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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Play! Stay! Dine! Visit!

A tour of some of the Off the Beaten Path attractions and

activities located in Giles County, VA.

GiLeS CoUnTy
The Giles County Chamber of Commerce Off the Beaten Path
Electronic Travel Guide is the source for planning your next getaway.
The guide features striking photography and information about some
of the area attractions, activities, lodging and more. It also links to the
countys three Off The Beaten Path Tour videos.
Acclaimed New River, bird watching, great fishing and hiking...
Giles County has it all:
A rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, agriculture, cultural
significance, covered bridges, beautiful creeks and streams,
Appalachian and other trails, great food, music and art.
Giles Countys mild four-season climate provides a paradise for
fishermen, golfers, naturalists, hikers and birdwatchers. It has long
been recognized for its traditional music and its historic towns. The
mountains, hills and valleys are havens of inspiration for artist.
Here are just some of the Off the Beaten Path locations that you can
enjoy while you are here!
~Below a is a link to preview the tours ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x0Jxct0zZc&playnext=1&list=PLhG5DP1Xalz
BILbl9hF1ZGSim9iim14KM&feature=results_main

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Pearisburg is situated in the center of Giles County and
is sited on a plateau above the New River. Angels Rest, Pearis
Mountain, the New River and Walker Creek bound it.
In addition to being the county seat, the mountain setting and
open spaces define the rural character of the town. Half of this
space is pasture and hayfields. The remainder is comprised of
steep, forested slopes. In 1992, the historic district of Pearisburg
was listed as a National Registry Community.


Located in the center of downtown is the Giles County
Courthouse. It is one of the oldest and finest buildings in
Southwest Virginia and is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. It served as
the location for the courthouse scenes in the movie adaptation of
the David Baldacci book, Wish You Well, filmed in 2012.

Exhibited at the Courthouse is the Giles County
Bicentennial Quilt, which consists of 36 hand appliqud
squares, representing county history. On the lawn
surrounding the courthouse is a marker detailing the general
history of Pearisburg, a Confederate monument consisting of
a single bronze soldier, and McClaughertys Millstone, the
original bed stone from Giles Countys first gristmill, which
dates to 1794.

Behind the courthouse, is the Art
on the Wall. The wall contains over eight
hundred imaginative, colorful scenes on
the shiny tiles. It is a lasting symbol of
the great heart of the community and its
4th-7th graders who came together to
create it.

Pearisburg has multiple hand
painted murals on business exterior
walls that have been painted by local
artists.These include: Pearisburg
Vignettes by Jane Bode, Rails and Trails
by Sanfert Brick Marunich, Welcome to
Pearisburg by Kathryn Smith, Music on
Estelles Porch by Kathryn Smith. There
are also murals created by Stephanie Akers and Robert Tuckwiller.


A short walk from the courthouse stands
the 1829 Andrew Johnston House, a
Federal- style brick house that is owned and
operated as a museum by the Giles Historical
Society.

On the property is an 1850 outbuilding
where Dr. Johnston ran his medical practice.
This building served as headquarters
for Union leaders William McKinley and
Rutherford Hayes for four days in 1862.


The museum maintains two floors full
of interpretive exhibits and artifacts, Items
on view include heirloom linens, furniture,
Civil War memorabilia, an extensive collection of letters, photographs, documents and notes. It also
contains a gift shop featuring locally made soaps, candles, walking sticks, artwork books and more.
On these grounds, every Memorial Day Weekend, the Giles County Historical Society sponsors Living
History Weekend where costumed Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactors share their stories
with visitors.

The Giles County Chamber of Commerce is located in the oldest building in Pearisburgs
historic district, formerly known as the Western Hotel. The 2--story brick building dates to 1827. It
evolved from a private residence to an inn with a bar and ballroom from 1860 to the turn of the 20th
century.


Historical structures and sites outside of town
include the King House, Densmore House, Hale
House, King Johnston School (community center),
Eastern Cemetery, Bunker Hill Civil War Cemetery,
Pearis Cemetery and Fort Branch Neighborhood.

Giles County contains over 50 miles of the
Appalachian Trail. Angels Rest Overlook, atop Pearis
Mountain in Pearisburg, is a favorite spot along the
Appalachian Trail and at 3,633 feet it provides an
excellent view. There is a steep, 2-mile, switchback
descent to the town. This is lined by flowering azaleas
and rhododendrons, in season.

The town of Pearisburg is a hiker-friendly destination
where many stop to rest, re-stock and enjoy the attractions.
Pearisburg has an official Appalachian Trail Community
designation and offers a hiker friendly post office, a public
library with Internet access, a local church hostel, and many
convenience stores.


