Things to do and see
Places to eat
In Marion, some of our favourite places to eat are
-
★Yummy Yummy (Japanese Restaurant, across the road from Lucky Dog)
If you’re further afield, we recommend:
-
★ The Riverfront Cafe (now on E Main and 2nd St), The Pit (BBQ) and El Campestre (Mexican) in Chilhowie - all on Route 11.
-
★ In Meadowview, don’t miss Harvest Table - delicious food, beautiful setting, nice people.
Indoor Activities
Saltville is home to the Museum of the Middle Apalachians. Marion has the Lincoln Theatre, and the Barter Theatre is in Abingdon. It’s not really an “indoor” activity per-se, but I have to mention the Drive-in theatres, Park Place in Marion and Moonlite in Abingdon - there’s also a 12 screen multiplex in Abingdon. For fans of country and bluegrass music, the Floyd Country Store is famous for their Friday Night Jamboree and Sunday afternoon jam, and is one of the stops along the crooked road; closer to home, the Smyth County Jam is Monday nights in Chilhowie. If you’re interested in the regional artisan scene, check out ‘Round The Mountain for more information.
Outdoor Activities
It’s hard to know where to start - we haven’t had time to get out there and experience all of this ourselves yet, but Hungry Mother State Park features walking, swimming, boating and cycling and the Jefferson National Forest is all around us. The weekend before the wedding, there’s a Naturalist Rally planned in Mount Rogers. The morning of the ceremony - just makes sure you’re back in time - there’s an Open House at Beagle Ridge Farm and a butterfly release at Flying Flowers. There are great opportunities for Mountain Bike riding, walking and Horse riding on the Virginia Creeper Trail and if you’re interested in a more serious walk, the Appalachian Trail passes by within a few miles of Marion and passes over Mount Rogers (the highest peak in Virginia) about an hour’s drive South of Marion. For either trail, Damascus is probably the easiest access for visitors.
