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Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, the Settlers Museum is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Highlands region of Virginia. Listed below are some of the most popular destinations in the area and all are just a short drive from the museum.
Hungry Mother State Park - Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system’s first conference center, Hemlock Haven. Visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hun.shtml for more information
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - A 200,000-acre mountain recreation wonderland within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The area offers: self-auto tours; seven campgrounds; 4 horse camps; 3 cabins and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, horse back riding and cross-country ski trails; two lakes and 50 miles of streams; historic sites; wildlife viewing; hunting. Visitor center has information on recreation opportunities. Visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/mr for more information.
Grayson Highlands State Park - This mountain park is next to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. Park offerings include: camping, hiking, bicycle trails (mountain bikes only), horse trails, self-guided trails, backpacking, wildlife, fishing, hunting, nature and history programs. Visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml.
The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia, is one of three existing Art Deco Mayan Revival theaters in America. The Lincoln Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. The Lincoln Theatre features performing arts events year-round and is available to touring companies, groups, and individual artists. Visit http://www.thelincoln.org/
Museum of the Middle Appalachians - Step back in time at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians. Learn about the unique geology of the region and how it has influenced the area for millions of years. See the full size replicas of ice age mammals that roamed the area over 15,000 years ago. Visit the site of annual archeological and paleontological digs and see artifacts and fossils that have been recovered locally. View a display of Woodland Indian artifacts which includes an extensive collection of bead work. See evidence of two Civil War battles which occurred at "The Salt Capital of the Confederacy". Learn about Saltville's over 70 year history as a company town. Visit www.museum-mid-app.org/
The Barter Theatre - The State Theatre of Virginia, is a regional treasure and nationally recognized professional theatre. Enjoy up to four shows in two days. Two theatres bring audiences a great selection of comedies, musicals, dramas and new works year-round. Enhance your Barter experience with special packages. Also, visit The Barter Café at Barter Stage II. www.bartertheatre.com
Bristol Motor Speedway - More than a million visitors each year experience the thrill of speed at BMS. Crowds of 200,000 and more show up for events like the March and August NASCAR Races. www.bristomotorspeedway.com
The Virginia Creeper Trail - Stretches 35 miles from Abingdon Virginia thru Damascus Virginia to the NC State Line near Whitetop Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The former rail bed passes through the back country of Southwest Virginia. For more information, visit www.virginiacreepertrail.com
The Big Walker Lookout - At an elevation of 3,405 feet, Big Walker Lookout affords one of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. Looking out over the patterned farms of Virginia in one direction and the untouched wilderness in another, you'll find it hard to believe that the views are real. As if the mountains' natural height weren't enough, Big Walker Lookout features an observation tower that puts you another 100 feet higher. Climb above the treetops to enjoy a view beyond belief. On a clear day, you'll even be able to see five states. www.scenicbeauty-va.com/
Fort Chiswell Animal Park seeks to provide a fun and hands-on animal experience. Your admission includes the Safari Tour where you'll come nose-to-nose with animals from around the world including Humphrey the Camel, Cody the Bison, and Bindi the Zebra from the comfort of a Safari Bus! www.fortchiswellanimalpark.com/
Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre - Our luxurious dinner theatre promises our audiences the most unique theatre and dining experience around. While seated in comfortable-lounge style chairs, you will be served a four course meal prepared by our in-house chef. Then sit back and relax and let us entertain you with one of our Broadway caliber musical productions. We are Virginia's only ALL musical theater, ALL the time! www.wohlfahrthaus.com
Rural Retreat Lake Campground - This 90-acre lake has excellent fishing. Campground has 72 wooded sites with hookups, a swimming pool, a picnic area, hiking trails and a playground. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=112
Saltville Wave Pool - Nicknamed "Mammoth Waves", Saltville's new wave pool, has the ability to generate ocean-like waves. www.saltville.org
Other web sites of interest include:
Smyth County Tourism Association, www.visitvirginiamountains.com
Smyth County Chamber of Commerce, www.smythchamber.org
Town of Marion, www.marionva.org
Town of Chilhowie, www.chilhowie.org
Town of Saltville, www.saltville.org
Town of Wytheville, www.visitwytheville.org
Town of Abingdon, www.abingdonva.us
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