A trip to Pearisburg would not be complete without
visiting Back Country Ranch Alpacas. This is a 63-acre farm
consisting of rolling pastures nestled in the Appalachian
Mountains, providing a scenic setting for the resident
Alpacas. In addition to the farm, Back Country sells Alpaca fiber items of clothing, etc.

One great way to learn about the culture of Pearisburg is to attend the many fairs and festivals.
These include the Pearisburg Jr. Womans Club Spring Craft Fair, Lords Acre Sale, Pearisburg
Festival in the Park, Dirty Dancing Festival, Relay for Life, Homecoming Parade and Christmas
Parade. These events represent the traditions of the county, just as they have become a tradition of its
people.

There are many eating establishments in Pearisburg. There is fast food, Chinese, barbeque,
Mexican, country cooking, fine dining, breakfast, a donut shop and even snow cones! For those who wish
to dine in a historical location:

Visit The Bank Food and Drink. The building began life as the Bank
of Giles in 1905. Its dramatic Romanesque structure; rock faade and a pair
of stone turrets at the front of the building have been totally restored. In 2013,
The Bank Food and Drinks culinary team traveled to the Greenbrier Resort in
West Virginia and competed in the 8th Annual Cast Iron Cook-off. They brought
home several awards including the Peoples Choice Award. The Bank serves
seasonal, new American Fare, as well as craft beers, regional wines and
signature cocktails.

Visit Little Nickys where you can dine on fresh donuts, pastries and
over stuffed sandwiches. Located on Main Street, next to the Bank Food and
Drink,it resides in the
historic Shelton Variety
Store building.

The Giles Country Club is a semi-private
club located in Pearisburg. At the Club, you can enjoy
the beauty and solitude of the tree-lined fairways on
a nine-hole golf course. In addition to golf, you can
spend the day in the clubs Olympic size pool,
having lunch in the clubhouse, or playing tennis.

For organized exercise activities, contact the
New River Integrative Arts Center in Pearisburg.
The Center offers many classes including yoga, tai chi,
kung fu, dance, theater arts, music,
communication and leadership arts.

Pearisburg has several affordable motels and is also home to unique accomodations. These
include the Inn At Riverbend. Located on 13.5 acres overlooking the New River, it is a member of Select
Registry-Distinguished Inns of North America. The Inn was voted Best Bed & Breakfast in Southwest
Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine in 2012.


Woods Hole Hostel & Mountain Retreat is located mile off the Appalachian Trail, south of
Pearisburg. Their accommodations feature two private rooms, a rustic bunkhouse, massage therapy, yoga,
meditation, hiking and communal meals.

Walker Creek Retreat boasts five private cabins on the largest tributary of the New River, Walker
Creek.

Interested in camping, fishing, a picnic on the river or a short hike?

Whitt-Riverbend Park, the Town of Pearisburgs
newest recreational area, features 28 acres on the New
River. It is a low-impact area open to those wanting to fish,
bird watch, picnic, or take a leisurely walk on the 1.1-mile loop
trail. The park also has athletic fields, a playground,
picnic shelter and a public boat ramp. Walk-in and canoe
camping is allowed by permit only.
If youre looking for local hand-made furniture

Made from indigenous woods such as black walnut,
cherry, maple and oak, visit Steve Gary Woodworking, His shop is located in a 100-year old restored
farmhouse south of Pearisburg.

Outside of Pearisburg is the Village of White Gate

The White Gate community is a wide green valley of farmland and old homes in the
extreme southwestern corner of Giles County. The area was first settled in the 1780s. The settlers mined
manganese ore from Brushy Mountain and forged this into plowshares,
kettles, and various farm and household equipment. Today, White Gate
remains a rural community in which beautiful scenery along Walker Creek
can be viewed on a leisurely drive up Route 42.
White Gate is also the home to numerous Amish families and
businesses. Some places you may want to visit are these Amish
businesses:

Nature Way Country Store features items such as meats,
cheeses, ice cream, bulk spices, dried fruits and nuts, jellies, honey,
natural
personal care products and more


Mountain View Country Store specializes in housewares, Amish
style clothing and fabrics, sewing materials, sheepskins and more.


Heritage House Handcrafted Furniture features Amish-made
furniture from Giles County and is open by appointment only. Note: Amish
made furniture can also be purchased at Amish Heirlooms Furniture in
Pembroke.
Walker Mountain Barns and Lawn Furniture specializes in custombuilt sheds, small barns, gazebos and lawn furniture and is open by

appointment only.

Hillside Sheds produces storage barns, playhouses, tool sheds (built to order), gazebos and
lawn furniture. Open by appointment.

Brushy Mountain Enterprises specializes in fine custom cabinetry (entertainment centers,
kitchen cabinets, hutches, vanities, other) glazed, antiqued or stained finishes, in all woods, are
available.


