Pulaski Visitor Guide Brochure

WELCOME to Pulaski County

Pulaski County is more than just another small community. No matter what your interests are, Pulaski County has something to offer.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this is the place to be. With easy access to the New River, Claytor Lake and Gatewood Reservoir, you’re never more than a few minutes away from a place to fish, float or swim. Several local businesses offer sales or rentals for boats, tubes, kayaks and paddle boards.

Parks are also located throughout Pulaski County, with the centerpiece of them all being Randolph Park in Dublin. With a waterpark, gazebo rentals, children’s play areas, a paved and wooded walking track and multiple sports fields available, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy.

Are you a sports fan? Pulaski County offers a variety of sports entertainment. Fans can get out to historic Calfee Park to watch the Pulaski River Turtles during their season. Friday nights bring Cougar football under the lights at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium. There are multiple venues for recreational and AAU sports that take place throughout the year. The Motor Mile Speedway and Motor Mile Dragway are also hotspots in Pulaski County.

Are you looking for something good to eat? Pulaski County has a wide variety of local eateries as well as chain locations to pick from. No matter what you’re craving, you can find it here.

Maybe you’re looking for some entertainment? Music and the fine arts are a big part of Pulaski County with multiple musical events scheduled throughout the year. Outside venues like Jackson Park and the New River Valley Fair Grounds are complimented by indoor venues like the Pulaski Theatre and Adaire Theatre. There are also portions of “The Crooked Road” that run through our hometown. Local productions as well as visiting acts can be seen throughout the year. There are also several museums to help learn the history of our hometown.

With this booklet, we hope to help you find your way to some places you may not have visited before in our hometown. Come and enjoy all Pulaski County has to offer!

Vanessa Repass General Manager Southwest Times

Design by BJ Angle

vacation at state parks

Claytor Lake State Park

6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084 dcr.virginia.gov | (540) 643-2500

Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts, including swimming, camping, cabins, lodges, a meeting facility, nature and history programs, miles of hiking trails, and a visitor center.

The lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments.

The Water’s Edge Meeting Facility is perfect for weddings, receptions and reunions, and wedding packages are available.

Three lodges and 15 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. The historic Howe House has interactive exhibits describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas.

Guests can also rent bikes and enjoy a universally accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, a seasonal snack bar and playgrounds. There are also two gift shops.

Claytor Lake State Park Events

Earth Day 2023

April 22

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park

Kids to Parks Day

May 20

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park

National Trails Day

June 3

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake Festival

June 10

7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park

Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day

June 17

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park

New River Trail State Park

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail’s gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park’s Foster Falls area offers canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites are available in designated areas. The park’s Hoover Mountain Biking Area is also popular with those seeking extra adventure.

Rentals are available at the Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery, open seasonally Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April to Memorial Day, open seven days a week Memorial Day to Labor Day and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Labor Day through October.

For more information, call 276-699-1034. Guided trail rides are available April through October (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Except for a two-mile section, the trail is available for horseback riding. Equestrian campsites are also available.

escape to local parks

Gatewood Reservoir

200 Campground Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 gatewoodpark.com

Join us for camping or glamping at Gatewood Park! We have 35 campsites with full hookups for RV’s, campers and tents, 16 of our sites are waterfront premium sites. All campground sites are full hook ups with up 50 amp service, we are also pet friendly!

Our 162 acre mountain lake is perfect for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or just boating in one of our Craig Cats or trolling motor powered fishing boats. Whatever you need for your adventure The Boathouse at Gatewood can provide rentals, available hourly or daily. Souvenirs, snacks, camp supplies, firewood, live bait and fishing supplies are also available.

Whether you are looking to hike or mountain bike we have trails for you at Gatewood Park. Looking to just spend the day relaxing? The day use area at Gatewood is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Southwest Virginia’s Hidden Gem!

Randolph Park

Come and enjoy one of the most beautiful locally owned parks in Virginia! Randolph Park is located in Pulaski County on 89 acres of land that was generously donated by Ms. Evelyn Alexander, a lifelong resident of the community. The County of Pulaski began construction of this facility in the fall of 2000.

The Evelyn Alexander Water Park is a state of the art water park unique to the Southwest Virginia area, featuring an 8 lane heated lap pool, 38 ft. long water slide, slides for little tykes, bath house and concessions.

The park also has natural, wildlife habitat areas wooded areas with small gazebos and wheelchair-accessible walking trails.

5100 Alexander Rd Dublin, VA 24084 randolphpark.org

Historic Calfee Park

Calfee Park was built in 1935 by the WPA work force, and named after the Town of Pulaski Mayor of the time, Ernest W. Calfee.

