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE (SALEM): COURTESY DOG MEDIA / SALEM MEMORIAL BALLPARK (ROANOKE): CREATIVE ROANOKE STAR 138 VIRGINIA.ORG 139 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 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 b BUSES/GROUPS WELCOME c PET- FRIENDLY FACILITY $ ADMISSION REQUIRED I ADA- COMPLIANT Virginia Mountains Welcome Center at Covington VG Virginia Tourism Corporation Mile Marker 2, I-64 Eastbound Covington 24426 540-559-3010 ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS When the Order of the Day went out that morning, the stakes were clear: “The eyes of the world INCLUDES CLIFTON FORGE, COVINGTON, LOW MOOR, MILLBORO are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” Each member of the Allied Forces of D-Day knew that anything less than a victory would mean ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM the end of liberty as they knew it. And it’s why they took up the call of duty. Celebrate the 75th 110 Mall Rd., Covington 24426 540-962-2178; 888-430-5786 anniversary of their defense of freedom at the National D-Day Memorial. Learn more at dday.org. visitalleghanyhighlands.com Beautiful mountain views, endless outdoor recreation and two walkable downtowns with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Historic treasures and a thriving arts community. Get away, enjoy - it’s uniquely The National D-Day Memorial—Bedford Alleghany!bjI THINGS TO DO CLIFTON FORGE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS MAIN STREET PARK/ENGINE 701 THE BEDFORD WINE TRAIL ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS ARTS & 518 Church St., Clifton Forge 24422 Main St., 333 W. Locust St., Covington 24426 816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford 24523 CRAFTS CENTER 540-862-7275; cfsota.org 540-962-6360; covington.va.us 540-587-5681; 877-447-3257 439 E. Ridgeway St.; Clifton Forge 24422 Offers a large array of art and music Six-acre community park with the refurbished thebedfordwinetrail.com 540-862-4447 classes. b 701 Steam Engine. bjI Savor the flavor of exquisite wine varieties and Fine art, fine crafts, fine folks. Regional juried fine enjoy wonderful views. bj art and crafts. Rotating, invitational gallery exhibits. DOUTHAT STATE PARK VG MASONIC AMPHITHEATRE Open Tuesday-Saturday, Mid-January-April; 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro 24460 513 Church St., Clifton Forge 24422 BIG OTTER MILL open Monday-Sunday, May-December; closed 540-862-8100; 800-933-7275; 800-933-PARK 540-862-5655; historicmasonictheatre.com Rt. 122 North, Bedford 24523 Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th. bjI virginiastateparks.gov. $bjI A unique venue that offers entertainment in 434-455-2308; bigottermill.com music and theatre performances. I Historic mill that hosts events and group tours ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS BLUEWAY FALLING SPRING FALLS by appointment. bj 110 Mall Rd., Covington 24426 Scenic overlook on Rt. 220 north of Covington, OAKLAND CHURCH & CEMETERY 540-962-2178; 888-430-5786 Covington 24426 Low Moor/Selma Rd., Low Moor 24457 BOWER CENTER FOR THE ARTS alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com 540-962-2178; 888-430-5786 540-962-2178; 888-430-5786; 305 North Bridge St., Bedford 24523 Miles of scenic rivers and shoreline on two visitalleghanyhighlands.com visitalleghanyhighlands.com 540-586-4235; bowercenter.org pristine lakes. Remarkable cascade falling about 80 feet to the Circa 1834; served as hospital during Civil War; Cultural center with art exhibits, concerts, valley below. bjI Confederate soldiers buried here. b workshops throughout the year. bI ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY HISTORIC HUMPBACK BRIDGE RIVER ROCK AMPHITHEATRE THE CHARLES & LOUISE WHARTON 515 E. Pine St., Covington 24426 1-64 Exit 10 to Rt. 60 travel 1/2 mile east or 870 W. Edgemont Dr., Covington 24426 HOUSE 540-962-1501; ahgscov.org take Rt. 60 west from Covington 24426 540-965-6360; covington.va.us 315 North Bridge St., Bedford 24523 Library and archives with hundreds of old 540-962-2178; 888-430-5786; Seasonal entertainment in a unique 540-587-5681; bedfordhistory.org photos and records. visitalleghanyhighlands.com venue. bjI 1883 Italianate house and gardens. Gardens The oldest bridge of this style in existence; open to public. b ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS TRAILS wayside park. bjI WRIGHTSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM 110 Mall Rd., Convington 24426 702 Wrightstown Rd., Rt. 60 and 220 Exit 16 FALLING CREEK PARK 540-962-2178; alleghanyhighlandstrails.com HISTORIC MASONIC THEATRE off I-64, Covington 24426 1229 County Farm Rd., Bedford 24523 Many miles of challenging trails with peaceful 510 Main St., Clifton Forge 24422 540-962-6787 540-586-7682; co. bedford.va.us mountain views. 540-862-5655; historicmasonictheatre.com tmfndt.wix.com/themcclintonfoundation Disc golf, bike, birding, wildlife walking trails, Constructed in 1905, now used as a performing Historical artifacts, paintings, furniture, skateboard park, picnic shelters. bjI ALLEGHANY HISTORICAL SOCIETY arts center.