Outdoor recreation opportunities in White Gate include Dismal Falls- a 10-foot multi-tiered
waterfall on Dismal Creek, easily accessed from the road or a side-trail off the Appalachian Trail. It
flows over a sandstone formation over 400 million years old. Dismal Creek is also a stocked trout
stream.

For equestrians, White Cedar Horse Camp is located near Dismal Creek, in the Jefferson
National Forest and features 16 campsites. All sites have a lantern post, fire pit, tent pad and picnic
table. Each features a corral. Vault toilets are available, however, there are no showers or electrical
hook-ups. Water for horses is available. Over 20 miles of mountain riding is adjacent on the Flat Top
Trail System. Camping is for a fee.

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Pembroke

Pennsylvanians settled Pembroke between 1748-55. In 1845, Pembroke received
its name from Postmaster John Lyebrook. It is said that he had been reading Shakespeares
Sonnets which was dedicated in part to the Earl of Pembroke. Subsequently, he printed PEMBROKE
on a board and hung it on the post office building.

Pembroke is the location of the Cascades Recreation Area
within the Jefferson National Forest. About 150,000 visitors a year visit
the Cascades. It is said that the Cascade Falls is one of the most
beautiful waterfalls in Virginia and possibly on the entire east coast.
Little Stony Creek falls over the vertical cliff in several distinct, different
spots.

the

The 69 ft. fall crashes into a large pool surrounded by the
two hundred foot high cliff walls. During extremely cold winter
spells, large ice formations can be observed at the falls. The scene
is both breathtaking and peaceful. The falls are fairly easy to view,
with wooden stairs and platforms on one side of the pool allowing
visitors to get very close to the falls, enabling many different angles
for photographs. A pair of hiking trails begin at a picnic area where
restrooms, tables, and barbeque pits are situated beneath the shade of
pear and apple trees.

The hikes are routed along Little Stony Creek, a trout stream.
The lower trail winds through dense stands of rhododendron, native
tree species and over roots and rocks.

Castle Rock Golf and Recreation area overlooks the New River and its namesake Castle
Rock. Castle Rock is a cliff of exposed Paleozoic carbonate rock. It is an example of the dramatic
geological formations of karst topography. The best view of the bluff is from Snidow Road. The views
from the course, however, are breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. With an
18 hole golf course, Junior Olympic size swimming pool, club house, lighted tennis courts, outside
picnic shelter, 15 picnic tables and two charcoal grills, the whole family is sure to find enjoyment.
There is also a restaurant, The New River Grille, which is openned lunch and dinner.

immersive experience for the adventureseeker and relaxation enthusiast alike.

Activities range from relaxing and taking in
the mountain air, touring the forest canopy
on their Aerial Adventure Course, exploring
20+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
to attending one of their famed Dirty Dancingthemed weekends.

There is no better way to enjoy the fantastic fishing and river recreation opportunities than to
enlist the services provided by our local outfitters.

Located in Pembroke: Tangent Outfitters provides fishing, hunting, paddleboarding, tubing,
canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking. Half-day, full day and overnight trips are all available.
Tangents location also boasts a fully stocked
outfitter supply store.

New Rivers Edge Outfitters offers
family-oriented tubing, canoeing and kayaking. A
rustic, log A-frame that sleeps up to 12 persons.
New Rivers Edge was also the location for the
filming of the recreated Dirty Dancing Lift Scene
for the British, ITV reality TV series Dirty Dancing:
The Time of Your Life.


New River Outdoor Company provides
canoe, kayak, and raft rentals on the New River,
cabin rentals (Walker Creek Retreat), and guided
New River fishing trips for trophy smallmouth
bass and musky.

Located on the grounds is the Patrick
Swayze Memorial. The Swayze Memorial
Stone was dedicated in loving memory of
Patrick Swayze, the original Dirty Dancer, in
2009. The Lodge was the real Kellermans
Resort in the 1987 movie, Dirty Dancing. Also
guests can visit the Wishing Well used in the movie, Wish You Well.


Visitors to the Lodge and Conservancy can dine at the Harvest Restaurant. The restaurant
prides itself in incorporating the regions rich
agricultural roots into fresh seasonal menus.
Pembroke is also home to Doe Creek
Farm, a pick-your-own operation featuring

apples, restrooms, picnic area, and a facility for
birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties.

New River access in Pembroke is on
Snidow Road at the site of the former ferry landing
established by pioneer Christian Snidow in 1786.
From this site you can view Castle Rock - the 125
foot bluff.

Pembroke is also the home of several
authentic ethnic food establishments. Some of
these include:

Kalbee Restaurant serves authentic
Korean dining at its finest prepared by Executive
Chef Connie Kim.

Cascades Caf provides great sandwiches,
ice cream, pizza, box lunches and other freshly
prepared dishes by Chef Sammy Hare.