Although initially intended for horse shows, civic events and high school sports, the park became identified almost exclusively with minor league baseball. Beginning with the Pulaski Counts in 1936, the park became the home for several major league farm teams associated with the Appalachian League. The teams represented over the years include: the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees. It is currently home to the Pulaski River Turtles.

Following a major renovation in 1999, Calfee Park was named to the National and State Historic Landmarks Register, and was named the Appalachian League Facility of the Year. This unique ballpark has been featured and pictured in Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, Life and Virginia Living magazines.

In 2014, the park was sold to the Shelor Motor Mile Group, which began an extensive program of remodeling and building new facilities to meet minor league baseball standards, while leaving the historical elements of the park intact. The park received a new umpire/visiting team locker facility, a reconstructed home team locker room, new concession stand, and a new press box with additional seating and overflow parking. Perhaps the biggest new feature was the jumbotron, allowing fans to see game-related information during ball games.

Further renovations were completed in 2019. This round of innovations added 350 new seats along the third baseline, including 30 ADAaccessible seats. 11 new boxes were also added. A new concourse was added behind the existing third base side of the park, along with an integrated sunshade canopy. A three-tired party deck was added in left field, and the former souvenir trailer was replaced with a walk-in souvenir store in the same location.

Jackson Park

1st St NW, Pulaski, VA 24301

Join our community at Jackson Park for outdoor events such as concerts, festivals, parades and holiday events. Each year Jackson Park offers a variety of activities, including events for everyone in the family. Before the start of the annual Christmas parade, children can visit and take pictures with Santa before he helps with the Pulaski Christmas parade. It’s also home to several music and food events.

Enjoy a moment of peace in the shade or catch a few rays while enjoying a picnic lunch. Jackson Park is a great spot to just enjoy the moment.

discover local history

Wilderness Road Regional Museum

5240 Wilderness Rd, Dublin, Virginia 24084 wildernessroadregionalmuseum.com | (540) 674-4835

The Wilderness Road Regional Museum, a two-story building located about a mile from Interstate 81 in the heart of Newbern, Virginia, has been owned and operated by the New River Historical Society since April 16, 1980. Originally, the museum building had been two separate homes that belonged to the Hance-Alexander family, and these two homes served dual purposes as residences and businesses for several years. Some of these business establishments included a tavern, general store, and the first Newbern post office.

Built sometime between 1806 and 1812, Henry Hance’s log house is the oldest room in the Wilderness Road Regional Museum. In 1817, Newbern’s founder Adam Hance built his frame house next to Henry’s.

Throughout the years, the homes were connected and expanded by the Hance-Alexander family, allowing for a great museum site. Final additions were made to the house between 1843 and 1846, including the room that now serves as the Wilderness Road Regional Museum’s Book Store and Gift Shop, which offers books focusing on local and regional history.

A display of the history and culture of the Pulaski area

The Pulaski Theatre

14 W. Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301 pulaskitheatre.org | (540) 994-5659

Walk down Main Street in Pulaski on a concert night at Pulaski Theatre, and you might hear songs of The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel or other popular musicians filtering into the nighttime air. Though it’s not the original artists performing, Pulaski Theatre is developing a reputation in the NRV and beyond as “the place” to go for the best tribute bands in the nation.

On other nights at the fullyrenovated, up-to-date , and historically charming theatre, you might find movies, performances by nationally recognized theatre groups, community choir concerts or ballet performances.

The 1911 building, originally conceived for vaudeville shows, was converted to a movie theatre as motion pictures gained favor over vaudeville in the 1930’s. It continued to entertain moviegoers for 54 years, but closed in 1991 as video rentals and cable television gained in popularity.

Two years later, having fallen into disrepair, the Friends of Pulaski Theatre took ownership from the county and began the long-fought task of raising money to restore the theatre to its original glory.

The Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum

51 Commerce St, Pulaski, VA 24301 theratcliffemuseum.com | (540) 980-2307

“The Ratcliffe” as it is affectionately called, offers a unique blend of local and national exhibits, highlighting the cultural significance that the railroad and early transportation play in small town living. The museum allows community members and tourists alike, the opportunity to experience the draw of yesteryear with hands on displays, guided tours, and a glimpse into our beautiful and rich culture.

L ocated in the Town of Pulaski, the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum offers a display of the history and culture of the Pulaski area.

• Free or low cost art classes for children & adults

• Art exhibits featuring local and regional artists

• Gift shop featuring handmade goods from area artisans

• Listening Room concert series

• Art & Craft Fairs & more!

