Fun family activities in Smyth County, Virginia
SMYTH COUNTY, VIRGINIA–MARCH 2023–In Smyth County, Virginia, the family vacation can reach new heights. In addition to some of the state’s highest peaks, there are outdoor attractions and kid-friendly activities that offer a whole new level of family fun. Here, the mountains of Southwest Virginia surround Interstate 81 and the area is easily accessible by multiple interstates. Smyth County is just about two hours north of Asheville and less than a day’s drive from most of the east coast. Those who choose to fly have less than an hour’s drive from Tri-Cities Airport, in Blountville, Tennessee.
Where to stay
Once here, visitors find a variety of options for family-friendly lodging throughout Smyth County. Well known among them is Hungry Mother State Park (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-7400). This is family favorite for vacations with its cabins, yurts and campgrounds. One-of-a-kind vacation rentals, one sure to fit any family’s needs, can be found in Smyth County, too. One example is the Farmhouse at Spenceville Farms, which has views and room to roam outdoors and a complete basement bed/game room. Fishing in the pond, making smores over the fire pit and meeting friendly farm horse “Rowdy Boy” can all be part of a visit to this working farm. At The Lucille and The Houston (5244 Sugar Grove Highway, Sugar Grove, Virginia 24375; 276-677-8080) visitors enjoy the convenience of a renovated suite above a country market. Downstairs, scooped ice cream and old-fashioned candy are market favorites and just minutes away, Appalachian Trail adventures await.
Family fun
In Marion, the nostalgia of an outdoor movie night is alive and well at Park Place Drive-In (301 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-2222). Each season great movies and a list of special events offer a full slate of entertainment. Playing through on the park’s 18-hole mini golf course is always fun and, afterwards, everyone enjoys a treat from the ice cream shop, which features 40 flavors to choose from.
Hester’s (112 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-378-0853) is another fun stop in Marion. The country store and fudgery is known for its ice cream and homemade fudge. It is also an outlet for local merchants and its shelves are stocked with crafts, clothing and more.
A life-size wooly mammoth skeleton and hands-on palaeoentomology dig are favorites at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians (123 Palmer Avenue, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-496-3633). With 17 salt-related exhibits, Smyth County’s history, from “from the ice age to the space age” is on display here.
Saltville’s Hardy Roberts Memorial Wave Pool (416 Panther Lane, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-496-5342) brings “Mammoth Waves” to the mountains. Visitors can bring their own food and drink and enjoy the wave action in the 150-foot-long pool and adjacent children’s area.
The beach at Hungry Mother State Park’s 108-acre lake is a favorite spot for family fun on the water. In addition to the iconic dive tower, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding and fishing are popular lake activities. The park also features acres of woodlands and a Discovery Center and park rangers offer engaging programs for guests.
Just outside the park, Hungry Mother Outdoor Adventures (760 Walkers Creek Road, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-243-4333) offers adventure for the big kids and adults, too. It has the longest, highest and fastest zip line in the state of Virginia.
The views along a hike of the easy two-mile loop at Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) may include wild pony encounters as well as spectacular views. Its hiking, bicycle and equestrian trails are popular. The visitor center has exhibits on pioneer culture and plant and animal life of the area.
Kid-friendly eats
A country breakfast at Papa’s Café (826 East Lee Highway, Chilhowie, Virginia 24319; 276-646-341) is a very tasty way to start the day. Homemade favorites are served in a hometown atmosphere.
Dip Dog Stand (2035 Lee Highway, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-783-2698) A Smyth County icon, the Dip Dog Stand has been serving up delicious onion rings, shakes and dip dogs for more than 60 years.
Pizza Perfect on Main (784 North Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-782-9000) in Marion is an outstanding choice for New York-style pizza and other Italian favorites.
Sweet Angel’s (105 West Main Street, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-496-9115) in Saltville serves up soups, sandwiches and homemade bread and other mouthwatering baked goods. A favorite for the kids is a Fluffernutter: a toasted waffle sandwich filled with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff.
Events
Hungry Mother Festival is celebrated in July and is the longest-running festival held in a Virginia State Park. Juried arts and crafts exhibits, live music and festival food favorites are all set in the beauty of Hungry Mother State Park.
Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally is held quarterly at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center (6402 Whitetop Road Troutdale, Virginia 24378; 276-388-3155) and features speakers, plenty of programs for kids and field trips to celebrate the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chilhowie Community Apple Festival–This three-day festival in September celebrates Chilhowie’s history as a top apple producer in the state. The schedule includes a parade, pageants, pet show, live music and apple orchard tours.