Riviera Mex Grille offers authentic Mexican
style cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.

Old VA Smokehouse prepares authentic
BBQ, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken, ribs and
traditional Brunswick stew.

New River Grille offers beef and buffalo
burgers, sandwiches, salads, starters and desserts.
Dinner specials are offered Thursday-Saturday.

Carefree outdoor adventure and genuine fun experience is yours to create at
Mountain Lake Lodge: the areas premier resort-style experience. This mountain wilderness is
considered the gateway to the ultimate experience in Southwest Virginia. It features a serene setting
of breathtaking natural beauty centered on a 2,600-acre nature conservancy. The Lodge is a fully

Artist Pat West invites visitors to make an
appointment to view her hillside studio, handcrafted
home and gardens. Her home is an inspiring backdrop
for her bold, vibrant and often humorous paintings. She
displays her artwork in an old barn loft that has been converted to gallery space.

Village of Eggleston

Adam Harmon settled Eggleston in 1745, making it the first permanent settlement in Giles
County. Harmon named it Gunpowder Springs because of the odor from a sulfur spring located here.
Adam Harmons settlement became a convenient rest stop for countless people moving westward.
Many emigrants made their homes in Eggleston. Artifacts have been found along the springs,
streams, and river that prove Native Americans lived in Eggleston long before the white men came.
Adam Harmon also found Mary Ingles here as she made her famous escape from the
Native Americans.

A resort was first established in Eggleston in the early 1830s. The spa was called Hygeian
Springs. The massive cliffs throughout the resort were given classical names like Caesars Arch,

Pompeys Pillar, Vulcans Forge, and Bullards Rock. Later, Dr. Chapman took over the resort and
named it the New River White Sulfur Springs. He built a new hotel and a dance pavilion as well. During
the Civil war, unlike many resorts, the resort survived but without any customers. In 1867, Captain William
Eggleston replaced Dr. Chapman and changed the name to Eggleston Springs. A confederate journalist
named Edward Pollard thought the springs was the most delicious and comfortable of resorts in the mountain
regions of Virginia. He also called it the Rhine of Americas, and said that one could sup on broiled
pheasants, drink the most famous of whiskey toddies, and go to sleep on the bank of the New River.


In 1881 the New River Extension of Norfolk and Western Railway began construction on the opposite
the resort. In spite of gigantic rock formations, the railroad was completed in 1883. (It is in one of the tunnels
that the mine scenes for the David Baldacci movie, Wish You Well, were filmed.) In 1886 Eggleston Springs
was officially named Eggleston.


In 1909, Virginian Railway laid tracks on the eastern side of the river. Unfortunately, the loud trains and
smoke discouraged guests from coming to the resort. In the 1930s the resorts business came to a halt.

Floods in 1911 and again in 1940 played a big role in the destruction of Eggleston. Eggleston
transitioned from a frontier settlement to a peaceful village.
People come to Eggleston now for fishing and camping in and on the New River where they can enjoy
the beauty of the outdoors alongside the peacefulness of a small town. The (Lousia Cardinal) farm featured in
the movie, Wish You Well, is located in
Eggleston.

Some of the Off the Beaten Path

attractions and activities, visitors can find in
Eggleston include:

The Palisades Restaurant offers a
contemporary cuisine in a unique
countryside setting and unparelled service. The
Palisades is truly a neighborhood
restaurant. Most of their pork, beef, trout and
produce is grown right here in the New River
Valley, providing guests with the freshest
ingredients while supporting the local economy.
The building that The Palisades is housed
in is an historical landmark and has been featured in National Geographic
Magazine as well as having been the location for scenes in the short film
directed by John Conway, An Illusion in Red and White.
Gunpowder Springs is the retail division of The Palisades
Restaurant and sells products by local artisans and specialty items from the
restaurant.
Many unique artists reside in the hills and valleys of Eggleston, these include:


Buckeye Banjos: Banjo maker Greg Galbreath was included in the
North America Banjo Makers Documentary Series created by Craig
Evans. This series will become a permanent part of the Smithsonian
Folkways Instrument Builders collection in 2013.

In the mid-nineties, several years after discovering old-time music, Galbreath moved to
southwest Virginia to be closer to the historic source of the music. I immediately began searching
for someone to teach me claw hammer banjo in the traditional style of southwest Virginia and was
fortunate to discover Mac Traynham. Mac was an excellent mentor and passed on many of the old
tunes as well as the craft of banjo making. Mac studied with several banjo makers, including Kyle
Creed, from whom he learned many of his techniques. In addition to being a master banjo maker,
Mac is an excellent musician (He has won the banjo competition three times at the Appalachian String
Band Festival/Clifftop.). After a year of work and a lot of help from Mac, I completed my first banjo.
During the next ten years I continued to make banjos on a limited basis for friends, and improve my
designs and construction techniques. In 2005, I decided to concentrate fully on making banjos and
built a shop at the base of Buckeye Mountain near the community of Eggleston, Virginia. In 2006,
in honor of that mountain, and because of the good luck traditionally carried by buckeyes, I officially
began making banjos under the Buckeye Banjos name. Buckeye Banjos is
open by appointment.