Pulaski Train Station

20 S Washington Ave, Pulaski, VA 24301

visitpulaskiva.org

Our historic train depot was originally built in 1888, just two years after the Town of Pulaski was chartered by the Commonwealth. Crafted from Peak Creek granite by Italian stone masons, the station held strong until it was sadly destroyed by a fire in 2008. After careful reconstruction, the restored station was dedicated in June of 2011 with the original stone walls intact.

Pulaski County Courthouse

52 West Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301 (540) 980-7750

The courthouse is constructed of “Peak Creek Sandstone”. The clock and the belfry were added in 1911. The court house was originally constructed in 1896 and has been reconstructed since being destroyed by fire in December of 1989. The structure combines elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne styles of architecture. Serving as the formal entrance to the building is a stone arch. This was constructed to serve as the entrance to the Pulaski County exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition in 1907.

The courthouse was named to the National Register in 1981 and the public is welcome to tour the building and view the displays. Of particular interest is the local history of African Americans. Developed by Mrs. Lucy Harmon, the display profiles, among others, Mr. Chauncy Harmon, an early civil rights advocate in the 1950’s.

experience local culture

Thee Draper Village

As a historic site and a long-standing tradition in the community of Draper, the Draper Mercantile remains at the heart of the community.

Come and explore our village - enjoy lunch at The Village Coffee Shoppe and Restaurant, shop for unique gifts and unusual finds in our village shoppes, visit The Junction to rent a bike and ride the scenic New River Trail, browse our selection of craft beer, wine, and local foods in the marketplace, book your special event with us in our main hall, the event room (Taborri room), or our historic Village Chapel. Make your time with us even more memorable and rent one of our many vacation homes on the New River, Claytor Lake, or New River Trail through New River Retreat.

The Draper Mercantile creates positive ways of coming together through food, art, music or the outdoors. There’s something about the energy here that evokes a sense of belonging, this old building has a way of speaking to what inspires us.

It’s more than just a place for you to visit. It’s a place that belongs to you. Most importantly, it’s a place where you can feel that you belong.

“Thee Draper Village” is our way of keeping our most heartfelt mission in mind - You. This Village belongs to everyone who feels drawn to it. We are glad you are here. Thank you for coming. We hope you feel that warm sense of true “belonging” that can only come from the heart.

Draper Valley Golf Club

2800 Big Valley Dr, Draper, VA 24324

drapervalleygolf.com | (866) 980-4653

The Draper Valley Golf Club features an open and challenging golf course. A player will be able to hit every club in their bag. The fairways are well groomed, and the greens are undulating. Water hazards (lakes or branches) come into play on seven holes.

The Draper Valley Golf Course opened in 1992. The traditional design showcases the pristine beauty of the Southwest Virginia Mountains. The public golf course at Draper Valley Golf Club perfectly preserves the slopes of Virginia’s natural terrain of rolling foothills, marshes, tranquil lakes, and majestic forests. In addition to offering spectacular views, the Draper Valley Golf Club offers golfers a challenging play at all skill levels.

Shop our well stocked Pro Shop for all of your golfing needs. We are an authorized PING and TITLEIST dealer. We also feature a driving range and putting green that is the perfect place to improve your short game.

The Draper Valley Grille features a full menu of fresh, delicious sandwiches, wraps, burgers, hot dogs and salads.

Our spacious Picnic Shelter, overlooking the #9 hole, is ready for your next event. The Shelter seats 100+ and has a warming kitchen with many different catering possibilities.

Serving the New River Valley through historical preservation and presentation

www.wildernessroadregionalmuseum.com

The museum is home to numerous exhibits, artifacts, and documents highlighting 19th century life along the Wilderness Road

• Museum is housed in an 1806 original structure that served as a store and tavern along the Wilderness Road, the main migration route westward

• Permanent exhibit “Into the Wilderness” tells the story of westward expansion

• Extensive genealogical and historical records available for research

5240 Wilderness Rd • Dublin • (540) 674-4835

Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10:30 am - 4:30 pm

Iron Heart Winery photo

Pulaski on Main champions downtown by activating and creating a vibrant and unique area to stimulate economic growth and attraction for residents, businesses, and visitors participating in our downtown experience.

Pulaski County Flea Market

New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin, VA 24084 pulaskicountyfleamarket.com

The Pulaski County Flea Market is sponsored by Dublin Lions Club. This is the 48th year of the market, held each spring and fall. The flea market returns to the New River Valley Fairgrounds the weekend of June 3-4 and September 16-17 in 2023.

