Southwest Virginia is an incredible area filled with historical significance and natural beauty. Virginia is home to more National Park Sites than any other state. In addition, it boasts a ton of their own natural state parks. Its a huge state with a lot to cover and see! Visiting Southwest Virginia is a great day trip option for us central NC people. We didn’t do a ton of planning before heading out on this adventure and honestly I think that was part of the fun. We discovered a great place to eat (I would go on this trip again just for that food), braked for a National Park site we weren’t expecting and had the natural beauty of Virginia leave us in awe. So here is an idea for a full day trip plan for visiting historic southwest Virginia!
Starting in NC – Mayo River State Park
Ok, what? You thought this was a post about southwest Virginia? It totally is and our first stop was right along the border of NC/VA. Mayo River State Park is part of the NC State Park system but is so close to Virginia you can actually hike right across the border! This was an excellent first stop for us coming from the Triangle area of NC. Its a quaint and beautiful park that kind of surprised us! There are nice trails and a pretty waterfall to explore. We have a whole guide for visiting Mayo River State Park so be sure to check that out! We would recommend Mayo River State Park for any and all ages!
Booker T. Washington National Historic Site
On our way to the original destination of Natural Bridge, VA we totally did a brown sign detour stop. This was one of those brake and exit moves. We are so glad we did! Booker T. Washington National Historic Site is one of the lesser visited National Parks – but don’t let that keep you away! It’s so well done. Immediately we were taken by the friendliness of the staff. They offered tons of history lessons and info about the site. It was a great stop for all three of us and prompted great conversations during and after. We spent about an hour exploring which was enough time to fully experience the park!
Homestead Creamery Farm Market
Not too far from the Booker T. Washington site is an amazing little farm/restaurant location called the Homestead Creamery Farm Market. This place is bomb. That is, if you like freshly made delicious food. This was recommended to us by the park ranger at Booker T. and she was totally right. One thing we try and do when traveling is to ask the locals where the best places to eat are..they won’t steer you wrong!
The Farm Market not only serves fresh local food in store but also loads of other freshly made local products to purchase; including fresh local flowers and amazing ice cream! The chicken salad croissant was amazing – I can’t say enough. And, if you like real sweet tea and fresh made lemonade…just stop here. In a lot of ways this was a highlight of our trip as we enjoyed the food and also the friendliness of the local community there.
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park is located in well, Natural Bridge, VA (about 14 miles south of Lexington). This was actually the inspiration for this day trip and our ultimate stop along the way. We could post pictures all day long and not be able to convey the beauty and grandeur of this park. It really is an awesome thing to see.
This park is a Virginia State Park but affiliated with the National Park Service. So, if you are a stamp collecting person- don’t forget to ask the front desk for the stamps! There is an admission fee – $6 for ages 6-12 and $8 for 13 and up. Also, the park closes at 9 pm so it makes a great stop for a day trip!
Upon arriving, there is a huge welcome center with a cafe, store, and little museum to check out. There is a walking path (and shuttle if you need one) down to the Natural Bridge. Its a really pretty and quick walk down – making it a straight uphill walk with plenty of stairs when you are done (just remember that!) After you see the bridge there is a trail that continues on and leads you to a Native American exhibit, a river, small cavern and finally, a waterfall. We spent several hours exploring this state park!
Spend some time in Historic Lexington Virginia
Our last little stop on our epic southwest Virginia day trip led us to Lexington. This is a really quick drive from Natural Bridge. Here we made a quick side stop to see Stonewall Jackson’s grave and memorial. We also checked out the quaint and beautiful downtown. The beautiful historic homes alone in this area could keep you for hours! There were plenty of little shops and places to eat. A great little stop if you like cute and historic downtowns!
This was one of those last minute trips that proved to be tons of fun. We had no expectations, which made it a great day of discovery and adventure. For me, that is what going the adventure way is all about. We enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation, learned an important part of our nations history, enjoyed community with new people and shared those memories together as a family. I hope this encourages you to take that spontaneous day trip together! And always go the adventure way!
Want more more ideas for visiting historical US locations? Check out our post on 5 Fun Things to do in Baltimore! Its full of history and National Park locations! Or spend a day in Edenton, NC – a beautiful historical town on North Carolina’s Inner Banks.
What are some last minute trips you have gone on? Have you ever made a detour on your way to the destination? What was your favorite?