Buckeye Mountain Forge: Cindy Cook coal forges iron into
decorative and functional art for the home and garden. Using traditional
methods of heating, hammering, bending, and twisting steel, the pieces
she creates include candle holders, towel bars, plant hangers, fire pokers,
and of course ... HOOKS of every shape and size. Her studio is open by
appointment.

Zeppa Studios: Since 1989, Zeppa Studios has been designing and
producing unique and whimsical animal themed giftware and accessories.
These feature original artwork by studio founder, M. K. Zeppa. Zeppa, a dog
and horse fancier since birth, graduated Phi Beta Kappa with Honors from
Wellesley College and holds an MFA from Pratt Institute.


Inspiration for many of M. K.s designs
comes from her beloved Lab Assistants. Gator
was the first, and then his son Snake. Now
Gators Grandson Hawk and new recruit Tater
Water answer emails, inspect deliveries...or
at least the delivery trucks, and warm feet in
the office. Zeppa Studios makes all of their
products to order in their Hawk Creek Farm
Studio. They stock the blank canvases and
allow you to select from a huge array of design
and
customizing possibilities. The studio is open
by appointment.

Black Lab Vodka: Zeppa (of Zeppa
Studios) and her partner Kerry Schmelzer are
the founders and owners of Black Lab Vodka.
According to Zeppa, Black Lab Vodka was
created as a celebration of, and tribute to the
lovable, sporty and athletic
Labrador Retriever, Americas Dog.

We selected a gold medal winning
domestic distillery to create a vodka we could be proud to offer our discriminating customers. Using
only the finest grain and pure clear water from the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, Black Lab Vodka

is filtered five times through charcoal and crushed lava rocks for an ultra-smooth, premium vodka that
is truly a breed apart.

For more information about this product line and where it can be purchased, visit the Black Lab
Vodka website or contact them direct. Black Lab Vodka gear can be purchased locally. You can ask
about this product line when you make an appointment with Zeppa Studios.

Village of Newport

Newport is a small village located between Gap Mountain, Salt Pond Mountain, and Spruce
Run Mountain. It is the center community for Spruce Run, Mountain Lake, Clover Hollow, and Sinking
Creek. Between 1791 and 1800, a few settlers built homes and a mill or two, and named it
Chapmans Mill. In 1832, the Fincastle-Cumberland Turnpike was built, going from Fincastle, through
Newport, Eggleston, and Bland, then on to Cumberland. Now known as Route 42, or Blue Grass Trail,
it helped trade in Newport flourish. The name Chapmans Mill changed to Newport as more people
came to the area. It is commonly thought the people of that time named it for Captain Newport who
sailed the Atlantic Ocean three times from England to Jamestown. Some of the old records, however,
state that Newport was the crossroads village, thus making it a Newport to the old west. Records
show that Newport became a resort town with many people spending the night at the hotels and then
continuing their travels the next day. Some stayed to visit because of the beauty in Newport. The
Civil War brought all of this to a sudden halt.


Newport incorporated in 1872, and a smelting furnace was put into operation. Remains of the
old furnace still stand and the old furnace road can still be found on the north side of Gap Mountain.


In 1880, its population was 1,537. In 1895, Falls Manufacturing Company came to Newport
and made farm equipment, guns, wagons, buggies, furniture, and different kinds of kitchen utensils.
This company operated until 1905. With four distilleries and three saloons, Newport could be
compared with old western towns seen in the movies. On Saturday men went to town to drink, which
led to fighting. One man described Newport as Hells Half-Acre. Even so, on Sunday morning the
church bells would ring. Years later, the distilleries and saloons were voted out. Newport grew to
become the largest town in Giles County. Growth was again brought to a sudden halt on April 1, 1902
when the center of the town burned to the ground. Five store buildings, two hotels, a longhouse,
tannery, jail, two dwellings, and a Masonic Hall all went up in smoke. Only a store and hotel were
Rebuilt. These buildings still stand in the middle of Newport along with its old bank, which is now used
for apartments. After the fire, any remaining businesses soon left due to the increasing popularity of
the automobile and corresponding good roads.


Today the people of Newport are proud of their nice homes, churches, beautiful scenery,
several pre-Civil War homes, and the three covered bridges in the county.

