Virginia Attractions Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest, most narrow national park in the world. Running 469 miles from Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC, it offers spectacular views of the mountains, as well as a number of attractions along the way. When traveling the Virginia stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are several attractions that you should not miss.

Theatre aficionados will be pleased to find Barter Theatre not far from milepost 177. The oldest repertory theater in America, as well the state theatre of Virginia, this theatre has launched careers of well-known actors such as Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine. First opened in 1933 by Robert Porterfield, Barter Theatre is home to the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights.

Stop off at milepost 200 to visit Wytheville. Home to Fort Chiswell Animal Park, you can see animals from six continents. A 100-foot tower high atop a 3,405 foot mountain, Big Walker Lookout tower offers a view of the countryside. On a clear day, you can see five states.

Visit three state parks when you drop off the Blue Ridge Parkway into the town of Galax, not far from milepost 215. Learn about area history at Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum, a log cabin filled with artifacts. Be sure to listen for "Blue Ridge Backroads," one of only three live old-time bluegrass radio shows, broadcast every Friday evening from the Rex Theater.

Hillsville, located at milepost 189, is a town you don't want to miss. Visit the Historic Carroll County Courthouse, a former 1907 bank building and a 1936 jail. Stop for a bite at the Hillsville Diner, the oldest continuously operating streetcar diner in the state.

Near milepost 176, you will find Mabry Mill, home to a restore gristmill and sawmill from the early part of the century. You'll definitely want to have your camera handy for this stop, one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Not to be missed is Chateau Morrisette Winery near milepost 171. With 25 years of wine-making experience, this winery has received many awards, including the Governor's Cup Award-Winning Wines. If time allows, try a wine-tasting tour so you can see for yourself the caliber of wine made here.

Children and adults both will enjoy the Virginia Tech Museum of Geological Sciences, found not far from milepost 165. With the largest display of minerals in Virginia plus seismograph, gemstones and fossils, this is sure to delight. Make sure to check out the dinosaur exhibit, featuring a full scale model of an Allosaurus dinosaur skeleton found in Utah.

Take a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 121 to visit the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum of Ferrum College. Offering a living history German-American farm museum and the region's major folklife archive, you'll learn about the traditional life and culture of the Blue Ridge.

With 500 miles of beautiful shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake, found off of milepost 121 is a delight for all ages. Go swimming, fishing or boating. If water isn't your thing, explore the shops nearby.

Stop of at milepost 86 to see Poplar Forest, the retreat Thomas Jefferson called "the most valuable of my possessions." Visit his dream home-an octagonal house surrounded by a villa landscape-currently being restored. Hike the three Peaks of Otter-Flat Top at 4,001 feet, Harkening Hill at 3,375 feet or Sharp Top at 3,865 feet.

Sure to fascinate any Civil War Buff is Appomattox Courthouse, not far off the parkway milepost 63.8. See where Robert E Lee surrendered to Ulysses S Grant on April 9, 1865, ending the civil War. Nearby Lynchburg also offers a number of Civil War sites.

From milepost 0 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are a number of attractions. See Historic Hatton Ferry, one of only two poled ferries still operating in the US, near Scottsville. Built circa 1784, Michie Tavern is a must-see. Enjoy dining on homemade southern fare, then tour the Virginia Wine Museum located in the Tavern's wine cellar. Visit Monticello, home to our third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. The house contains many original family furnishings and guided tours are offered daily. Wander the magnificent grounds surrounding the home, which include a re-creation of Jefferson's orchard, vineyard and vegetable garden. The Frontier Culture museum in Staunton is an international living history museum. Featuring seven historic farms, you can learn about farming, cooking, blacksmithing, and other skills necessary for survival on the farms.

With a number of historical and enjoyable attractions along the Virginia stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there's something for everyone. There's no reason not to make the trip.