Southwest Virginia’s Lodging Properties Add to an Authentic Experience
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–NOVEMBER 2024–A stay in Southwest Virginia offers an astonishing combination of experiences, from lazily enjoying morning mountain views to joining in a lively celebration of the region’s musical traditions, or from exploring hiking, biking and ATV trails to discovering the talents of local artists and craftspeople. From its vibrant downtowns to its peaceful rural retreats, the 19 counties of this diverse region have so much to offer a wide variety of visitors.
The 8,600 square miles of Southwest Virginia is within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States population and, here, many of the diverse lodging options add regional character and amazing stories of their own to any stay.
The lodging options here include a unique collection of hotels, large and small, cabins, inns, vacation rentals and campgrounds. From Dream Rock Silo, a completely renovated 1950s Dairy Barn (664 Saddle Creek Road, Independence, Virginia 24348; 276-768-6350), to the Real McCoy Cabins (156 Wood Smoke Way, Pocahontas, Virginia 24635; 276-945-3106), offering quick access to the renowned Spearhead Trails’ Original Pocahontas ATV trail, the lodging options are as varied as the landscape.
Those who want to camp near the rim of the Grand Canyon of the South will find a host of options at Breaks Interstate Park (627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413, ext. 3201) where RV and primitive campsites are joined by the park’s lodge, all near one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River. Park adventures include rock climbing, elk tours, canyon-rim zip lining and much more.
The Inn at Foster Falls (176 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-595-5905) has the distinction of being the only inn in the Virginia State Park system. Located in New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778), the historic inn has been painstakingly restored to bring it new life while preserving a sense of place. Wraparound porches provide uninterrupted views of the New River and state park below, known for its 57-mile trail, popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding, which runs along the river’s edge.
Overlooking the New River in Pearisburg, the Lilly Valley Inn (125 River Ridge Drive, Pearisburg, Virginia 24134; 540-910-3123) is a luxurious bed and breakfast inn. Here, the rolling hills and beautiful valleys provide a magical setting and each room is carefully appointed with specially chosen décor and amenities. Owner and French-trained chef Liliana not only provides memorable breakfast offerings, she shares her talents with guests during interactive cooking classes.
Nearby, Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Virginia 24136; 540-626-7121) offers a very different and, for some, very nostalgic experience. Set in the middle of a 2,600-acre nature preserve, this historic Mountain Lake Lodge is the filming site of the 1986 hit movie “Dirty Dancing.” The property includes a stone lodge, luxury cottages and a historic hotel, built in 1936. Family activities and children’s programming add to the entertainment at this one-of-a-kind mountain retreat.
The Hotel Floyd (300 Rick Lewis Way, Floyd, Virginia 24091; 540-745-6080) is known for its implementation of green technologies and sustainable materials and furnishings and is a designated “Virginia Green Lodging” property. It is also in the heart of Floyd, known for its down-home flavor and celebration of Southwest Virginia’s musical culture. This is a key stop along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, where venues and events highlight the region’s rich history and unique culture.
Nowhere is that musical heritage more on display than in Bristol, known as the Birthplace of Country Music. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum (101 Country Music Way, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 423-573-1927) chronicles the stories of the now-famous Bristol Sessions and more. The Sessions Hotel (833 State Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 276-285-5040) features music and original art telling the story of country music’s rise here. The hotel’s unique design combines comfort, luxury and fun and the complex includes three historic buildings.
Southwest Virginia is also home to two properties honoring U.S. First Ladies. The Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333), was originally built in 1927 as the George Wythe Hotel. It is now part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, features 30 luxurious guest rooms and pays homage to First Lady and Wytheville native daughter Edith Bolling Wilson. Its three guest room floors are themed around her favorite things: canaries, orchids and bourbon. And it offers impeccable service. The Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3161) was built in 1832 as a home for General Francis Preston and his family before being established as the Martha Washington College. In 1932 it was converted into The Martha Washington Inn. Today, it is often called “The Martha” and is known for its elegant combination of history, luxury and Southern hospitality. It features 63 guest rooms, a restaurant and spa.