Newport is the home of the Newport Agricultural Fair, the oldest in the state of Virginia. First
organized in 1936, it is held on the second Friday and Saturday in August. Competitions for livestock,
grains and grasses, fruits and vegetables, canning, sewing and flowers are local favorites. Jousting
and horse pulling are two of the always-popular events.


Covered bridges conjure up sights and sounds of days gone by. In Virginia, they began to
dot the countryside nearly two centuries ago. Spanning rivers and streams, their number grew to the
hundreds. Eventually they gave way due to their vulnerability to flood and fire, and to the technology
that replaced the wooden peg with the metal bolt and replaced the broad timbers with narrow steel.

By 1900, the overhead steel truss bridge had become the engineers design of choice.

Relatively few covered bridges survived into the early years of the 20th century. Newport is the
home to three that did survive.
Links Farm Covered Bridge spans Sinking
Creek in Newport. It was built in 1912 on private
property and is not open to the public or to
traffic. It can be viewed from Route 700.
The Sinking Creek Covered Bridge is also
known as the Clover Hollow Covered Bridge.
The 70-foot bridge also spans Sinking Creek
and was built in 1916. The county currently
maintains it. It is open to the public, accessible
from Clover Hollow Road.
The C.K. Reynolds Covered Bridge is located
just north of Newport off Rt. 42, 2 miles past
Clover Hollow Road. Also known as the Red
Maple Covered Bridge, it spans Sinking Creek
and at 36 feet, is the shortest authentic covered motor vehicle bridge remaining in Virginia. This is
well off the road and is on private property.

Newport is the home to several agribusinesses and also agritourism activities including:

Mikies 7th offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wholesome, organic and naturally raised
products are featured. Next to the restaurant is Newport Hardware. Besides the hardware end of the
business, they offer farm and garden supplies and an expanding gift selection. Across the street is
Super-Val-U which stocks an extensive selection of fresh, seasonal produce.

Sinking Creek Farm offers pick-your-own blueberries and Giles County farm honey. Their
website is updated on a regular basis so check it
before coming out. If the metal gate is closed, they
are closed. They supply containers for picking;
bring something to take them home in. Picking can
be great fun for children. For best success, they
recommend picking early in the morning before it
gets too warm. Bring a cooler if youre going to be
doing anything other than heading home. They
want your blueberries to have the longest possible
shelf. No dogs, please they have free-range
chickens.

Windrush Farm offers pick-your-own
blueberries. In season, their hours are listed on
their web site. They are completely chemical freeno pesticides or weed killer and, when fertilizing,
they only use organic products. Tasting is encouraged as they have several different varieties that can
vary in flavor. They supply buckets for picking and bags for take homealthough many choose and
are welcome to bring their own take home containers or boxes. No dogs.


Spruce Ridge Tree Farm is a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm where you and your family
can walk through rolling hills of manicured Christmas trees to select your perfect tree. You can cut

the tree yourself with a provided saw or they will be happy to cut it for you. They also offer balled and
burlapped trees which can be planted in your landscape. Spruce Ridge Tree Farm is open
Thanksgiving Day through December 23, 2012, daylight to dark.
Some of the artist studios that you can visit in Newport include:

groups of visitors wishing to explore the pristine and rustic scenery which abounds in this county.

White Rocks Campground is in a secluded forest setting with cool summertime temperatures
and great wildlife watching opportunities. A small creek meanders through several campsites
and a nature trail winds through the woods.

Realist, award winning painter Robert
Tuckwillers studio is located in Newport. His work
depicts the quiet beauty of pastoral country settings
and scenes of Southwest Virginia. This is a studio on
the Giles Artisan Trail and is a member of Round the
Mountain Artisan Network. The studio in Newport is
open by appointment and houses a full selection of
prints and the newest original paintings when they are
not traveling to a show. They also book group tours at
the studio. Call to arrange a visit.

Stafford Art Glass is a glassblowing studio and
gallery displaying the work of owner Parker Stafford,
as well as the best works by todays finest artisans of
the region and nation. The studio and gallery offer the
opportunity to see glass being made on a nearly daily
basis, take a class, or shop for beautiful hand-blown
creations. Call ahead to make sure the studio is open
the day you plan to visit.

Leaving Newport, and going through Pembroke, take a
detour up Sinking Creek Road into the
Jefferson National Forest where you
will find:


The historic Glen Alton property,
is an outstanding natural and historic
resource for our region.

The Glen Alton site is
characterized by a gently rolling
terrain and possesses a variety of
scenic, natural and cultural resources
including mountain views, wetlands,
rivers, ponds, streams and the historic
lodge, barns and caretakers house.
These date back to the early 20th
Century. The property is owned and
operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
It has been in use for many years by
local residents for hunting, fishing, bird
watching and, more recently, wedding
receptions. It is now sufficiently
developed to accommodate larger

Narrows

ToUr ThReE

A country town as beautiful as the mountains surrounding it.

