Blue Ridge Country Sept/Oct 2024 - 34

PREVIOUS SPREAD: Powell Valley
Overlook, near Big Stone Gap, Virginia, is
a great stop for fall foliage.
LEFT: The Shenandoah Autumnfest
adds to the destination-worthiness of
Woodstock, Virginia.
BELOW: Elkins, West Virginia, carries a
tradition of natural preservation into its
Mountain State Forest Festival.
WOODSTOCKVA.GOV
announced at the festival. Shuttle services,
facilities and ADA accessible options
available. While in town, drive to Powell
Valley Overlook-the perfect location for
a wide-angle view of the valley nestled in
mountains and layered in resplendent fall
colors.
Local dining: Indulge in a country-fried
BY ANGELA MINOR
W
ith four distinct seasons across
the mountains and valleys of
our region, choosing the " best "
one can be difficult, if not downright
impossible. The solitude of snowy
wintertime warmed by a crackling fire.
The delicate blossoms and symphony of
bird songs in spring. The respite of rivers,
lakes, waterfalls and shady forests in the
heat of summer. And the dramatic colors
sweeping across the land during autumn.
Fortunately, they can all be our favorite
season. And now, as the reds, oranges
and yellows of fall return, it is
time for scenic drives and celebrations
of all-things-Southern Appalachian. Fall
festivals abound and provide the perfect
build-around for trips filled with the music,
food, nature and culture of our area.
Here is a sampling of destinations for autumn
adventures.
VIRGINIA
WOODSTOCK: Shenandoah Autumnfest
(Oct. 5). Attend this single-day event at
the county fairgrounds to see why accolades
include national " best fall festival "
awards. Vendors include more than 35
brew, wine and spirit crafters, a BBQ
sampling garden and artists offering locally-made
wares. Watch apple butter making,
a whole hog BBQ demonstration,
the epic " flippin' chicken " contest, an axe
log splitting contest and the Shenandoah
34 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Downs Harness Racing event. And this
destination holds a Tree City USA designation
from the Arbor Day Foundation-
fall colors all about!
Local dining: Choose from a wide selection
of authentic Mexican food at Mary's
Botanitas, a small, quaint eatery and favorite
amongst the locals. Support the
mission of " Buy Fresh, Buy Local " at the
Woodstock Garden Café, located in the
beautiful Fort Valley Nursery, for seasonally
inspired meal selections.
Lodging options: Inn at Narrow Passage
(Edinburg). To step back in time, take a
short 10-minute drive to this five-acre
property with 12 guestrooms that has
welcomed lodgers since the early 1700s.
Or, if you prefer, book a room at one of
several respected national chain hotels in
the Woodstock area.
Note: The 1795 Woodstock courthouse,
built of native limestone and said
to be designed by Thomas Jefferson, is
the " oldest [courthouse] still in use west
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. " shenandoahvalleyproductions.com/autumnfest
BIG
STONE GAP: Blue Highway Fest
(Oct. 9 - 12). Bring the camp chairs and
blankets to this mountain music festival
featuring dozens of bands. Bluegrass and
country performers come from across the
country to Bullitt Park by the river for this
event. Also, watch as Rising Stars compete
for their " big break " with the winner
catfish dinner, locally hand-cut steaks
and homemade pastries at the Southwest
Firehouse Café. Stop by Curklin's (a sixthgeneration
family name) for a familyfriendly
atmosphere of modern industrial
décor with classic pub foods and drinks.
Lodging options: Bring the camper and
stay within walking distance of downtown
(.5 miles) at the Country Inn Motel
and RV Park (RVs only) or at the Jessie
Lea RV Campsite (full hook-ups and pet
friendly).
Book your own private mansion
(7,500 square feet on more than six
acres) with theatre, bowling alley, pool,
arcade and luxury appointments
in
marble, crystal, velvet, herringbone and
more at Le Château Du Roïx.
Note: Big Stone Gap is home to the
state's popular official outdoor drama,
" Trail of the Lonesome Pine. " bluehighwayfest.com
WEST
VIRGINIA DEPT OF TOURISM
http://www.WOODSTOCKVA.GOV http://www.bluehighwayfest.com http://www.shenandoahvalleyproductions.com/autumnfest http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country Sept/Oct 2024

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