FEATURE THE PARKWAY EXPLORER’S GUISE TO PATRICK COUNTY

Continued from Page 8 of the mill and eat at the accompanying restaurant, which offers an outdoor patio overlooking the river and the water wheel. The site of the mill was once the docking point for the Dan River Queen, a popular passenger paddle boat tour. The river has since become too small to allow for boats.

The Village

Just past the Parkway entrance is the quaint hub of the Meadows of Dan Village. Here you will find your road trip essentials like gas, food at Jane’s Country Cafe, coffee at Primitive Coffee, and unique shopping opportunities. Stop in the Blue Ridge Visitors Center for area information and maps. Poppy’s will warm your heart with locally hand-spun yarn, books, quality gifts, and alpaca-themed items.

Poor Farmers Market has a classic country store feel. Inside you will find souvenirs to satisfy every traveler’s tastes, freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks, hand scooped ice cream, glass bottle sodas, local honeys, jams, etc. as well as a few oddities here and there. Outside, there are fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, potted plants, handmade wooden patio furniture, and much more.

Concord Corner Store sits at the edge of the village. This store sells high-quality artisan crafts from the surrounding area. Bring home something beautiful and special from your travels, like beautiful quilts, jewelry, woodworks, glassware, local beers and wines, and so much more.

Nancy’s Candy Co.

Just past the main hub of the village is Nancy’s Candy Company; a giant candy factory! Nancy’s sells primarily wholesale around the world, but visitors to the factory don’t have to buy in bulk to leave with Nancy’s sugary goodness (unless you just want to!). The retail storefront has every kind of candy you can imagine for purchase. Nancy’s started out primarily making fudge, which has remained their specialty to this day. Alongside their famous fudge sits a variety of truffles and other chocolate-covered treats behind the counter. Around the sales floor are classic candies to take you back, novelty chocolates (like chocolate soap or Virginia-shaped chocolate bars), bagged snacks like cajun snack mix, a wall of Jelly Belly jelly beans, rock candies, and so much more. Along the back wall of the store are large windows where visitors can watch the candy being made in the factory on the weekdays. Be sure to take a selfie at their LOVE sign and tag #loveVA before you leave!

Primland Resort

Miles off of route 58 is one of the Parkway’s greatest hidden treasures, Primland Resort. This five-star luxury mountain resort is best known for its awardwinning golf course, the Highland Course. Primland offers much to do, many ways to relax, and various accommodation options for travelers. Participate in guided outdoor adventures like ATV rides, hikes, hunting and more. Dine at one of their three styled restaurants. Rejuvenate yourself at their NativeAmerican themed spa. Gaze at the stars in Primland’s very own observatory with nightly shows by their in-house astronomer. Love it so much you want to stay? Book a room or suite in the lodge, a private guest house, or even a luxury tree house with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Primland is great for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Children’s activities are constantly being planned to keep the kids entertained while the parents relax.

Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook

Pull off at one of Patrick County’s greatest treasures, Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook, located south of Meadows of Dan on Route 58. The view from this spot is beautiful in any season, but Autumn is truly breathtaking. Legend has it that two Native Americans from separate tribes fell in love, and after their tribes forbade them from being together, they tragically ended their lives, jumping together from the cliffs at this very spot. Enjoy many more secluded overlooks at neighboring Fred Clifton Park, as well as picnic tables and trails. Remember not to feed the bears! A major mountain road expansion project has started along this route as well. While the work does not currently obstruct Lover’s Leap, the expansive construction project is definitely a sight to see in your travels.

From rugged mountain trails to deliciously sweet fudge to luxurious pampering, Meadows of Dan can provide the perfect pause in your travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go to VisitPatrickCounty.org to learn more about accommodations, other attractions, and events in Patrick County, VA.