The town of Narrows was first settled around 1778, some thirty years after the first migrants
from Pennsylvania arrived in Giles County via the Great Wagon Trail along the New River.


As we begin our tour of the town, we are greeted by The MacArthur Inn. The inn received its
name in late 1941, when President Roosevelt recommended this hotel to be the first hotel in the USA
to be named after General Douglas MacArthur. Several famous people have made the trip to hunt
and fish in the surrounding picturesque mountains and streams, including John Wayne, Audie
Murphy, Mickey Mantle and Michael Landon.

Across the street from the Inn are the Blue Moon Caf and Annas restaurant.. The caf
offers all types of espresso drinks, coffees, teas, breakfast
and a variety of sandwiches along with a stocked pastry
case. The Saturday night closest to the waxing full moon
features live music.

Annas Restaurant is known for its classic down
home country cooked food and Thursdays Old Time Jam
nights.

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Downtown Narrows is the home of the Veterans
Memorial Park, Narrows Farmers Market and Mill Duck
Pond and Mill Dam.


The Mill Pond site is a small, two-acre parcel
on the edge of downtown. It is home to a year-round
flock of Canada Geese and a number of domestic
and wild ducks. It offers benches where one can sit
and enjoy the scenery, watch the waterfowl, or do a
little fishing.

The Mill Dam is regarded as one of the most
aesthetically appealing and valued assets of
Narrows. The dam, originally built before the Civil
War to provide power for a flourmill, rightfully takes

its place as the cornerstone of Narrows history.

Throughout the twentieth century, the town has
rallied around the dams preservation and
today it survives as a testimony to Narrows
perseverance and dedication.

The Narrows Farmers Market is located on Monroe Street in downtown Narrows. The Market
has several tables already onsite in order to accommodate a number of vendors, a stage area for
live entertainment during special events, and clean restroom facilities. The market is open April 1st
through October 31st. Selling days are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Narrows Town Park, or The
Boom, is located on five acres situated
between Wolf Creek and Park Drive in
Narrows. Many of the locals call the park The
Boom because loggers used to float logs
down to the Mill Pond to be cut into boards.
As the logs arrived at the pond, they banged
against other logs, producing a loud boom.
Hence, it was named The Boom. The park
offers a volleyball court, two lit tennis courts,
two basketball courts, a bathhouse with full
bathroom facilities, and a variety of new
playground equipment. The park is officially
operational from May 1st through September
30th.

The Giles County Wellness Center in Narrows is a 9,000 square foot facility, featuring full
locker facilities, FLEX resistance training machines, cardiovascular machines, exercise classes,
basketball, volleyball, and education/informational programs.

One cannot travel to Narrows without
shopping at the Narrows Gift Shop and Art
Gallery. This location showcases the amazing
variety of handcrafted talents from our area.
Over 30 local artists, artisans, and craftspeople
display their unique offerings, suitable for any
occasions and any budget. Other unique shopping
opportunities include Narrows Flower and Gift,
Creekside Classics, Mountain Sporting Goods and
Again & Again.

If you are looking for a small intimate
camping area, Narrows is the home of Camp
Success. This primitive campground is eight acres
of land that offers camping sites, bank fishing, and
a boat ramp. It boasts approximately a quarter of a
mile of frontage along the New River and 500 feet
along Wolf Creek. Smallmouth Bass are the major
sports fish caught along the shore. Although, trout
are stocked in Wolf Creek.

Narrows is also the location of Mill Creek
Nature Park and Mill Creek Falls, a -mile long
series of falls known as a true hidden treasure. Mill
Creek is a catch and release native trout stream.

Research indicates that the Town of Narrows contains an archeological site, located on the
north bank of the New River, just east of the State Route 61 Bridge. This site, described as
prehistoric in nature, has yielded a number of remarkable discoveries including: pottery shards,
archaeologically significant mussel shells, flint implements, and stone chips. However, studies of the
site are incomplete at the present, and its real significance remains undetermined.

Rich Creek
The gateway to Giles County

Our next stop is downtown Rich Creek. The early settlers in Rich Creek were Scottish, Irish,
Germans and English. They brought a horse or two, a cow, a long rifle, and a dog. Their main tool
was the axe, which they used to cut down trees and the like. Christian Peters established one of the
earliest mills in the area on the banks of Rich Creek. Rich Creek steadily grew into a lovely little town.
In 1882, the North and West came to Lurich, which could be reached by ferry or horse, and provided
an outlet to Mercer County, West Virginia. About twenty years later the Virginian Railroad came
through. The 1920s brought Farmers and Merchants Bank and electric lights. In 1930, a modern
four-room school with a library was built which taught seven grades. The population began to grow in
the 1940s with the coming of Celco, and in 1946 the town was incorporated. Today Rich Creek
provides a gateway to many delightful towns in West Virginia.

