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 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

arts and culture scene. Visitors can browse galleries, take a class or catch a performance at The Historic Masonic Theatre.

Bring your camera because two of Virginia’s most Instagrammable spots are in the Alleghany Highlands. Falling Spring Falls is an 80’ cascading waterfall that can be viewed from a roadside overlook. Humpback Bridge was built over Dunlap Creek in 1857. It is believed to be the last remaining covered bridge of its design in the country. The bridge is part of a five-acre wayside park that features one of the most unique LOVEworks displays in the state.

A unique way to explore Craig County and see its amazing beauty is by following the Barn Quilt Trail. More than 30 of the colorful quilt squares adorn barns around the county. Driving the trail will take you through some of the most spectacular and unspoiled scenery in Virginia’s mountains. As a bonus, the trail will take you through the county seat of New Castle, where visitors can check out the historic Old Brick Hotel and the Emporium General Store. A recent must-see addition is the LOVEworks display in the town park. More information about visiting the region can be found at vawesternhighlands.com

By David Mikula

A unique Virginia adventureis just around the bend

Find directions, scenic routes, festivals and more for a great getaway at VaWesternHighlands.com

Cruise along scenic roads, explore charming towns, meet local artisans and enjoy plenty of outdoor recreation in the breathtaking Virginia’s Western Highlands. You’ll fi nd everything that Virginia is famous for – history, beauty, hospitality – plus a few surprises found only in the western Highlands.

The Salem Fair

Welcome to Salem

- where we also are ready to exhale!

The COVID-19 pandemic created a great deal of uncertainty for all of us, but the opportunities to Safely Shop, Play and Eat throughout our city are now more abundant than ever. Certainly, our ways of interacting and participating may have changed, but we are anxious to welcome you once again to our city sidewalks, parks, and attractions.

Our outstanding civic facilities are playing host to a variety of festivals, sports tournaments, and concerts, including the annual Salem Fair June 30 - July 11. America’s largest free gate fair features a 14acre midway, an abundance of concessions, free shows, and exhibits.

In addition, minor league baseball with the Boston Red Sox Class A affiliate, the Salem Red Sox, is the perfect outdoor activity for all ages. Make plans to catch tomorrow’s bigleague stars and a menagerie of food and fun at Salem Memorial Ballpark now through September.

The Historic Main Street corridor is always a popular destination for visitors and residents. A visit to the city’s Farmers Market, Lake Spring Park or the Salem Museum is the perfect complement to the variety of unique dining and shopping options throughout the city.

Professional pickers and those who are simply in search of a treasure will be able to enjoy the thrill of the hunt in every corner of the city. Our collectible shops feature a wide variety of antiques and primitives. So, whether it is vintage vinyl or retro furniture, our vendors have you covered.

Be sure to recharge after a day of shopping or entertaining with a special concoction from one of our award-winning craft breweries and distinctive restaurants. Good eats and unique antiques always go well together.

The history of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region runs deep, and whether you are exploring or enjoying, we trust you will discover that there is plenty to sample in Salem from Main Street to the Mountains.

If you would like additional information on shopping, dining, sightseeing, or lodging, please contact the Salem Visitors Center at (540) 375-4044 or check us out on the web at www.visitsalemva.com.

by Mike Stevens

The James Moyer Complex

#SampleSalem SHOP PLAY EATIN SALEM

Contact or visit the Salem Visitors Center at the Salem Civic Center (540) 375-4044 visitsalemva.com

Where Ordinary Ends… Bedford Begins!

From the magnificent Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the quaint streets of historic downtown, to the shores of Smith Mountain Lake - Bedford offers outdoor adventure and historical treasures, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or your next vacation destination! Readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors named Bedford the Top Small Adventure Town for 2020!

Bedford County has more mileage along the Blue Ridge Parkway than any county in Virginia. With multiple exits from the Parkway into Bedford, it is easy to explore local wineries, apple and peach orchards, local artisan studios, as well as 25+ trails for hiking, biking, wildlife, and horseback riding. In 2021, the area’s fifth disc golf course will open, bringing the total to 90+ holes of disc golf, in addition to the more than 30 miles of mountain bike trails.

Bedford is home to the National D-Day Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the American and Allied forces that fought in the largest amphibious invasion of all time. The Memorial overlooks the community that suffered the greatest loss per capita of any in the United States. It was dedicated on June 6, 2001 by President George W. Bush, and will commemorate its 20th anniversary this year. The Memorial is an outdoor facility and open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.dday.org. After your tour, be sure to drive the short distance to historic downtown Bedford and visit the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. This museum opened in 2019 and features items from the personal collections of the Bedford Boys, who went in on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Historic downtown Bedford also offers a variety of art galleries, shops, antiques, and restaurants that are within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th Century buildings. The Bedford Museum, located beside the County Courthouse, showcases Bedford’s rich history. Beale’s, a craft brewery and full-service restaurant, is also located downtown and features indoor/outdoor seating, and special limited beer releases throughout the year.

Two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson retired from public life and began to spend time at his private retreat, Poplar Forest,

Disc Golf in Bedford

located in the eastern part of Bedford County. Named as one of Virginia’s top 10 attractions by readers of USA Today, Poplar Forest was built in a grove of poplar trees, and the octagonal house offers great insight into the private side of this Founding Father. Guided tours are available, and advance tickets are required. Please visit www.poplarforest.org for more information.

You will need more than a day to experience it all! Check out the many different lodging options that Bedford has to offer by visiting www.destinationbedfordva.com and clicking Accommodations.

Start your visit at the Bedford Area Welcome Center. From the Shenandoah Valley, take exit 150A from I-81 to Route 460 east. The Welcome Center is located at 816 Burks Hill Road (Rt. 460 at Rt. 122). You can also call (540) 587-5681 and request for information to be mailed or emailed prior to your visit. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed some holidays) and offers free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, firefighter exhibit, RV parking, picnic tables, electric car charging station, and information about exploring the area. Be sure to snap a photo with our LOVE sign for a photo souvenir of your trip! Share your experiences in Bedford on social media using #LOVEBedfordVA!

Poplar Forest

By Nicole Johnson

Bedford has left its mark on American and world history. From a band of brothers to a founding father.

National D-Day Memorial

———— ere Ordinary Ends... ———— Bedford Begins.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

DestinationBedfordVA.com