It is the primary fundraiser for the Dublin Lions Club, who reinvests all proceeds into charitable and humanitarian efforts. Proceeds from both flea markets help provide over $60,000 in eyeglasses and hearing aids for those in need, in addition to supporting area hunger projects, and worldwide humanitarian disaster relief.

Food trucks, wine tasting, local produce and products, handmade items and antiques are just a few of the things offered at the biannual event.

Visitors can expect hundreds of vendors and millions of items. Over a dozen different food vendors, including the famous Lion Dog (if you have not tried one, you are missing out). Expect to have a ton of fun hunting for that rare items or the deal of the century. Although over 100 spaces are under roof, it is a largely an outdoor event. The terrain is varied from asphalt, gravel and grass.

With over 20,000 visitors and 800 vendors spaces, varied food options and the chance to eat a few of the famous “Lion Dogs”, you will not want to miss this event.

For more information, visit www.pulaskicountyfleamarket.com.

Dawn Myers, John Travis, Donna Travis

Poor Boys

Produce and Plants

303 5th St NE, Pulaski, VA 24301 | 540-980-1180

Poor Boys Produce, located in the town of Pulaski, offers locally and regionally grown and produced items ranging from flowers and vegetables to locally sourced meats and canned goods.

Locally owned and operated, Poor Boys Produce offers beautiful plants of many varieties. They also offer jams, jelly, and a specialty items like pickled okra, candy, chow-chow, pickled eggs and many other regional favorites. They offer meats locally harvested and packaged by the Hagan Cattle Company, Stump Ridge Farms, and other local farms. They also offer baked goods from local bakers and macarons they make in their own kitchen.

If you want to try out your green thumb, they offer everything from flowers to shrubbery and trees. Fresh fruit and vegetables are brought in daily, including peaches, apples, pears, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, cabbage, onions, strawberries, blueberries and more.

Looking for something a little different? Poor Boys Produce has offered unusual finds such as jackfruit, honeycomb and malanga. If you come on the right day, you find a food truck parked outside offering anything from tacos to BBQ. Poor Boys Produce also feature items like pumpkins for Halloween and poinsettias as Christmas. Pay them a visit to see what they have to offer you.

Iron Heart Winery

3742 Boone Furnace Rd, Hiwassee VA iheartvirginiawine.com | (540) 320-0203

JBR Vineyards

8205 Little River Dam Road facebook.com/jbrwine | (540) 250-7291

New River Vineyard & Winery

6750 Falling Branch Road, Fairlawn VA 24141 nrvwine.com | (540) 633-0033

Spinning Jenny Vineyard

2664 Old Route 100 Road, Draper, VA 24324 spinningjennyvineyard.com | (540) 922-9829

The River Company Restaurant & Brewery

6633 Viscoe Rd, Fairlawn, VA 24141 therivercompanyrestaurant.com | (540) 633-3940

JH Bards Spirits Co.

6580 Valley Center Dr., Suite 175, Fairlawn, VA 24141 jhbards.com | (540) 952-9658

Salty Stash Distillery

4655 Cleburne Blvd, Dublin, VA 24084 iheartvirginiawine.com/saltydad

Pickup At:

Tour

Roanoke, Blacksburg/ Christiansburg, Dublin, Wytheville & Hillsville

Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley

21 West Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301

(540) 980-7363 | facnrv.org

The Fine Arts Center is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization located in downtown Pulaski, Va. We are dedicated to providing the citizens of Southwest Virginia with a full range of programming, including the performing and visual arts, exhibits, lectures and art education classes.

Believing that art is important to the life of a community, our purpose is to foster an enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of all forms of art, promote art education, and to encourage and support artists. We do this with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to be a place of belonging and to provide equitable opportunities and access to the Fine Arts for all people.

Please stop by the art center to say hello and learn more about our exhibits, classes, concerts, craft fairs, and more!

Motor Mile Speedway

6749 Lee Hwy, Radford, VA 24141

motormilespeedway.com | (540) 267-6210

In the 1940’s a large, natural bowl- shaped parcel of land was found on a Pulaski County farm. The discovery birthed a dirt track that opened in 1952 and remained popular through the 1960’s. In 1988, after a myriad of renovations, the track reopened as a NASCAR- sanctioned, .410-mile paved oval.

Visit The Rusty Wallace Karting Center at Motor Mile Speedway where both kids and adults can rent go-karts!