When visiting Rich Creek one should stop by these agribusinesses:

Bob Pond Blueberry Farm Pick your own blueberries and raspberries. In addition you can
purchase retail nursery plants including blueberries, black berries, currant bushes, grapes and
raspberries. Call for hours.


Those who wish to obtain fresh, Virginia fruits and vegetables, you are encouraged to visit the
Corner Market.

Smith Valley Meats offers all types of locally raised meats: custom cut, fresh or packed for
freezers. In addition, they carry unique bone carvings.

Some of the unique shopping opportunities in Rich Creek include Moda Design, Smiths
Pharmacy Super-Aid Gift Shop and Paul & Paulas Jewelry. This is just a sample of the towns
offerings.

Glen Lyn

Our final stop in the tour is Glen Lyn. Glen Lyn means lovely glen. The town was incorporated on
January 30, 1926. Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Glen Lyn is full of rich cultural
heritage with Olde Time music festivals, big-tent revivals, tractor pulls and horse shows.
The Town Park offers a flea market May-October every Saturday and Sunday. The park provides
camping (May 1-October 1), fishing, a picnic shelter, playground and boat ramp. It is also the location of
the annual Henry Reed Fiddlers Festival and the Great Outdoor Expo. The park contains a partially
paved 2-mile walking trail that is perfect for running or walking with a stroller.

Throughout Giles County

Giles County contains 37 miles of the New River and 92.4 square miles of Jefferson National Forest.
These assets provide unlimited recreational activities such as hiking, birding, biking, fishing, canoeing,
kayaking, running and more. For those visitors who would like to take a self-guided driving tour, brochures are
available at The Giles County Chamber of Commerce for all four sections of the county: Southwest,
Southeast, Northwest and Northeast. For additional information about what the county has to offer
(campgrounds, outfitters, hikes, hunting, fishing, local businesses, dining, accommodations and more).

http://www.virginia.org/

Produced with funding from the Virginian Tourism

Corporation Marketing Leverage Program-Fall 2011

visit www.gilescounty.org

Andrew Johnston House

CONTACT SHEET

CONTACT SHEET

(540) 921-1050

The Palisades Restaurant

Giles County Chamber of Commerce

(54) 921-5000

Gunpowder Springs

(540) 626-2828

The Bank Food and Drink

(540) 921-2981

Buckeye Banjos

(540) 230-0085

Little Nickys

(540) 921-2203

Buckeye Mountain Forge

(540) 921-3316

New River Integrative Arts Center

(540) 200-8588

Zeppa Studios

(540) 921-1835

Inn at Riverbend

540) 921-5211

Mikies 7th

(540) 544-0007

Woods Hole Hostel & Mountain Retreat

(540) 921-3444

Sinking Creek Farm

(540) 544-6833

Walker Creek Retreat

(540) 921-7438

Windrush Farm

(540) 544-7088

Nature Way Country Store

(540) 921-1381 x 1

Spruce Ridge Tree Farm

(540) 544-7700

Mountain View Country Store

(540) 921-4308 x 7

Stafford Art Glass

(540) 605-0034

Heritage House

(540) 921-2466

White Rock Campground

(540) 552-4641

Walker Mountain Barns and Lawn Furniture

(540) 921-4308 x 1

The MacArthur Inn

(540) 726-7510

Hillside Sheds

(540) 921-2497 x 1

The Blue Moon Caf

(540) 358-4346

Brushy Mountain Enterprises

(540) 921-1382 x 1

Annas Restaurant

(540) 726-3545

White Cedar Horse Camp

(540) 552-4641

The Narrows Gift Shop and Art Gallery

(540) 726-3022

Cascade Recreation Area

(540) 552-4641

Camp Success

(540) 726-3020

Castle Rock Golf and Recreation

540) 626-7276

The Giles County Wellness Center

(540) 921-4292

Tangent Outfitters

(540) 626-4567

Bob Pond Blueberry Farm

(540) 726-3084

New Rivers Edge Outfitters

(540) 599-8382

The Corner Market

(540) 726-7880

New River Outdoor Company

(540) 921-7438

Smith Valley Meats

(540) 726-3992

Kalbee Restaurant

(540) 626-6011

Moda Design

(540) 726-2575

Cascades Caf

(540) 626-4567

Smiths Pharmacy Super-Aid Gift Shop

(540) 726-2993

Riviera Mex Grille

(540) 626-5441

Paul & Paulas Jewelry

(540) 726-7173

Old VA Smokehouse

(540) 626-7788

New River Grille

(540) 626-2133

Mountain Lake Lodge

(540) 626-7121

Harvest Restaurant

(540) 626-7121

Doe Creek Farm

(540) 922-2705

(540) 626-2828