Virginia’s Western Highlands Peaceful Back Roads, Mountain Views, and a Few Surprises
West of the Shenandoah Valley, tucked against the border with West Virginia is a four-county region that is just enough off the beaten path to count as an adventure. The counties of Highland, Bath, Alleghany and Craig make up Virginia’s Western Highlands. It’s a sprawling region with room to roam. Visitors will find breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, charming towns and more than a few unexpected delights. Highland County is located at the northern end of Virginia’s Western Highlands. In the Town of McDowell, the Highland Historical Society runs The Highland County Museum. The museum and the historical society’s website are the official source of information on the 100th anniversary of the classic silent film, Tol’able David, which was filmed in Highland County in 1921 and featured local residents as extras. Highland County’s main claim to fame is its maple syrup heritage. For
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two weekends in March, visitors flock to the Highland County Maple Festival, which was twice voted Best Food or Drink Festival in the region by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine. In 2020, the county launched the Virginia Maple Syrup Trail. Now year-round, visitors can take a personal tour of eight unique sugar camps, get a passport stamped and receive a free gift after experiencing them all. It’s a sweet deal! A short drive south along Sam Snead Highway leads to Bath County, home to The Omni Homestead Resort, which opened its doors in 1766. In addition to exceptional hospitality, visitors are beginning to recognize Bath County as a destination for foodies. The culinary scene is as varied as it is sophisticated. For breakfast or a mid-day snack, sip an espresso paired with home-made pastries. Dinner options range from pizza and sandwiches to gourmet delights. Creative chefs are winning over food lover’s hearts with European-inspired dishes and exceptional farm-to-table experiences thanks to the region’s many family farms. In 2020, Bath County’s only winery opened. Rock Roadhouse Winery is housed in a historic building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. It’s one of the newest and most scenic vineyards in Virginia. Troddenvale at Oakley Farms in Warm Springs is revitalizing fruit growing for cider production in Bath County. Bacova Beer in Hot Springs has become a favorite gathering place for visitors and residents because of the friendly vibe and great craft beer. The Alleghany Highlands is home to two historic and pedestrian-friendly downtowns. The Town of Clifton Forge and the City of Covington both feature museums, shops and locally-owned restaurants. The downtowns are vital to the Alleghany Highlands’ vibrant