The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Motor Mile Speedway is designed to put the average fan in the seat of a NASCAR Late Model Stock Car. RWRE will provide everything you need and, after a short class, you’ll be ready to drive a real NASCAR Late Model Stock!

Local Festivals & Events

NRCC Concert Series

Various Dates

Music and Merchants Festival

Saturday, May 20

5251 State Rd 373, Dublin, VA 24084 nr.edu/concerts/ West Main Street, Downtown Pulaski, VA 24301 facebook.com/pulaskimusicandmerchantfestival

Pulaski County Flea Market

June 3-4

New River Valley Fairgrounds

5581 Fairgrounds Circle, Dublin, Virginia 24084 pulaskicountyfleamarket.com

Claytor Lake Festival

Saturday, June 10

Claytor Lake State Park

6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084 claytorlakefestival.org

SRX National Series Motor Mile Speedway Race

Thursday, July 27

6749 Lee Highway, Radford, VA 24141 motormilespeedway.com | (540) 267-1062

Pulaski County Flea Market

September 16-17

New River Valley Fairgrounds

5581 Fairgrounds Circle, Dublin, Virginia 24084 pulaskicountyfleamarket.com

New River Valley Sheep and Goat Festival

Saturday, September 23

The Draper Mercantile Farms

3054 Greenbriar Rd, Draper, VA 24324 nrvsheepandgoatclub.com

Newbern Fall Festival

Saturday & Sunday, October 14 & 15

Historic Newbern

5240 Wilderness Road (Va. State Route 611) Newbern, VA 24126 facebook.com/NewbernFallFestival

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Saturday, October 28

Randolph Park

5100 Alexander Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

Winterfest

Saturday, December 2

Randolph Park

5100 Alexander Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

Environmental Impact

• Water Quality Monitoring

• Stream Bank Restoration

• Invasive Plant Removal

• Riparian Plantings

• Heritage Park Pollinator Garden

• Monarch Way Station

• Blue Bird Trail

Economic Development

Impact

• Flood Mitigation Task Force

FRIENDS OF PEAK CREEK

Celebrating Our Tenth Anniversary 2013-2023

Due to our amazing volunteers, local governmental and community support, we have initiated or been involved with the following projects in the Peak Creek Watershed in the past decade:

• Downtown Revitalization

• Storm Drain Art

• Duck Feeders

• Peak Creek Walkway

• Iron Bridge

• Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

Educational Impact

• Vicki Houk Memorial Scholarship – PCHS

• ACCE – New River Community College

• VT Engage – Virginia Tech

• Phi Sigma – Virginia Tech

• Galipatia – Virginia Tech

• Go Virginia – Student Project Studies

• Peak Creek Restoration Plan

• Flood Mitigation Plan

• Bacteria Implementation Plan

• COE Silver Jackets Report

Calendar for our 10th Anniversary Year

• Annual Peak Creek

• Spring Clean Up: April 22

• Chamber After Hours: May 16

• Annual Meeting: June 15

• Peak Creek Kids Day: July 15

• Peak Creek Clean-Up: July 18

• Volunteer Appreciation Picnic: August 24

are a 501c3 non-profit and rely completely on memberships, donations and grants. For more information about FOPC or to join us as a member or volunteer go to www.friendsofpeakcreek.org or email info@friendsofpeakcreek.org.

FRIENDS OF CLAYTOR LAKE

Dedicated to conserving and protecting the quality, sustainability, and the tranquility of the environment of Claytor Lake for all

Projects

• Clean Up

• Christmas for the Fishes

• Drawdown Request to FERC/ Mussel Salvage

• Water Quality Monitoring

• Fish Habitat (Structures/ Native Vegetation)

• Sonar Mapping

• Maintain Hazard Buoys on Rock Shores near Dam

Annual Events

• Annual Meeting

• All Lake Clean Up

• Spring Fundraiser

• Annual Poker Run

Community Outreach

• TAC Committee (Claytor Lake Technical Advisory Committee)

• Hydrilla and Vegetation Education & Management

• Shoreline Management: Education and Advocacy for Lake Stakeholders

• Kids Fishing Day

• Veterans Fishing Day

• YMCA/Coast Guard Auxiliary Second Grade Water Safety Program

• Represent Lake Stakeholders on all AEP Advisory Committees for FERC

• Coordinate with Agencies and Stakeholders on Lake Issues

• Toys for Tots

The Friends of Claytor Lake is a 501-(c)3 non profit and was formed in 1992 in response to woody debris build-up in Claytor Lake. Since then FOCL has grown and has a full crew to support the demands of high flow events each season. With your support, we’re able to continue these efforts, along with much more!