Visiting Patrick County: Mountain Music, Artisan Treasures and Down Home Restaurants
Slow down. Take it easy. Sit a spell. A journey through Western Virginia is not to be rushed. Make time to appreciate the remarkable scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hear a tune on Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, The Crooked Road. See a show-stopping performance in Abingdon. Taste a meal to remember in Washington. Soak up the culture and history of Bristol. Explore a trail by foot or by horseback in Galax. Practice your flatfooting in Floyd. And as long as you’re relaxing, you might as well do so with a glass of Virginia wine in hand.
Patrick County’s rich heritage stems from the brilliant Blue Ridge Mountains and trickles down to encompass many facets, including history and music. As part of the Crooked Road, Patrick County hosts monthly concerts and lively shows to promote bluegrass music that simply can’t be found anywhere else. From down home cooking and cute country stores to historic bridges and a never-ending outdoors, there’s lots to explore in Patrick County.
Where To Dine
Elements at Primland: Get a superior taste of Western Virginia’s bountiful harvest at this upscale restaurant located at the luxurious Primland Resort. No matter the season, guests are treated to local, organic and sustainable foods incorporated into innovative and exciting dishes like pork belly with candied yams and Virginia peanuts or pink snapper with spiced bourbon butter. 2000 Busted Rock Rd., Meadows of Dan. 866-960-7746
Where To Wine
Stanburn Winery: This family-owned and -operated winery presents a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, invoking guests to bring a picnic, enjoy the nature, reminisce about the good ole days and leave their cares behind. Stanburg produces a selection of wines, including chardonnay, traminette, vidal blanc, cabernet franc, chambourcin and several blends. Stanburn is open April–mid-December, Saturdays noon–6 p.m. and Sundays 1–5 p.m. or extended hours by appointment. 158 Conner Dr., Stuart. 276-694-7074
Where To Stay
Primland Resort: This exquisite resort in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the quintessential escape from everyday life. Situated on 12,000 gorgeous acres, the resort features world-class golf, impeccable dining, lavish spa treatments and outdoor activities including fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, nature walks, sporting clays, stand up paddleboarding and stargazing in the exclusive Observatory Dome. Unwind in the impressive lodge, at a cozy cottage or inside a unique tree house perched on the edge of a mountain. 2000 Busted Rock Rd., Meadows of Dan. 866-960-7746
Where To Play
Patrick Henry is home to two of Virginia’s eight covered bridges—Bob White and Jack’s Creek—in Woolwine. Visit these romantic attractions in June during the Covered Bridge Festival—or just any ole time. Tour Mabry Mill to see the restored gristmill, woodworking shop and blacksmith shop, and learn about old time skills such as basket making, spinning and weaving. Bring home a treasured souvenir from Poor Farmers Market, featuring Amish furniture, handmade pottery, books, homemade jams and apple butter, lye soap and local produce.
Learn more at VisitPatrickCounty.org.
By Angela Blue
